Saints vs. Seahawks Pick – Week 3 Predictions ATS

New Orleans Saints (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS) vs. Seattle Seahawks (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS)
NFL Football Week 3
Date/Time: Saturday September 22nd, 2019. 4:25PM (EST)
Where: CenturyLink Field Seattle, W.A.
TV: CBS

Point Spread:NO +4.5/SEA -4.5 (BetNow)
Over/Under Total: 50

The New Orleans Saints suffered their first loss of the season last week at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams in a 27-9 thumping. The storyline that emerged from that defeat, which possibly overshadows the mere outcome, is the fact that Saints quarterback Drew Brees suffered an injury to his throwing hand. Brees appeared to have jammed his throwing hand, while attempting a pass, into the waving arms of Rams DT Aaron Donald towards the end of the 1st quarter. Brees exited the game and never returned leaving the Saints scrambling with backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater who managed to lead the Saints high-powered offense to just three field goals over the remaining three quarters. As the Saints look to move forward this week with a road trip to Seattle, everyone is eager to learn more about the extent of Brees injury and how it will affect the Saints in the upcoming days.

Drew Brees injury update

The extent of Drew Brees’ injury was not known following Sunday’s game against the Rams. Many thought Brees would be back this week because he looked determined to re-enter the game following half-time but was held out. After the match concluded, Brees had a specialist look at his hand, and as of Monday, it has been determined that he will need surgery due to a torn ligament in his throwing hand. The operation will not end Brees’ season, but it will sideline the Saints starting quarterback in the neighborhood of 6-8 weeks. As a result, the New Orleans Saints will move on with QB Teddy Bridgewater this week in Seattle.

Teddy Bridgewater vs. Seattle

If Saints’ fans needed some possible uplifting thoughts, the Seattle defense is vulnerable which could provide opportunities for Bridgewater this week. The Seahawks have struggled significantly against the pass. Bengals QB Andy Dalton lit up the secondary for more than 400 passing yards with two touchdowns in the opener. Last week, it appeared the Steelers were in route to exploiting those weaknesses as well until quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went down. The Seahawks eventually prevailed in a 28-26 victory pulling out their 2nd nail-biter. However, the Seahawks defense still has significant concerns, and the Saints have the weapons to exploit those gaps in the passing defense.

WR Michael Thomas, TE Jared Cook, and RB Alvin Kamara provide enormous threats in the passing game with unparalleled speed at the skill positions. The speed factor alone will provide Seattle difficult challenges. The speed factor has been the Achilles Heel to this Seahawks defense in recent weeks with guys like John Ross and JuJu Smith-Schuster utilizing that speed to create lucrative space in the passing game. With all of the speed the Saints possess, Head Coach Sean Peyton should have no trouble drawing up plays to exploit these match-ups. The question is, can Teddy Bridgewater take advantage of the opportunities? Throughout Bridgewater’s career, he has been heavily criticized for his inaccuracy down the field, and I think that was evident with the playcalling last Sunday. Unless that changes, I am not confident the Saints will be able to exploit the Seattle defense or capitalize on the opportunities in the passing game.

Seahawks offense continues to produce

My primary concern for the Saints is that even if they are able to capitalize on a ‘few’ opportunities; it still will not be enough. Despite the defensive concerns, the Seahawks offense continues to find ways to score points. Last week, quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 300 yards with three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Head Coach Pete Carroll remained committed to the running attack allowing tailbacks Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson to combine for 122 of the 151 yards gained on the ground. WR Tyler Lockett looked good as the teams leading go-to guy in the passing game, and rookie DK Metcalf took a step forward towards the players he was drafted to become. Overall this offense just does things the right way with a critical focus on the run and opportunistic plays in the air. I believe that trend will continue this week as the Seahawks find a way yet again.

Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Seattle -4.5. Where are you betting your pick? Are you getting any type of bonus, free money or reduced odds? Why settle for less? Take advantage of free money that will help increase your odds of getting paid instead of the ugly alternative. Grab a giant 100% bonus at MyBookie! It’ll give your bankroll a nice cash infusion and help us stay in business to provide you info! Your consideration is MUCH appreciated!