Well, here it is! My official prediction for the New Orleans Saints season. Heading into last season the Saints had lost nine straight preseason games. This year the Saints have actually looked good. They are 2-1 thus far and all the hype is how good their defense is…insert fart noise.

The preseason has absolutely no impact on how I feel about the upcoming season. Quite frankly this season can go really well for the Saints with a playoff push or it can go the same as the last three.

I am going with the latter, but it is not because they are not capable. If you want my logic on why I feel that way, read it here…

WHY THE SAINTS CAN WIN NOW AND WHY THEY WON’T

The NFC South may be the best division in football this year. It certainly has the best crop of quarterbacks with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. Those are six tough games right off the bat. The schedule features two primetime games (Week 1 @ Vikings and Week 14 @ Atlanta) as well as a game in London against Miami.

Despite those factors, it isn’t the worst schedule in the world. I could easily see the Saints going 11-5. But, they can also go 7-9. Here are my official picks for season…

Saints Schedule

Week 1 – @ Minnesota (Monday Night Football) Win 24-17 (1-0)

I dont trust the Vikings offense at all. Their defense is good, but I will take the Saints to snag a victory.

Week 2 – New England Loss 21-34 (1-1) 

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick eat their souls.

Week 3 – @ Carolina Loss 27-28 (1-2) 

Christian McCaffrey has his coming out party as he torches the Saints. He basically becomes Carolina’s version of good ole Joey Galloway (old Tampa receiver). Too fast to stop him.

Week 4 – @ Miami (London) Win 31-21 (2-2) 

This is just a crap shoot because the game is in London. Brees or Cutler, I will take Drew.

Week 5 – Bye Week (2-2)

Real tough match up here.

Week 6 – Detroit Win 34-23 (3-2)

The Saints once again spank the Detroit Lions making them regret stepping into the Superdome.

Week 7 – @ Green Bay Loss 27-42 (3-3)

Take this one to the bank. I am not betting on Aaron Rodgers to lose this one.

Week 8 – Chicago Win 27-14 (4-3)

Chicago sucks. Saints win easy, especially at home.

Week 9 – Tampa Bay Win 38-35 (5-3)

The Saints edge out Tampa in a game where the fireworks ignite. Two high flying offenses in the dome. This will be a fun one.

Week 10 – @ Buffalo Win 21-10 (6-3)

I have no idea what to make of Buffalo. I will take the Saints in an ugly win.

Week 11 – Washington Loss 24-30 (6-4)

Consider this to be the proverbial trap game this year for the Saints.

Week 12 – @ Los Angeles Rams Win 20-16 (7-4)

This one doesn’t turn into a replay of last season. Sean Payton doesn’t have a vendetta against the defensive coordinator.

Week 13 – Carolina Loss 28-31 (7-5)

The Saints drop their second game to Carolina in another close one. Carolina is playing for the division, while the Saints are trying to stay in the wildcard.

Week 14 – @ Atlanta (Thursday Night Football) Loss 17-27 (7-6)

Thursday night in ATL, it will be a tough one. I think the Saints get slaughtered in this one. However, a late touchdown makes the score look closer than it is.

Week 15 – New York Jets Win 38-7 (8-6)

The Saints bounce back and win a big one against a Jets team that belongs in a Pop Warner league.

Week 16 – Atlanta Loss 27-34 (8-7)

Round two against Atlanta and the Saints lose a close one, pushing them out of the playoff picture.

Week 17 – @ Tampa Bay Loss 30-20 (8-8) 

Tampa Bay is playing for the division in this one so they come out firing on all cylinders.

Final Record- 8-8