Do the Eagles close the bag on New Year?

It’s all in the head towards the end of the season, especially when it comes to the playoffs or even the 1 spot. Such is the case with our Philadelphia Eagles vs New Orleans Saints prediction, where something is still at stake for both sides. For the Saints, even the continuation of their season.

For the Eagles, on the other hand, just one win from their last two games is enough to clinch the top seed for the postseason. In this respect, they are even considering resting Jalen Hurts for another week after his shoulder problems. However, that would also involve a bit of a risk.

They also want to avoid an all-or-nothing game against the Giants – so there are questions upon questions and decisions upon decisions to be made before this clash with the Saints, in which they would be the clear favourites even with Gardner Minshew.

In this respect, our prediction for Eagles vs. Saints is a success for Philly, who would thus already have the best record in the NFC under the roof on Sunday. In front of their own fans, they will be on the gas from the start and thus also get to a start-finish victory.

Kickoff of the all-NFC duel is Sunday at 7:00pm in Philadelphia. The game can be watched live on DAZN.

Philadelphia Eagles – Statistics & current form

The Eagles are strong this year. They proved that against the Cowboys, when even without Jalen Hurts they only narrowly missed a win. For a long time they were even ahead with their backup Gardner Minshew.

That shows the depth of the entire squad, because during the game A.J. Brown also had to go out with knee problems. But Smith, Watkins and Goeddert pulled the coals out of the fire and still put up 34 points in the end.

Offense a power even without Hurts

While we currently expect Jalen Hurts to play, even in the event that the Eagles play it safe and give him another week, our prediction changes only marginally. Philly is simply too strong a team for that.

Another good thing is the return of Dallas Goeddert, who, as a tight end, brings a whole new set of options to the passing and blocking game. As long as DeVonta Smith continues to perform so well (113 yards, 2 TD against Dallas), a loss of Brown could also be absorbed to some extent.

Matchup with Saints suits Philly

At least against the Saints, it should be enough either way. They’re scoring a full 9.5 points less per game this season (20.2 to 29.7), which makes the Eagles the clear favourites even without Hurts. Not only that, but Philadelphia is allowing 1.2 fewer points per game (20.5 to 21.7).

This makes them superior to New Orleans on both sides of the court and even a mediocre performance would be enough to win. Also, since the Eagles are often early starters, it is recommended to bet on half time/final score per Eagles for Philly vs. New Orleans.

Key Players:
QB: Jalen Hurts
RB: Miles Sanders
WR: A.J. Brown
TE: Grant Calcaterra
K: Jake Elliott

New Orleans Saints – stats & current form

The Saints are at a crossroads this season on Sunday and at the best team in the league of all places. It’s little consolation that Jalen Hurts is banged up. Because with or without the MVP candidate, New Orleans is likely to be pretty much at a loss.

Moreover, two of the Saints’ best point scorers of the season, Olave and Kamara, are questionable for this game. If both are out, the chances of success are reduced to a minimum.

Where’s the offence gone?

With just 20.2 points scored per game, the Saints are as weak on the road as they have been in decades. That’s where the departure of head coach Sean Payton definitely makes itself felt – along with the long-term absence of Michael Thomas.

The quarterback position is also average at best. What might be enough for other teams with an outstanding running game is not enough for New Orleans. With only 114 yards per game, they are not among the top half of the league.

It’s a bad coincidence that top performer Alvin Kamera is also having one of the worst years of his career – as is pretty much every Saints player (with the exception of Taysom Hill).

Playoff chance as push

At this point, playoff qualification is out of their hands and everyone is counting on the Bucs to keep it from them. But “never say never.” So the Saints should once again put everything on the line on Sunday to be prepared for a Bucs slip-up.

That and the possible absence of one or two Eagles regulars could make for a slightly closer game, which is why we’d put handicap bets on Philly at the back. That said, Eagles vs Saints betting odds on the home team are obviously to be taken advantage of, just as a 1/1 if in doubt.

Key Players:
QB: Andy Dalton
RB: Alvin Kamara
WR: Chris Olave
TE: Taysom Hill
K: Wil Lutz

Philadelphia Eagles – New Orleans Saints Head-to-head comparison / H2H record

The last two years, the Saints have come up short in Philadelphia. In 2021, they even lost 29:40 there. Given the conditions this year (Hurts banged up and Saints disastrous offensively), that scoring output is unlikely.

We’re more likely to assume a low scoring game, which could also keep Philly’s margin of victory lower in the end. While a double-digit win is never out of the question for Philadelphia, a one-score victory is the more likely option.

So while a bet on Philly -5 to -6 is possible on Philadelphia vs. New Orleans, an even safer bet is 1/1. The Eagles have led at halftime in 13 of their 15 games so far this season and should be able to do it again on Sunday.

Philadelphia Eagles – New Orleans Saints Tip

The Eagles have slight personnel problems for the first time this season, but shouldn’t let that stop them either. We think it is unlikely that they will lose two games in a row. They were also very strong on the road against Dallas.

The Cowboys are also much stronger than New Orleans, which is why a bet on Philly is a much more promising option for Eagles vs. Saints – best as a half-time/final result tip.

Tips on a Miles Sanders touchdown are also a good option for Sunday. If Jalen Hurts is out, he is the absolute top runner. And if Hurts does play, he will certainly be a little more cautious and not throw himself into the fray, especially in front of the end zone.