New Orleans Saints Week 9 Preview: Bears

New Orleans was able to break a two-game losing skid as they took down the Indianapolis Colts, 38-27, in week eight. Now, the attention turns to a week nine clash against the Chicago Bears in the Caesar’s Superdome. The Saints’ offense had one of their best showing of the season against the Colts’ defense and now will get their opportunity against a Bears defense that has had their struggles throughout the season. New Orleans find themselves tied at the top of the NFC South standings with the Atlanta Falcons and have the opportunity to build some momentum before their bye week is quickly approaching.

Saints Looking to Build Momentum:

Saints LB Demario Davis (56) – Dylan Buell/Getty Images

It has been an up-and-down season for the Saints so far as they head into week nine with a 4-4 record. New Orleans was able to get back into the win column after a comeback victory on the road against the Colts. The Saints once again got off to a slow start in the first half and found themselves trailing by 10.

The Saints’ defense has gotten off to a slow start in recent weeks as they had no answer for the Colts’ running game. Running backs Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss had their way in the first half against New Orleans. The Saints were able to cut into the Colts lead heading into the half as they found themselves trailing by one.

Both the Saints’ offense and defense were able to lock in the second half as New Orleans stormed back to get their fourth win on the season. Running back Alvin Kamara was able to find the endzone twice and Taysom Hill was able to do the same. The Saints’ offense had one of their best performances on the year as they compiled 511 total yards of offense.

Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed had a big game against the Colts as he finished the contest with three catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Derek Carr also was in rhythm in the Saints’ 38-27 win over the Colts as he had 310 passing yards for two touchdowns. The Saints offense has a great opportunity to continue to build momentum heading into week nine as they face off against a Bears defense that has been struggling throughout the season.

Know Your Foe: Bears

Bears WR Darnell Mooney (11) – Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

The Bears are coming off a 30-13 loss on Sunday night to the Los Angeles Chargers. With the loss, Chicago dropped to 2-6 on the season as quarterback Justin Fields continues to be sidelined due to an injury. Quarterback Tyson Bagent has been getting the start in Fields’ absence and he didn’t have his best days against the Chargers defense. Chicago wasn’t able to get their running game going like they did in the 30-12 win against the Raiders in week eight.

Bagent will be getting the start against the Saints, and he will have his hands full against a tough New Orleans defense. Running back D’Onta Foreman was the lead back against the Chargers as he finished the contest with nine carries for 34 yards. The Bears’ offense coming into week nine’s matchup against the Saints are averaging 21.4 points per game.

On the other side of the ball, the Bears’ defense has allowed 27.3 points per game, which ranks them 27th overall in the NFL. Chicago was able to add another pass rusher in Montez Sweat and it is still unclear if Sweat will be making his debut for the Bears against the Saints on Sunday.

The Bears’ defense has allowed over 30 points in half of their games they have played this season. However, Chicago has found success in their rush defense and they will have an opportunity to attack a Saints offensive line that has been dealing with injuries throughout the season as they had to shuffle their rotation.

Prediction: New Orleans Saints 27, Chicago Bears 14