Chris Olave unlikely to play during Saints-Giants matchup
The New Orleans Saints have had a disappointing season, thus far, but are still in the playoff race as they host the New York Giants in Week 15.A win would go a long way toward keeping the Saints' postseason hopes alive. Right now, they currently have a 35% chance of making the playoffs and a […]
The New Orleans Saints have had a disappointing season, thus far, but are still in the playoff race as they host the New York Giants in Week 15.
A win would go a long way toward keeping the Saints' postseason hopes alive. Right now, they currently have a 35% chance of making the playoffs and a 29% chance of winning the NFC South, per the New York Times' playoff machine. If they beat the Giants then their chances of making the playoffs go up about seven-percent. They'll rise even more if the Green Bay Packers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and if the Carolina Panthers beat the Atlanta Falcons.
In other words: Today's matchup against the Giants is an important one.
That's why the latest news surrounding star wide receiver, Chris Olave, is disappointing. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Olave is a game-time decision, but there isn't much optimism regarding his availability. It's very likely his ankle injury prevents him from playing against the Giants.
That's not the best development for the Saints offense, as the unit will go up against a tough Giants defense that has been good, lately. Wink Martindale's crew has allowed the fourth-fewest points per game (16.0) and the ninth-lowest passing yards per game (203.0) over the last three weeks. The key, here, will be taking advantage of the Giants' run defense, which has allowed the the sixth-most rushing yards per game (148.0) over the same span.
Olave's ability to make big plays and stretch the field would certainly come in handy and it obviously won't help if he's not in the game. The good news is Rashid Shaheed set to return after missing Week 14's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Shaheed is a big play just waiting to happen and has deep speed of his own, so that'll help open up some running lanes.
Either way, the Saints have to find a way to score points, because this game is a must-have. If they don't then the next three weeks are going to be even more pressing when it comes to trying to make the playoffs.
