NO does have little to no running game, and Colston is out. But, NO is 10-6 on the road since Payton became the HC (not incl preseason and playoff).
Colston is out (and he's on my fantasy team... bitch) but Brees spreads the ball around better than any QB in the league. The Saints will still throw 35-45 times, and the Saints will still get their points. The problem becomes then, can the Saints win if they cannot control the clock?
I think this game boils down to WSH offense vs NO defense. Can Washington hang points on the board to keep up with the Saints?
Clinton Portis will get his usual workload and should have a good game. Campbell will be the weak spot for the Saints' D to attack. Campbell is not progressing as a QB. He cannot look down the field, and consistently throws to his underneath receiver or drop off route (evidence: look at the times Randle El was targeted when Washington was trying to comeback vs NYG). If the Saints DL can get after Campbell like they got after Garcia last week, then NO will have success.
Look at the first half and expect that tempo and style to continue throughout the game. If NO cannot move the ball AND score, then Washington can rely on Portis. And if this is the case, then expect a close game throughout with Washington likely winning the game. If NO can score early and often, then Washington is in trouble. The game will then rely on Campbell, who I believe does not have the ability to carry his team to victory. The Saints will get after Campbell, force mistakes and punts, and the Washington defense could look anemic like they did against NYG.
I'm not betting it, but there's my analysis. GL gents