Versatile Saints should have shootout with Giants

Five weeks are in the books, the NFL season has started to take shape and there are some readily apparent observations to be made. First off, several downright horrible teams are challenging the betting public.

Seriously, where would the interest be in the likes of the Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns without the great equalizer -- the wagering line?

Thankfully, we do have a few marquee matchups to focus on in Week 6, beginning with two unbeatens clashing in New Orleans as the Saints face the New York Giants.

The Saints are 3-point favorites, and the total is 471/2. It's an intriguing game to say the least, with contrasting styles colliding.

The Giants' formula for success is not rocket science. They run, stop the run and quarterback Eli Manning takes over when called upon. The perception of the Saints is an aerial circus that is tough to contain. But New Orleans is capable of playing a power running game when opponents bring in extra defensive backs.

After the Saints scalded Detroit and Philadelphia via the pass and went over the total in the first two games, Buffalo and the New York Jets went to Plan B by playing nickel and dime defenses and narrowing the passing lanes for Drew Brees.

New Orleans coach Sean Payton is no dummy. The Saints took what was given them and outrushed their opponents, beating the Bills and Jets handily with both games going under the total. So the challenge is on for the oddsmakers and ultimately the bettors.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants oddsmaker Mike Seba said the Saints are a versatile force on offense, but he sees a return to their passing ways today.

"The Bills and Jets couldn't score in those games, which dictated the way New Orleans played the game. The Giants can score plenty in this one, which means New Orleans has to step up the pace," Seba said. "Both offenses in this game can impose their will on opposing defensive units. I'm looking for a shootout."

A logjam in the NFC West could get more crowded as Seattle hosts Arizona.

The Seahawks were a hot commodity heading into the season. But after quarterback Matt Hasselbeck went down with a rib injury, Seattle flopped in his absence. His return prompted the Seahawks to skewer Jacksonville 41-0 last week.

The Cardinals and Kurt Warner now come calling, and this game might go a long way in determining the division champ down the road. The Seahawks are 3-point favorites, and the total is 47.

Assessing Hasselbeck's impact on the Seahawks, Seba said, "His presence is automatically worth at least four points to the side and two points to the total."

The undefeated Minnesota Vikings are 3-point home favorites over Baltimore, and the Brett Favre farewell tour has been a raucous success.

But youth could be served with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco capable of making some noise in front of the boisterous Metrodome fans. There has been no sophomore jinx for Flacco. If anything, he looks more poised this season.

Seba said in a normal situation he would have made the Vikings 41/2-point favorites, but he thinks Minnesota minus-3 is the right line.

"It's all about when you play someone for me," Seba said. "Baltimore has more incentive on its side coming off back-to-back losses and trying to right the ship. You will see the real Ravens today, and, frankly, it's not the end of the world for the Vikings if they lose, especially with this being an out-of-conference game."

The Atlanta Falcons were road warriors last week at San Francisco and look to build on that effort tonight against Chicago at the Georgia Dome.

The Bears, 3-point underdogs, bring a three-game winning streak to the table, as new quarterback Jay Cutler has found a rhythm and seems to have won over his teammates.

"Clearly, there's an improved comfort level for Cutler," Seba said. "But he may not be so comfortable against the Falcons, who have the entire package. This is a pivotal spot for both teams."

Brian Blessing, project manager for Las Vegas Sports Consultants, can be reached at bblessing@lvsc.com. Hear the LVSC oddsmakers on Sportsbook Radio, weekdays at 3 p.m. on ESPN Radio (1100 AM) and Sirius 98.