Its three straight years and counting since the New Orleans Saints last went to the playoffs. During that stretch, they’ve seen two divisional opponents go to the Super Bowl and lose. Of the four teams in the NFC South, the Saints have the longest odds to win the NFC and are lined as the biggest dog for divisional bragging rights ( +420 ). The division winner has won at least 11 games the last two seasons, and it’s only gotten better as a whole. Should the Saints come out as the unlikely winners, they’d easily go over their season win total of 8.
NFC South Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Falcons +161
Carolina Panthers +264
New Orleans Saints +420
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +270
Why the New Orleans Saints Will Win the NFC South
Two words, Drew Brees. The former Purdue Boilermaker will turn 39 come playoff time, but the vet doesn’t look to be running out of any steam. He threw for over 5,200 yards and added a nifty 37:15 TD/INT ratio last season. Sean Payton and Pete Carmichael are masterminds when it comes to calling the shots for what’s been one of the most lethal and consistent offenses in the league. The offense is reloaded with new toys and ready to put on a show.
It however won’t all be about the offense in 2017-18. Believe it or not, but the Saints might actually march a respectable stop unit onto the gridiron for a change. It’s been given almost a complete facelift, and it’s got defensive coordinator Dennis Allen giddy over the prospects of what might be. He’s also got a much better hand-picked staff to work with as opposed to dealing with the old school leftovers from the Rob Ryan regime.
Don’t be surprised if newcomer Manti Te’o isn’t in the news again. Only this time, it won’t be because he got catfished. Instead, it’ll be about him being one of the veteran leaders of the bayou’s defensive rebirth.
Why the New Orleans Saints Won't Win the NFC South
I’ll believe it when I see it. When it really counts. Sure, the defense just opened up a can on the Los Angeles Chargers with eight sacks and two turnovers forced, but the effort came in Week 2 of the preseason. LA didn’t game plan and had no clue what to do with the constant barrage sent their way. Surprising for an exhibition game. Do it in the regular season, and I’ll become a believer.
The Saints offensive line will start the regular season with Max Unger returning from injury that saw him miss most of the preseason. Tackle Terron Armstead will also be out until late October. That’s two key cogs in the offense’s front wall questionable and out. Though the Saints employ six man fronts routinely, it’s still not the way the team would have liked to kick the season off with Adrian Peterson and Alvin Kamara looking to spread their wings for the Who Dat Nation.
Brandin Cooks will be suiting up for the Patriots. With him left over 1,100 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns and 78 receptions. Michael Thomas shined as a rookie, but is he ready to combat the No. 1 cornerbacks on opposing defenses. Willie Snead will likely thrive in the slot, but New Orleans will need newcomer Ted Ginn Jr. to play the role of deep threat and excel at it for the offense to really bust out. He’s a season removed from hauling in 10 touchdown passes, but is now deeper into his 30s and arguably in the twilight of his career.
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