NFL Wild Card Weekend: City Of Champions Staff Makes Its Picks
By Matt Gajtka
New Orleans Saints (11-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-6), Saturday at 8:10 p.m. ET on NBC
November 5, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) leaps over New Orleans Saints cornerback Corey White (24) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Easgles 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Gajtka: New Orleans had some wobbles at the end of the season, losing three of its last five. Philly won seven of eight to snatch the NFC East crown from Dallas in a Week 17 showdown. In the words of Bill Murray from Groundhog Day, “It’s gonna be cold and it’s gonna be dark.” Easy to say that atmosphere will rattle the dome team, but most of the Saints have been here before. Eagles quarterback Nick Foles hasn’t, and I say the moment is a little too big for the first-year starter. Prediction: Saints 31, Eagles 17.
Shetler: Saints are 0-5 in Saturday night games. In the cold, in Philadelphia, I like the Eagles to ride LeSean McCoy to victory. Eagles 30, Saints 20.
McDowell: High-scoring shootout in Philly. New Orleans defense cannot stop McCoy. Eagles 41, Saints 27.
Weiss: Saints offense will get the job done this week. Foles will throw a late interception that will change the game. Saints 38, Eagles 31.
Tunno: Drew Brees and the Saints continue their road struggles. McCoy has a big game. Eagles 27, Saints 17.
Snyder: Eagles 35, Saints 31.
STAFF TOTAL: EAGLES 4-2