Saints-Seahawks best bets: How we're betting Monday Night Football

If this game were played a year ago, or at any point in the last 10 years, we'd be counting down the seconds to kickoff.

But, in 2021, these teams aren't as exciting. The New Orleans Saints have been uninspiring in crawling to a 3-2 mark, while the Seattle Seahawks haven't enjoyed life without Russell Wilson. Here's how we're betting Saints-Seahawks:

C Jackson Cowart: Under 42.5

Anytime a backup quarterback is making a start in prime time, the under is worth a look. That's especially true in Monday's matchup between two of the league's most plodding teams.

The Saints and Seahawks rank 31st and 32nd, respectively, in offensive plays per game and are a combined 7-3-1 to the under this season. New Orleans' passing attack has generated just 169.4 yards per contest - the NFL's second-lowest mark - without star receiver Michael Thomas, while Seattle's offense is largely toothless without Wilson or Chris Carson.

The Seahawks will especially struggle against a rested Saints defense coming off a bye. Since 2018, New Orleans is 3-1 to the under after a week off and has gone a combined 34.5 points to the under in those four contests. Bet on a similar result in this one.

Alex Moretto: Under 42.5

I'm with Jackson on the under here, though it has come down from an opening of 44.5, where I played it. Get on the total soon, as it'll continue to drop before kickoff. It's low, but not low enough given the pace of play of these two offenses and the quality of the two guys under center. Both teams have low-volume passing attacks, ranking 30th and 31st in pass plays per game.

The Wilson injury diminishes the threat of the Seahawks' once-feared aerial attack, as the Seahawks lack explosiveness with Geno Smith under center. For New Orleans, it feels as though Sean Payton would do anything to keep the ball out of Jameis Winston's hands since the Saints like to bleed the clock dry by leaning on their defense and running game. There are few things these teams love more than 12-play, 60-yard drives that result in field goals.

It's going to be a slow and painful end to Week 7, but as long as we're cashing, I'm here for it. The slower the better, in fact.

Matt Russell: Seahawks +4.5

The Smith-led Seahawks - who covered and nearly won last week - weren't true five-point underdogs against a league-average Steelers team in Pittsburgh. While I believe the Saints are better than average - though not by much - there's no way they should be -4.5 on the road at Seattle on Monday.

With some consideration for home field, New Orleans should only be favored by just under a field goal. You can only like the Saints here if you expect the Seahawks to be much worse than they were last week, or if you believe New Orleans will play much better than the club has all season.

While anything is possible, I'll bet there's not as much difference between these teams as the line indicates.