The Philadelphia Eagles have been putting on an awesome offensive display so far this season averaging 417.8 yards per game and 31 points per game.  The Saints are a surprising 4-1, due to their overall good play in all facets of the game.

Last week the Tampa Bay Bucs exposed some cracks in the Saints defense.  The Saints are vulnerable to teams that run the ball as they’ve given up 123.8 yards rushing per game and 4.9 yards per carry.  The Eagles offense isn’t built to run the ball, but I’m sure Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter will get some shots against the weak line-backing crew of the Saints.  Look for Westbrook out of the backfield to cause all kinds of trouble for the Saints linebackers.  Donovan McNabb is having a stellar season to date, as he has thrown for 1,611 yards with 11 TDs and 1 INT.  McNabb has been spreading the ball around as five receivers have caught at least 11 passes and six receivers have at least 172 yards receiving.  I look for TE LJ Smith to have a huge game against the Saints safeties.

The Saints will come out running the football.  Deuce McAllister (380 yards rushing) and Reggie Bush (170 yards receiving) will challenge the linebackers of the Eagles from the get go.  The Eagles do a decent job defending the run, allowing 104.8 yards per game and 3.7 yards per rush.  Look for Drew Brees to also attack the Eagles defense with short passes to Reggie Bush (34 rec, 250 yards).  The Eagles outside linebackers must contain Bush on the outside.  If the Saints offensive line can control the Eagles pass rush, then Brees will take some deep shots to rookie Marques Colston (23 rec, 374 yards) and Joe Horn.  The Saints have only allowed 6 sacks this season and the Eagles defense already has 23 sacks this season.

I have to side with the Eagles here.  The Eagles defensive line will be too much for the Saints to handle.