If the New Orleans Saints don’t make the postseason in 2023, they certainly can’t use the schedule as an excuse.
As noted by Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, the Saints have an incredibly soft-looking schedule against the opponents’ projected starting quarterbacks this year. The slate includes games against four rookie quarterbacks plus a pair of contests against Atlanta Falcons’ QB Desmond Ridder, who has just four NFL starts under his belt.
Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars promises to pose some trouble. Daniel Jones (New York Giants), Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) and Jared Goff (Detroit Lions), all led their respective teams to winning seasons last year.
But New Orleans isn’t playing any of the NFL’s top-tier quarterbacks, namely Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts or Justin Herbert. This is simply one of the softest slate of games against starting QBs that you’ll ever see.
Coming off a second straight non-playoff season, the Saints got busy this offseason by adding former Las Vegas Raiders’ star quarterback Derek Carr and 2022 rushing touchdowns leader Jamaal Williams.
With Tom Brady retired and out of the NFC South, New Orleans is the overwhelming favorites to win the division this year.
