Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints Odds

It's easy to look at these two's meeting almost two months ago — a 48-7 clobbering by the Saints at home, no less — and expect the same result in the postseason. However, that's just not how football works. Both teams are trending in opposite ways since that matchup.  

New Orleans' high-flying attack, which finished the season third in scoring at 31.5 points a game, has sputtered as of late. In their past six games, they're averaging just 21 per contest. 

For the Eagles, Foles has reinvigorated the team again. While there's no denying he lacks the sheer arm talent of the injured Wentz, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Wentz sometimes tries to do too much. Foles? He'll take what the defense gives him and that moves the chains — slowly, but surely. 

Moreover, Philly has more fresh bodies this time around. Its roster, particularly at offensive line and in the secondary, were decimated in the prior meeting. Golden Tate is also more involved in the offense after a midseason trade. Darren Sproles is finally healthy and despite being 35 years of age is still a playmaker out of the backfield. 

Speaking of being banged up, that's very much the Saints offensive line heading into this game. Five different linemen are currently on the injury report for New Orleans. That's troubling news for a six-foot Brees, especially against a head-hunting front seven like Philadelphia's. 

If you haven't figured it out by now, we're picking the Eagles to cover. Winning outright will be downright tough, but we're confident the reigning world champions can keep it an eight-point contest. 

Playoff football is very much about getting hot at the right time, and right now, that's Philadelphia. Wins versus playoff teams Rams, Texans, and Bears over the past month are no fluke. This team is clicking and that's worrisome for a Saints team that's been skating by as of late.