Green loss is big blow for Cincinnarti against Saints

Sky Sports Action, 6pm Sunday

If six straight wins was not enough for New Orleans to demonstrate their potential Super Bowl credentials, last week's victory over the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Rams pushed expectations sky high in the Big Easy.

Saints coach Sean Payton will be conscious that they have to avoid taking their foot off the gas after their impressive 45-35 success, and this week's opponents Cincinnati should be refreshed after a week off and hopeful of extending their own season after a 5-3 start.

The problem for the home side is that they will be without star receiver AJ Green and they have failed to win when facing top opposition lately after losing to Pittsburgh and Kansas City.

The Saints should be relied upon to score points - they average a whopping 34.9 a game and even managed to score 40 in their surprising opening-week defeat to Tampa Bay, their only reverse of the campaign.

Quarterback Drew Brees continues to defy his 39 years and receiver Michael Thomas was in electric form against the Rams, chalking up 211 yards and a touchdown.

Without Green, it could be difficult for the Bengals to keep up the pace.

That will put more pressure on Tyler Boyd, who has put up some decent figures lately, and it is a big ask, particularly if the Saints can contain Joe Mixon's running game.

The points line is a hefty 54 and it is worth taking the under. It is difficult to see the Bengals contributing enough for that mark to be threatened.

Recommendation
Under 54 points
2pts 9-10 Betfair

The lowdown

Venue Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Surface Artificial
Weather Clear, 6C
Vegas handicap New Orleans -5.5
Vegas points line 54

Team news

New Orleans
Recently signed wide receiver Dez Bryant suffered an Achilles injury in practice and is out. Defensive end Marcus Davenport (toe) will also be missing.

Cincinnati
Wide receiver AJ Green and linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Nick Vigil are out, along with cornerback Darqueze Dennard, tight end Tyler Kroft and wide receiver Josh Malone. Running back Giovanni Bernard is listed as questionable with a knee injury.

Key stat
The points total has gone under the line in five of the teams' last seven meetings.

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