A game that otherwise might be known as the Derek Carr Bowl — or perhaps the Dennis Allen Bowl — actually has a little bit of juice thanks to these teams' surprising early-season performances.
Las Vegas is 2-0 for the first time since 2021, and Maxx Crosby and Co. have been keeping the heat on opposing quarterbacks with the league's highest pressure rate. But the Silver and Black have also been getting sterling results from their young secondary, including rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses, who picked off Justin Herbert twice in his first start.
That setup could spell trouble for the Saints, who lost left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and have surrendered more pressures (40) than any other team, per Next Gen Stats. Yet any pass protection problems haven't
derailed Tyler Shough, who's parlayed second-half surges in both his games into the league lead for passing yards (662). New Orleans will be looking for a more streamlined start, however, after falling io an early hole in each of its first two contests. Brandon Staley's defense could provide somewhat of a buffer, with the overachieving group continuing to make a name for itself as it coalesced late against the Ravens.
This could be an interesting litmus test for Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback very well could have Brock Bowers at his disposal for the first time this season, but it still might not be as easy for him to sling the ball around as it was in the Raiders' win over the Chargers. And after New Orleans mostly kept Ravens running back Derrick Henry in check following the opening drive, Ashton Jeanty could have a hard time finding running room after he wasn't afforded much in Week 2.
Saints vs Raiders odds, moneyline, point total
Opening lines:
- Spread: Saints -3.5
- Moneyline: Saints -170; Raiders +150
- Total: 43.5
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Raiders at Saints score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Saints 27, Raiders 23
New Orleans opened with a competitive performance in Detroit before walking into Baltimore and erasing an 11-point deficit against the Ravens. Tyler Shough completed 27 of 34 passes, engineered a 16-play winning drive and scored the decisive touchdown himself. Now the Saints finally get their home opener. Las Vegas is a surprising 2-0 after Kirk Cousins threw three touchdowns for the second consecutive week. Tre Tucker has emerged as a dangerous downfield weapon, and Brock Bowers' potential return would make the Raiders considerably more difficult to defend. Still, this feels like a natural letdown spot after consecutive road wins against division opponents. The Saints have been more balanced than expected, Shough is protecting the football and Chris Olave presents a difficult matchup for the Las Vegas secondary. The Raiders are good enough to make this interesting, but New Orleans has earned the benefit of the doubt.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Saints 20, Raiders 13
A comedown seems inevitable for the Raiders, who should be luxuriating in their 2-0 start. Maybe it happens as early as this week, as the Saints are a worthy foe. If Las Vegas' pass rush can't get home against Tyler Shough, there could be some prime downfield opportunities for Chris Olave and others.
Nate Davis: Saints 33, Raiders 23
The Raiders are certainly the surprise entry among the league's eight 2-0 teams to date … Though their record certainly is largely attributable to their opponents to date, all due disrespect to the Chargers. The Saints are just a play or two – or maybe an official's ruling – from being 2-0 themselves but are tied atop the NFC South regardless. Their pattern so far has been to overcome slow starts with dominant fourth-quarter performances. But those came on the road. Look for some savory New Orleans home cooking as they open their home schedule at the always raucous Superdome.
Richard Morin: Saints 17, Raiders 14
Last week, I advised folks not to trust the inflated spread between the Ravens and Saints. Guess who won that game: New Orleans. I'll flip the advice for Week 3. Don't fall too much in love with the Saints. While it's true they aren't as hopeless as most thought entering the season, they're not world-beaters, either. There's enough reason to pick them over the Raiders, surely, but keep expectations reasonable. As for the Raiders, well, they're just kind of there.
Where to watch Raiders at Saints
- Matchup: Saints vs. Raiders
- Date: Sept. 27
- Time: 4:25 p.m.
- Venue: Caesars Superdome
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
- TV: CBS
NFL Week 3 picks and predictions
- Falcons at Packers
- Chargers at Bills
- Raiders at Saints
- Patriots at Jaguars
- Texans at Colts
- Seahawks at Commanders
- Chiefs at Dolphins
- Jets at Lions
- Bengals at Steelers
- Vikings at Buccaneers
- Titans at Giants
- Cardinals at 49ers
- Panthers at Browns
- Ravens at Cowboys
- Rams at Broncos
- Eagles at Bears
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Raiders at Saints predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game
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