3 way-too-early predictions for Saints’ 2022 season

1. Saints will finish top of the NFC South

Screw Tom Brady. The NFC South belongs to the Saints in 2022, and that’s our boldest prediction yet.

Rumors swirled early this offseason that, in the wake of Sean Payton’s hiatus, NOLA may be compelled to start over and rebuild. Months later, the Saints have set themselves up for the highest level of success and are clearly still in “win now” mode.

Can Jameis Winston lead the team to the Super Bowl? We’re not so sure.

But can Jameis Winston lead the team to the top of the NFC South? Yeah, we can see that happening.

NOLA painfully strung together nine wins last year, notably lacking offensive firepower to win close games. Now, with Winston, Thomas, and Olave forming a dangerous trident and with a perennially elite defense that can shut out GOATs, we think the Saints have all the pieces to reclaim their NFC South throne.

Within the division itself, the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers may have ongoing quarterback issues this year, and the Saints know all too well how that can derail a season. NOLA’s record against Brady’s Bucs remains as pristine as ever and we trust Dennis Allen to beat Tampa twice again.

As for the rest of the Saints’ schedule, their toughest opponents will likely be the Rams, Bengals, and Ravens, but they avoid the worst of the AFC West (they only have to play the Raiders).

2022 playoffs, here we come.