The New Orleans Saints have been one of the best regular-season teams but always struggle in the playoffs. They had very little money to spend on free agents along with only 4 draft picks, but their team improved. With this season shaping up to be Drew Brees’ last season, it’s also one of their last chances to potentially compete for a Super Bowl.
Week 1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – (W) 1-0
The first matchup between Tom Brady and the new-look Buccaneers against the Saints ends in a win for the hosts. New Orleans is one of the toughest places to play in, and with this being Brady’s first game in Tampa, I expect a couple of miscommunications to occur in the game. Brees will start his final season with a bang and outplay Brady en route to a Saints victory.
Week 2: @ Las Vegas Raiders – (W) 2-0
Although the Raiders made some moves to upgrade their linebacker and safety positions, their cornerbacks are very weak. Michael Thomas will have a field day, along with Emmanuel Sanders, especially with Damon Arnette being the Raiders’ #1 corner. The Saints will be able to shut down the Raiders’ running game, forcing Carr to make plays. With the young and unproven Raiders receiving core, I think the Saints’ weak pass defense will be able to withhold Carr from keeping up with their offense.
Week 3: Green Bay Packers – (W) 3-0
One of the most anticipated matchups of the season between Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. The Packers didn’t make any moves to improve their team and many would say their team actually got worse. However, they have AARON RODGERS and as long as he is on the field, his team will compete in any game. However, Green Bay has one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, so I expect Alvin Kamara to have a huge game. In a shootout between the Packers and Saints, I believe New Orleans will come out on top.
Week 4: @ Detroit Lions – (W) 4-0
Do I really need to explain this pick? The Lions have arguably one of the worst defenses in the NFL and the Saints should have a field day offensively. I do not expect the Lions’ offense to keep up with the Saints as New Orleans will earn their first blow out victory of the season.
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers – (W) 5-0
This is the first true test offensively for the Saints. The Chargers have one of the most underrated defenses and their secondary is ELITE. However, with question marks at quarterback, if Tyrod Taylor gets the start, I do not see the Chargers being able to put up more than 10-14 points, which will not be enough to earn a win against the Saints.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Carolina Panthers – (W) 6-0
The Saints are better than the Panthers at almost every position, not to mention they are also family with Teddy Bridgewater and his playstyle, so they should be able to slow down the Panthers’ passing game. Christian McCaffrey will do his thing, but one man isn’t outscoring Drew Brees and company.
Week 8: @ Chicago Bears – (W) 7-0
The Saints destroyed the Bears last season with Teddy Bridgewater and in the process, also destroyed Tarik Cohen.
Even pout like a little kid. pic.twitter.com/yoPAzldisf
— Geaux Getta (@Geaux_Getta) October 21, 2019
I expect this game to be a dogfight as there is a lot of bad blood between these teams. However, with a lack of a consistent (or even good) quarterback under center, the Saints should win easily.
Week 9: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – (L) 7-1
In the second and potentially final time we will ever see Drew Brees and Tom Brady matchup, the Bucs win. Now that Brady has gotten used to Tampa’s offense, I think the Bucs will fire on all cylinders. Brees will have one of the worst games of this season en route to their first loss.
Week 10: San Francisco 49ers – (L) 7-2
The 49ers are coming back even stronger than last season. They kept the Saints from getting a first-round bye when they won 48-45 in the Superdome last season. I expect a similar game to last year’s, as whichever team gets the ball last will win in a shootout game.
Week 11: Atlanta Falcons – (W) 8-2
The Falcons team will disappoint yet again. They are one-dimensional on offense as I do not think Todd Gurley will be a consistent running back due to his arthritis. Couple that with the lack of defensive improvement, and Drew Brees and Michael Thomas will feast on this secondary, dominating the Falcons.
Week 12: @ Denver Broncos – (W) 9-2
I expect this game to be another shootout as both passing attacks should overwhelm the opponents’ secondary due to the plethora of weapons at hand. This game is going to come down to experience and who can make big plays in the clutch. Brees is that player. Lock will put up a great fight but a mistake will put this game in favor of the Saints.
Week 13: @ Atlanta Falcons – (W) 10-2
Like I said earlier, the Falcons’ defense is very weak and the Saints will plummel them offensively. Clean sweep.
Week 14: @ Philadelphia Eagles – (L) 10-3
My first upset loss for the Saints comes at hands of the Eagles. Brees does not play well away from home and especially when it is freezing cold. If Wentz is healthy, I expect the Eagles to upset the Saints as Brees struggles to throw the ball throughout the game.
Week 15: Kansas City Chiefs – (L) 10-4
The former Super Bowl Champs will walk out of the Superdome with a win. Brees’ performances tend to simmer off as the season goes on and against Patrick Mahomes and the high powered offense, you cannot have an off game.
Week 16: Minnesota Vikings – (W) 11-4
The Saints will finally end their misfortunes against the Vikings with a win. With no Stefon Diggs to score a last second prayer, hopefully, Brees can have a semi-decent game (compared to their playoff game last season) and the Saints can finally get rid of the demons from Minnesota. This will be a Michael Thomas and Drew Brees revenge game, especially after the response Thomas had on Twitter after the game to go along with Brees’ performance.
Week 17: @ Carolina Panthers – (W) 12-4
The Saints are better at pretty much every position than the Panthers. I expect Brees to sit this game and for Winston to come into Carolina and get a win, which I expect to be the first of many wins for Winston as a Saint.