Often, when everyone expects a shootout between two teams, the opposite happens, with the respective defenses stepping up and playing a tight, low-scoring game. Not going to happen here. There’s no way the Saints can possibly cover the Cardinals’ receivers, and the same goes for the Cardinals against the Saints’ receivers. New Orleans will have an electric home crowd in its favor, but playing indoors makes it easier for Arizona. No one expected the Cardinals to make it out of the first round, but they surprised everyone, amassing 51 points against a good Packers’ defense (or so we thought).

But here’s the problem: Arizona gave up 45 points at home. When is the last time you picked a team to win that just gave up 45 points? And now that team is going up against the Saints, who led the league in scoring this year! The Cards will score a ton of points this weekend, but the Saints will score even more. Get ready for a thriller, but a victory for the home team.

Prediction: Saints 41, Cardinals 31

--- STANLEY KAY