NFL Thursday night: Superdome the land down ‘under’ with Saints, Jaguars in defensive duel. Our pick
NFL WEEK 7
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
JAGUARS (4-2) at SAINTS (3-3)
Line: NO by 1.
Cote’s pick: NO, 19-16.
TV: 8:15 p.m., Prime Video.
The over/under is low (40), but the best bet might be even lower. Should be a defense-led matchup to kick off NFL Week 7 in a tough-call, near pick-’em game. Saints have seen 12 straight games go ’under’ on total points dating to last season, with an offense that has scored one TD or less in four of six games this year as Derek Carr has not yet been the quick fix they hoped. Wild card on this pick is Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence being day-to-day on a short week with a knee injury as C.J. Beathard took first-team snaps Tuesday. The feeling in Jacksonville is that Trevor Lawrence will play Thursday with a brace on his left knee, but that could make him a ripe target for N’Awlins’ big pass rush vs. J-ville’s banged-up O-line. Jax is 3-0 on the road (including London) but also 0-3 all-time in the Superdome. Though Jags have been in better form the past month toshape this point spread, I like the Saints defense putting on a show in prime time.
[Note: Betting line courtesy Caesars Sportsbook as of midday Wednesday. Picks for remainder of Week 7 games will appear online Thursday afternoon and in print Friday] .
