We are on the eve of the 2022-2023 season. The 53 man roster is set, for now anyway. This seems like a good time to put out my prediction for how the 2022-2023 regular season will go for the New Orleans Saints.
Disclaimer- these predictions are based on the teams as they are now. Of course injuries, suspensions and trades could all massively change the Saints and any of their opponents throughout the year.
Week 1 @Atlanta Falcons
The Saints are on the road for week 1 against the division rival Falcons. #Falconshateweek is already in full flow on Saints twitter. This is a matchup that has been kind to New Orleans in recent memory winning 3 of the last 4.
On paper the Saints have a far superior roster but, games against the Falcons are unpredicable. Both team usually play each other well.
I predict the Saint’s defense is dominant, against an underwhelming Falcons offense. The New Orleans offense will simply just need to not make mistakes to win this game.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 27- 10
Saints bold prediction- Saints defense has 6+ sacks.
(Record 1-0)
(For a full preview of this game keep an eye out later in the week on New Orleans Saints – Full10Yards and @SaintsReportUK on twitter).
Week 2 Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Terrific comes to the Caesars Superdome for a huge home opener. Despite Brady and the Bucs dominance on the rest of the league, this matchup has been a stellar one for New Orleans. The Saints defense has held Brady to 13 points per game in their 4 previous regular season meetings.
The Bucs offense has been more potent in the Dome compared to at home and I think this will be a close game coming down to 2 key points, who commits more turnovers? And can the Saints harass Brady to the same degree as they have previously?
I think these 2 teams will split the season series. Brady’s Bucs have performed better at the Superdome but, I’m going to go for a Saints win. It’s going to be very hard to run on the Bucs front with Vita Vea and former Saints Akiem Hicks manning the middle. I think this game is won from the arm of Jameis Winston with Chris Olave have his first big NFL performance.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 30-27
Saints bold prediction- Chris Olave 100+ receiving yards
(Record 2-0)
Week 3 @ Carolina Panthers
3 games to start the season, 3 division games for the Saints. Game 3 means a road trip to the ‘Bank of America Stadium’ in Charlotte. The Panthers have a new man leading the offense. Former number 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield will start under center for Carolina. I am higher Baker than others. they a bring a young, hungry and fast defense that traditionally plays the Saints well.
I think this is a game where the Saints start slow, coming of a huge performance against the Bucs and despite a late rally; the slow start costs them here.
Result- Panthers Win
Score- 24- 20
Saints bold prediction- Saints defense holds MaCaffrey to under 60 rushing yards.
(Record 2-1)
Week 4 Vs Minnesota Vikings (London Game)
Coming off their first defeat of the season the Saints head to London for a ‘home’ game against the Vikings.
With first year HC Kevin O’Connell a disciple of Sean McVay. The Vikings are expected to have a new and improved offensive system and have stars on both sides of the ball. I expect the Vikings to be a playoff team this year, i even think they might win the NFC North.
I think this game is close, I think it’s going to be an offensive battle. With the biggest play coming from the Saints defense forcing 1 crucial turnover that swings the game in their favour.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 34-30
Saints bold prediction- Winston throws for 350+ and 3+TDs
(Record 3-1)
Week 5 Vs Seattle Seahawks
Usually when teams play in London they have a bye week. The Saints refused that option, as they felt this would be too early in the season for a bye. To aid the team to transition back from the time zones changes and extra travel that the London game brings. Should the schedule makers have put this game on Monday night? I think yes, But of course its New Orleans so they did not.
So here come the Seahawks, a post London hangover is certainly possible here for the Saints. Luckily this is not the Seahawks of old, gone are the Russel Wilson lead, Legion of Boom teams. Enter the Geno Smith era, at least for now.
I think the Saints defense overpowers whichever QB the the Seahawks are starting on their way to comfortable victory.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 27-14
Saints bold prediction- Saints defense has 3+ interceptions
(Record 4-1)
Week 6 Vs Cincinnati Bengals
A huge Louisiana matchup follows, with former LSU Tiger legends Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase coming to town, as the Saints welcome last year’s Superbowl runner up Cincinnati Bengals to the Caesars Superdome.
On paper it appears the Bengals got even better this offseason, especially on the O-line (admittedly it’s not difficult to be better than last year’s line) with the free agent additions of Ted Karras, Alex Cappa and La’el Collins.
I predict a comeback down to earth game for the Saints, with the Burrow/Chase lead offense being just too much to keep up with on the night.
Result- Bengals Win
Score- 30-26
Saints bold prediction- Michael Thomas over 125 receiving yards.
(Record 4-2)
Week 7 @ Arizona Cardinals
Week 7 takes the Saints head to the desert to face the Cardinals, a team many the media believe will be a playoff team this season. I on the other hand do not share that same vision for them.
Now. I’m not saying are bad, I just don’t see them as a playoff calibre team, more likely around .500. They are not good enough at key spots O-line, CB and other than J.J. Watt (can he stay healthy? ) and Marcus Golden there is not much at Pass Rusher either.
Yes Kyler has weapons and this will be DeAndre Hopkins first game back after suspension. But, I think the Saints defense, especially the front 7 dominate this game. With a statement away win.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 34-21
Saints bold prediction- 3 Saints receivers go over 80 receiving yards.
(Record 5-2)
Week 8 Vs Las Vegas Raiders
A new and improved Raiders come to town. Or so you were told. The Raiders have been a darling of the offseason. With the trade for Davante Adams, free agency addition of Chandler Jones and the hiring of Patriots offensive mastermind Josh McDaniels as HC.
I, on the other hand. See a team with a weak O-line and a defense outside that of Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby who, admittedly are studs. Appears average.
I think the Saints put together their most complete game of the season, they harass Derek Carr all night and Winston throws it all over the field for big numbers.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 38-18
Saints bold prediction- Marcus Davenport 2+ Sacks.
(Record 6-2)
Week 9 Vs Baltimore Ravens
If the Saints are the team I think they are, I think they should win this game. It will be tough though and this Ravens team should not be taken lightly.
Always well coached and led by former MVP QB Lamar Jackson and a strong, deep and versatile secondary, I think this game will be close. My main concern if I’m a Ravens fan, Can Rashod Bateman or any other WR step up this season? If not that’s a lot to put on Mark Andrews in the passing game.
I think this a defense battle, with the Saints relying on their running game and producing just enough in the passing game to get through with a win.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 24-21
Saints bold prediction- Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram both average over 4.5 yards per rush.
(Record 7-2)
Week 10 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
A trip to the Steel City awaits the Saints in week 10. Some of the points I made about the Ravens are true here. The Steelers are well coached, instead of the excellent secondary the Ravens posses. For the Steelers it’s a dominant front 7 led by reining defensive player of the year T.J. Watt.
The biggest question by this point of the season will be, who is the starting QB? Will it be Mitch Trubisky or will rookie Kenny Pickett have taken over.
This could be a low scoring grind it out type of game. As all Saints fans know there’s always at least one let down game every season. A game the Saints should win and they just lay an egg. Here’s where I guess that game comes.
Result- Steelers win
Score- 21-17
Saints bold prediction- Juwan Johnson leads the team in receiving yards.
(Record 7-3)
Week 11 Vs Los Angeles Rams
The Reigning Superbowl Champions visit New Orleans, this matchup when played the dome especially, will not bring fond memories for Saints fans. I feel that trend could continue.
I don’t think the Rams will be a Superbowl powerhouse this season and I really could see the Saints winning this game. But and there isn’t any analysis in this take. For some reason this just feels like a game the Saints will lose, maybe with some frustration from fans, feeling like this was a missed opportunity. Leaving the game feeling like the Saints should have won.
Sometimes as a fan you have these feelings. I’m going to go with my gut here.
Result- Rams Win
Score- 27-20
Saints bold prediction- Alvin Kamara 140+ yards from scrimmage
(Record 7-4)
Week 12 @ San Francisco 49ers
Coming off a loss to the Rams the Saints travel to Santa Clara to face Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers. Will Trey Lance still be the starter? We will see. Shanahan’s offense has traditionally given Dennis Allen issues.
This time I think the Saints defense strikes back, confusing the rookie QB with disguised coverages. Leaving San Fran’s offense in disarray.
Whilst Jameis has is way with the 49er’s secondary.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 31-20
Saints bold prediction- 2+ interceptions for Saints Safeties
(Record 8-4)
Week 13 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As I said earlier I think the 2 teams split this series, so in the second meeting with the Bucs, Tom and his cronies come out on top.
Result- Bucs Win
Score- 27-21
Saints bold prediction- David Onyemata’s Sacks + TFL’s will be 3 or more
(Record 8-5)
Week 14 Vs Atlanta Falcons
Rinse and repeat from my week 1 comments. The only difference here is Desmond Ridder may have found his way into the starting line-up at QB.
Either way I think this is a Saints win.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 34-17
Saints bold prediction- Cam Jordan breaks the Saints franchise sack record with 2+ Sacks.
(Record 9-5)
Week 15 @ Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson will have had plenty of time to knock off the rust by now after not playing for a season and serving his suspension.
Giving the Saints a challenge in this game. I think they manage to shut down the Browns run game. Leaving a passing offense with limited weapons outside of Amari Cooper out to dry.
Winston takes a backseat to a dominate Saints run game led by Kamara, Ingram and Taysom Hill.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 30-24
Saints bold prediction- Marshon Lattimore holds Amari Cooper to 4 or less catches whilst lined up against him.
(Record 10-5)
Week 16 @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Saints bogey team over the last 2 seasons and unfortunately the Eagles are much improved this year compared to those teams. After a masterful offseason, capped with a trade for C.J. Gardner Johnson that depressed most Saints fans. Giving the Eagles defense the final piece it needed.
Unfortunately I don’t think the Saints bring in the New Year with a win. With the Saints issues against the Eagles attack continuing and the formidable Eagles front making it very difficult for the Saints offense to operate, especially in the run game.
Result- Eagles Win
Score- 31-21
Saints bold prediction- Saints offense is held to under 50 yards rushing.
(Record 10-6)
Week 17 Vs Carolina Panthers
I had the Saints losing this matchup in week 3. I don’t see a sweep for the Panthers. Avoiding a slow start this time around. The Saints romp to a dominate win to close out the regular season.
Result- Saints Win
Score- 27-19
Saints bold prediction- Taysom Hill 3 total TDs
(Record 11-6)
There you have it! You now know exactly how the Saints regular season will go (said with tongue firmly in cheek). New Orleans finish 4-2 in the division and 11-6 overall.
I will posting at least 2 Saints articles to New Orleans Saints – Full10Yards every week throughout the regular season and beyond! So stay tuned there.
I want to create as much of a UK Saints community as possible, so please follow me on Twitter @SaintsReportUK, for much more Saints content and discussion.
