New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints Thursday night in Chicago, the New Orleans Saints head to Soldier Field to take on the Bears. Odds makers are calling the Bears home favorites as both teams look to keep their playoff hopes alive. NFL betting odds have Chicago at -3 with the total sitting at 45.

Both the Bears and the Saints took care of business on Sunday to remain in the hunt at 7-6, but they will have to prepare quickly in order to get ready for this Thursday night game. Right now these two are on the outside looking in and time is running out.

Chicago has a much better postseason outlook as they trail the first place Vikings by just one game in the NFC North. The Bears dismantled the Saints 39-14 two years ago at Soldier Field in the NFC championship game. Then they ended New Orleans' postseason chances with a 33-25 victory in the finale last season.

"They came here twice, and we beat them, so I'm going to say we're probably going to have the
advantage," said Chicago defensive back Danieal Manning. "But we have to go to work and study."

The Saints are three games back of the NFC South-leading Carolina Panthers with three to go, so they are most likely looking for a wild card spot.

New Orleans has stayed in the hut largely due to the play of quarterback Drew Brees and coach Sean Payton's pass-crazy offense. However, Thursday night in Chicago the Saints might have to rely more on the run if the weather makes passing tough.

As on late, the Saints have received a huge boost in the run game from second-year running back Pierre Thomas' outstanding play. With Reggie Bush trying to work his way back from knee surgery, and Deuce McAllister showing his age, the Saints and Thomas have rushed for 311 yards and four touchdowns in his last four games, including a season-high 184 yards in a 29-25 win over Atlanta last week.

Look for a balance in the running and passing games out of the Saints on Thursday. Take New Orleans getting the 3 points.