The New Orleans Saints will have their hands full when they travel to Wisconsin for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Entering Week 16 at 5-9 the Saints aren’t mathematically eliminated from the playoff race yet, but everyone understands the postseason is a long shot for New Orleans.
At this point, the Saints are playing for pride and the future, and honestly, that should be enough motivation to put together a good performance. That won’t guarantee a win for New Orleans, but it could lead to some special performances. Let’s take a look at three bold performances we could see on Monday.
3. Kendre Miller will rush for 100 yards
Starting running back Alvin Kamara is expected to be sidelined for the first time this season, after suffering a significant groin injury in Week 15. Fortunately, promising running back Kendre Miller is back healthy, and has been making plays in the last two weeks since returning from his second injured reserve stint of the season.
Since coming back in Week 14, he has carried the ball 19 times for 78 yards and a touchdown. On Monday, he’ll have the opportunity to put up more production than that in a singular game. While Green Bay has a solid run defense, Miller will be the lead back, and New Orleans will likely want to establish the run. If things get rolling, the young running back could have his first 100-yard day.
2. Saints defense will force three turnovers
If New Orleans is going to win this game, or even be in it at all, the defense will have to put together a good game. Green Bay is one of the best offenses in the league, so it’d be a challenge for the Saints to stop them completely. However, New Orleans’ key to defensive success could be takeaways.
Jordan Love has thrown 11 interceptions on the season, which is tied for sixth most in the NFL. The Saints defense also has 13 interceptions on the year, the eighth-highest mark on the season. If the defense can take advantage of an aggressive Love, the team could pull off the upset.
1. Spencer Rattler will throw for more than one touchdown
Spencer Rattler has played in four games in his young NFL career, and his most impressive performance came in Week 15, a game he didn’t start. Rattler replaced Jake Haener in the second half of the game, and nearly led the team to an impressive comeback. He finished the game with 10 completions for 135 yards and one touchdown.
That was the second passing touchdown of Rattler’s young career. The first came in his first start back in Week 6. On Sunday, the rookie QB has the chance to match his career total. Rattler looked much more comfortable on Sunday, and its safe to assume he’ll continue moving in the right direction. Entering Sunday’s game as the starter, expect at least two passing touchdowns from Rattler.