The official NFL schedule dropped on Wednesday, but leaks, like clockwork, had been trickling out since Monday. This trend of gradual reveal over the week has become commonplace in recent years. Saints News Network’s John Hendrix was the first to unveil the entire slate for the 2024 regular season.
This vlog won’t be a season prediction or record breakdown. In a dedicated Saints 2024 season preview coming mid-to-late August, I’ll delve deeper into those. For now, let’s take a quick look at the schedule itself.
Storylines to Watch in the Saints’ 2024 Schedule
Let’s explore key storylines emerging from the Saints’ schedule and how they might impact their performance.
Week 1: A Crucial Home Opener
The season starts with a home game against the Carolina Panthers at noon in the Superdome. This is an absolute must-win for the Saints. Unlike the past two years, where they benefitted from a weaker division, the tides have turned. With Tom Brady gone, Tampa Bay remains a threat, and adding Kirk Cousins to the Falcons roster bolsters the NFC South. The Saints can’t afford early stumbles – a strong Week 1 showing is critical.
A Tougher Division Demands a Faster Start
While some might downplay the Carolina matchup, let’s be clear: the Saints are the better team. However, the strengthened division means a faster start is crucial. They need to capitalize on winnable games and establish momentum early.
A Pivotal Stretch: Weeks 2-5
Following the season opener, the Saints face a pivotal four-game stretch against the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and Kansas City Chiefs, with the Monday Night Football clash against the Chiefs looming large.
2-2 by Arrowhead?
To have a fighting chance later in the season, the Saints ideally need a 2-2 record heading into the Monday Night Football game in Kansas City. Here’s a breakdown of the potential outcomes:
Week 1: A win against Carolina is expected.
Week 2: The Dallas Cowboys remain a strong team with Dak Prescott at the helm. A loss here is a possibility.
Week 3: The Eagles are an interesting matchup. While they boast new offensive firepower with DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown, the Saints have the home-field advantage. It’s a toss-up, but a win is achievable.
Week 4: The Week 4 matchup versus Atlanta officially kickoffs Falcons Hate Week for 2024.
Key Takeaways:
This stretch presents a significant challenge. While a 2-2 record is ideal, a 1-3 one isn’t impossible. The Week 3 game against the Eagles at home holds the most potential for an upset victory.
Week 4: A Crucial Division Clash
Week 4 brings the first meeting with divisional foe Atlanta Falcons. This is a must-win game, not only for bragging rights but to maintain a 2-2 record heading into the tough Monday Night Football matchup. The addition of Kirk Cousins adds firepower to the Falcons’ offense.
A Gamble in Kansas City?
The Kansas City Chiefs game on Monday Night Football is likely a loss. However, with several former Chiefs on the Saints’ roster (Tyrann Mathieu, Khalen Saunders, Tanoh Kpassagnon, and Willie Gay Jr.), there could be a surprising emotional element to the game. While an upset isn’t guaranteed, the familiarity might give the Saints a fighting chance.
Potential Turning Point: Weeks 6-9
This stretch, encompassing games against Denver, Tampa Bay (twice), the Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina, presents a potential turning point for the Saints’ season. Here’s why: Softer Schedule: This section offers more winnable games than opening weeks.
Double Trouble vs. Tampa Bay: With key players remaining on both sides, a Saints sweep is possible, especially considering Tampa Bay lost offensive coordinator Dave Canales.
A Familiar Face Returns: Sean Payton’s return to the Superdome with the Denver Broncos adds an emotional layer. While acknowledging Payton’s long-term impact, the Saints should be favored in this matchup.
A Chance for Playoffs?
A playoff push becomes a legitimate possibility if the Saints win these games. This stretch offers an opportunity to build momentum and climb the standings.
Potential Wins and Playoff Implications
The stretch continues with winnable games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers. Here’s the breakdown: Los Angeles Chargers: Despite Jim Harbaugh’s coaching prowess, the Chargers lack the necessary personnel outside Justin Herbert to implement his system fully. The Saints should be favored.
Carolina Panthers: Sweeping Carolina remains a possibility.
A Crucial Stretch: Weeks 10-11
Assuming a strong performance in the previous games, the Saints could enter Weeks 10-11 at 6-3. This next stretch presents a significant test with back-to-back games against the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns.
Divisional Control on the Line: The Falcons game’s winner could hold the NFC South reins, especially if both teams enter with identical records.
Intrigue in Week 11: Browns Matchup
The Week 11 clash against the Cleveland Browns holds an interesting wrinkle. Former Saints quarterback Jameis Winston could be Cleveland’s starter if Deshaun Watson suffers another major injury.
Post-Bye Week Stretch: A Test of Contention
Assuming the Saints are in playoff contention by the bye week (around Week 12), the remaining schedule presents a significant challenge. It features tough matchups against the Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Key Takeaways: The Browns game at home is crucial, especially if Winston starts at quarterback for them. The post-bye week stretch will test the Saints’ mettle as a playoff contender.
Post-Bye Week Challenges
Following the bye week, the Saints face a challenging string of games:
Los Angeles Rams (Home): The Rams’ defense is transitioning after losing Aaron Donald, but they remain a formidable opponent. This is a matchup where the Saints’ performance will be a good indicator of their playoff potential.
New York Giants (Away): While acknowledging past struggles against Daniel Jones, the Saints, on paper, should win this game, however, harsh weather conditions could become a factor. The Giants’ coaching situation with Brian Daboll also adds some uncertainty.
Washington Commanders (Home): This is another winnable game, especially considering the Saints will face former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, RG3’s rookie performance from 2012 may still be fresh in the minds of many Saints fans.
A Crucial Green Bay Matchup
The Week 16 Monday Night Football game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers is a potential season-defining contest. Here’s why: Tough Environment: Playing in December at Lambeau Field is always difficult.
Uncertainty with Jordan Love: The Packers’ young quarterback, Jordan Love, could be susceptible to a late-season slump. However, underestimating him could be costly. New Orleans surrendered a 17-point lead in the 2023 matchup.
Playoff Implications: This game could mirror last year’s loss to the Rams, derailing the Saints’ playoff hopes. A strong performance is crucial to avoid a similar scenario.
The Road to Playoffs: Key Stretches
The season’s final stretch presents opportunities for the Saints to solidify their playoff position. Here’s a breakdown of key areas:
Post-Bye Week Challenge (Week 12-18): The post-bye week schedule is daunting, featuring games against the Rams, Giants, Commanders, Packers, Raiders, and Buccaneers. Avoiding a repeat of last year’s late-season collapse requires strong performances, especially against the Packers in the potentially season-defining Monday Night Football clash.
No Excuses: Early Season Focus
Lessons must be learned from last year’s slow start. There’s no room for an “underachieving” mentality or excuses about a new offense. The Saints need to come out firing, aiming for a 2-2 record by the Kansas City game. A strong start sets the tone for the rest of the season.
Catching Breaks: Embracing Opportunities
While there are tough opponents, the schedule also offers opportunities. The Saints can capitalize on winnable games during key stretches and avoid past mistakes of losing to backup quarterbacks. It will be crucial to take advantage of these “bones” thrown their way by the schedule.
Show Your Support
Support the great work of the Saints on Sports View 360 by purchasing licensed NFL fan gear. Items ranged from Saints hats, jerseys, t-shirts, socks, and more. We would greatly appreciate it if you would buy these items from the text link listed below. The revenue generated from today’s offer goes into the funding of the Sports View 360. Click on the link below if you are interested.
New Orleans Saints Fan Gear Deals at Fanatics
