Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. In spite of his multiple records and accomplishments, in the postseason his record is not that great. Brees is 7-6 in the playoffs with two one-and-done seasons. Over his last three playoff runs, he’s tossed seven of his nine career postseason interceptions.
Now, to balance that he’s tossed 14 touchdowns, but Brees can be mortal at times, especially on the NFL’s biggest stage. Realizing that, how many passing yards will the New Orleans Saints quarterback reach in his NFC Divisional Round match up against the Philadelphia Eagles? BetDSI has a prop specifically asking that question?
Will Drew Brees pass for more than 275 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Playoffs?
First off, it’s important to realize, as well as he’s played this season, this has not been a typical Drew Brees season. Brees has completed 74.4 percent of his passes to lead the league, but his 3,992 passing yardage total is his lowest since 2005. His 364 completions is his lowest total since 2009 and his 489 attempts is his lowest since 2004.
On the flip side, because he’s not throwing as much, he posted a career-low five interceptions this season while still tossing a ridiculous 32 touchdowns. The NFL Most Valuable Player race is down to him and Patrick Mahomes and no one will complain too hard if either guy takes home the hardware.
Drew Brees set the record for highest adjusted completion percentage this season – and he's back on the field this weekend! pic.twitter.com/2sCamwYI0J
— PFF (@PFF) January 10, 2019
For his career, Brees is averaging 323.8 yards per playoff game so there’s plenty of reasons to feel good about betting the over. But if you look at this season, Brees has only eclipsed 275 yards six times in 16 starts. In fact, Brees has been below 204 yards five times and four of those games have been in his last five starts.
The last time the Saints played the Eagles, Brees passed all over them. It was one of his best games of the year as he completed 22-of-30 for 363 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. New Orleans won the game 48-7.
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Of course, that was regular season (and non Nick Foles) Philadelphia. They’re a whole different monster on both sides of the ball now.
In the playoffs last season, Brees surpassed 275 yards in both games, including New Orleans’ 29-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round.
#TBT every Drew Brees playoff touchdown!#GoSaints pic.twitter.com/tcOkpFrw5g
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 10, 2019
Philadelphia’s defense is coming in off a lock-down performance against the Chicago Bears and quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. In spite of giving up just 15 points, Trubisky did pass for 303 yards and as good as the young quarterback is, he’s no Drew Brees.
The safest call here is to bet the over. While Brees hasn’t been lighting it up yardage-wise over the last month, he and head coach Sean Payton have had an extra week to prepare. His weapons should be healthier and even if he’s still tossing the ball to a bunch of guys who should be Fudrucker’s Grillmasters and Subway Sandwich Artists instead of NFL wideouts. All his receivers should be much better prepared to face a Philly defense more than willing to surrender yardage, if not points.
