Saturday, October 26, 2013

Week 8 picks: Bills at Saints

Publisher Nick St. Denis, associate editor Dan Begnoche and senior contributor Sean Donovan pick the cross-conference battle between the Buffalo Bills (3-4) and the New Orleans Saints (5-1).

Dan's take:
Buffalo's defense has shown that it's not to be taken lightly through seven weeks, but it's yet to face a complete offense like Drew Brees & Co. The return of receiver Lance Moore will help supplement the possible absence of tight end Jimmy Graham, and the Saints' running backs continue to stretch the field against a linebacking corps without one of its tops coverage men. A couple key turnovers by a Thad Lewis-led offense put New Orleans in the driver's seat before halftime, though this won't be a career performance by any means for the Saints' electric quarterback. 
Prediction: Saints 32, Bills 21

Nick's take:
The Saints were unbeaten before losing to the Patriots in an excruciating last-second Week 6 decision. Coming off a bye and hosting a 3-4 team at home, New Orleans would be hard-pressed for a repeat. Graham's absence would a notable one, but Brees is still Brees. The Bills get a first-quarter score to spark some hope, but the Saints douse the Bills with more offense than they can handle and win handily.
Prediction: Saints 37, Bills 20

Sean's take:
Coming off their bye, the Saints look to get back on track after dramatically losing their undefeated status at the hands of the Patriots two weeks ago. For the Buffalo defense, a well-rested, well prepared Brees-led offense on the Superdome turf will be too much of a challenge, with or without the star tight end. New Orleans blows this game open early and never looks back.
Prediction: Saints 41, Bills 24