The NFL is now in full offseason mode. At this point, all teams are equal. Hope is prevalent. There is no other time where fans are head over heels for their team to win the Lombardi Trophy in 2024. May is the month of optimism. No one can be excluded. Even some New Orleans Saints predictions are optimistic.
Saints way too Early Predictions for 2023
The Saints come into the 2023 NFL season as the favorite to win the NFC South. The last years’ winner — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished at 8-9. All the other three teams finished one game behind at 7-10. The chances of a repeat winner with a losing record are extremely unlikely. Regardless, someone has to win the NFC South. The Saints are primed to compete. Here are the way too early predictions for the Saints:
First Quarter of the Season
The NFL dealt the Saints a deluge of rookie quarterbacks from top to bottom. The first four games sets the tone of the season. Or the results could turn optimism into pessimism quickly. The two conference games against the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers loom large early. Saints have to split these at minimum. If Alvin Kamara misses these first four games — a quick start will be welcomed.
Record After Four Games 2-2
Second Quarter is Critical
The next four games separates teams from the pretenders to the contenders. From games five to eight is where a team really starts to gel or fall. Especially with the addition of new quarterback Derek Carr, these four games are the point of no return. The second quarter of the season starts with two road games back to back against the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans.
The Saints have a 5-10 record all-time versus the Patriots. That being said, the Patriots are far from the dominant AFC juggernaut with Tom Brady at the helm. Another split here is all the Saints need to show Who Dat Nation that this team can compete consistently. The hard part of this stretch involves a Thursday Night Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at home.
The short turnaround will test the fortitude of the Saints early. The Saint lose to the Jaguars but win against the Indianapolis Colts.
Record After Eight Games 4-4
Third Quarter Shows Playoff Potential
The next four games are vastly different than the previous four. A bye week comes after two more games in Week 11 — being at the perfect time to help injuries heal for a stretch run. The Saints running game starts to take over the identity of this team. Alvin Kamara comes back to join the tandem of Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller. The Saints start off by winning the first two games going into the bye week. Sitting at 6-4 is absolutely ideal — going into the last seven games of the season.
The secondary struggles a bit the next couple game but still pull out an overtime victory of the red hot Detroit Lions. Look for the Saints to average about 21-24 points over the course of the season. Tight games will continue, but this time the Saints win this quarter.
Record After Twelve Games 7-5
Final Stretch of Games Tell the Story
Having three of the last fives at home provides home field advantage. And only one team of the five had a winning record — The New York Giants. Look for the Giants to be one of the top teams to come out of the NFC when all is said and done. These last five games — special teams proves to be the difference. Flipping the field and making big kicks from Wil Lutz will be the crucial. Another game on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams on a short week is another key matchup. Saints win on a last second field goal.
One last game against the Atlanta Falcons could be the difference between making the playoffs or sitting home in January. Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 41-14 to finish the last quarter 3-2. A two game improvement is a start from last year — winning 10 games. That should be enough to clinch a playoff berth in these Saints predictions.
Final Record after 17 Games 10-7
Main Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
