Despite this spread swelling a bit, when evaluating these teams, it's clear the Saints enter with the talent advantage. The question is whether they can overcome some up-and-down play early this season against a Washington team that has been struggling defensively. With New Orleans' strong offensive line and Jameis Winston -- to my utter surprise -- being careful with the football, and a defensive advantage in the game, I'm willing to back the Saints as a road favorite given there's not much home-field advantage in Washington. My line on this game is -3.5, so it's not a huge margin.

Washington has major problems in the secondary and a big projected injury report after nine players were knocked out of the 34-30 win over Atlanta. Starting linebacker Jon Bostic (pectoral) and four-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff (knee) won't play, and tight end Logan Thomas seems likely to sit too. Marshon Lattimore can limit Washington's top weapon, Terry McLaurin. The Saints blew their home opener with a late collapse vs. the Giants, but Jameis Winston played well: PFF graded 86 percent of his throws as catchable, and he didn't have a single turnover-worthy play. Back Sean Payton and the Saints off a loss.

Despite the score, the Saints offense had its best game last week against the Giants but watched the defense fall apart at the end. With the Washington defense being shockingly bad so far, I expect New Orleans to put up points in this game. The Washington offense has been great at times but inconsistent overall, and it'll be without key offensive lineman Brandon Scherff and possibly Logan Thomas, making things easier for a usually good Saints defense. With Washington never having much of a home field advantage, I expect the Saints to win this game so I have no issue laying the small number.