3 Saints who need to thrive in Week 15 for New Orleans to upset the Commanders

The New Orleans Saints will host the Washington Commanders on Sunday for a Week 15 matchup. When the season first started, no one would’ve guessed Washington would be the team favored in this game. However, it’s the Saints entering this game at 5-8, and the Commanders who are coming in at 8-5.

Barring a disastrous collapse in the final four weeks, Washington should make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Saints need other teams to stumble if they’re going to sneak into the playoffs. However, none of that will matter on Sunday; it’ll be all about what these two teams do on the given day.

With Derek Carr sidelined, and star cornerback Marshon Lattimore making his Commanders debut, not many people are giving New Orleans a chance to win this game. But, with a few big performances, the Saints can emerge victorious. Let’s take a look at the people that’ll need to lead New Orleans to victory.

3. Alvin Kamara needs to have a big game in Week 15 vs. Commanders

This is the case every week for New Orleans, but with how well Washington is playing, it’ll definitely be the case on Sunday. One major weakness the Commanders have is stopping the run. On the season, they’re allowing 137 rushing yards a game, which ranks 27th in the NFL.

The Saints would be smart to captilize on that and feed Alvin Kamara. The running game is a great equalizer, so if New Orleans can get the ground game going, it’ll have a chance to win.

2. Demario Davis needs to thrive for the Saints in Week 15

While Washington can’t stop the run all that great, it certainly can run the ball extremely well. The Commanders are averaging 156.9 rushing yards a game, trailing only the Philadelphia Eagles and Batimore Ravens. One thing Washington has in common with those teams is a mobile quarterback. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels has 590 rushing yards on the season, so his legs could definitely be a factor on Sunday.

That’s where Demario Davis, and the entire defensive front come into play. The group needs to stop the traditional run game, something they’ve struggled with all year, but they especially need to stop quarterback runs. If Daniels and Washington gets going on Sunday, it’ll be a long day for New Orleans.

1. Saints need the entire offensive line to thrive against the Commanders

On Sunday, New Orleans will be starting an inexperienced quarterback— either Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener. Regardless of who it is, all young quarterbacks, and quarterbacks in general, need two things: pass protection and a good run game.

Only the offensive line can guarantee those things. Fortunately, New Orleans’ offensive line is finally healthy. On Sunday, the group needs to gel together to make their young quarterback’s life easier.

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