The New Orleans Saints are entering Week 17 at 5-10, and they’re coming off a game where they were the first team shutout this season, losing to the Green Bay Packers 34-0. As bad as things have been for New Orleans, they could be even worse. On Sunday, the Saints will be playing worse.
New Orleans will be hosting the Las Vegas Raiders, who are 3-12. Things have been so bad for the Raiders, their fans were upset they won in Week 16 because it ruined their path to the No. 1 overall pick. If anything, that shows Vegas’ commitment to competing, so the Saints must be ready Sunday.
3. Spencer Rattler needs to protect the ball against Raiders
Derek Carr will definitely be motivated to try and come back for this game, but all signs point to Spencer Rattler remaining as the starter. Assuming that’s the case, ball security will be important for the young quarterback, who lost a fumble and threw an interception in Week 16.
Las Vegas hasn’t been a good team this season, only winning three games. One way struggling teams can win games is by capitalizing on the opposing team’s mistakes. The Saints can’t give the Raiders many mistakes to capitalize on. With a rookie QB under center, that means not giving the ball to the other team.
2. Ugo Amadi needs to thrive against the Raiders
The lone bright spot for the Raiders this year has been tight end Brock Bowers. The first-round pick is putting together the greatest rookie tight end season in the history of the league. On the year, he has 101 receptions for 1,067 yards and four touchdowns.
Las Vegas will certainly involve him a lot on Sunday, and that’s where Ugo Amadi comes in to play. With Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry playing on the outside, Amadi has been at nickel, so he’ll likely draw the responsibility of covering Bowers. Amadi will need to do his best to slow the talented rookie down.
1. Kendre Miller needs to have a good game against the Raiders
While Las Vegas has lost 12 games, the defense has been somewhat solid, statistically. The Raiders only allow 210 passing yards a game, which ranks eighth in the NFL. They’re 13th against the run, though, giving up 117.9 rushing yards a game. That means the Saints need to get the run game rolling.
It’s unclear if Alvin Kamara will be back in the lineup for Sunday’s game, so Kendre Miller could be entering his second straight week as the lead back. His first week didn’t go according to plan, only getting eight carries for 15 yards. New Orleans went away from the run after quickly falling behind 21-0, and Miller wasn’t a factor. That can’t be the case on Sunday.