Saints are heading in the right direction

Sky Sports Action, 6pm Sunday

New Orleans are the form team in the NFL having won their last six matches and they will be confident heading to Buffalo, who have playoff ambitions of their own.

The Saints have always been productive under the direction of quarterback Drew Brees, but their defence have stepped up this season after some poor campaigns.

It all adds up to a formidable team who have conceded more than 20 points just once since Week Two.

The news that receiver Michael Thomas has shaken off an ankle problem is a further boost and it seems likely that they will cause the Buffalo defence plenty of problems.

The Bills have not played a playoff game since 2000 - the longest run of any team without a post-season appearance - but hopes are high as they are just a win behind New England in the AFC East.

They had won four of their last five matches before losing 34-21 to the New York Jets where two late touchdowns made the final score a touch more respectable.

They have won all four of their home matches, but the Saints have scored at least 19 points in each of their eight games and it would be no surprise if they were to eclipse what appears a modest line of 24.5

Recommendation
Over 24.5 New Orleans points
2pts 5-6 Betfair, Paddy Power

The lowdown
Venue New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
Surface Artificial
Weather Cloudy, 2C
Vegas handicap New Orleans -3
Vegas points line 47.5

Team news
New Orleans
Wide receiver Michael Thomas should be available after an ankle injury. Safety Kenny Vaccaro is out with a groin problem while tackle Terron Armstead (chest) and guard Larry Warford (abdomen) are questionable.

Buffalo
Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson is struggling with a back injury. Tight end Charles Clay (knee) and cornerback EJ Gaines (hamstring) are questionable, while offensive tackle Cordy Glenn (foot) and wide receiver Zay Jones (ankle) are out.

Key stat
The points total has gone over the line in 11 of Buffalo's last 12 home matches.

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