Prior to Sunday’s game against the Steelers, Sean Payton stressed how much turnovers and giving up too many of them can ultimately lose a game. Against the Baltimore Ravens 3 weeks ago, the offense turned the ball over five times in a 35-22 loss. Last week in a game that was close throughout, 3 costly turnovers played a major part in the 38-31 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  In a game that Saints’ running back Reggie Bush scored his first rushing touchdown and Marques Colston once again surpassing the 100 yard mark receiving, 5 fumbles (3 lost) gave the Steelers plenty of good field positioning and scoring opportunities. Willie Parker’s 213 yards on the ground and Ben Roethlisberger’s 3 touchdowns were just enough offensively to keep the game out of reach. When the Cincinnati Bengals come into New Orleans on Sunday, many fans are expecting an air show inside of the Superdome. However, those same fans would rather an offense that is more efficient taking care of the ball if it means a victory at the end of the day.

Saints Quarterback vs. Bengals Defense: Quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL in passing yards and will continue to show the league what kind of potent passing attack New Orleans has to offer. With Joe Horn expecting to suit up on Sunday, the Bengals defense will have one more player on offense to worry about this week. Advantage: Saints

Saints Running Backs vs. Bengals Linebackers: The Bengals’ front seven are designed to bend but not break. Sure, they gave up 104 yards to L.T. on Sunday which is pretty good, but he also scored 4 times showing the resistance of the Bengals’ linebackers. Deuce and Reggie should combine for 125 and cross the goal line at least once in the contest. Advantage: Saints

Saints Wide Receivers vs. Bengals Secondary: Keep an eye out for Joe Horn this week. “Hollywood” will be making his way back onto the field after 2 weeks with a groin injury and should have a good game. This is because of Marques Colston and his huge target DBs throughout the league have been putting on him since claiming “go-to receiver” status in lieu of Horn’s absence. This only makes the Saints’ passing attack stronger and the Bengals’ secondary weaker. Advantage: Saints

Saints Offensive Line vs. Bengals Defensive Line: The return of Jamaal Brown off injury paid dividends last week in giving Drew Brees ample throwing time against the Steelers. The Bengals’ D-Line has size in the middle and speed at the ends, so don’t be surprised if you hear defensive end Robert Geathers or defensive tackle Sam Adams’ named called by the P.A. announcer. Advantage: Bengals

Saints Defense vs. Bengals Quarterback: If Carson Palmer wouldn’t have gotten injured last year, he’d arguably be one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the league. There is no doubt about it that he can still beat you with his arm and with a weapon of mass destruction like Chad Johnson at his disposal, scoring on every drive is highly possible. Advantage: Bengals

Saints Linebackers vs. Bengals Running Backs: Rudi Johnson has got to be one of the most underrated backs in the league. He can put up 100 yards every Sunday if he just got the touches he wanted. If the passing game isn’t working early, expect Marvin Lewis to revert to riding his work horse against an average Saints’ linebacking corps. Advantage: Bengals

Saints Secondary vs. Bengals Wide Receivers: ¡Ocho Cinco es muy bueno! There is only one man that can stop Chad Johnson from getting into the end zone, and that is Carson Palmer. Mike McKenzie doesn’t have a chance without help over the top and if that happens, T.J. Houshmandzadeh will have a huge game one-on-one on the opposite side of the field. Advantage: Bengals

Saints Defensive Line vs. Bengals Offensive Line: I don’t really know what to say about a defensive line that dominates one week and doesn’t show up the next. They’ll bounce back after a horrible outing against Pittsburgh but this match up can definitely go either way. Advantage: Push

Saints Special Teams vs. Bengals Special Teams: Special Teams just hasn’t been a factor for these two teams in the past couple of weeks and will continue this week. Punts and kickoffs will be the perfect time to get a head start on refilling your drinks. Advantage: Push

Keys to Victory: This game will either be a shootout or a blowout depending on the defense (or lack thereof). The key to victory this week is two-fold. 1) The defensive line must get in the backfield and disrupt the timing of the passing game. 2) The X-Factor in this game, Mike McKenzie, must have an outstanding game one on one against number 85. If he can hold his own in man coverage against Chad Johnson; the Saints will be able to utilize both safeties over the top in deep coverage. On Sunday, all bets will off in a game with two similar teams.

Contact Jody @ jlavig4@lsu.edu