Eagles vs Saints NFC Divisional Playoff Lines & Preview

It feels like it’s been months since Philadelphia went down to New Orleans and got drilled by a 48-7 margin — but that happened on November 18. Drew Brees threw for 363 yards and four scores in that game, as Carson Wentz imploded, going just 19 for 33 and 156 yards and three picks. Since that game, though, the Eagles have won six of seven, with the only setback coming in overtime in Dallas. Wentz has gone down with a fractured vertebra, and last year’s backup hero, Nick Foles, is leading the offense again. Foles has won four straight games leading the Eagles, beginning with a Week 15 win in Los Angeles over the Rams, and most recently knocking out the Chicago Bears on the road in the wild card round of the playoffs (thanks to a blocked field goal as time expired). Can Foles and the Eagles keep the magic going? Or will the Saints put an end to this year’s Eagles fairy tale? Read our NFL betting preview to get our prediction.

Eagles vs Saints NFC Divisional Playoff Lines & Preview

#GoSaints vs. #FlyEaglesFly preview, where vengeance is on table for champs 👇#PHIvsNO: https://t.co/yW4ja956d4

— Nate Davis (@ByNateDavis) January 8, 2019

When: Sunday, January 13, 2019, 4:40pm ET Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans TV: FOX Radio: Westwood One Live Stream: NFL Live NFC Divisional Round Odds: New Orleans -9 O/U 51

Why should you bet on the Eagles?

Once again, Philadelphia overcame considerable adversity to knock off the Bears. Nick Foles passed for 266 yards and two scores — but he also threw two picks. The Eagles also struggled to run the ball, as Wendell Smallwood and Darren Sproles combined for just 41 yards on 21 attempts. Philadelphia had a little more success in the air, as Golden Tate caught five passes and scored, while Zach Ertz also caught five passes for 52 yards. The Eagles’ defense shut down Chicago for the first three quarters, which was long enough for them to build the lead they would need to hold on for the win. The Eagles have covered four straight playoff games — all of which featured them as the underdog — and in five of their last seven games on the road. However, against the Saints, the Eagles have covered just once in their last five meetings. If you like Philadelphia, you see their rejuvenated defense keeping tabs on a powerful New Orleans offense. That offense only put up 12 points in Carolina in Week 15 and just 10 points against Dallas, so it is possible to shut them down. The Eagles have the pass rush, but do they have the secondary?

Why should you put your money on the Saints?

New Orleans earned the top seed in the NFC, posting a ten-game winning streak and winning 13 of their last 15 to clinch home field advantage. Drew Brees has had a masterful year as far as ball security, throwing just five picks against 32 touchdowns and completing almost 75 percent of his passes. The tailback duo of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram II has combined for over 1,300 yards on the ground and 20 touchdowns, and Kamara has added 81 catches for 709 yards and four more touchdowns as a receiver. The New Orleans defense is tops in the NFL against the run, and Demario Davis has led the Saints’ pass rush with five sacks. On both sides of the ball, New Orleans has dominated opponents when they have won — and they come in with three weeks of rest for many of their starters after sitting them in Week 17 and getting that first-round bye. The Saints have covered in eight of their last 11 games against NFC opponents, and they have a much more dynamic offense than what the Bears bring. Brees is a seasoned quarterback who can stand in against pressure, and the Saints also have a more consistent running game than Chicago. If you like the Saints, you see them delivering on offense and finding ways to frustrate Foles and the Eagles running game.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I picked against the Eagles in every postseason game last year and ended up paying the price when they kept winning. This week, though, is when the Cinderella story comes to an end, as New Orleans simply has too many weapons to lose. I predict a final score of New Orleans 31, Philadelphia 16.