Predicting every national TV game for the Saints this season

On Wednesday, May 15, the NFL will officially release the 2024 schedule. While teams already know the opponents they will play this coming season, the schedule release will let everyone know the order of games, the days they will be played, and the times they will kick off. While learning all of these details will be great for story lines, fans will also learn how many primetime National TV games their favorite teams will play.

The New Orleans Saints, who are coming off a 9-8 season where they missed the playoffs, aren’t really a team in high demand of National TV games, however, there are a few matchups on the schedule that should be considered for a primetime game. Whether it be a division rival or a juicy storyline, let’s predict three matchups for New Orleans that could be on National TV.

3 Saints games that could be on National TV

3. Saints vs. Broncos

The first, and most obvious, option is the Saints vs. the Denver Broncos. A game that will be played in the Superdome, it will be all about Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans. Payton, of course, coached the Saints from 2006 to 2021, leading the team to a Super Bowl in the 2009 season.

After the 2021 season, Payton retired from coaching and went into television. However, after just a year, he returned to the sidelines, taking over as Denver’s head coach. Now, in his second season with the team, he’ll return to his sold stomping grounds. Regardless of each team’s quality, the game has all the necessary storylines for a primetime matchup.

2. Saints vs. Raiders

This is another home game for New Orleans, and their will also be a revenge/reunion element in this game as well. Quarterback Derek Carr will be facing the Raiders for the first time since departing a year ago. Carr was drafted by the team in 2014, playing nine seasons with them.

While he won’t be returning to Vegas, Carr will be facing his former teammates, and an organization that he didn’t necessarily end on the best terms with. This absolutely feels like a Monday Night Football matchup.

1. Saints vs. Falcons

The NFL has two games to choose from, but one of the matchups between New Orleans and the Atlanta Falcons should be in primetime. The two teams may not generate the excitement for a Sunday or Monday night game, but it’s a game tailor made for Thursday Night Football.

For starters, they’re division rivals; NFC South matchups are always intense. Additionally, both teams are seemingly on the same level and could end up competing for the division crown. There’s also the whole fake-kneel touchdown from the Week 18 blowout last season. If there’s truly any remaining bad blood because of that, let the two teams hash it out in a National televised game.

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