What Drew Brees' Return Means For Chiefs vs. Saints, Point Spread Moves

The New Orleans Saints are getting their star quarterback just in time as Drew Brees is set to return to the field for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brees has missed the last four games after suffering 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung. The signal-caller has been cleared to play, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, improving New Orleans’ chances of pulling off the upset in Week 15.

Kansas City is the consensus best team in the league. Led by reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have an NFL-best 12-1 record. Dating back to 2019, Kansas City has won 19 of its last 20 games.

New Orleans is considered one of the few teams that could potentially dethrone Kansas City. The Saints are 10-3, tied for the best record in the NFC, despite backup quarterback Taysom Hill being thrust into the starting lineup for the last month.

The Saints have won three of four games with Hill under center. However, it’s been New Orleans’ defense that’s kept the team near the top of the standings.

Only the Los Angeles Rams have allowed fewer total yards than the Saints. New Orleans is giving up only 11.3 points per game over its last six contests.

The Chiefs rank first overall in total offense. The Saints will have to put some points on the scoreboard in order to compete with the league’s most explosive team.

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated New Orleans 24-21 in Week 14. It marked the fourth time in five games that the Saints were held below 30 points.

With Hill under center, New Orleans is averaging 24.3 points per game. The Saints have scored 30.1 points per game with Brees at quarterback, going 7-2 before the future Hall of Famer got hurt. Hill averages 188 passing yards per start compared to Brees’ 252.3 yards through the air.

Bettors seem to recognize that Brees gives the Saints a better chance to win Sunday. Kansas City was a 3-point favorite Friday morning at FanDuel Sportsbook before it was reported that Brees would play. In light of the news, the betting line dropped to 2.5 points.

The Chiefs were favored by 3.5 points earlier in the week. The point spread moved amid speculation that Brees might be able to return.

Even at 41 years old, Brees continues to put up more impressive numbers than most quarterbacks. In nine starts, he has a 110.0 passer rating with 18 touchdown passes and three interceptions.