Las Vegas Raiders vs New Orleans Saints Predictions

Raiders' pass rush tests New Orleans

The strongest matchup concern for New Orleans is pass protection. The New Orleans Saints report that Shough has been sacked eight times, while Las Vegas is tied for the NFL lead with eight sacks. Saints left tackle Asim Richards also replaced the injured Kelvin Banks Jr. against Baltimore. Those risks make it difficult to back New Orleans at the SPF moneyline price of -198.

The Saints have scored only six first-half points through two games. Another slow start could leave Shough in predictable passing situations against that Raiders rush, which also makes laying 3.5 points difficult.

Why New Orleans is still favored

Shough has completed 62 of 90 passes for 662 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions, and he has rushed for another score. The New Orleans Saints also report that running back Travis Etienne Jr. has no game-status designation after appearing on the practice report with a hamstring injury.

Las Vegas enters at 2-0 and has averaged 27 points per game despite producing 298 offensive yards per game. Kirk Cousins has completed 68% of his passes with six touchdowns and has taken only two sacks, so New Orleans cannot count on its defense to offset another quiet first half.

Prediction and betting outlook

New Orleans is the more likely winner at home, but the available evidence does not justify paying -198 or laying 3.5 points. The total is 43.5, but there is not enough information about both defenses or confirmed lineups to support an over or under wager. Pass.