John Sigler
May 28, 2024 9:50 am CT
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
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints talks with Derek Carr #4 during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Caesars Superdome on November 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints calls a play during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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:
TheNew Orleans Saintsare 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
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 05: New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis looks on during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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
Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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
Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen gestures on the sidelines in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
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 proTrevor Penningtaking a big step forward. Do they get theDerek Carrwho 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. IfChase Youngisn’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?
More 2024 season
