Saints vs Seahawks: Who are the experts picking in Week 7?

The New Orleans Saints will face the Seattle Seahawks in their first game back from the BYE, hoping to get this stretch of their season off to a good start.

The Saints are 3-2 while the Seahawks are 2-4, and each team is equally desperate to win this matchup.

After a tough OT loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, Seattle looks to bounce back with Geno Smith starting at QB and DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett out wide, both of whom have the big play ability to tear apart the Saints’ secondary.

New Orleans pulled off a strong win against Washington two weeks ago and historically have a good record after the BYE, but they’ll face one of the toughest away crowds at Lumen Field.

The Saints head into this matchup as the 5.0-point road favorite, but their passing offense still ranks as one of the worst in the league, and Jameis Winston isn’t going to become an elite QB overnight.

Who are the experts picking in the Saints/Seahawks game?

• Ben Rolfe (Pro Football Network) – Saints 24, Seahawks 21
• John Hendricks (Sports Illustrated) – Seahawks 26, Saints 21
• Andrew Buller-Russ (Sportsnaut) – Saints 23, Seahawks 17
• Picks and Parlays – Saints 27, Seahawks 17

Most are favoring the Saints largely due to their extra well-rested team. This bodes good news.

Almost all analysts are also predicting this to be a relatively high-scoring close game, so it could come down to a few fourth-quarter clutch plays. (No, not more Hail Maries from Jameis Winston).

While Michael Thomas will miss a few more weeks before returning to the starting lineup, the Saints will continue trying to improve their passing game in the post-Brees era. Marquez Callaway and Deonte Harris currently lead the team in targets and receiving yards, but New Orleans will be looking for others to step up in Week 7 too.

This Seahawks game could determine how the Saints fare for the rest of the season. Hopefully New Orleans find their team form sooner than later.