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The 2018 NFL Playoffs continue today with the second game of a Sunday doubleheader. The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles travel to the Big Easy to take on the New Orleans Saints.
The 10-7 Philadelphia Eagles went on a timely hot streak to close out the 2018 season, winning five of their final six games to secure the sixth and final NFC playoff seed. That was a big comeback from when they were sitting at 4-6, seemingly out of playoff contention. Nick Foles has once again stepped in for an injured Carson Wentz and delivered. Nonetheless, this is a thoroughly unimpressive Eagles team. The offense is average, as is the defense. The running game stinks, and the pass defense is worse. They don’t generate defensive turnovers enough, and they turn the ball over on offense too much. It will be a surprise if Foles can lead this team on another magical mystery tour through the playoffs.
The 13-4 New Orleans Saints come into this game as the #1 seed in the NFC and favorites to make it to the Super Bowl. Winners of thirteen of fourteen games before a meaningless last game loss to the Carolina Panthers, nobody is hotter than the Saints. Surprisingly for a Drew Brees led team, the Saints offense lives and dies with the running game. Unlike the Saints of yesteryear, this Saints team had a middling passing attack, ranking 12th in the NFL in yards. The rushing attack is a different story, ranking sixth in the NFL in yards. The defense mirrors the offense, with a poor pass defense and an excellent run defense. At home, in the roaring Superdome, with Brees under center, this Saints team will be really tough to beat.
It’s the Eagles and the Saints to close out this Divisional Round weekend.
Enjoy the game everybody.