NFL / Andy Richmond / 16 October 2009 / Leave a comment

The Giants will be up against it when they visit a tough New Orleans side this weekend. Meanwhile, the Seahawks aim to keep up winning ways and Andy Richmond selects the best bets...

"Saints v Giants will be one of the games of the season so far; I'm backing New Orleans -2.5, 1pt win @ [1.82]."

NY Giants at New Orleans

Eli Manning returns to NFL in the city where he grew up as New York giants meet New Orleans Saints in a Sunday match-up of two of the five remaining unbeaten teams.

The Saints are fresh off a bye, while Manning's heel injury is at least a marginal concern. The Giants have been running over people on the ground - last week, they rushed 41 times for 220 yards and scored three touchdowns.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw faces a Saints defence that ranks No. 7 in allowing just 83.3 yards a contest. In the past two weeks, the Giants haven't needed Manning to finish the game against Kansas City and Oakland. That won't be the case this Sunday. Manning played well against Oakland despite his painful foot injury, but he played for less than a half. He will likely need to play the entire game -- and play well -- for the Giants to keep up with an explosive Saints offence.

New Orleans were rolling prior to their bye week. The passing game led the way in the first two weeks, while the rushing attack and defence carried the day in weeks three and four. Then came last week's bye. Will the time off disrupt the Saints' rhythm and have a negative effect? In the past possibly, but not now - this is a tougher Saints team and in Reggie Bush they have a player very similar to the Cowboys Felix Jones who gave the Giants a problem in week two - watch for Bush in the player markets to have an impact.

I like the Saints in this game because of their defence. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has brought a great scheme and they can play either the 3-4 or the 4-3 and generate pressure in a lot of ways. The Saints have not given up a run over 18 yards this season and have surrendered just three touchdown passes.

Two undefeated teams hook up in what could be a precursor to the NFC Championship Game - watch, enjoy and learn.

Recommendation: One of the games of the season so far - New Orleans -2.5, 1pt win at [1.82]

Arizona at Seattle

Matt Hasselbeck's return provided a big lift for the Seattle Seahawks, whose offence stalled without him. Despite playing behind a makeshift offensive line, he's hoping to put up solid numbers against an Arizona defence that has struggled against the pass. With Hasselbeck coming off an outstanding performance, the Seahawks hope to build on the momentum of a big win when they host the Cardinals on Sunday.

After a rough start, Seattle (2-3) are hoping they have turned the corner following a 41-0 rout of Jacksonville on Sunday to break a three-game losing run. Hasselbeck, who had missed the previous two games with two broken ribs, passed for 241 yards and four touchdowns. That's not a good sign for the Cardinals, who have allowed 303 passing yards per game this season -- the worst in the league -- despite being No. 1 in the NFL against the rush.

After a slow start at Seattle, wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has taken off in the past two weeks and he could make the difference against the Cardinals.

A poor second-half showing on offence nearly cost Arizona the game against Houston last week. The Seahawks are much better at home. Matt Hasselbeck has inspired his team, while playing with fractured ribs. T.J Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burelson and Deion Branch are capable of making enough plays to help Seattle improve to 3-3, before heading into their bye week.

Recommendation: Free scoring Seattle -2.5, 1pt win at 1.96

Chicago at Atlanta

One of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan's biggest highlights as a rookie was a stunning, last-second home victory over the Chicago Bears. He enters this game off a career-best 329-yard passing performance against the 49ers.

Falcons WR Roddy White accounted for 210 yards of that total and two touchdowns, a franchise record. Chicago have struggled to contain opponents' top receivers this season and White is coming off his best game of the year. The Falcons are likely to challenge a vulnerable Bears secondary by getting the ball to White on a variety of patterns.

The Bears' success falls on the receivers and there are doubts about a couple of key players. WR's Devin Hester (neck) and Johnny Knox (leg) are both unlikely to play and that could hamper the Bears with QB Jay Cutler ready to take to the air against a porous pass defence from the Falcons.

Only a fast start and a turnover-free outing by Jay Cutler will allow the Bears to escape the Georgia Dome without a defeat.These two teams could end up in a struggle for a wildcard spot so this could be a crucial tiebreaker.

Recommendation: More of the same from the Falcons -3.5, 1pt win at [1.92]

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