New Orleans Saints Underestimated in Predictions vs. New York Giants

After a 1-4 start and three game losing streak, one might assume it couldn't get worse for the New Orleans Saints. ESPN analysts may disagree.

The Saints received a few strong predictions from ESPN NFL analysts on the team's upcoming matchup with the New York Giants. Pamela Maldonado predicts that the Giants will win the game outright thanks to the Saints' poor run defense. She wrote the following on that prediction.

"The Giants have a way to make this Sunday easier for quarterback Jameis Winston. They can run against a struggling Saints defense, then move tight end Isaiah Likely out wide for easy throws over smaller defenders.

On the other side, Saints QB Tyler Shough has struggled even when he has time to throw. So, New York doesn't need to constantly pressure him to get stops. That gives the Giants enough to keep this close and win at home."

In fairness to Maldonado, there are any number of components of the Saints defense that the Giants could pick on based on the last few weeks. She wasn't alone is picking the Giants rushing attack to give the Saints fits this week.

ESPN's Matt Bowen shared that he believes Cam Scattebo is in store for a big game with a three-touchdown performance. Here's what Bowen wrote on that possibility.

"Skattebo hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 1, but he has the volume and matchup to change that against the Saints. Skattebo has 18 or more carries in three games, with at least 15 touches in all five. New Orleans has given up a league-worst 10 rushing scores this season. I think Skattebo gets in on a goal-line carry here."

The Saints may have a weakness in run defense, but the above predictions do not factor in the strength that New Orleans has on the other side. Prior to a disappointing day against the Minnesota Vikings, Shough was one of the top passers in the NFL through four games.

Shough still ranks No. 7 in the NFL in passing yards with 1,299 for the year alongside nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Two came against the Vikings.

Presumably, Shough is in store for a bounce back performance of his own, but he will need to earn it against a motivated Giants defense.

The first-place Giants have an opportunity to increase their division lead over the NFC East, but the Saints face a must-win game. We'll see who takes control of the game when the two teams match up this weekend.