Explore every episode of the podcast Saints Insider

The New Orleans Saints visit the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field for Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. That would be tough for any team in December.
But this is a Saints team with Spencer Rattler and a bunch of backups on offense with not much left to play for against a Packers team that can clinch a playoff spot.
Add it all up, and the Saints are underdogs of a historic level. How can they compete? We break it down on this episode of Saints Insider, along with comments on Chris Olave's return to practice and Clyde Edwards-Helaire's return to Louisiana.
#saints #whodat #saintsnation #packers #gopackgo #nfl #nflweek16 #mnf

With Derek Carr likely out for the rest of the season with his broken hand, the New Orleans Saints likely will turn to Spencer Rattler to start the final three games. What does that audition mean for Rattler's future? Is Jake Haener done in New Orleans? And what does Carr's injury mean for next year and beyond?
Our Saints Insider crew of Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras and columnists Rod Walker and Jeff Duncan break down the revolving door at quarterback and how the franchise can move forward.
#saints #whodat #nfl #nflweek16 #packers #gopackgo

The New Orleans Saints will take on the Washington Commanders on Sunday at the Superdome in a game that doesn't lack for storylines.
• It's Jake Haener's debut as a starting quarterback
• It's Jayden Daniels' return to Louisiana after winning the Heisman at LSU
• It's Marshon Lattimore's return to the Saints
• It's a revenge game for Saints defensive lineman Chase Young
• And Darren Rizzi (3-1 as interim coach) continues to try to make his case for the permanent job.

How will things go? And what's most important in deciding this one? Our Saints Insider crew of Matthew Paras, Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan and Zach Ewing breaks it down.

#saints #whodat #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek15 #commanders #httc

The New Orleans Saints are playing it coy with their decision on a starting quarterback. They haven't officially ruled out starter Derek Carr, who left Sunday's win over the Giants with a broken hand and concussion. Could Carr actually play this week against Washington? If he doesn't, what are the cases for his backups, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler? Our Saints Insider crew breaks down the situation, makes their prediction on who will play — and also offers thoughts on Bill Belichick's agreement to become the coach at North Carolina and what it could mean for the Saints' search. #saints #whodat #saintsnation #commanders #nfl #nflweek15

The New Orleans Saints face the New York Giants on Sunday, and while they're technically still alive in the chase for the NFL playoffs, it's getting to the point in the season where focus goes to individual performances and looking toward the future.
To that end, we have an offensive player who may be in line for a big game against the Giants. Also in this preview episode:
• Could Cam Jordan finally win NFL Man of the Year?
• Drew Lock's strengths and weaknesses
• Why this game might go by quickly
• The impact of cold weather
• Keys to the game
• Predictions

#saints #whodat #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek14 #giants

With college football wrapped up in National Signing Day, the latest episode of Saints Insider takes a look at the six New Orleans Saints players who were five-star recruits coming out of high school.
Can you guess the six along with our experts? After that, we go through those six one by one and see whether they've met expectations — or whether the jury is still out.
Also on this episode:
• Moves we expect the Saints to make this week
• Taysom Hill reflection
• The Saints who were the LEAST heralded coming out of high school
#saints #whodat #saintsnation #nfl #collegefootball #signingday

If the New Orleans Saints can beat the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, they would be back in the thick of the NFC playoff picture, and interim coach Darren Rizzi would take a step toward consideration for permanent status.
If they lose, December is going to be almost meaningless in the standings — and possibly for Rizzi, too.
So can they take advantage? They'll have to stop a potent Rams attack and take advantage of a potentially leaky defense.
Our Saints Insider crew breaks down the game and offers predictions.
#saints #whodat #saintsnation #rams #ramshouse #nfl #nflweek13

It's the day before Thanksgiving, so our Saints Insider crew is ready to make holiday wish lists for various members of the New Orleans Saints.
This episode includes:
• The best Thanksgiving side dish (wait till you hear Jeff Duncan's weird choice)
• Darren Rizzi's path forward
• The moment Derek Carr needs
• Klint Kubiak and making adjustments
• Improving the pass rush, short- and long-term
• Forcing more turnovers

#saints #whodat #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek13 #thanksgiving

New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi is off to a flying start, winning his first two games. Is this just a two-game blip, or can he sustain momentum through the end of the season? And more pertinently, is he a candidate for the Saints' full-time job?
Our Saints Insiders — Times-Picayune beat writers Matthew Paras and Luke Johnson, columnist Jeff Duncan and editor Zach Ewing — put on the Rizz in this episode, with a singing performance from Luke included.
Also discussed in this episode:
• Will we see this version of Taysom Hill again?
• Without his top receivers, Derek Carr is spreading the love
• Concern levels over Erik McCoy's re-injury
#saints #whodat #saintsnation #whodatnation #nfl #nflweek12 #nflcoaches

On the surface, it might seem like an NFL Week 11 game between two bad teams. But there are plenty of intriguing reasons to watch the 3-7 New Orleans Saints take on the 2-7 Cleveland Browns.
Our Saints Insider crew — Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras and columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker — breaks it all down in this preview episode, including:
* Whether Darren Rizzi can prove it wasn't just an interim bump
* How the Dome might react to a team that won again
* The impact of Erik McCoy's return
* Oh yeah, Jameis Winston is here
*  Keys to the game and predictions — can Jeff Duncan snap his NINE-GAME losing streak?

#saints #whodat #browns #nfl #nflweek11 #jameiswinston

The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to snap a seven-game losing streak in Darren Rizzi's debut as interim head coach. Was that an outlier result based on the energy that naturally comes with change? Or is Rizzi building something more sustainable?
Our Saints Insider crew of Times-Picayune columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker, beat writer Luke Johnson and host Zach Ewing breaks it down, and also examines the following:
• Erik McCoy's expected return and the bump it gives the offense
• Whether Marquez Valdes-Scantling can be a WR1
• Jameis Winston's return — won't be boring!

#saints #whodat #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek11

The New Orleans Saints play their first game under interim head coach Darren Rizzi on Sunday against the rival Atlanta Falcons, a tough test but one the Saints will attack with renewed energy.
Rizzi made plenty of immediate changes that players have taken notice of, increasing hope the Saints can at least partially turn around their season after Dennis Allen's firing.
On the other hand, injuries are still a problem and the Falcons are riding a big wave of momentum into this game.
Our Saints Insider crew — Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras, columnist Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing — break it all down and decide which argument is stronger in making their predictions.
#saints #whodat #saintsnation #whodatnation #falcons #riseup #nfl #nflweek10

The New Orleans Saints have fired Dennis Allen and traded Marshon Lattimore, dramatically altering the course of the franchise for the rest of the season and beyond.
Our Saints Insider crew — Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras and columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker — breaks down the changes in this episode, including:

• Ultimately, why was Dennis Allen fired?
• Whose decision was it?
• What's going to be different with Darren Rizzi?
• Did the Saints get enough for Lattimore?

#saints #whodat #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek10 #whodatnation

The New Orleans Saints have lost six straight games, a skid that has transformed them from the NFL's darlings after two games to one of the worst teams in the league.
Luckily for them, they face the consensus worst team in the league this week, the Carolina Panthers. Even better, they return starting quarterback Derek Carr from injury and show every sign of being able to get back to winning ways.
But can they? A cluster of injuries to defensive backs and the Saints' general malaise are legitimate reasons for concern. Our Saints Insider crew breaks the game down from every angle, gives you our keys to victory and ultimately, our predictions for Saints at Panthers.
#saints #saintsnation #whodat #panthers #keeppounding #nfl #nflweek9

Saints coach Dennis Allen's job appears to be safe for now, despite a six-game losing streak that makes this year's Saints look like a lost cause.
Our Saints Insiders — Times-Picayune columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker, beat writer Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing — break down the situation, including:
• Why Mickey Loomis and the Saints continue to stay the course
• What it would take to fire Allen
• Our understanding of Allen's contract status
• How much Gayle Benson is actually involved

Plus, an NFL trade deadline discussion and an update on Derek Carr's health as the quarterback prepares to return to face the Carolina Panthers.
#saints #whodat #whodatnation #nfl #nflweek9

While Taylor Swift's Eras Tour takes over New Orleans and the Superdome, the Saints hit the road for a crucial game in Los Angeles against the Chargers, in desperate need of snapping their five-game losing streak.
The Saints Insider crew breaks it all down, discussing whether the Saints' rest advantage and a bunch of returning healthy players is enough to dismiss doubts about Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans rushing defense to get a big road win.
Oh, and we make a bunch of bad Taylor Swift puns. Can't-miss episode.
#saints #whodat #whodatnation #saintsnation #chargers #nfl #nflweek8 #taylorswift #erastour #swifties

The New Orleans Saints gave star running back Alvin Kamara a 2-year contract extension, securing his future in New Orleans through the 2026 season with $22 million guaranteed. Was the move worth it for the Saints, or are they just rewarding a franchise player for his past service?
Also in this podcast:
• Light at the end of the Saints' injury tunnel
• What does Marquez Valdes-Scantling add?
• The defense's problems might not be solvable
• Big picture: A win over the Chargers could spark a hot streak

#saints #whodat #saintsnation #chargers #nfl #nflweek8

Everything about the 2024 New Orleans Saints seems to come to a crisis point Thursday night, when the Denver Broncos visit the Superdome.
With the team riding a four-game winning streak and playing a half-dozen backups on offense, here comes the franchise's most successful coach, Sean Payton — on the same night legendary quarterback Drew Brees goes into the Saints Hall of Fame.
Can the Saints deal with the noise? How do they find ways to improve with all of the injury problems enough to get a crucial win?
Our Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Luke Johnson and host Zach Ewing breaks it all down and finally offers predictions for Thursday Night Football.
#saints #whodat #saintsnation #whodatnation #broncos #broncoscountry #nfl #nflweek7 #tnfonprime

The New Orleans Saints have lost four straight games after a red-hot start, and there's plenty of blame to go around. But general manager Mickey Loomis told WWL radio this week that he stands behind head coach Dennis Allen and that fans should "look beyond the results" to evaluate a team.
But something is clearly wrong in New Orleans. Is it coaching after all? Injuries? Bad luck? Players who have quit?
It's time to take a deep dive into what's ailing the Saints as they prepare for the Denver Broncos on a short week.
#saints #saintsnation #whodat #nfl #nflweek7

The New Orleans Saints turn to rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's a tough spot for the Saints, who are on short rest, facing a team with extra rest, and are starting Rattler behind an injury-riddled offensive line.
Can they win? How would they win?
Our Saints Insiders — Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras, columnist Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing — discuss the matchups on the field, the choice of Rattler to replace injured Derek Carr and then make our predictions as the Saints try to snap a three-game losing streak.
#saints #whodat #whodatnation #saintsnation #bucs #nfl #nflweek6

With starting quarterback Derek Carr expected to miss at least the next two games, the New Orleans Saints will need to turn to rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler or second-year pro Jake Haener for some crucial games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos.
Our Saints Insiders — Times-Picayune Saints beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras and columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker — examine the issue and give their opinions on whom the Saints should choose. There's also discussion of some of the underlying problems the Saints have in other areas no matter who plays quarterback as they try to turn their season around.
#saints #whodat #whodatnation #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek6

The New Orleans Saints have lost two games in a row by razor-thin margins. The Kansas City Chiefs have made a habit of winning close games in their 4-0 start (not to mention the whole "back-to-back Super Bowl champion thing").
So can the Saints find a way to change that narrative and win on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium? One thing is for sure: It'd be the biggest win in the Dennis Allen era.
Our Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and Zach Ewing gets you ready for the matchup with:
• Which injured players may return and what it means
• How the Saints can deal with Chris Jones and the Kansas City defensive line
• Can New Orleans limit Travis Kelce's impact, given the Chiefs have injuries to other playmakers?
• Keys to the game and predictions
#saints #saintsnation #whodat #chiefs #chiefskingdom #nfl #nflweek5 #mnf

The New Orleans Saints have the NFL record for point differential without having a winning record through four games. Are they just unlucky, or is poor execution in close games a repeated problem?
And what about help from the outside? Several reports have the Saints listed as one of star receiver Davante Adams' preferred trade destinations. Should the Saints do the deal? Could they get him? What would it cost?
Our Saints Insiders — Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and Zach Ewing — tackle these topics, as well as turn an eye toward Monday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, on this episode of the Saints Insider.
#saints #whodat #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek5

The New Orleans Saints travel to face the Atlanta Falcons in a game that will help decide the course of the NFC South. It'll also decide who takes the lead in an all-time series that's tied 55-55, and of course it'll decide the latest bragging rights between two fierce rivals. The game is full of interesting matchups that are made more complicated by injury concerns on both sides. Our Saints Insiders — beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras, columnist Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing — break it all down, give our keys to the game and predict the final score. #saints #whodat #whodatnation #saintsnation #falcons #riseup #nfl #nflweek4

Our Saints Insiders are back after New Orleans' first loss of the season, a 15-12 setback to the Philadelphia Eagles. Beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras and columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker break down:

• The loss of Erik McCoy and how much it costs the Saints going forward
• What the Saints will do to replace McCoy
• Cam Jordan's reduced snap count
• Was the Eagles loss an aberration or a sign of concern?

#saints #whodat #eagles #falcons #nfl #nflweek4

Everything has gone right for the New Orleans Saints through two weeks of the NFL season. Now they return home to face the Philadelphia Eagles, with a crowd that will have the Superdome rocking like it hasn't in years.
But is it all too much? Too much hype, too much success too fast? Our Saints Insider crew of Times-Picayune beat writers Matthew Paras and Luke Johnson, columnist Jeff Duncan and host Zach Ewing break down the matchup from all perspectives, give our keys to the games and finally our predictions for one of the NFC's biggest games of the week.
#saints #eagles #whodat #flyeaglesfly #nfl #nflweek3

The New Orleans Saints have two emphatic victories in two weeks of the NFL season. Our Saints Insider team of beat writer Luke Johnson, columnists Rod Walker and Jeff Duncan and host Zach Ewing takes stock of how much they've risen in the NFC ranks, what they expect going forward and more. Included in this episode:

• Explaining why the Saints' offense has been unstoppable
• Giving the O-line its flowers
• Ticket prices for Eagles game skyrocketing
• Adjustments opponents will start to make
• Just how good is the NFC South? 

#saints #whodat #saintsnation #whodatnation #nfl #nflweek3

The New Orleans Saints impressed in their Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers, but now the going gets significantly more difficult. The Saints travel to AT&T Stadium to face the Dallas Cowboys, who also opened with an easy win, theirs against the Cleveland Browns.
Our Saints Insider crew of Rod Walker, Matthew Paras, Luke Johnson and host Zach Ewing breaks down the game from every angle, including an injury report, statistics, trends, keys to the game, and finally, our predictions for which team starts the 2024 NFL season 2-0.
#saints #whodat #saintsnation #cowboys #nfl #nflweek2 #nflpicks

The New Orleans Saints looked great in their Week 1 rout of the Carolina Panthers. But now comes a much a bigger challenge: A date with the Dallas Cowboys, who also had a resounding Week 1 victory and haven't lost a home regular season game since the 2021 season.
Adding to the Saints' obstacles is Hurricane Francine, which is barreling down on New Orleans on Wednesday and affecting both practice times and the personal lives of players and coaches. Our Saints Insiders — Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and Rod Walker — discuss it all in today's episode, recorded remotely because of the storm. Stay safe, New Orleans!
#saints #saintsnation #whodat #cowboys #nfl #nflweek2

The New Orleans Saints open up the 2024 season on Sunday at the Superdome against the Carolina Panthers. We'll finally get to see Klint Kubiak's new offense in action, an invigorated pass rush and the start of a season that is pivotal to the future of the Saints franchise.
Our Saints Insiders — Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and Zach Ewing — break down the game in all facets and then give their Week 1 predictions. Will the Saints get a much-needed win against Carolina? Or can the Panthers pull the upset?
#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflweek1 #panthers #keeppounding

What if it all goes right for the New Orleans Saints? How good could their 2024 season be? And on the flip side, what if it all goes wrong?
Our Saints Insiders of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and Zach Ewing discuss those questions, as well as whether the Saints did enough this offseason to supplement their offensive line.
Finally, we make our NFL picks for the upcoming season: Storyline to watch, surprise team, disappointing team and our pick to play in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX in February.
#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflpicks

It's only nine days until the New Orleans Saints kick off the 2024 season against the Carolina Panthers, and we're not here to be meek.
In this episode of the Saints Insider podcast, Times-Picayune columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker, beat writer Luke Johnson and host Zach Ewing give their BOLD predictions for the 2024 Saints, featuring:

• Taysom Hill, Taysom Hill and more Taysom Hill
• Chase Young will have HOW many sacks?
• What happens with Marshon Lattimore?
• A bizarre prediction for the Saints' first two games

Plus, our college football predictions for the new season.

#saints #geauxsaints #nfl #nflpicks #nflpredictions #saintsnation

The New Orleans Saints have their initial 53-man active roster set for the 2024 season. Our Saints columnists Jeff Duncan and Rod Walker break down who made the cut — and some of the more surprising names who didn't, and how this could all change before the first game Sept. 8.

The New Orleans Saints finish up their preseason schedule Sunday at home against the Tennessee Titans, and so it's the final time for players to impress the coaching staff to make the 53-man roster. 
Our Saints Insider crew of Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras, Rod Walker and host Zach Ewing breaks down what to watch for in the Titans game, touching on:

• The plan at quarterback
• The competition for the final starting spot at safety
• Could the Saints really go with Charlie Smyth at kicker?
• Final roster battles to watch

#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflpreseason

The New Orleans Saints are back in town and wrapping up training camp this week before their final preseason game Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Our Saints Insider crew of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing go through some reasons for optimism and reasons for pessimism they've gained through camp — good new for the Saints and bad news for the Saints.
We cover:
• Pass rush
• Offensive line
• Taysom Hill
• Depth at running back and wide receiver
• New offensive scheme
And much more.

#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflpreseason

The New Orleans Saints received a double dose of bad news Thursday during and after their most recent training camp practice, with rookie offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga leaving practice with a back injury and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, whom the Saints courted in free agency, signed instead with the Saints' hated rival and the NFC South favorites, the Atlanta Falcons.

All of that provides a backdrop to preseason game No. 2, which sees the Saints travel to face the San Francisco 49ers.

Saints Insiders Luke Johnson and Jeff Duncan discuss the Fuaga and Simmons situations and dive into what they expect to see from the Saints in the Bay Area in this episode of Saints Insider, live from California.

#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nflpreseason #49ers

On today's episode of Saints Insider, we play a game called "Buy or Sell?"
Our experts, beat writer Matthew Paras and columnist Jeff Duncan, come to you live from Southern California, where the Saints are holding training camp, to answer whether they're BUYING or SELLING each of the following:

• Cam Jordan pass rushing from the inside
• The Saints replacing Trevor Penning at right tackle
• Whether the safety rotation needs Justin Simmons
• If the offense will start the regular season slow

#saints #nfl #nfltrainingcamp #saintsnation

The New Orleans Saints play their first preseason game of 2024 on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals, but much of the talk the past couple of days at training camp has centered on free-agent safety Justin Simmons, who is visiting the team and may sign a contract to bolster the Saints' secondary. Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras break down the chances Simmons signs with New Orleans, what he would bring to the team and much more on this episode of Saints Insider, including:

• Which camp injury is the most concerning

• Which quarterback will start against Arizona

• How much Chase Young will play in the preseason

• Why the punter battle might be more interesting than the kicker battle

#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfltrainingcamp #nflpreseason

The New Orleans Saints have an off day from training camp Tuesday, so the Saints Insiders are here to break down what's been going on in Southern California. In this episode, Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras break down:
• How Spencer Rattler is making the backup QB battle a real competition
• Why Chris Olave might turn into a national star in Year 3
• Whether the offensive line is improving
• How concerned they are about the rash of Saints camp injuries
#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfltrainingcamp

Eight practices into New Orleans Saints training camp, we can start to make some conclusions about what we've seen. The Times-Picayune's Saints Insiders Luke Johnson and Rod Walker are here to do just that, talking about the under-the-radar players they've been most impressed with, the backup quarterback battle between Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener and the most intriguing storylines from camp thus far. Live from Southern California, it's the Saints Insider. #saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfltrainingcamp

Times-Picayune beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras record the latest Saints Insider episode live from Southern California, where the New Orleans Saints have wrapped up their first week of training camp, including three practices in full pads.
So what have we learned? Is the defensive line dominant, or the offensive line just that bad? Who has stood out, and what's the latest on camp injuries?
#saints #nfl #nfloffseason #saintsnation

The New Orleans Saints head off to Irvine, California, for three weeks of training camp starting Wednesday. Before our Saints Insider crew follows them west, we're here to preview the camp, including:

• Whether going away for camp is an advantage
• Top position battles to watch
• Klint Kubiak's offensive install
• Dennis Allen is trying to change his ways
• How much has the defense slipped?
• Alvin Kamara's contract situation, offensive line, final free agents and more

#saints #nfl #nfloffseason #nfltrainingcamp #hardknocks

With training camps opening across the NFL next week, we spent one of our last offseason podcasts looking at the season ahead, specifically at the NFC playoff picture.
Each of our Saints Insiders — Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing — ranked the NFC teams, 1 through 16. We then tallied up the votes and divvied the teams into tiers: Pretenders, long shots, contenders and favorites.
Who do we have representing the NFC for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans? And who could the surprise playoff teams be? Here's our best guess.
#nfl #nfloffseason #saints #49ers #lions #commanders #vikings #packers #bears #cowboys #eagles #giants #falcons #buccaneers #panthers #seahawks #rams #cardinals

The New Orleans Saints have several players entering the 2024 season in a contract year, i.e., the final year of their current contract. They range from role players to possible stars on one-year prove-it deals.
Given their usual salary cap restraints, the Saints will have to make tough decisions on these six players, and in turn the players could earn huge paydays — or a ticket out of town — based on their performance in 2024.
Our Saints Insider crew of Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing break down six of those players entering their contract year in this episode.

#saints #nfl #nfloffseason

The Saints Insider podcast is back with a look at various offseason NFL power rankings that have been published across the country — most of them placing the New Orleans Saints in the bottom quarter of the league.

Add that to a recent ESPN story that ranks the Saints' talent under the age of 25 as the third-worst in the NFL, and you have an emerging pattern: Not many around the country think the Saints can accomplish much in 2024.

Are they being underrated, or is those dire projections accurate? Our team of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing dissect the situation and give where they would rank the Saints in NFL power rankings.

#saints #saintsnation #nfl #nfloffseason

No matter how you define "breakout" — from a bench player to start, a starter to a standout, a standout to a Pro Bowler — every team has players it hopes will take a big step in their career.

That's certainly true for the 2024 New Orleans Saints, who have one of the NFL's oldest rosters and need young players to improve. In today's episode, our Saints Insider staff of Luke Johnson, Jeff Duncan, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing talk about six candidates to be the Saints' 2024 breakouts.

See who we chose and let us know your picks for the Saints' 2024 breakout candidates.

This isn't a list of the best New Orleans Saints players, or the most talented or most valuable. It's a list of the most important for the Saints' 2024 fortunes.

We had three Saints Insiders — beat writers Matthew Paras and Luke Johnson and columnist Jeff Duncan — rank their top 10 "most important Saints," then made a composite ranking.

On this episode of Saints Insider, those three, along with host Zach Ewing, give their thoughts on each of these Saints and why they could make or break the Black and Gold in the upcoming season.

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

Matthew Paras: 1. Derek Carr; 2. Klint Kubiak; 3. Taliese Fuaga; 4. Alvin Kamara; 5. Marshon Lattimore; 6. Trevor Penning; 7. Cam Jordan; 8. Chris Olave; 9. Paulson Adebo; 10. Chase Young

Luke Johnson: 1. Carr; 2. Kubiak; 3. Fuaga; 4. Lattimore; 5. Jordan; 6. Penning; 7. Kamara; 8. Olave; 9. Young; 10. Tyrann Mathieu

Jeff Duncan: 1. Dennis Allen; 2. Carr; 3. Fuaga; 4. Taysom Hill; 5. Carl Granderson; 6. Kendre Miller; 7. Kubiak; 8. Alontae Taylor; 9. Young; 10. Lattimore 

#saints #nfl #nfloffseason

Various sportsbooks have set over/under totals for various New Orleans Saints' players statistics in the 2024 season. Our Saints Insider team of beat writers Luke Johnson and Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing take a crack at some of them here, including:

• Derek Carr over/under 3,450.5 yards and 21.5 touchdowns
• Alvin Kamara o/u 650.5 yards, 6.5 touchdowns
• Chris Olave o/u 1,125.5 yards
• Chase Young o/u 7 sacks
• Saints o/u 7.5 wins

Let us know what you think in the comments.

#saints #nfl #nfloffseason #sportsbetting

With mandatory minicamp in the rearview mirror and training camp in California up next, our Saints Insiders of Jeff Duncan, Luke Johnson, Matthew Paras and host Zach Ewing take a swing at projecting New Orleans' 53-man roster when the regular season begins in less than three months.
Who wins the big battles at wide receiver and linebacker? Any surprise cuts or additions? And who of the past two draft classes could be at risk. We discuss it all on this week's Saints Insider.
#saints #nfl #nfloffseason

Star running back Alvin Kamara left the final practice of New Orleans Saints minicamp on Thursday, a move sources say was part of a contract dispute.

Our Saints Insider team of Jeff Duncan, Rod Walker and host Luke Johnson breaks down the dispute, taking a look at Kamara's perspective, the Saints' perspective and everything in between.

We also give our takes on Juwan Johnson's injury and what it means for the Saints and our final takeaways from minicamp.

#saints #nfl #nfloffseason