The NFL’s official schedules were released yesterday, and while we have known team’s opponents for a while now, exactly when the games will be played is now known as well. We are able to look at difficult stretches, starts and finishes, primetime games, and make truer record predictions on how teams will finish.
In my opinion, the Saints actually have one of the easier and most manageable schedules in the entire league. Not only do they have the benefit of playing in the putrid NFC South, but the division’s AFC opponent this season is the even worse AFC South. Here is the schedule in full:
The 2023 New Orleans Saints schedule! ⚜️#Saints | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/4j2S2UWxv1
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 12, 2023
New Orleans really should open up the season with an easy win at home over a rebuilding Titans team before heading to Carolina for a Monday Night matchup in what should be Bryce Young’s home debut. Four of the first six games of the season for the Saints are actually on the road, with trips to Green Bay, New England, and Houston on the docket early.
Interestingly enough, after opening against the Falcons last season, Derek Carr and co. won’t see the Dirty Birds until week 12, and again in the final week of the season. The bye will be week 11. Vegas has the Saints over/under set at 9.5, and the football power index ranks the strength of schedule as 31st in the league.
For that reason, I am inclined to think the Saints can and should win at least 10 games this season. The Panthers are an interesting factor, and if Bryce Young develops quickly, perhaps they can compete in the division, but this feels like the Saints division to lose. I am not a believer in Desmond Ridder and the Falcons, but they did make improvements this offseason as well and perhaps could make some noise.
The NFL season is fast approaching, and we will soon find out just how good the Saints can be this year.
