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.