New Orleans Saints vs Las Vegas Raiders Picks and Predictions December 29th 2024

New Orleans Saints vs Las Vegas Raiders December 29th 2024

The Saints are favored on the money line at -124 as they host the Raiders at 1:00 ET on Sunday, December 29th at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Saints are favored by -1.5 points in this week 17 non-conference matchup. FOX is handling the television coverage of this one, and the over/under line is set at 39.5 points.

Las Vegas vs. New Orleans Key Information

Teams: Raiders at Saints
Where: Caesars Superdome New Orleans
Date: Sunday, December 29th
Betting Odds NO -124 | LV +100 O/U 39.5

The Raiders Can Win If…

With a 3-12 record, the Raiders are 4th in the AFC West and rank 26th in our power rankings. They have an average scoring margin of -8.4 points per game and are 6-8-1 against the spread. Their O/U record is 8-7, with the under hitting in four straight games.

Las Vegas ended a six-game losing streak with a 19-14 win over the Jaguars in week 16. They were 2-point favorites and covered the spread, but the 33 combined points fell short of the 41.5-point line.

Heading into week 17, the Raiders rank 31st in our offensive power rankings, averaging 17.6 points per game, which is 28th in the NFL. They are also 28th in the league in yards per game, with 300.1. Despite ranking 3rd in passing attempts per game (37.6), they are 14th in passing yards per game, averaging 222.7. On the ground, they rank 32nd in rushing yards per game, with 77.5, on 22 attempts per game, which ranks 27th.

Las Vegas ranks 29th in the NFL in 3rd-down conversions, with a 33.5% success rate, but they have been efficient in the red zone, ranking 3rd in the league with a 46.2% conversion rate. In week 16, they scored 19 points against the Jaguars, with 13 coming in the 2nd quarter. Aidan O’Connell threw for 257 yards, completing 24 of 38 passes, and Brock Bowers led the team with 99 receiving yards on 11 catches.

Take your betting strategy up a notch—explore our Expert Betting Guide.

In their 19-14 win over the Jaguars, the Raiders’ defense allowed 236 passing yards on 25 completions. Jacksonville had a chance to win the game late, but the Raiders defense held up on a final drive that ended with an incomplete pass in the endzone. Las Vegas defended 21 rushing attempts, allowing just 72 yards on the ground. The Raiders’ defense also forced the Jaguars into a 40% third-down conversion rate and came up with one sack.

The Raiders’ defense struggled to generate tackles for loss in this one, losing that battle by a margin of -4. They also allowed the Jaguars to convert on 7-of-17 third-down attempts and gave up 308 total yards. Despite these numbers, Las Vegas was able to limit Jacksonville to just 14 points and secure the win.

The Raiders have gone 1-2 over their last three regular season games. In these contests, the team went just 1-1-1 against the spread, while going 0-3 on the over-under.
Through their last ten regular season contests, Las Vegas has a record of 1-9. In these contests, the team went just 4-5-1 against the spread, while going 5-5 on the over-under.

The Saints Can Win If…

With a 5-10 record, the Saints rank 30th in our NFL power rankings and have a 0.0% chance of making the playoffs. They are 3rd in the NFC South with a 2-3 division record and are 4-7 in conference play. New Orleans has lost two straight games, including a 34-0 defeat to the Packers in week 16.

Against the spread, the Saints are 6-9, with a scoring margin of -2.5 points per game. They are 5-6 as underdogs and 1-3 as favorites. Their O/U record is 7-8, with the under hitting in four consecutive games.

Heading into week 17, the Saints rank 19th in our offensive power rankings. They are 22nd in the NFL in scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game. New Orleans is 18th in total yards per game (325.4) and 23rd in passing yards per game (204.8) on 31.5 attempts per game. On the ground, they rank 13th in rushing yards per game (120.6) on 27.5 attempts per contest. The Saints are 20th in the league in 3rd-down conversions, with a 37.3% success rate, and they are 11th in red zone conversion percentage.

Spencer Rattler struggled in week 16, throwing for just 153 yards and an interception on 15/30 passing. Foster Moreau led the team with 33 receiving yards on 2 catches. Before week 16, Marquez Valdes-Scantling had led the Saints in receiving for two straight games. New Orleans was shut out by the Packers in week 16, failing to score in the 4th quarter for the 3rd straight game.

The Saints’ defense allowed the Packers to convert on 46.2% of their third down attempts in their most recent game, which they lost 34-0. New Orleans gave up 188 rushing yards on 39 attempts, with Green Bay finishing the game with 404 total yards. The Saints’ defense also allowed 216 passing yards and a completion percentage of 56.7% to the Packers.

New Orleans’ defense struggled to generate pressure, as they didn’t record any sacks and lost the quarterback hit and tackles for loss differentials. The Saints will be looking to bounce back and improve their defensive performance in their next game.

New Orleans has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). They have held up well vs the spread in these matchups, going 2-1 as well as an over-under record of 1-2.
Through their last ten regular season contests, New Orleans has a record of 5-5. Their record against the spread in this stretch is 6-4 to go along with an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Lean

For this week 17 matchup between the Raiders and Saints, we have the Raiders coming out on top by a score of 22-15. With the Raiders being the slight road favorites at +1.5, we are backing them to not only win but cover the spread as our best bet.

As for the over/under, with the line sitting at 39.5 points, our pick is to take the under, with a projected combined score of 37 points.

Saints, Smarting from Shutout Loss, Seek Turnaround vs. Raiders

Two teams playing for pride and future prospects will meet Sunday in New Orleans as the Las Vegas Raiders face off against the New Orleans Saints. With playoff aspirations long gone, the game serves as a stage for players and coaches to make their case for next season.

Coaching Futures in Limbo

Both teams are operating under interim head coaches, raising questions about leadership stability. The Raiders (3-12) turned to Antonio Pierce after a promising 5-4 stint last year, but their struggles in 2024 leave Pierce’s long-term status uncertain.

For the Saints (5-10), Darren Rizzi has managed a 3-3 record since taking over for Dennis Allen, whose seven-game losing streak earlier in the season prompted his dismissal. However, a dismal 34-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night marked a low point for Rizzi’s tenure.

“It was the first game where the score wasn’t very competitive,” Rizzi admitted. “We just didn’t execute well. There was nothing that stuck out on film more than just the lack of execution and the lack of playmaking.”

Quarterback Quandaries

The Raiders are expected to start second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who has split time with Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder. None has solidified his place as a franchise cornerstone, making every snap in the final games a critical audition.

For the Saints, quarterback Derek Carr is working to return from a left hand injury. If Carr remains unavailable, rookie Spencer Rattler will likely make his fifth start. Rattler, who has struggled with turnovers, faces mounting pressure after a poor showing against the Packers.

“We’ve got to get rid of those negative plays — for any quarterback,” Rizzi emphasized. “It doesn’t matter if you’re starting your fourth game or your 400th game.”

Raiders Look to Build on Momentum

Las Vegas snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Despite a season filled with close losses, the Raiders remain determined to end the season on a high note.

“Guys are never going to quit,” said wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. “We hear about (draft picks) and all that, but we’re professionals. We do our best to win every play every day, and wherever the ball falls, it falls.”

Tight end Brock Bowers could make history in the game, needing just 10 receiving yards to break Mike Ditka’s rookie record for tight ends (1,076 yards in 1961).

Today’s Free NFL Picks Are In! Access free NFL football picks for every matchup.

Saints’ Injury Woes

New Orleans has been plagued by injuries all season. Key players like left guard Lucas Patrick (knee) have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while running back Alvin Kamara (groin) and center Erik McCoy (elbow) will be evaluated throughout the week. Wide receiver Chris Olave (head) could make his return after missing six games, as he was listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s practice estimation.

Keys to the Game

The Saints need to avoid their pattern of slow starts, exemplified by allowing touchdowns on the Packers’ first three possessions. The Raiders, meanwhile, aim to capitalize on their newfound momentum and continue showcasing the potential of their younger players.

Final Thoughts

While the stakes may be low in terms of playoff implications, the matchup provides both teams with a chance to regroup and assess their rosters. For the players and coaches on both sides, Sunday’s game represents an opportunity to prove their value and build toward a brighter future.