Saints vs Seahawks: Who the experts are taking in Week 5 NFC battle
By Kristen Wong
The New Orleans Saints will square off against an in-form Seattle Seahawks squad that could snatch away a win in Week 5. Here's what the experts think.
With Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas questionable for Week 5, the Saints' starting lineup could look a lot like Week 4 when Andy Dalton played under center.
NOLA still has dangerous offensive pieces in Chris Olave and Marquez Callaway, and Alvin Kamara is also touted to return after sitting out against the Vikings.
The Saints are 5.5-point favorites yet their last three consecutive losses put their glaring weaknesses on display: poor play-calling, bad penalties, frustrating fumbles, and an offense that still hasn't found its identity.
Who are the experts taking to win this game?
- Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Saints 26, Seahawks 17
- Will Brinson, CBS Sports: Seahawks 21, Saints 20
- Jim Derry, NOLA.com: Saints 26, Seahawks 10
- Arizona Republic: Saints 24, Seahawks 17
Saints vs. Seahawks game could be closer than you think
Will Brinson pointed out how the point spread is too big considering each team's form and was the lone expert who picked Seattle to win. He noted that "Michael Thomas is maybe/probably a go, but the New Orleans receivers are banged up for this matchup. Seattle likes to keep it close and maybe make things weird."
With quarterback Geno Smith playing the best football of his career, the Seahawks definitely have a fighting chance. Their wideouts (DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett) remain healthy and their offensive line, which appears to be improving, has allowed Rashaad Penny to tear off huge chunks of yardage on the ground.
Then again, Seattle's pass and run defense does rank at the bottom of the league, so in theory, all the Saints need is some decent quarterback play from Dalton and an efficient game from Kamara to take the lead early.
This game could very well come down to the wire, and nearly all the experts think the score will be decided by a touchdown or less.
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Week 5, here we go.