Cowboys at Saints: odds, predictions and preview
By Mike Dyce
The Dallas Cowboys are 5-4 and looking to avoid dropping to .500 again, while the 6-2 New Orleans Saints are trying to bounce back from a upset loss to the New York Jets and rookie quarterback Geno Smith. There are a lot of interesting story-lines in this game. The Cowboys are going up against last year’s defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and Saints head coach Sean Payton was an assistant head coach with the Cowboys under Bill Parcells.
“I love Rob Ryan,” current head coach Jason Garrett said. “He is a fantastic person. He is a fantastic coach. And has been for a long time.”
Ryan wasn’t thrilled with his firing and being made the scapegoat. Ryan pointed to multiple injuries in the defense, like this season, for their struggles.
“Any time a guy gets fired from a spot he’s at and he has an opportunity to play them, he wants to prove a point,” Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis said. “They know that. We know that.”
There is less animosity in the Sean Payton story line, he even praised Romo.
“I was there three years working with him, and he has improved each year,” Payton said. “He’s got a very quick delivery. He’s very accurate and studies hard. He’s a student of the game and likes playing a lot.”
“He’s having the best year of his career this season,” Payton said. “He’s been very good in regards to his decision making. He knows pre-snap where he wants to go. He’s got a very quick way of getting through his progressions and the ball comes out extremely fast.”
Date: November 10
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: New Orleans, LA
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
TV Info: NBC
Line: New Orleans -6.5
Live Stream: SNF All-Access, or NBC Sports Live Extra App
Prediction:
DALLAS: 30
NEW ORLEANS: 35
The Cowboys are plagued with injuries, even with DeMarco Murray they’re playing lopsided offensively. The Saints are as well, but it basically comes down to pass defense in what will end up being a quarterback shoot-out. The Cowboys allow nearly 100 more yards per game through the air on defense than the Saints do.
Who do you think will win this NFC match up? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!