Heinicke Returns To Washington With Momentum

New Orleans (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) and Washington (2-2, 1-3) enter this contest on even footing. The one notable difference is that Washington is fresh off a win, while the Saints succumbed to the Giants in an embarrassing home defeat last time out. Momentum may play a significant factor in this matchup.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Sportsbook odds have the visiting team as the favorite. Based on raw talent alone, the Saints indeed have the upper hand. Washington is never going to blow out an opponent. However, their persistence in sticking with games has earned them two tight victories thus far. With such a small spread to cover, the Saints are in a great spot here. The one worry would be New Orleans’ complete lack of consistency this season.

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New Orleans News & Notes

The Saints need a bounce-back game, which isn’t always the easiest task to accomplish on the road.

If their trend continues of following a bad week with a great one, then Week 5 bodes well for the Saints. If they can channel their Sportsbook-week performance against the Packers in this one, they will easily cover the spread.

This year, the Saints are best known for their defensive performances. Although Jameis Winston and Alvin Kamara drive the offense to the best of their ability, they no longer have that danger factor that was synonymous with New Orleans for so many years.

The Saints have shifted to relying on their defense for positive results. They’ve allowed 69 points on the year, which is good enough for top five in the league. There’s no doubt they’ll force Taylor Heinicke into some unfavorable decisions.

Washington News & Notes

Although they faced the now 1-3 Falcons in Week 4, Washington’s late-game heroics were truly praiseworthy. Heinicke and J.D. McKissic in particular came up big down the stretch.

Now the Saints defense is a different beast and there’s no doubt head coach Ron Rivera’s preparation for this one will prove to be crucial as he must get the most out of his top performers at home.

Terry McLaurin is as reliable a receiver as this team can hope for. Not only is he consistent in hauling in his targets but he has big-play potential. Meanwhile, Antonio Gibson and McKissic have been a wonderful tandem who have helped relieve pressure on Heinicke.

With the Cowboys appearing set to dominate the NFC East, Washington must keep up in the wild-card race and early-season games such as this one will prove to be vital.

How New Orleans Will Cover

The Saints are poised for a bounce-back game. Even without momentum and being on the road, they should prove to be too much to handle for Washington. The Saints’ stellar defensive play has impacted the point totals in this one. But we can’t forget just how pitiful Washington’s defense has been. It may be worth reaching for the OVER at 43.

How Washington Will Cover

Despite coming into this one with momentum on their side, they’ll find it difficult to score against one of the best defenses in the league. Washington needs to score early and often if they want to win straight up. If they can lead at the half, and make it close come the fourth quarter, maybe Heinicke can provide some more magic in Week 5.

Computer Pick: Washington +1.5

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