Las Vegas at New Orleans

It has been a long time since the Oakland Raiders were even a thought to make the playoffs, but many feel this could be their year to rise to the occasion. Oakland's seven wins a year ago were the third most they have achieved since their last Super Bowl appearance in 2002. The way they finished the season a year ago, I am not so sure. The offense really had things cranking, pushing across 30+ points in four of their first eight games, averaging 26.6 points per game. The last eight were completely different, never scoring more than 24 points and averaging just 18.3 points per game, more than 8 points per game less than the first half of the season. The Saints offense is led by Drew Brees, now 37, and one has to wonder how much is left in the tank. Gone are the offenses than averaged 30+ points a game, but still good at 25 points per game each of the last three years. Could this be the dropoff year? The Saints defense was horrific last year, but Dennis Allen is now in charge, and he has brought in Peter Giunta and Aaron Glenn. The Saints have a deep linebacking core now, which will help, and two of their six draft picks from a year ago missed the season, both defenders. Nick Fairley gives them something they have never had, an inside pass rusher. They also added DT Sheldon Rankins from Louisville with the #12 overall draft pick. Saints offense may not be the star it once was, but the defense will be much better, and the number is too high here. Make the play on the UNDER.