Still too early to write off the Saints

It's too early to write off the New Orleans Saints, but they are begging to be written off. Five weeks into the NFL season, the defending Super Bowl champs are dealing with a monster hangover.

The Arizona Cardinals upset the Saints 30-20 on Sunday, which turned into yet another big day for the underdogs.

Drew Brees, the Most Valuable Player of the Super Bowl, threw three interceptions. He was defeated by Max Hall, an undrafted rookie quarterback from Brigham Young.

New Orleans, which was a 7-point favorite, dropped to 3-2 straight up and 0-4-1 against the spread.

"The Saints are a dead issue," said Jimmy Vaccaro, director of operations for Lucky's sports books.

Underdogs were 8-4 ATS heading into Sunday night's Eagles-49ers contest, but no points were needed because all eight 'dogs won straight up.

Two other 7-point favorites fell. San Diego was upset at Oakland, and Dallas suffered a home loss to Tennessee.

The only favorites to cover were Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit and Indianapolis.

The San Francisco 49ers were favored by 3 to 3 1/2 points over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Sunday night game.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.