New York: The New York Giants (1–3) travel to face the winless New Orleans Saints (0–4) in what could be a turning point for both squads.
The Saints enter as 1.5-point underdogs at home, according to current betting lines. New Orleans, despite a rough start, showed signs of life in their recent game — limiting penalties and putting pressure on Josh Allen, sacking him three times. Meanwhile, the Giants are riding momentum after finally grabbing a win in Week 4 by upsetting the previously undefeated Chargers 21–18.
But this isn’t a simple walk in the park. The Giants are up against adversity: star wide receiver Malik Nabers is out for the season after tearing his ACL, leaving a void in the offense. On top of that, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will make his second NFL start, this time on the road. Dart also carries extra motivation — he was passed over by the Saints during the draft.
Defensively, New York’s pass rush has been a bright spot. The unit pressured Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert hard and got two key interceptions. Their weak link has been run defense, which ranks near the bottom of the league, giving up big rushing yards. If New Orleans leans on the ground game, that could be their best path to stay competitive.
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Mike Francesa Podcast: Francesa Five Week 5 Picks
On his weekly “Francesa Five” segment, Mike Francesa lays out his top NFL predictions, including the Giants vs Saints matchup.
While Francesa covers multiple games, his take on Giants vs Saints is especially insightful. In his video discussion, he breaks down the odds, matchups, and hidden edges.
Although he doesn’t always explicitly state a final score in the clip, his leanings (based on the way he frames his analysis) often hint toward the Giants pulling off a narrow win.
His approach typically factors in:
- Betting spreads and line movement
- Injuries and momentum
- Quarterback matchups
- Recent trends and situational strengths
Francesa often emphasizes that underdog or “dark horse” picks can carry value in the weekly slate, especially when games appear tight on paper.
Predictions & Insights for Week 5
Based on game data, Francesa’s style, and recent performance trends, here are three possible outcomes to watch — and one I favor:
| Scenario | What Might Happen | Likelihood |
| Giants Ride Momentum | New York keeps pressure on the Saints’ offense, Dart protects the ball, and pass rush creates havoc. | Moderate to High |
| Saints Bounce Back at Home | New Orleans leans on a strong ground game, slows tempo, and exploits the Giants’ run defense. | Moderate |
| Close, Low-Scoring Battle | Both defenses show up; offense struggles; final result decided by one turnover. | High |
| My Pick: Giants Edge It | I expect a 23–20 Giants win. The line is slim, but New York seems positioned for a narrow victory. | My lean |
Reasoning Behind the Lean
- Momentum & Confidence: After breaking through for a win, the Giants carry momentum.
- Matchup Edges: Their pass rush can disrupt, and New Orleans has been inconsistent.
- Quarterback Factor: Dart is on the rise; if he shows poise again, it tilts the day toward New York.
- Motivation: That chip on Dart’s shoulder (knowing the Saints passed on him) adds an emotional edge.
Still, this is a pick with razor-thin margins. If the Saints establish the run early or force mistakes, they can stay in it.
What to Watch Live
- Jaxson Dart’s handling of pressure — can he avoid sacks and turnovers in hostile territory?
- Saints’ run game effectiveness — if they dominate on the ground, Giants’ weak run defense becomes a liability.
- Turnovers & penalties — as always, small mistakes will likely decide this tight contest.
- Line movement — keep an eye on the betting line live; Francesa often notes how late shifts can signal insider leanings.
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In “Francesa Five,” Mike Francesa doesn’t just pick winners — he reveals thought processes, betting angles, and value plays. For Giants vs Saints, his tone suggests a lean toward the Giants in a tight battle.
That said, NFL predictions are never guarantees — this game has all the makings of a nail-biter. I lean Giants 23–20, but expect a close Sunday down to the final minutes.
