Connect with us

NFL

Saints vs. Washington prediction, odds, line, and how to watch the Week 5 game

Published

on


Entering Week 5, seven NFL teams are 2-2 — situated on the precarious border between contention and mediocrity. The New Orleans Saints and the Washington Football Team are two of those teams, and they meet next week. Which squad will come out on top? Here’s everything you need to know about the Saints vs. Washington clash, including current NFL odds, channels to watch, and a game prediction.

New Orleans Saints vs. Washington Football Team prediction and odds | Week 5

Odds from DraftKings sportsbook.

  • Spread: Saints -1.5
  • Moneyline: Saints -125, Washington +105
  • Over/Under: 43.5

The Washington Football Team and New Orleans Saints average out to the middle of the pack, but neither team has reached expectations heading into the 2021 season. Washington’s defense was supposed to be elite. Instead, Washington is 1-3 against the spread, allowing 31.5 points per game.

Likewise, the Saints have been far from perfect. The offense was clicking with Jameis Winston early on, but since then, New Orleans has struggled to maintain consistency. The passing defense has also been up and down. The unit took care of business against Mac Jones, then allowed over 400 yards to Daniel Jones. Still, New Orleans is 2-2 against the spread. Aside from a drubbing against the Panthers, they’ve been competitive.

Looking at both teams in unison, the spread makes sense. Washington’s wins came against the Giants and the Falcons — both teams that haven’t inspired confidence so far this year. While New Orleans lost to New York, they also beat a competitive New England team and NFC juggernaut Green Bay by a combined 50 points.

Washington’s losses came against the Chargers and Bills — both good teams — but their wins were by a combined 5 points. There’s still plenty of reason to be skeptical.

Saints vs. Washington prediction

It’ll be nice for Washington to come back home after a two-game road stretch, but the Saints are no cakewalk — especially against a middling team. Although Winston hasn’t been great since his Week 1 explosion, New Orleans still has a strong offensive line, and Washington’s defensive line hasn’t lived up to the hype as a unit. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are providing strong play on the interior, but there’s no consistency on the edge.

Additionally, Winston could easily exploit a Washington defense that’s been weak in the second and third levels thus far. Washington just lost starting linebacker Jon Bostic for the year, and Jamin Davis and Cole Holcomb have each taken their lumps. Plus, the secondary hasn’t meshed to the degree that was desired. If there was ever a game for the Saints’ offense to get back on track, this might be it.

Does Taylor Heinicke have something to say about Washington’s chances?

Respect has to be given where it’s due. Taylor Heinicke was seen as little more than a backup heading into this season. There was reason for that, as Washington signed Ryan Fitzpatrick and started him over D.C.’s 2020 playoff hero. But Heinicke soon got his shot after Fitzpatrick was injured, and he’s played well. Through four games, Heinicke has completed 82-of-118 passes (69.5%) for 960 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

It’s still unclear if Heinicke is an NFL-caliber starter, but he’s certainly more than the average run-of-the-mill backup. Heinicke’s ability to generate production in tight moments was on display against both the Giants and the Falcons. The Saints have a considerably better defense than those clubs, but Heinicke is no longer a weakness. He can move, throw with accuracy, and has the toughness and poise to make plays happen under pressure.

The Saints’ secondary will be the difference maker here — especially with both Dyami Brown and Logan Thomas dealing with injuries. Marcus Williams is playing well alongside Malcolm Jenkins and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. There’s also rookie cornerback Paulson Adebo, who has playmaking ability if the ball comes his way. Heinicke has to be careful, because he doesn’t quite have the arm strength to hit tight windows consistently in the intermediate and deep ranges.

Saints vs. Washington game prediction: Who breaks .500?

Both Washington and New Orleans are flawed, but I think the Washington Football Team’s flaws are more pronounced. Winston is the kind of quarterback who will take chances downfield if he gets them — and there’s a good chance he could get them on Sunday against Washington. Additionally, while Washington has progressed culturally under Ron Rivera, they still don’t always respond well to wins. The victory against Atlanta may foster a false sense of security. Washington still has a lot of work to do.

Even so, I don’t think the Saints’ defense is quite good enough in the front seven to take Heinicke out of this game. And the Heinicke-to-Terry McLaurin connection is heating up at the right time. Marcus Lattimore may have his hands full, as McLaurin is hard to stop at the moment. Antonio Gibson is also hot and could exploit New Orleans’ linebackers. The Saints seem well-equipped to cover a small spread of 1.5, but if it increases later this week, I wouldn’t rule out switching to Washington.

Prediction: Saints 27, Washington 24

How to watch and listen to Saints vs. Washington this week

  • Start: 1 PM ET
  • Channel: CBS
  • Listen:
    • TuneIn Radio
    • Sirius XM Radio
  • Live Streaming Options:
    • Hulu + Live TV
    • fuboTV
    • YouTube TV
    • Paramount Plus
    • DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket
    • NFL Mobile App



Source link

NFL

Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

Published

on

By


Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said. 

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted. 

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





Source link

Continue Reading

NFL

What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

Published

on

By


The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





Source link

Continue Reading

NFL

NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

on

By


Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending