Saints vs. Eagles: NFL Week 11 betting odds, preview, and pick

Two teams moving in opposite directions will face off on Sunday, when the New Orleans Saints travel to take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Let's examine this NFC matchup, beginning with the latest betting odds.

Time for Taysom?

After stunning the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Halloween, the Saints have lost two straight without Jameis Winston at quarterback. Trevor Siemian has put up decent numbers in his two starts, but the biggest stat is the 0-2 record.

Siemian also is struggling with his completion percentage, as he is 60-of-104 passing (57.7%). Taysom Hill started four games last season and earned a 3-1 record and an impressive completion percentage of 71.9%. He's also a strong rushing threat on any down.

The Eagles defense has improved over the past three games, so New Orleans may need the dual threat at quarterback to break the game open. This is especially true if Alvin Kamara remains out.

Eagles finally utilize run game

It is strange that it took Miles Sanders getting sidelined with injury for the Eagles to finally start running the ball more, but they have certainly done so in recent weeks.

Philly has gone over 200 yards rushing in two of the past three games. The Eagles now rank ninth in the league in rushing attempts, third in rushing yards, and fourth in rushing yards per attempt.

Jalen Hurts has also improved in the passing game, due to this balanced attack. Hurts has a 66.7% completion percentage over his past three games and has five touchdowns to only one interception in the past four games.

The increased time of possession from the rushing success has also improved the defense. After allowing 32.4 points per game in the previous five games, the unit has only allowed 15.3 points per game in the last three.

Saints and Eagles betting trends

• Saints are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a straight-up loss
• Saints are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record
• Eagles are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win
• Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last six games as a home favorite
• The Under is 5-1 in the Saints' last six road games vs. a team with a losing home record
• The Under is 7-1 in the Eagles' last eight games as a home favorite

Eagles, Saints both have question marks

These two teams have been tough to get a feel for all year. The Eagles started great and then looked horrible, and are now back to looking like a playoff contender. The Saints have bad losses to the Giants and Falcons, but also have huge wins over the Packers and Bucs.

I do not love having to pick this game without knowing the status of Sanders and Kamara or who will be the starting quarterback for the Saints. However, I will assume that Siemian is the starter and that Sanders and Kamara will be limited, at best.

The Saints have the No. 1 rushing defense in the league and will force the Eagles back into trying things through the air. Only the Washington Football Team has gone over 100 yards rushing on the Saints defense, and New Orleans will keep Philly from topping that total.

This will be a close game and low scoring, but the Saints will get back to their winning ways with a game-winning field goal.

Score prediction: Saints 20, Eagles 17

NFL Week 11 picks: Saints +1.5, Under 43.5

Saints vs. Eagles Pick powered by The Quant Edge

Our predictive engine is calling for the Saints to win outright and for the score to go Over the projected total.