When could the Saints get their first win? Predicting New Orleans' remaining schedule

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

Oct. 18, 2009; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Shanle (58) picks up a fumble against the New York Giants during 2nd quarter of their game at the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints defeated the Giants 48-27. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

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

Sep 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) breaks up a pass intended by New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandon Coleman (16) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Patriots won, 36-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

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

CHICAGO - JANUARY 21: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball for an 88-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against Lance Briggs #55 and Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears during the NFC Championship Game January 21, 2007 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) runs away from the tackle of New Orleans Saints safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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

Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) catches a pass against New Orleans Saints safety Ugo Amadi (0) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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

Nov 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) is hit by Carolina Panthers safety Demani Richardson (36) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

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

Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmets on the team bench against the Chicago Bears during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Week 12: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux (40) breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) in the second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

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

Dec 27, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) shakes hands with New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway (1) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints runs in a touchdown after intercepting Jameis Winston #3 during the fourth quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

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

Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Jordan Fuller (20) pushes New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) out of bounds during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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

October 4, 2009; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson (19) tries to break free from New York Jets cornerback Dwight Lowery (21) during 1st half of the game at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

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

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 14: Juwan Johnson #83 of the New Orleans Saints signs an autograph for a fan after the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)

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

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Nathan Shepherd #93 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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