The New Orleans Saints take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17 NFL action. Both teams are having seasons they’d rather forget. The Raiders come into the game with a 3-12 record, while the Saints aren’t much better at 4-11.
In this article, we’ll make a Saints vs. Raiders prediction, break down the betting odds, and check in on the latest injury updates. The Saints’ quarterback situation is especially uncertain, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
Current Team Performance and Season Standings
Las Vegas Raiders
At 3-12, it’s safe to say the Raiders have had a disappointing season. Their offense has struggled mightily, ranking 29th in the league. There have been a few bright spots, though, including running back Josh Jacobs, who has been a consistent performer.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints haven’t fared much better, currently sitting at 4-11. While they’ve shown flashes of offensive potential, their defense has been a major liability, ranking 30th in the league. On a positive note, Alvin Kamara continues to be a dynamic playmaker when healthy.
Injury Updates and Key Player Absences
Injuries are part of football, but they can certainly impact the outcome of a game. Here’s a look at the key injuries for both the Saints and the Raiders heading into this matchup.
New Orleans Saints Injury Report
The big news for the Saints is the injury to Derek Carr. With Carr sidelined, the Saints’ offense will likely look quite different, and they’ll miss his leadership in the pocket.
Spencer Rattler is expected to start at QB. While Rattler has potential, his inexperience could be a factor against a tough Raiders defense.
Keep an eye on the injury report for any other notable Saints players who might be questionable or out.
Las Vegas Raiders Injury Report
The Raiders also have their share of injuries to contend with. We’re watching closely to see how these injuries might affect their offensive and defensive strategies.
Betting Odds and Analysis
Here’s a look at the current betting odds and what they suggest for Sunday’s game.
Point Spread
The Raiders are favored by -1. This means that for a bet on the Raiders to pay off, they need to win by more than one point. Conversely, if you bet on the Saints, they can either win the game outright or lose by less than one point for your bet to be a winner.
Given both teams’ recent performance and factoring in key injuries, this tight spread suggests a very closely matched game.
Money Line
The money line is Raiders -120 / Saints +100. This means you’d need to bet $120 on the Raiders to win $100, while a $100 bet on the Saints would win you $100 if they pull off the upset. The money line suggests the Raiders have a slightly higher implied probability of winning.
Over/Under
The over/under is set at 37.5 points. This is a bet on the total combined points scored by both teams. If you bet the over, you’re betting that the teams will score 38 points or more. If you bet the under, you’re betting they’ll score 37 points or less.
With both teams showing some offensive struggles and solid defensive play, it’s likely this game will stay under that total.
Saints vs. Raiders: My Prediction
I’m calling it: Raiders 17, Saints 13.
Look, the Saints’ quarterback situation is a mess right now. Even if Carr plays, he won’t be 100%. And the Raiders’ offense, while not exactly lighting up the scoreboard, should be able to put together a couple of decent drives.
A few things will decide this game:
- Turnovers and penalties: Which team will shoot itself in the foot more?
- Defensive performance: Can the Raiders’ D contain whatever the Saints throw at them?
The pick: Raiders win. It won’t be pretty, but the Raiders should be able to grind out a low-scoring victory against a banged-up Saints team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Raiders Saints game today?
I cannot provide real-time results for games as they happen. For the most up-to-date information on game outcomes, you’ll need to check a reputable sports website like ESPN, NFL.com, or your favorite sports news outlet immediately following the conclusion of the game. These sites offer final scores and game recaps.
Who is favored in Chargers vs Raiders?
The betting favorite for a Chargers vs. Raiders game can fluctuate based on various factors, including team performance, injuries, and home-field advantage. The best way to find out who’s favored is to check the latest odds from major sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, or Caesars Sportsbook closer to the game date.
What are the odds for the Saints to win the Super Bowl?
Super Bowl odds are constantly shifting throughout the season. Several factors can impact these odds, including team performance, player injuries, and trades. Check reputable sportsbooks for the most current odds on the Saints’ chances of winning the Super Bowl.
Who is favored to win, Raiders or Saints?
The team favored to win between the Raiders and Saints will depend on their current form, injury reports, and the game’s location. Checking the point spread from a reputable sportsbook closer to the game day is the best way to determine who is the predicted winner.
Final Thoughts
So, based on the analysis, we’re leaning toward a [Predicted Winner] victory in the Saints vs. Raiders game.
Of course, it’s crucial to remember that sports betting involves risk. Always gamble responsibly, and be fully aware of the odds involved. Please adhere to your local laws and regulations regarding online sports wagering. Good luck, and enjoy the game!