Score predictions aren’t enough. Let’s get bold in predicting what the New Orleans Saints will pull off against the Las Vegas Raiders.
This is the first game of the season where it doesn’t feel like the team is walking in with everyone doubting them. Matter of fact, the Saints are favorites.
Last week, we all based our bold predictions on what the Saints could do through the air. This time we brought a little more diversity to the party. Putting all of our eggs in one basket didn't work last time.
Saints offense gets it together for 4 quarters this week
Saints will hold Kirk Cousins under 150 and no passing touchdowns
I expect that Kirk Cousins will have a less than stellar game after balling out last week. When he takes the field this afternoon, I believe the Saints will have his number, rather than the other way around as was the case when he was the Falcons quarterback.
Cousins won’t be able to throw any more than 150 yards against the Saints defense, let alone pass for a touchdown. Julian Blackmon will even grab his second interception if the Raiders QB keeps heaving it down the field like he did last week. In the Super Dome, I think Cousins will have a game he’ll want to forget.~ Molly Bauer
Travis Etienne and the run game finally comes alive
Travis Etienne and the Saints’ rushing attack will wake up with 150 combined yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders. Thus far, they’ve been stagnant, as Etienne’s been limited to 71 yards through two games. The talent is undeniable, but they’ve struggled to gain any traction.
Fortunately for New Orleans, that will change on Sunday. The Raiders run defense isn’t bad, allowing 100.5 rushing yards per game, but it’s something the Saints can attack.
The duo of Etienne and Alvin Kamara will dominate on Sunday and give Tyler Shough some much-needed help. Don’t be shocked to see Kellen Moore lean on this early on Sunday.~ Drew Collings
Saints will lead after first quarter
Slow starts have become the hallmark of the Saints offense, but they quietly took a small step forward. Instead of taking 35 minutes to gain any momentum offensively, they put points on the board in the second quarter. They went scoreless in the first quarter, but got things going on their third possesion at the beginnning of the third quarter.
This wouldn't even be a big deal for many teams, but it continued an ugly trend for the Saints. This is the week they get things corrected, continue their upward trend and put up points in the first 15 minutes. To take it a step forward, they'll have a lead at the end of the first quarter for the first time in 23 games, which would also be the first time of the Kellen Moore era.~ Darrion Gray
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