Eagles vs. Saints -- Week 9

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans (turf, indoors)

When: Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Spread: Saints by 3

Records: Eagles (Overall: 3-4; NFC East: 1-0); Saints (Overall: 2-5; NFC South: 1-1)

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Sept. 20, 2009: Saints 48, Eagles 22; Dec. 23, 2007: Eagles 38, Saints 23. Series record: Eagles lead 16-11-0.

What matters: If the Eagles are going to turn their season around, it has to start this week. They had a players-only meeting on Wednesday to clear the air and we’ll find out on Monday night whether  that meeting had an impact. The Eagles’ season is on the verge of imploding and another terrible game like last week’s 30-17 loss to Atlanta could be the final blow. On the other hand, if they win, they have two straight games against NFC East teams and could possibly get on nice roll to end the season. The Eagles are still very much in the playoff race, but time’s a wastin’ if they don’t want this to be Andy Reid’s last hurrah.

Who matters: This past week, Michael Vick had to deal with rumors and speculation he was going to lose his starting job, and even though Reid gave him a solid vote of confidence, Vick is still on the hot seat. He said he needs to stop being cautious and has to play with the freewheeling style that has brought him fame and fortune. But another bad game and the calls for backup QB Nick Foles will get louder and louder. Another reason Vick needs to shine on Monday night: He’s playing against the worst-rated defense in the entire league, and if he can’t light up the Saints then perhaps it is time for a change.

Key matchups: Eagles DEs Trent Cole and Jason Babin vs. OTs Jermon Bushrod and Zach Strief. The Eagles absolutely, positively have to get pressure on Saints QB Drew Brees, because no QB alive is better at picking apart a defense if he has the time. Brees isn’t much of a threat to run and the Eagles need to get some early hits on him so Brees is thinking about them and not his receivers. … Eagles MLB DeMeco Ryans vs. RB Darren Sproles. The speedy Sproles can give a defense fits and Ryans and the other LBs have to make sure that when Sproles catches a pass they tackle him right away and don’t let him turn a short reception into a big gain.

Injuries of note: G Danny Watkins probably won’t play because of a sprained ankle, which means rookie Dennis Kelly will make his second NFL start at RG; WR Mardy Gilyard (hamstring) is out, so Damaris Johnson will resume his duties as punt returner; S Nate Allen missed practice time this week with a pulled hamstring. If he can’t play on Monday night, David Sims will start at SS.

Connections: Saints interim head coach Joe Vitt grew up in South Jersey as an Eagles fan and he was linebackers coach under coach Ray Rhodes with the Eagles from 1995-98; Saints DR Brodrick Bunkley was a first-round pick of the Eagles in 2006 and played with them for five seasons.

Inside stuff: The Eagles know they have to get pressure on Brees to have a chance in this game and they also know they haven’t done a good job getting pressure on the QB this season. So, look for even more blitzing and stunting from the Eagles’ defense this week as they try everything they can to throw as many curve balls as they can at Brees and his high-powered offense.

Stats you should know: The Eagles haven’t gotten off to a good start this season, but historically they’ve had strong finishes under Reid. Since he became coach in 1999, the Eagles are 33-21-1 in November, the third-best record in the league over that span. Reid’s Eagles are also 74-42 in regular-season games in November, December and January. Also, Reid has been successful against NFC South -- he has a 16-9 record against the division, including 6-3 since 2007.

Looking ahead: Up next is the game that is the most anticipated one on the regular-season schedule every year for Eagles fans -- the Dallas Cowboys come to South Philly. Then the Eagles have another NFC East game, as they get their first look at Redskins QB Robert Griffin III. The Eagles want to keep piling up the divisional wins -- even though they’re 3-4 overall, they are 1-0 in NFC East and you never know when you’ll need that divisional tiebreaker at the end of the season.

Prediction: Saints 31, Eagles 27

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.