NFL Wildcard Betting: New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks

[Betfair]

It looks a mismatch with the 11-5 Saints taking on the 7-9 Seahawks, says Andy Richmond, but will the Seattle fans inspire their team to a huge upset?

Match odds: New Orleans [1.21], Seattle [5.6]

I can't remember when I last saw a wild-card side on the road as 10.5 point favourites, in fact it may never have happened but thanks to the anomalies of the NFL play-off system this is the situation that we encounter here.

If you want to read more on how this came about and one further piece of vital play-off news concerning the overtime rules then please make sure you read my colleague Romilly Evans piece on "Who rules playoff country". One reason for the double digit handicap is that Seattle enter the play-offs with a losing record and they face the defending Superbowl Champions - New Orleans.

Despite that huge points advantage though, the Saints enter Qwest Field with a few problems of their own, they will have to overcome a depleted backfield with both leading running backs Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas major doubts to make the wild-card gig. New Orleans are also coming off a short week and playing their third game in 12 days. Both of those factors increase the pressure on Saints QB Drew Brees who, without an effective running game, may be forced to throw a little more than he wants to. That may seem a strange thing to say about a guy who led the NFC with 4,620 passing yards and 33 touchdowns but he has thrown 22 interceptions this season, including at least one in each of his final 12 starts. If he continues to struggle with accuracy, he can keep both clubs in the game.

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NFL Wildcard Betting: New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks : Football : Betfair.net