The New Orleans Saints are 2-2 coming off two straight victories headed into their bye week. The rest is over, Adrian Peterson has been traded, and Willie Snead is now healthy.

The Saints will host the 3-2 Detroit Lions on Sunday at noon and it's time for some positive G predictions! If you'd like a more negative vantage point of this game check out one of the coolest cats I know, Steve Peloquin's 5 Reasons Why The Saints Will Lose to The Lions.

1). Adrian Peterson Traded

No AP, no problem for the Saints offense. I mean, lets be honest Sean Payton wasn't using him anyways right? This clears up what was clearly a distraction. Okay, maybe not a full blown distraction but at the very least a topic of conversation amongst the team and the sports media world. This now clears the way for defined rolls for both Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. Moreover, I think this allows Sean Payton to utilize Kamara in a multitude of different ways in this creative, high powered offense.

2). Willie Snead Returns

You may not be a fan of the week 5 bye weeks but I'm sure Willie Snead was. He was eligible to play after a three game suspension during the Saints week 4 match-up in London with the Dolphins. However, a hamstring injury, hamstrung Snead from returning on time (see what I did there). With the two weeks off it seems he's ready to roll and reclaim his spot within this offense and that'll give Drew Brees another weapon.

3). Matthew Stafford Hampered by Injuries

The Detroit Lions lost to the Carolina Panthers last week, 27-24 and in the process quarterback Matthew Stafford sustained ankle and hamstring injuries. Stafford practiced this week and the word out of Lions camp is that he's "OK" as of now. If the Saints can put some pressure on him and make him move around a bit I think that'll vote well for their chances at slowing the quarterback in this one.

4). Lions Lose Pass-Rusher/Run-Stuffer

The Lions announced on Wednesday that veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been placed on injured reserve with a biceps injury. This is a big blow to the middle of the Lions defensive line and I think that could mean a big day for Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara rushing the football. In addition, this could allow ample time for Drew Brees if Detroit fails to get any kind of pressure on the All-Pro quarterback

5). Improved Saints Secondary

The Saints secondary has certainly played much better after the first two weeks which were a debacle. In addition, it seems they've found a very solid number two corner back in Ken Crowley to go along side stud rookie Marshon Lattimore. The vision of safety Kenny Vaccaro has cleared up lately and the defensive line has been able to put pressure on the quarterback. With Matthew Stafford a little banged up they could wear him down as the game goes on.

 

 

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