The Saints are a 3-point underdog in this week's contest, likely leading to a passing game script.Opposing teams have run for the least touchdowns in the NFL (0.20 per game) versus the Cincinnati Bengals defense this year.The New Orleans Saints have gone up against a stacked the box on 23.5% of their plays since the start of last season, 3rd-most in football. Keeping an extra defender close to the line of scrimmage improves run-stopping at the expense of better passing efficiency.The New Orleans Saints have gone no-huddle on a mere 2.3% of their plays outside the two-minute warning since the start of last season (2nd-least in the league). This deadens the pace, leading to less volume and stat production.The New Orleans Saints have risked going for it on 4th down a lowly 14.3% of the time since the start of last season (2nd-least in football), which usually means less offensive volume, less touchdown potential, and lower offensive statistics across the board.
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