Heading into Week 5 -- with patience from the fanbase beginning to wear thin -- many are wondering when the Saints will finally break through.
After Sunday’s loss in Buffalo, the New Orleans Saints remain in search of their first win of the season, now sitting at 0-4. Not many expected a different outcome when looking at the team’s early schedule, as they’ve faced a true gauntlet through the first quarter of the year.
Heading into Week 5 -- with patience from the fanbase beginning to wear thin -- many are wondering when the Saints will finally break through. Could it come this weekend against the New York Giants, who just stunned the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers? Or perhaps the following week, when Drake Maye and the Patriots come to town?
As difficult as it is to predict when a winless team will finally get over the hump, we’ve decided to take on the challenge of finding that first victory. This is a team that’s shown flashes of promise but hasn’t quite put it all together yet. Hopefully, that breakthrough comes sooner rather than later.
With that said, we’re predicting the rest of the way for the New Orleans Saints -- forecasting the outcome of all 14 remaining games on their schedule.
A long way to go, but let’s get to it:
Week 5: vs. New York Giants
Last week’s game against Buffalo showed us Kellen Moore’s ability to rebound and have his team ready to compete after a tough loss. I think he takes that a step further this weekend, earning his first win as head coach against Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants.
Prediction: WIN (1-4)
Week 6: vs. New England Patriots
The Patriots head to the Superdome fresh off a Sunday Night Football matchup with the Buffalo Bills -- a team that’s been playing at a high level defensively and could pose some real challenges for New Orleans. I’ll say the Saints fall just short in this one, dropping a tightly contested battle.
Prediction: LOSS (1-5)
Week 7: @ Chicago Bears
The Saints travel to Chicago to face a Bears team coming off a short week following their Monday night matchup with Washington. While the Bears have been playing some inspired football lately, I think New Orleans will be the more prepared team in this one. I’m taking the Saints on the road.
Prediction: WIN (2-5)
Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I don’t see the Saints pulling this one out against Tampa Bay. With a healthy Chris Godwin back in the mix, the Buccaneers’ offense should be too much for the Saints’ secondary to handle.
Prediction: LOSS (2-6)
Week 9: @ Los Angeles Rams
Same deal here -- Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should have a field day against this Saints defense.
Prediction: LOSS (2-7)
Week 10: @ Carolina Panthers
The Saints could very well pull out a win here, but I’ll give the edge to the Panthers at home in a close one.
Prediction: LOSS (2-8)
Week 11: Bye
Week 12: vs. Atlanta Falcons
This team tends to play inspired football against Atlanta at home. I think the Saints’ front seven finds a way to disrupt Michael Penix Jr. and make things difficult for the rookie. I’ll take New Orleans in this one.
Prediction: WIN (3-8)
Week 13: @ Miami Dolphins
Miami’s offense is loaded with explosive playmakers who can strike at any moment, even after Tyreek Hill's unfortunate knee injury. It’s hard to see the Saints being fully prepared to contain that kind of speed and versatility.
Prediction: LOSS (3-9)
Week 14: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I believe the Saints will get their revenge on Tampa the second time around, learning from where they fell short in the first matchup. This one should come down to preparation -- and I think Kellen Moore will have his team ready.
Prediction: WIN (4-9)
Week 15: vs. Carolina Panthers
I’ve got the Saints starting a two-game winning streak here, splitting the season series with Carolina. I’m expecting a strong showing from the defensive front, who should be able to create plenty of pressure on Bryce Young.
Prediction: WIN (5-9)
Week 16: vs. New York Jets
The Saints should have a tough time containing Justin Fields, whose ability to create plays with his legs can change the game in an instant. I’m taking the Jets by a couple of scores in this one.
Prediction: LOSS (5-10)
Week 17: @ Tennessee Titans
This one’s tough to call, but I think it comes down to timing. By this point in the season, Cam Ward will have nearly a full year of experience under his belt and should be playing his best football. I’ve got Tennessee taking this one.
Prediction: LOSS (5-11)
Week 18: @ Atlanta Falcons
Another split here with a divisional opponent. Depending on how Atlanta’s season unfolds, they could be fighting for a Wild Card spot by this point — and that extra motivation might give them the edge. I’ll take the Falcons to win a close one to close out the regular season.
Prediction: LOSS (5-12)
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Updating New Orleans Saints' schedule predictions after 0-4 start
Category: Football