Obviously, the game of football is not the most important thing right now, as most of New Orleans remains without power. Furthermore, the New Orleans Saints are playing in Jacksonville against the Green Bay Packers due to ongoing efforts to fix the damage from Hurricane Ida. This is the cards they are dealt, and it’s possible the Saints will not play a home game till Halloween. Regardless, it’s Saints prediction time.
Saints 2021 Record Preview
Be that as it may, opponents will not be taking it easy on the Saints. And the 2021 season is beginning this week. Sean Payton knows how important the first six games are. The Saints are known for slow starts, and the hardest stretch could be those first six games. At least five of the first six scheduled will be away from the Caesars Superdome. This includes this weekend in Jacksonville.
The last five games look to be the light part of the schedule which include the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. Surely, there are always surprises by teams improving from last year. Nonetheless, the Saints start fresh with a new quarterback. Expectations are low. Especially with all the challenges off the field. In a way, the Saints are under the radar. Here are the Saints predictions broken up in four quarters.
First Quarter of the Season
Besides the Green Bay Packers, none of the other three teams, New York Giants, New England Patriots or the Carolina Panthers, made the playoffs. However, being on the road for at least three weeks straight present a formidable challenge. The Saints need to find a way to stay relevant here. Here are the predictions for the first four games
Week 1- Packers 38 Saints 21
Week 2- Saints 24 Panthers 20
Week 3- Patriots 16 Saints 10
Week 4- Saints 31 Giants 20
Preview of Saints 2021 record after first four games: 2-2
Second Quarter of the Season
This four game stretch is brutal. Three of the four were playoff teams. In addition, the fifth game starts a with a tough Washington Football Team. Washington now has quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and a stout defense. Points will be hard to find. After Washington, the Saints get a bye and then travel to Seattle.
Without a doubt, Seattle is one of the hardest venues to play in. Finally, the Saints are guaranteed to play a home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This stretch will give an insight for the whole season. Expect Jameis Winston to struggle early in the season, but he should see progress by Week 7.
Week 5- Redskins 20 Saints 9
Week 6- Bye
Week 7- Saints 26 Seahawks 24
Week 8- Saints 35 Bucs 31
Week 9- Saints 44 Falcons 35
Preview of Saints 2021 record after eight games: 5-3
Third Quarter of the Season
This stretch contain two national games on Thursday. That includes a Thanksgiving game versus the Buffalo Bills. Saints usually start hitting a stride by early December. So there is a precedent for a rally here. However, weather could play a factor in Philadelphia in late November.
At the same time, momentum is building starting off 5-3. Two of the four were playoff teams. And supposedly the Dallas Cowboys are NFC contenders. (Not buying it.) On the other hand, the Saints offense continue to search for a rhythm. Scoring over 24 points is harder in 2021 with a whole new receiving corps. Unfortunately, the Saints lose ground here. To put it another way, this season will be like any other.
Week 10- Titans 41 Saints 24
Week 11- Eagles 13 Saints 7
Week 12- Saints 28 Bills 27
Week 13- Cowboys 23 Saints 21
Preview of Saints 2021 record after 12 games: 6-6
Fourth Quarter of the Season
The next four games provide a break from any scary foes. The one tough game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be definitively challenging. Granted, the Miami Dolphins did make the playoffs last year; yet, nothing stands out as treacherous there. And the Saints get the Dolphins at home.
There is a realistic chance to win out the rest of the way. Unfortunately, this team is simply too inconsistent on offense. Even with Alvin Kamara making a run at the MVP.
Week 14- Jets 38 Saints 31
Week 15- Saints 20 Bucs 17
Week 16- Saints 45 Dolphins 35
Week 17- Panthers 35 Saints 34
Preview of Saints 2021 record after 16 games: 8-8
Wait, there is one more game. The 17th game of the season is left against the hapless Atlanta Falcons. Saints win this easily.
Saints 49 Falcons 20
Final record 9-8
Summary of the New Orleans Saints 2021 Record Preview
In summary, the Saints have too many unknowns to make many definitive predictions. Going 9-8 surely would be considered a success. Of course, if the Saints can slide into the playoffs anything can happen. Winston surpasses expectations with 30 touchdowns against only 13 interceptions. Additionally, the Saints have a an opportunity to grab a Wild Card. All things considered, the Saints make due and have a winning season.
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