ESPN NFL Insiders overwhelming predict Saints to beat Panthers

Prediction: Saints (11 votes) over Panthers

Domonique Foxworth, The Undefeated senior writer: The Saints beat the Panthers in both of their regular-season meetings. I will set the over/under at 106 times that analysts discussing this matchup will utter this football cliché: "It's tough to beat the same team three times." But it isn't true. According to ESPN Stats & Information, of the 20 times since 1970 in which a team went 2-0 against an opponent then met them a third time, the 2-0 team won the third matchup 13 times. The Saints will make it 14 on Sunday.


Prediction: Saints (9 votes) over Eagles

Matt Bowen, NFL writer: The Saints' defense ranks eighth overall in sack rate (7.6) this season, and coordinator Dennis Allen isn't shy about dialing up pressure. With the ability to squeeze the pocket and challenge receivers, New Orleans can force Nick Foles into making throws in tight windows. That leads to turnover opportunities, field position and more possessions for the Saints' balanced offensive attack to control the tempo. New Orleans has a big advantage in quarterback play, and 38-year-old Drew Brees hasn't been to the playoffs since the 2013 season. He'll be ready for whatever Jim Schwartz throws at him.


Prediction: Saints (5 votes) over Vikings

Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: After surviving the Philly cold in the divisional round, Drew Brees and the Saints head back indoors to face the NFL's hottest defense in a rematch from Week 1. So much about the Saints has changed since the Vikings claimed a 29-19 victory in the opener. Alvin Kamara has established himself. The offensive line has taken shape. But it's their defense -- which ranked 32nd in efficiency through the first two games, but eighth since then -- that is the biggest difference. A lower-scoring game will come down to the quarterbacks in the fourth quarter, and Brees gives the Saints the edge they need. His numbers in fourth quarters when tied or trailing by one score tell the story: 76 percent completion rate, 10.2 yards per attempt, 118.1 passer rating and 80.1 Total QBR (third in the NFL this season).




Prediction: Patriots (6 votes) over Saints

Louis Riddick, NFL Insider: The Patriots are the most resourceful, adaptive and multiple team in the history of the NFL. They will do whatever is absolutely necessary to win. The Patriots' defense won't stop the Saints' rushing/passing attack between the 20s, but it is a top-five red zone defense and will get enough stops to allow Tom Brady and the offense to win the game in what will likely be a final-possession ballgame. Dion Lewis and Rob Gronkowski will be the deciding factors on the final drive, and it will be a big play by the Patriots' special teams coverage units that provides them with the opportunity

Yea, edited the post to reflect that.

Keenum will shite the bed

Unfortunately I don't have high hopes of beating either the Patriots or Steelers if we make it to the Super Bowl. They have such potent offenses and just worry our defensive depth will be a liability. My best hope, really throughout the entire playoffs, is that we'll be able to lean on a hopefully fully healthy O-line and run game to mask some of that.