Where do you go after a three-game losing skid? That’s the question the New Orleans Saints are asking themselves, and head coach Dennis Allen’s answer is simple: just focus on going 1-0 this week. Win Sunday’s game over the Carolina Panthers, take stock of the division title race, and keep moving.
But it’s not that simple. The Saints are rapidly losing ground in the competition for the NFC South crown, and losses to division opponents like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.
With that in mind, here are our updated score predictions for the Saints’ five remaining games in the 2023 regular season:
Week 14 vs. Carolina Panthers
Saints 21, Panthers 17 (6-7)
The Panthers have figured out how to run the football after their bye week with totals of 133, 96, and 110 yards on the ground in their last three games. Committing to that effective running attack behind Chuba Hubbard against a vulnerable Saints run defense could help them close the gap with New Orleans. This one could be closer than expected depending on how the Saints offense performs without Derek Carr.
Week 15 vs. New York Giants
Giants 17, Saints 16 (6-8)
The Giants went into their bye week on a two-game win streak, though one victory (31-19 over the Washington Commanders) was prettier than the other (a 10-7 slog against the New England Patriots). New York’s defense has only allowed fewer than 20 points to four of their last six opponents. The Saints can beat the Giants if they protect the football, but this game looks like a bad matchup from a couple weeks out.
Week 16 at Los Angeles Rams
Rams 34, Saints 24 (6-9)
This win would give Dennis Allen a lot of credibility. Traveling cross-country to face a well-coached Rams team (which is currently riding a three-game wins streak) on a short week is daunting. L.A.’s offense is as impressive as ever and their defense has stifled better offenses than the Saints. The way things stand right now, though — this one looks like another loss.
Week 17 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buccaneers 20, Saints 17 (6-10)
The Saints could have Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas back for this game, but those reinforcements might be too little, too late. Tampa Bay’s defense toyed with Derek Carr and the New Orleans offense earlier this year even when the Saints had all hands on deck. The Buccaneers are a bad matchup for them and this could be their opportunity to eliminate the Saints form playoff contention.
Week 18 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Saints 23, Falcons 22 (7-10)
We aren’t in the business of predicting (or wishing for) Saints losses to Atlanta in these parts. Even if it hurts New Orleans’ draft position without making a great impact on the division title race. Better red zone execution and improved quarterback play could have won the day a few weeks back in Atlanta; with the season winding down in New Orleans, surely Derek Carr can compete at a higher level after using his first year in a Saints uniform to pick up the offense. But it the end of the day a win here might mean nothing more than bragging rights.
