During July, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the New Orleans Saints easiest games are the focus.
New Orleans Saints Easiest Games in 2016
9. Week 12 vs. Rams
Despite the Saints being better on paper in recent years, the Rams have dominated New Orleans thanks to its defensive line. Known for its front four for roughly a three-season stretch, the Rams were able to overpower the Saints–a team traditionally categorized as finesse–at the line of scrimmage via the pass rush and backfield disruption. Even in the midst of its 2009 title run, New Orleans needed a grind-out effort to garner the triumph. Although Chris Long is gone, the Rams still have Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn in the fold. Despite its defensive success, Los Angeles’ ineptitude on offense will cause them to struggle against the Black and Gold, particularly with rookie quarterback Jared Goff. Granted, rookie signal-callers have put on shows in the Superdome (i.e. Robert Griffin III, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota), but Goff doesn’t have the same talent.
10. Week 13 vs. Lions
New Orleans has dominated the Lions during the Sean Payton–Drew Brees era, but Detroit is riding a two-game winning streak. Since 2011, this matchup has given fans of scoring much to look forward to. The most significant difference this time around will be the absence of Calvin Johnson due to his retirement. Golden Tate is a Pro Bowler, but he doesn’t strike the same fear into opponents as Megatron did. Limiting Tate would bode well for an anemic Saints defense.
11. Week 14 vs. Buccaneers
The Saints generally have success in Tampa, but teams usually perform better on their home turf. Jameis Winston will still have Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson to throw to, and if tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins can stay healthy, he’s another weapon. Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin isn’t someone to overlook either. Fortunately, the Saints have the adequate pieces to counter Tampa Bay. As long as New Orleans can gameplan around defenders Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David, they’ll be a decent shape.
12. Week 16 vs. Buccaneers
New Orleans will look to avenge its 2015 home defeat in this late-season tilt. When the Saints lost to the Bucs last September, their offense was sporadic and failed to click on all cylinders. Their ineffectiveness made Winston’s workload much simpler. With another year under everyone’s belt, New Orleans should have better results this time around.
13. Week 17 at Falcons
The Saints conclude their 2016 campaign in Atlanta, hoping to be in position to sweep their southern foes yet again. Despite their 7-3 record in the Georgia Dome the past decade, New Orleans is 2-2 in their last four trips. The outcomes have been very unpredictable in terms of scoring. From the Monday Night Football defensive struggle in 2010 to the 37-34 overtime affair, this city never shows its hand for this matchup. Both teams have Pro Bowl-tier players on offense, but thanks to history, the defenders have an opportunity to make a difference.
14. Week 3 vs. Falcons
Saints versus Falcons is the NFC South’s fiercest rivalry, but New Orleans has had its number against its nemesis from Georgia. Since 2006, the Saints have won 15 of the 20 matchups against Atlanta, including six sweeps of the biannual meeting. Boasting an 8-2 home record in that span, New Orleans is in prime position to capture victory number nine. On the field of play, the Saints concern will be containing wideouts Mohamed Sanu and, of course, Julio Jones. Easily one of the best pass catchers in football, New Orleans can find solace in how cornerback Delvin Breaux neutralized Atlanta’s premier target last season at home. Based on history, this will be a favorable matchup for the Saints.
15. Week 9 at 49ers
The Saints and 49ers played some contentious battles from 2011-2013, but this year’s meeting won’t live up to the past hype. In just two years, San Francisco has gone from Super Bowl contender to league bottom-feeder. New Orleans has underachieved the last two seasons as well, but their foundation in the front office and on the sideline is more stable. Both a Super Bowl champion coach and quarterback will have an edge by default over a third-year coach and backup-level signal-caller. The 49ers defense is still talented, but it’s not nearly as ferocious as it was during the Jim Harbaugh era. With these realities in consideration, the Saints should have a fairly easy time in the Bay Area.
16. Week 4 at Chargers
The Saints are 2-0 against the Chargers in the Sean Payton–Drew Brees era, winning both shootouts (2008 and 2012) by a combined total of 12 points. Although neither team’s offense is as explosive as they were four years ago, Brees against Philip Rivers is a passing battle still worth watching. Wide receivers Keenan Allen and newly-acquired Travis Benjamin will be a tough tandem for the Saints secondary, but it shouldn’t be too detrimental. Even though they have Pro Bowl cornerback Jason Verrett, San Diego lost star safety Eric Weddle in free agency. Don’t be surprised to see the Saints attack the coverage defenders.
Check out the New Orleans Saints Most Difficult Games in 2016.
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