The most important stretch on the Saints schedule
The New Orleans Saints will look to get back into the playoffs this season after missing last year after finishing the year with a 9-8 record. The schedule for the black and gold won’t be easy as it is tied with the Raiders for the seventh toughest strength of schedule in the NFL. The Saints will have to travel a good bit this year, with two trips to the West Coast and a trip to London. The most important five-game stretch on the Saints schedule comes after their game against the Vikings in London:
Week 5: vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks will look a bit different on the offensive side with the offseason trade dealing Russell Wilson to Denver. Seattle’s quarterback room consists of Drew Lock and Geno Smith. On paper this matchup looks to be one of the easier games on the schedule for the Saints, but this game always comes down to the wire.
In their matchup last year, the Saints defeated the Seahawks 13-10 in week seven of the 2021 season. Demario Davis stepped up in a big way in the road matchup last year. In that game Davis racked up 10 tackles, two sacks and one pass deflection.
Week 6: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
It will be the battle of ‘Who Dat’ vs. ‘Who Dey’ in this week six matchup. Many LSU fans will be tuned into this matchup as former Tiger stars, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase make their return to the ‘Boot’. The Bengals had a magical run in the 2021 season where they reached the Super Bowl for the third time in franchise history. The Saints defense will have a tough test against Burrow and Co. as the Bengals in 2021 averaged 26.3 PPG.
The last time the Bengals and the Saints met was in week 10 of the 2018 season. The Saints blew out the Bengals 51-14 in Cincinnati. The Bengals were a much different team back in 2018 and the Saints will have their hands full in this week six matchup.
Week 7: @ Arizona Cardinals
After a two-game home stretch the Saints will go out to the west coast to take on the Arizona Cardinals. The Saints defense will have to step up once again as they face another high-powered offense.
This matchup will be featured on “Thursday Night Football”, so the Saints will be on short rest after their Sunday afternoon matchup against the Bengals. 2021 was a disappointing season for the Cardinals following an undefeated start to the year. The Cardinals finished 11-6 and were bounced in the Wild Card round by the eventual Super Bowl Champion, Los Angeles Rams.
The Cardinals added another weapon in their offense in Marquise Brown. Not only will Brown be able to beat you with his speed, but Kyler Murray can cause a lot of worry to the Saints offense with his ability to run and throw. This offense has the ability to put up points and beat you in many ways.
The last time the Cardinals and the Saints met was in 2019 where the Saints got the upper hand against the Cardinals, 31-9.
Week 8: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Saints will return home in week eight to face the Las Vegas Raiders. They will have a few extra days to prepare for this battle after their Thursday night game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Raiders had to go through a coaching carousel last season after Jon Gruden was fired. Las Vegas was able to make the playoffs last year, ultimately falling to the Cincinnati Bengals on the road.
Las Vegas will have a new look under new coach Josh McDaniels. McDaniels spent time with the New England Patriots as their offensive coordinator. The Raiders add the best wide receiver in the league in Davante Adams and the offense is poised to make strides heading into the 2022 season.
The Raiders and the Saints met in Allegiant Stadium in 2020 where the Raiders handed the Saints a 34-24 loss. The Saints had no answers for Derek Carr and the Raiders offense. Carr passed for 284 yards and three touchdowns.
Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Saints will stay home and play on Monday night where they will welcome the Baltimore Ravens to the Superdome.
The Ravens had a down year in 2021 where they missed the playoffs. It was Baltimore’s first losing record since the 2015 season. It was also their first time finishing last in the division since 2005. The Ravens in 2021 dealt with a number of players being out due to injury.
Marcus Williams will be making his return to New Orleans as he was acquired by the Ravens during the offseason. With Lamar Jackson at quarterback, you never know what you are going to get from the Ravens offense. The Ravens will turn to Rashod Bateman to step into the WR1 duties.
The Saints and the Ravens faced off in week seven of the 2018 season. The Saints escaped with a win 24-23. It came down to a Justin Tucker missed field goal to send the Saints home with a victory.
📸 Credit - Athlon & Forbes
Tyler Eschette - Sports Scramble/ Olde City Sports Network
