Nelson Agholor can fly for Eagles in New Orleans

Sky Sports Action, 9.25pm Sunday

New Orleans have the chance to at least temporarily go top of the NFC standings with victory over Philadelphia, but the Eagles should be able to make it a competitive game.

Things have not gone to plan for the Super Bowl champions, who have a disappointing 4-5 record, but it has been a season of fine margins for Doug Pederson’s side.

Eight of Philadelphia’s nine games have been decided by seven or fewer points, but with the Saints in such fine form - they have won their last eight games and have looked irresistible at times - it's hard to be confident about the underdogs hanging with them. Losing cornerback Ronald Darby to injury last week could not have come at a worse time.

New Orleans boast the top rushing defence in the league, so Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz could be forced to throw the ball more than usual, and Nelson Agholor could be the man to prosper from that.

The wide receiver has been one of Wentz’s favourite targets over the last two years and despite a lack of touchdowns Agholor continues to put up plenty of yards, earning 83 from five receptions against a sturdy Cowboys defence last week.

A couple of big catches could see him smash what looks to be an achievable yardage line.

Recommendations
N Agholor over 44.5 receiving yards
3pts 5-6 Sky Bet

The lowdown
Venue Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap New Orleans -7.5
Vegas points line 56

Team news
Philadelphia
Cornerbacks Ronald Darby (knee) and Jalen Mills (foot), running back Darren Sproles (hamstring) and tight end Josh Perkins (knee) have been ruled out. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson (knee) and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (knee) are rated questionable.

New Orleans
Offensive tackle Terron Armstead (shoulder) and defensive end
Marcus Davenport (toe) have been ruled out. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall signed this week and could feature.

Key stat
New Orleans have lost only one of their last 12 home games.

Read every day for no-nonsense previews and expert sports betting tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport