We’ve had some time to sit and examine the 2024 NFL schedule, and so have those in the know — so we surveyed expert picks and predictions from around the league media landscape to find expectations for the New Orleans Saints.
And it isn’t pretty. Of the five outlets we checked in on, none even had the Saints finishing with a winning record. Most see just seven wins on the easiest schedule in the NFL. At worst, New Orleans ends up with a top-five draft pick in 2025.
Between Dennis Allen’s poor performance as a head coach and Derek Carr’s shortcomings as a quarterback, there’s a widespread attitude that we need to see it to believe these Saints can get where they want to go in 2024:
Sports Illustrated
Prediction: 8-9
SI’s Gilbert Manzano sees the potential for improvement in New Orleans now that Derek Carr has settled in under center, but there are too many tough games against 2023 playoff teams for his liking. He sees the Saints struggling outside their division and away from the Caesars Superdome:
The Saints are hoping for better results during their second season with Derek Carr as the starting signal-caller. If the offensive line holds up, Carr can pick up where he left off late last season, which included many downfield completions to wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. They could find themselves in high-scoring games against the Eagles, Rams, Chiefs, Cowboys and Packers. The defense could be better with New Orleans adding Chase Young and Willie Gay in free agency.
The 33rd Team
Prediction: 6-11
The 33rd Team’s Marcus Mosher is very low on the Saints. He expects them to fall behind their competition in pro football’s worst division:
The New Orleans Saints are entering Year 2 of the Derek Carr era, and enthusiasm has dipped with this franchise. The Saints are old and slow at several positions, and their offensive line is deteriorating.
There is still talent on defense, but neither side of the ball is exciting. The Falcons and Buccaneers have passed them in the division. Don’t be surprised if New Orleans is one of the most underwhelming teams of the 2024 season.
Pro Football Network
Prediction: 4-13
Pro Football Network’s Dakota Randall predicted every game on the 2024 schedule, which went badly for the Saints — who ended up with their worst record since the disastrous 2005 season. This outcome would demand wholesale changes to sweep through New Orleans.
Bleacher Report
Prediction: 7-10
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report isn’t buying the hype on Klint Kubiak’s arrival, at least not without some assurances that the Saints can field a competent offensive line. He sees them slipping behind the Falcons in the NFC South:
Whether the Saints choose to go pass-heavy with quarterback Derek Carr or feed running backs Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller on the ground, they must shore up the edges of their front line for pass protection and effective outside zone runs.
Under Allen, New Orleans has fielded stout defenses. But because of an inconsistent offense, the club has hovered around .500 over the last two seasons.
We have to see it to believe that the Saints have a recipe for an offensive breakthrough in their post-Drew Brees era.
FOX Sports
Prediction: 7-10
Greg Aumen agrees that everything rides on the offensive tackles, which is concerning given Trevor Penning’s lack of development so far. He sees a future where Dennis Allen’s job could be in jeopardy:
The Saints didn’t have the cap room to address their concerns, so the offensive line will count on first-round pick Taliese Fuaga playing well and third-year pro Trevor Penning taking a big step forward. Do they get the Derek Carr who threw for 12 touchdowns and one interception in the final four games? That will help them stay in contention for their first playoff berth since 2020. If Chase Young isn’t healthy, the pass rush is a concern, finishing 2023 with 14 fewer sacks than they had in 2022. The schedule isn’t kind, facing the Browns and the Rams as part of finishing second a year ago. Does Dennis Allen keep his job if they go 7-10?
