With the Saints’ 2015 schedule released and the NFL Draft finally upon us, excitement for the coming year is at a high. 2014 was a disappointing season for New Orleans, and with many seemingly ready to hand unofficial favorite status to the Falcons or Panthers in the NFC South, Saints fans are hoping for a quick bounce back.
Nevertheless, the lead-in to 2015 feels a good deal different than most recent seasons, when we’ve grown used to the Saints as a relative powerhouse. Previewing the NFC South in 2014, Betbright predicted an 11-5 record and a first-place finish in the division. Meant to tip off bettors (and therefore trusted with some degree of accuracy), the projection noted quite appropriately the dynamic potential of the New Orleans offense and the improving quality of its defense.
Unfortunately, both sides of the ball were weaker than expected throughout 2014 and the Saints finished the season looking like a team in need of just about everything.
The Saints have already had an active offseason. Jimmy Graham is on his way to Seattle after posting his lowest yardage total since 2010, and in recent months the team added C.J. Spiller and dropped Pierre Thomas to improve the running game. They also brought in Brandon Browner and Anthony Spencer to help give the defense a new look. Meanwhile, the draft looms, and our own mock has New Orleans making more plays for defensive help.
What all this translates to is difficult to say. Even with Graham headed out, the offense looks promising; Brandin Cooks figures to improve in year two, and a healthy Spiller can provide a great dual threat look alongside Mark Ingram. Throw in what could be a pretty different look on defense and the Saints are likely to be right in the mix in an NFC South that should be pretty wide open once more.
But how will it play out? Well, it’s pretty early for all that. But since the schedule has been released, here are my week-by-week predictions!
Week 1: L @ Arizona. The Cardinals at home are not an ideal match-up for a team looking to get back on its feet.
Week 2: W vs. Tampa Bay. The Bucs should be trending up with (presumably) Jameis Winston on board, but Brees and Co. will be hungry to make a better showing at home than in 2014. Saints cruise.
Week 3: L @ Carolina. The Panthers and Saints tend to have good battles, but Carolina may be the stronger team early in the season.
Week 4: W vs. Dallas. A home game on Sunday night is a nice opportunity for a statement, and unless the Cowboys sign Adrian Peterson their offense may not be able to keep up with Brees in a potential shootout.
Week 5: W @ Philadelphia. The Eagles were the big story this offseason with Chip Kelly’s eccentric maneuvering, but I’m not sure they actually got any better.
Week 6: L vs. Atlanta. The Falcons owned the Saints a year ago, and Matt Ryan is (almost) as dangerous as Brees in a dome. New Orleans will be better at home this year, but not unbeatable.
Week 7: L @ Indianapolis. The Colts made major win-now moves bringing in veterans Frank Gore and Andre Johnson; the offense looks difficult for New Orleans to stop.
Week 8: W vs. NY Giants. New York could also have a mighty offense, but this one looks like a shootout the Saints can win at home.
Week 9: W vs. Tennessee. The Titans should be among the league’s weakest teams.
Week 10: W @ Washington. This stretch is one where Brees and the Saints have a chance to get in a rhythm, and the Redskins are still a bit of a mess.
Week 11: BYE
Week 12: W @ Houston. The Saints will love going to Houston for an early winter game. While the Texans should be better, they won’t be great.
Week 13: W vs. Carolina. Going 1-1 with the Panthers seems likely.
Week 14: W @ Tampa Bay. Unless Jameis Winston is simply remarkable, the Bucs will probably be in the basement.
Week 15: L vs. Detroit. The Lions’ rush D will be a problem as usual, and Brees is less and less able to simply dominate entire games in the air.
Week 16: W vs. Jacksonville. The Jaguars have a chance to improve, but probably not to beat a Saints team likely to be fighting for a playoff spot, in New Orleans.
Week 17: L @ Atlanta. Honestly, a split with the Falcons seems probable, but I think 11-5 seems optimistic overall. A loss here and the Saints will finish at 10-6 and playoff-bound.
For an alternative take on the Saints’ outlook, Bleacher Report did a similar week-by-week preview that’s worth a look. But all in all, Saints fans have to be pleased with the schedule. This team will have some growing pains anyway. With most of the toughest games scheduled early on, they can experience a trial by fire before heading into a softer part of the schedule with a chance to really get on a roll.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
