Predicting the rest of the Saints 2024 season after their dominant opening win

The New Orleans Saints Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers can only be described as a one-sided affair, after New Orleans won 47-10. The outlook for the Saints season is now completely different than it was before the game, because of the team’s performance.

Although the Panthers aren’t an elite team by any means, this was still an amazing win for New Orleans. Saints fans now have hope for the season which is something they have lacked in previous years. Now that we know a little more about this team, let’s try predicting the rest of the 2024 season.

Week 2 at Dallas Cowboys: Loss

This is going to be an extremely challenging game for New Orleans. The Cowboys crushed a solid Cleveland Browns team 33-7 in Week 1. It doesn’t make it easier playing away at one of the top venues in the NFL. If the Saints can come away with a win here, amazing, but it shouldn’t be expected.

Week 3 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Win

The Green Bay Packers may have fallen to the Eagles in Week 1 but that doesn’t mean the Saints will. The biggest advantage New Orleans has is playing this one at home. An electric crowd is sure to be present at this game and could push the team to the win.

Week 4 at Atlanta Falcons: Win

The Falcons didn’t look great in Week 1. They are likely going to figure it out as the year goes on as they have a completely new system and roster, but I don’t believe they will put it all together in just their fourth game.

Week 5 at Kansas City Chiefs: Loss

This is going to be a tough one. The Chiefs looked great against an amazing Baltimore Ravens team. This is going to be the most challenging game of the year for New Orleans. It’s hard to see them coming out of a primetime game at Arrowhead victorious.

Week 6 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Win

This is a big game for the Saints. A divisional rival coming to New Orleans is a must win. This also marks the final game of their grueling start of the schedule.

Week 7 vs. Denver Broncos: Win

The return of Sean Payton. This is easily one of the most anticipated games of the season for the fans, players, and coaches. Dennis Allen is going to have an opportunity to prove that he is a worthy successor to Payton.

Week 8 at Los Angeles Chargers: Win

This is a game that New Orleans should win. Jim Harbaugh is in his first year as head coach and Justin Herbert doesn’t have as much help on offense as he did in previous years. The defense should feast in this game.

Week 9 at Carolina Panthers: Win

The Saints should be able to sweep the season series against the Panthers easily. It is still a divisional game so it can’t be overlooked but Carolina is probably the easiest opponent they will face all year.

Week 10 vs. Atlanta Falcons: Loss

By Week 10, Kirk Cousins and the Falcons should be starting to get a hold of their new offense. They are going to try to fight and give everything they have to beat the Saints, which I have them doing.

Week 11 vs. Cleveland Browns: Win

The Browns struggled mightily in their opening game against Dallas. There are so many questions surrounding Deshaun Watson and his ability to lead Cleveland. Unless they get that figured out, New Orleans should win this game.

Week 12: Bye

Week 13 vs. Los Angeles Rams: Loss

Following the bye week, the Saints may be a little sluggish and drop one against the Rams. This wouldn’t be a bad one to lose as the Rams are a solid team, just narrowly losing to the Detroit Lions in Week 1.

Week 14 at New York Giants: Win

Similar to last year, this should be a fairly easy victory. Daniel Jones has not looked good in the regular season or the preseason. Unless Jones suddenly improves, it’s hard to see the Saints losing this one.

Week 15 vs. Washington Commanders: Win

This is an anticipated game as Jayden Daniels returns to Louisiana. Daniels could provide some trouble rushing but his inexperience and lack of an elite roster should limit him.

Week 16 at Green Bay Packers: Loss

This is arguably the toughest and most important game for the Saints. On paper, the Saints and Packers will be a super close and interesting matchup. Even with that, the Packers have the advantage as the game will be at Lambeau in December. The tough environment will make it a challenge for New Orleans.

Week 17 vs. Las Vegas Raiders: Win

Dennis Allen and Derek Carr will have a chance to get some revenge against their former team, and the entire Saints roster will be behind them. The Raiders have struggled early, making this a game the Saints should win.

Week 18 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Loss

This game has the chance to either be a super important, or an irrelevant game depending on how the season goes. In this scenario, it doesn’t matter all too much. Regardless, this should be a tough game going away against a divisional rival.

Final Record: 11-6 (1st in NFC South)

In this prediction the Saints end their playoff drought and make the playoffs as the winner of the NFC South. If this team plays up to their potential, it wouldn’t be unrealistic for them to make some noise in the playoffs.

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