Saints fans… The 2024-25 season is officially underway! Fans seem to be split on expectations this year. Some believe we could go far as underdogs while others can’t seem to find hope. Nonetheless, Saints fans will always agree on one thing. We want to bring home a Lombardi trophy! How likely is that this year? We can only wait and see. Here’s what you can expect from the Black & Gold:

This Week’s Matchup:

   In Week 1 this year we have a home opener against our division opponent, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers finished last season with an underwhelming 2-15 record. They also finished their season on a 3 game losing streak. Last year the Panthers went 0-9 on the road. However, the Panthers brought in a new head coach to hopefully fix many of their offensive issues from last year. Three Offensive Linemen will get their debut start for the Panthers this Sunday. Alongside them will be two new Wide Receivers, Rookie Xavier Legette and new acquisition Diontae Johnson. QB Bryce Young is looking to have a much better campaign this year after a disappointing rookie season. 

Series History:

   In the last 10 seasons, the Saints are 12-8 against the Carolina Panthers. A slightly closer series than I would like to see. The Panthers were swept by the Saints last year after sweeping the series the previous season. Each team is looking to get off to a hot start for the 2024-25 season.

Your Saints:

   The Saints are coming off of a fairly good preseason as far as player development and installing a new system under new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiac. I expect a bigger year from QB Derek Carr and RB Alvin Kamara. Expect Chris Olave to rack up another 1,000 yard season while Rashid Shaheed looks to get over the 1,000 receiving yard threshold. This Saints defense has me excited! This could statistically be one of the best Saints defenses we’ve ever seen.

   When healthy, the Saints defensive front can make a big impact in the run game while defensive Captain Demario Davis looks to build upon a Hall of Fame worthy career. The defensive back group is one of the best in the NFL on paper. Rookie Kool-Aid Mckinstry looks to learn from the veterans and step right in to fill his role in this defense after the Saints traded up in the 2nd round to draft him. The Saints could have a successful season as long as the offense can get down the field and score when called upon. If the offense and defense can feed off of each other, we could end with a very good record. The NFC South is up for grabs along with hosting a playoff game. We all know there’s no louder stadium than a playoff game in the Dome!

Injuries:

   The Saints expect to start the season very healthy with very few players hurt. A.T Perry, Willie Gay, and Nick Saldiveri are questionable while Khalen Saunders is listed as out for this game.

Prediction:

   I predict the Saints to get off to a good start with the defense picking up where they left off last year. The Panthers will have little time to run their offense and will have trouble getting downfield. I predict the Saints to start the season 1-0 with a score of 24-9!

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Now you Kneaux!