Even with all the positivity surrounding the Raiders this offseason, the Vegas oddsmakers have them coming out the gates of the 2016 season with a loss. The Raiders open the season in New Orleans against the Saints with early odds having the Saints favored by 1.5 points with an over/under of 51.
The Saints and Raiders both finished last season with 7-9 records. Though the Saints offense was as powerful as ever, ranked first in passing yards per game (310.6), second in total yards (403.8), and 8th in points (25.5). It was their defense that did them in which is probably why the over/under is as high as it is. It's the highest of any season opening game.
Then there's these stats from Josh Dubow of the Associated Press:
Brees' stats w/ Saints in 2 games vs #Raiders: 46 for 57 (80.7%), 539 yds, 6 TDs, 0 INTs, 141.2 rating https://t.co/XjwHftriA6
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) April 15, 2016
Brees has thrown 209 straight passes vs #Raiders without an INT. Lastt INT was by Eric Johnson in 2003
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) April 15, 2016
So, you can understand why the Saints are favored in their home opener and why my early prediction is the same.
Then again, it's just 1.5 points which is the closest line of any season opening contest.
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