in NFL Free Picks

It’s a sad state of NFC affairs when the Packers 35-7, and can end the season on another high note by ending the Saints playoff hopes. Both rushing games are in trouble so expect an aerial battle. Can Kyle Orton keep up with Drew Brees? Does anyone else find it mildly ridiculous that I just asked that question?

New Orleans Offense vs. Chicago Defense

Quarterback Drew Brees and Marques Colston have been sensational over the second half of the season. Colston alone has 5 touchdowns in the past 5 games, but will face a fairly stiff Chicago passing defense that only gives up 226.7 passing yards per game. New Orleans averages 267.4 passing yards per game.

The Saints desperately miss a back like Deuce McAllister, especially when they are on the goal-line. The Saints were held to a brutal field goal after failing to punch it in from the one-yard line in three consecutive attempts. They average 103.3 rushing yards per game and will face a normally desperate Chicago defense that gives up 124.1 yards on the ground.

However, these Bears are playing with absolutely nothing to lose. Their season will end after this game and they will leave everything on the field. As good as Drew Brees is, it’s the rest of the offense that I am concerned about. Chicago has not been strong lately, but will leave nothing on the sidelines as they fly all over the field and attack each and every ball carrier with the typical Chicago ferocity that the betting community is more accustomed to.

Chicago Offense vs. New Orleans Defense

The problem with Chicago has been getting the rushing game going. The Bears average 82.5 rushing yards per game, and the other Adrian Peterson should be able to manage some decent yardage against a weak front-seven of New Orleans.

The receiving corps for the Bears is far better than what the Saints can deal with. The Saints give up 249.7 passing yards per game and are extremely vulnerable to the deep ball which means lots of looks for Bernard Berrian. Kyle Orton has 285 passing yards on 30-of-52 attempts with one touchdown and one pick in two games.

Chicago will try to win this game on defense and on special teams, while managing the clock with a somewhat anemic offense. The Bears average 20.1 points per game, and the Saints have given up 23.7 points per game on the season.

 Trends

-New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

-Total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans last 5 games

-Chicago is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home

-Chicago is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home

Final Verdict

New Orleans has been a strong second-half team and have been surging hard and fast up the standings to make-up for a four-game losing streak that opened up their season. The Saints have a 4-3 SU record on the road, and still need some help to get in to the playoffs. The Redskins and Vikings both have to lose, but the Saints will do their part by beating the Bears at Soldier Field behind a strong game where Drew Brees shows everyone exactly why he made the pro-bowl last season.

Chicago Bears (6-9)

Sunday, December 30th --- Soldier Field, Chicago --- 1:00pm EST

: New Orleans -3 (37.5)

NFL Betting Free Pick: New Orleans 21 Chicago 17

The 2007 and beyond!