The Washington Commanders (8-5) are chasing a playoff spot as they travel to New Orleans to play the Saints (5-8). Our Commanders vs Saints prediction is for underdog New Orleans to keep the game closer than the 8-point spread.
Washington is in a good position to reach the postseason, but it is not assured. They are competing with at least five teams for that last spot. They need a win in New Orleans.
The Saints are on the outskirts of playoff contention needing to win out and get a lot of help to have a chance.
Head-to-head, Washington has won 17 of its 28 games against New Orleans.
Offshore Odds: Washington Heavily Favored on the Road
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commanders | -8 (-102) | -380 | O 43.5 (-115) |
| Saints | +8 (-118) | +310 | U 43.5 (-105) |
Washington is Rested After Week 14 Bye
In Week 13, the Commanders broke a three-game losing streak by blowing out Tennessee. They had a bye in Week 14.
Two of the three losses during that streak could have gone either way. In the Titans game, they took out their frustrations with a huge offensive performance from quarterback Jayden Daniels. He completed 25 of 30 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. He needs to perform similarly against New Orleans.
The Saints are vulnerable to the pass and the run, ranked 28th in the NFL in defensive passing yards allowed per game and 25th in rushing yards allowed per game.
Washington is getting healthy for the stretch. Zack Ertz has a hamstring issue but was a full participant at practice. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, acquired from New Orleans at the trade deadline, has not yet played a game for Washington due to a hamstring problem of his own. He too was a full participant at practice.
Derek Carr is Out for New Orleans
Washington is so heavily favored because New Orleans’ starting quarterback Derek Carr is out with a hand injury. Backup Jake Haener will start. His only experience is playing in parts of seven games. He has completed 14 of 29 passes and one touchdown. Haener put up big offensive numbers at Fresno State, his and Carr’s alma mater.
Since Haener is such an unknown commodity to Washington, this game becomes more dangerous. Will Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi let him open it up? Will they play it safe with Alvin Kamara as a focal point of the offense?
New Orleans’ playoff hopes are almost, but not completely, gone, so they will be playing hard against a team in front of them.
Commanders vs Saints Prediction: New Orleans Keeps It Close
Although New Orleans is starting its backup quarterback, Haener will likely have better success than the backup they used earlier in the season when Carr was injured, Spencer Rattler. Washington needs this game and should win, but an 8-point spread is too vast, backup QB or not.
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Pick
Saints +8 (-118)
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