Pros
- The New Orleans Saints will be rolling out backup QB Andy Dalton in this contest, which generally means fewer pass attempts and more rush attempts.
- THE BLITZ projects this game to have the 3rd-most plays run among all games this week at 130.9 plays, accounting for the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.
- This game will be played in a dome—which means no wind, higher pass volume, higher TD potential, and better passing efficiency.
- The New Orleans Saints offensive line ranks as the 6th-best in the NFL this year in protecting the passer, which has a positive impact on all pass game stats across the board.
- The Arizona Cardinals defense has been particularly weak when opposing pass-catchers have gotten into space, surrendering an average of 7.44 yards-after-the-catch this year: the 4th-most in the league.
Cons
- THE BLITZ projects the New Orleans Saints as the 5th-least pass-centric offense among all teams this week with a 55.2% pass rate, based on their underlying tendencies and matchup dynamics.
- Opposing quarterbacks have averaged 34.2 pass attempts per game against the Arizona Cardinals defense this year: 10th-least in the NFL.
- Andy Dalton has been among the weakest QBs in the league since the start of last season, averaging 183.0 yards per game while ranking in the 24th percentile.
- Andy Dalton has been among the least effective passers in football this year, averaging just 6.53 yards-per-target while grading out in the lowly 24th percentile.
- The Arizona Cardinals defensive front has gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks a mere 2.44 seconds after the snap (on average), ranking as the 10th-fastest in the NFL since the start of last season.
Projection
THE BLITZ
231
Passing Yards