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Saints at Eagles

Saints travel to Philly to take on the slightly-favored Eagles. Steady all year and barely edged out in the division by the surprising Panthers they bring an 11-5 record and solid squads on both offense and defense.

Saints led the league in holding opponents to fewest number of rushes plus completions, our most important ball-control stat. See the chart below.

Opp Rushes + Pass Comp

New Orleans Saints

2013 through Week 17

This stat is heavily influenced by their own efficient offense, able to keep the ball out of their opponents hands. Saints offense is lead by QB Brees -- this is a passing team throwing for over 5,000 yards and 39 TDs. They earn only 23% of their yards on the ground, near league low. The question that comes to mind is "can a team with a one-sided offense go deep in the playoffs?" (This also applies to the Denver Broncos who carry an offensive stat profile very similar the Saints.) Saints will go against an Eagle defense that gave up 394 yards per game, 29th in the league. Eagles D will have their hands full.

The Eagles, on the other hand, sport a balanced offensive attack. They run as much as they throw and they're loaded with playmakers. They lead the league in yards per catch--a big play team. They lead the league in yards per play at 6.33 (occasionally the most important stat separating winners from losers). See the chart below.

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This should be an exciting game! Our computer likes the Eagles by 2 and I'll take their side as well. In order to win this game the sub-tropical Saints who play indoors will have to perform their very best, outdoors, in real winter, against a crazed Philly crowd; a hostile environment to say the least.

Bill Sanders for BudGoodeSports.com
dr.bill@wrsanders.com