Bodog Beat

Drew Brees and the Saints still have a shot at a winning season. (AI Wire photo)

• New Orleans at Atlanta (+6.5), Monday, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN, BodogLIVE)

No Michael Vick. No Reggie Bush. Next to no playoff hopes.

ESPN couldn’t pick a worse way to kick off its coverage of the NFL stretch drive than to present this turkey of a game in primetime. But that’s the beauty of gambling, every game counts. Even the most unattractive matchups presents the opportunity to cash in.

Both teams average less than 100 yards rushing, which means that this one will likely be decided by the aerial game and defense. The Saints have the edge at quarterback with Drew Brees, who’s struggled but is also better than whoever the Falcons trot out.

Atlanta may go with youngster Chris Redman, who got in the game last week and didn’t look so good. The Falcons (3-9 overall, 6-6 against the point spread) have lost three straight, but they are 8-4 versus the Saints in the last 12 meetings at the Georgia Dome.

New Orleans (5-7 overall, 4-8 ATS) isn’t going to have Bush available. He has a tear in knee ligament and could be out for the rest of the year.

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