New Orleans Saints: Madden simulation vs. Packers in Week 1

The New Orleans Saints kick off their 2021 season against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at 3:25 CST. While this game is technically a home matchup for the Saints, it won’t be played in the confines of the Caesars Superdome due to Hurricane Ida. Instead, the Saints and Packers will both travel to Jacksonville for the big game.

This is a tough season opener for the Saints and fans were likely hoping that Aaron Rodgers would take his talents elsewhere so that this “home opener” would be less daunting. Rodgers is back with the Pack though and that means the Saints defense will have their work cut out for them this Sunday afternoon.

Let’s take a look at how Madden sees this game going.

Madden Simulation – New Orleans Saints 24, Green Bay Packers 30

Saints Stats

• Jameis Winston – 22-of-35, 302 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• Alvin Kamara – 12 carries, 82 yards, TD; 5 rec, 57 yards
• Marquez Callaway – 8 rec, 112 yards, TD
• Juwan Johnson – 3 rec, 65 yards, TD
• Demario Davis – 11 tackles
• Cameron Jordan – 1.5 sack
• Paulson Adebo – INT

Packers Stats

• Aaron Rodgers – 30-of-37, 385 yards, 3 TD, INT
• Aaron Jones – 16 carries, 106 yards, TD; Rec, 28 yards
• Davante Adams – 6 rec, 120 yards, 2 TD
• Robert Tonyan – 3 rec, 48 yards, TD
• Zadarius Smith – 8 tackles; Sack
• Preston Smith – Sack
• Jaire Alexander – INT
• Kevin King – INT

Saints fans wouldn’t be surprised in the least bit to see the game end up going this way. New Orleans are “home” underdogs to the Packers and while playing on a neutral field doesn’t help their cause, the Packers have the better and more established quarterback. Talent-wise, the Saints are pretty even with Green Bay but having the better quarterback typically results in being favored.

Madden doesn’t see a terrible outing for Jameis Winston but he does toss two interceptions. If this were to happen, the quarterback rumblings would begin because people would think he hasn’t learned anything since getting the ax in Tampa Bay.

Alvin Kamara and Marquez Callaway both have monster days in Jacksonville, which would be fun to watch if this played out. Callaway destroyed secondaries in the preseason so it’d be nice to see him continue to do so in the regular season when the games actually count.

This result isn’t too shocking and I don’t blame Madden for going with the favored team here. Here’s to hoping the Saints can pull off an upset and get the post-Drew Brees era off to the best possible start!