Without Thomas and Sanders the Saints are still favored on the road vs. Bears

The New Orleans Saints head to Chicago to take on the Bears at Soldier Field for the second season in a row. Last year, they went into the Windy City without quarterback Drew Brees and running back Alvin Kamara. For this year’s matchup, they’ll be without wide receivers Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. In addition, they’ll also be without standout UDFA wideout Marquez Callaway. Despite that, the Saints are giving up between 4.5 and 5.5 points to the Bears this weekend. That’s saying something, considering the game is in Chicago.

Straight Up: New Orleans (-215); Chicago (+185);
ATS: New Orleans (-4.5); Chicago (+4.5);
O/U: o43.5 (-110); u43.5 (-110)

Saints vs. Bears recent history

New Orleans and Chicago have met a total of seven times since 2006. Two of those games have been in the Big Easy while the other five have been in Chicago. Overall, the Saints are 5-2 straight up against the Bears, with all of the wins being consecutive since 2011. Payton and the gang have covered in all five wins with a total record of 5-1-1 against the spread and these teams more often hit the under four out of seven times. The added element for the Saints here will be the road factor and they have actually fared better than expected in Chicago. The Saints are 3-2 in the Windy City with one of the losses being a three-point OT game. Additionally, the Saints have been favored four times since 2006 vs. the Bears including two of their games on the road. They are undefeated in those instances.

Favored on the road vs. NFC opponents

The Saints have been favored on the road 44 times with Drew Brees at QB. In those games, they are 33-11 straight up, 23-21 against the spread, and have hit the over 22 times with 20 games under and one push. Where this gets most interesting is looking into the ever-popular criticism of this team when playing outdoors. Of these 44 games favored, on the road, and vs. an NFC opponent; 28 have been outdoors. In those games, New Orleans is a whopping 23-5. On top of that, four of the five losses have come to divisional opponents. The Saints are 17-11 against the spread in those outdoor games as well. All of this bodes well for them heading into this Week 8 matchup.

Thankful for November?

We’ve covered the Saints’ success in October, but how have they fared in November? While they haven’t been as successful since 2006 in November as they’ve been throughout spooky season, New Orleans still holds the fourth best winning percentage in such games. Of their 57 total games they are 37-30 straight up, 30-26-1 against the spread, and have hit the over and under 28 times each with a push as well. During those 57 games, they have put up the league’s leading numbers in completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and passer rating while allowing the second-fewest sacks since 2006 as well. Surprisingly, the Saints have put up all of that passing production while also having the fifth-most rushing yards, second-best per carry average, and third-best rushing touchdown totals as well. That rushing production is an important factor with the Saints gearing up to take on the Bears this week in cold weather. The run game travels and is built for games like Sunday’s.

OVER/UNDER
Brees Passing Yards: 269.5
Brees Longest Completion: 29.5 yards
Brees Longest Air Yardage: 18.0 yards
Murray Total Rushing Yards: 40.5 yards
Kamara Total Rushing Yards: 59.5
Kamara Yards from Scrimmage: 113.5
Saints Defense Total Rushing Yards Allowed: 79.5

ODDS TO SCORE THE FIRST RUSHING TD OF THE GAME

Alvin Kamara: 8/5 (+160)
David Montgomery: 4/1 (+400)
Latavius Murray: 4/1 (+400)
Drew Brees: 12/1 (+1200)
Nick Foles: 24/1 (+2400)
FIELD: 7/1 (+700)

ODDS TO HAVE THE MOST RUSHING YARDS

Alvin Kamara: 1/1 (+100)
David Montgomery: 7/3 (+233)
Latavius Murray: 5/1 (+500)
FIELD: 29/1 (+2900)

ODDS TO HAVE THE MOST RECEIVING YARDS

Allen Robinson: 5/2 (+250)
Alvin Kamara: 6/1 (+600)
Tre’Quan Smith: 8/1 (+800)
Darnell Mooney: 12/1 (+1200)
FIELD: 6/1 (+600)

What did you think of the Saints’ win? Let us know in the comments. Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC , “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @RossJacksonNOLA and subscribe to my daily Saints podcast, Locked On Saints.