The New Orleans return to action in Week 13 as they look to avoid a three-game losing skid. The Caesars Superdome plays host to this must-win showdown on Sunday between the Saints and the Detroit Lions. New Orleans is getting the Lions at a good time, but it needs to capitalize on this opportunity to once again climb out of the hole it seemingly dug itself in over the last couple of weeks.
The contest is set to kick off at noon CT from New Orleans, Louisiana. Fox will carry the broadcast with Joe Davis and Daryl Johnston on the call.
Caesars Sportsbook, the official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com, has the visitors as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 47.
Let’s take a closer look at the odds, and highlight some picks and player props for this crucial conference clash:
Detroit Lions (8-3) at New Orleans Saints (5-6)
Time/TV: Sunday at noon (Fox)
Spread: Lions -4
Over/Under: 47
Moneyline: Lions -205, Saints +170
PLAYER PROP PICKS
Jared Goff OVER 0.5 interceptions (-109 at Caesars Sportsbook)
Jared Goff looked to make the jump to the elite ranks of NFL quarterbacks after a career year in 2022. However, the eighth-year veteran has taken a step back thus far, despite leading the Detroit Lions to an 8-3 start.
Goff’s already surpassed his interception total from last season (7) through 11 games (8). He’s thrown picks in three of his last five appearances, including a three-interception game against the Chicago Bears. The New Orleans Saints — who have racked up interceptions in eight of their 11 games this season — are exactly what the doctor ordered Goff to stay away from on Sunday.
Jahmyr Gibbs OVER 9.5 rushing attempts (-142 at Caesars Sportsbook)
The Lions are going back to the basics. Dan Campbell’s squad plays ‘bully ball’ as the Bet.NOLA team discussed on Thursday’s Bayou Bets. Detriot has a significant advantage in the trenches, and seeing as Goff has thrown five interceptions in the last five games, it’s about time to pound the rock.
David Montgomery has been banged up all week. While the offseason acquisition is likely going to play on Sunday, Jahmyr Gibbs should see an increased workload to play it safe with Montgomery. Gibbs has tallied 10+ carries five times this season, including last week against the Packers, when he was back to splitting carries. The rookie should be the feature back versus the Saints.
Juwan Johnson anytime touchdown scorer (+350 at Caesars Sportsbook)
This is a hail mary — the selection, knucklehead, I’m not predicting Juwan Johnson will be on the receiving end of a hail mary. There is so much uncertainty regarding the Saints’ receiving corps that Caesars Sportsbook has decided to offer receiving props solely for Detriot.
Experience tends to prevail in desperate times. Juwan Johnson will have an opportunity to prove to quarterback Derek Carr that he’s an asset in the red zone. Johnson racked up 11 touchdowns over the last two years but he’s only got one lone score this season. Could he get his second on Sunday? It’s worth a cheeky bet for the value at 7/2 given the fact that the Lions are 20th in the league at defending tight ends.