- What: NFL Regular Season Game
- When: December 29, 2024
- Who: Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints
- Time: 10:00 p.m. PST
- Where: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
When the Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) take on the New Orleans Saints (5-10) this Sunday, fans and bettors are bracing for a lackluster matchup between two teams that have seen better days.
However, amidst the chaos of their disappointing seasons, there’s a betting angle that stands out: the first quarter total set at 7 points.
This line is intriguing, especially considering the offensive struggles both teams have faced throughout the season.
Las Vegas
Let’s break it down. The Raiders have been downright dreadful, often failing to find the end zone in the opening frame. In fact, they’ve been one of the worst teams in the league regarding first-quarter scoring, which makes this total even more interesting.
Despite their struggles, the potential for at least one touchdown in the first quarter is palpable.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are coming off a much-needed win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where they finally snapped a 10-game losing streak.
Quarterback Aidan O’Connell has been serviceable, and with weapons like Jakobi Meyers and rookie tight end Brock Bowers, they have the firepower to score.
The Raiders managed to put up 19 points last week, and while they may not be a high-octane offense, they can certainly find the end zone against a Saints defense that has been inconsistent.
New Orleans
The Saints have been pretty average at scoring early in games, averaging just over 4 points in the first quarter this season. The Saints, even with their injuries, have shown flashes of offensive capability.
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler is set to start again, and while he’s not Derek Carr, he has the potential to connect with playmakers like Chris Olave, who is expected to return from concussion protocol.
If Olave is active, he could provide the spark the Saints need to get on the board early.
The first quarter total of 7 points at -120 odds at BetMGM is a bet that feels right.
The odds suggest that oddsmakers believe there’s a decent chance for a touchdown, and given the stakes of this game—both teams looking to finish the season on a high note—there’s motivation to score early.
The Saints will want to establish some momentum after their recent struggles, and the Raiders will be eager to build on their last performance.
Raiders-Saints Best Bet
In terms of betting trends, the Saints have been known to start games slowly, but they also have a history of bouncing back in the first quarter after tough losses.
The Raiders, while not great, have shown that they can capitalize on defensive lapses, and the Saints’ pass defense has been shaky at times, ranking 28th in the league. This could lead to some early scoring opportunities.
Ultimately, while both teams have their issues, the potential for at least one touchdown in the first quarter is there.
The matchup may not be the most glamorous, but the betting angle is clear: take the Over 7 points in the first quarter.
It’s a low total that could easily be eclipsed if either team finds their rhythm early. So, as you gear up for this matchup, keep an eye on that first quarter total—it might just be the best bet on the board.
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
