Seahawks vs. Saints 2016 picks and predictions: Seattle is the big favorite among experts

The Seattle Seahawks head into the Superdome coming off what might be the most bizarre game of the season, a 6-6 tie with the Arizona Cardinals. Still in first place at 4-1-1, they take on a New Orleans Saints team that hasn’t had many things go right this year.

The Seahawks’ offense withered and died in the Arizona desert, with Russell Wilson clearly still bothered by knee and ankle injuries while Christine Michael was bottled up by the Cardinals’ front seven. Fortunately, the defense was outstanding and special teams blocked a field goal, so the teams went into overtime tied at 3-3.

That’s where things got wacky. Both teams’ offenses actually came to life in the extra period and tried settling for game-winning field goals, but they went horribly awry. Chandler Catanzaro’s 24-yard attempt doinked off the upright and Seattle drove down the field to set up Steve Hauschka for a 28-yard kick. That one sailed way far left as time wound down, and the result was a rare tie that felt truly deserved.

As for the Saints, they’re quickly on the verge of another lost season after taking a beating at Arrowhead Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs jumped out to a quick 21-7 lead and held on to win, 27-21. The loss drops New Orleans to 2-4 and they’re in danger of falling out of the NFC South race entirely.

While Drew Brees is still playing as well as ever at age 37, the defense continues to be a wasteland, giving up constant chunk yards and blowing routine coverages. The Saints have allowed 30 or more points in four of their six games, so this is a good opportunity for Seattle’s offense to get back on track.

Not many experts believe in the Saints to win this game. The Seahawks are a heavy 7-1 favorite at ESPN, while six of eight writers at CBS Sports are also picking them. Here at SB Nation, Seattle is being picked by eight writers and the OddsShark computer, with Tyler Tynes the only one taking New Orleans.