The Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints meet Saturday in NFL preseason action from Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This will be the third and final preseason game for both teams. Arizona has a victory over the Cowboys and a loss to the Chiefs in their first pair so far. As for the Saints, they lost their opener to the Ravens. In game two versus the Jaguars on Monday, New Orleans eked out a two-point win. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Arizona had a 10-6 lead on the Cowboys in their preseason opener, and ultimately were able to hang on for a 19-16 victory. Cardinals QB Chris Streveler had 107 yards on 12-of-24 passing, and also led the rush with 10 carries for 55 yards. Eno Benjamin added 50 yards and a ground score as well.
In game two against the Chiefs, Arizona couldn’t score in the first half during a 17-10 loss. QB Colt McCoy got most of the snaps with 13-of-18 passing, 113 yards and an interception. Greg Dortch led the receivers with three grabs for 44 yards, and Ross Travis caught a touchdown.
Over on the Saints’ side, they scored all their points in the second quarter during the first preseason game versus the Ravens. The result was a 17-14 defeat. QB Ian Book had 126 yards with one interception on 9-of-16 passing, and Tony Jones rushed for 82 yards and a TD.
In game two Monday versus the Jaguars, New Orleans gave up 18 points in the fourth quarter but they were able to hang on in a 23-21 victory. Taysom Hill threw for 138 yards and a score, while Jameis Winston put up 123 yards and two TDs on 9-of-10 passing.
The Cardinals are 8-3-2 in their last 13 as a road underdog and 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 on turf. Arizona is 2-7 ATS in their last nine overall and 1-4 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
Meanwhile, the Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games and 7-2 ATS in their last nine versus the NFC. The under is 7-2 in the Saints’ last nine versus the NFC and the over is 5-2 in their last seven Saturday games.
PICK: I’m going to stick with the Saints. Arizona has shown a few potential bright spots this preseason, but it’s hard telling if they’ll be able to put everything together when the meaningful games start. The Cardinals gave up 458 total yards to the Chiefs, and also allowed a 9-of-16 mark on third and fourth downs. Arizona wasn’t good on rush yards (80) or time of possession (21:26) either.
As for the Saints, they were lagging in a lot of key stat categories in spite of the victory Monday. I still think New Orleans covers this one, but it’s probably one to stay away from.