New Orleans Saints 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

The New Orleans Saints have made major improvements over the past two seasons and are expected to be a factor in the playoff race for the NFL again this season. Two strong drafts in a row have given the Saints a group of exciting young players on both offense and defense that will help give veteran and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees at least one more shot at winning another Super Bowl. Twenty-one of 22 starters return from the team that won eight straight at one point last season and won the NFC South.

Saints star QB Drew Brees is 39 but continues to be the focal point of the offense and does not appear to have lost anything other than some arm strength, as he is still one of the NFL’s most accurate passers in history. Last season Brees completed 72% of his passes.

Even though Drew has lost some arm strength, with the young players around him, they Saints are not relying solely on his arm any longer. The duo of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram in the backfield is one of the league’s best, but the Saints will start minus Ingram for four games because of a suspension for PEDs. Veteran back Terrance West was signed to fill in during Ingram’s suspension. Saints WR Michael Thomas has caught 196 passes in his first two years in the NFL, which is an all-time record. Ted Ginn Jr. might be 31 but is still an excellent receiver and his speed makes him a deep threat.

The Saints offensive line is likely the most underrates in the NFL, but Terron Armstead at left tackle, and Ryan Ramczyk at right tackle are far better than average. Guards Larry Warford and Andrus Peat have power and size and are strong in both run and pass blocking.

A number of Saints draft picks and free agent signings have overhauled the New Orleans defense the past two seasons. The New Orleans defense was only No. 17 overall last season, but had 25 takeaways and 42 sacks to be amongst the league leaders in both categories.

Saints Defensive Line Star is Cameron Jordan who remains the mainstay at left end and is strong against the run and at deflecting passes. Rookie Marcus Davenport will battle with Alex Okafor for the other defensive end position. Sheldon Rankins holds down the middle of the line with Tyeler Davison.

Saints LB leader is Demario Davis who is the middle linebacker and will captain that corps. A.J. Klein will be moved to the strong side and Alex Anzalone will be on the weak side. Four other New Orleans veterans give the team great depth at linebacker.

Saints star in backend on defense is Marshon Lattimore, he is one of the league’s best cornerbacks evidenced by making the Pro Bowl as a rookie. The other Saints corner is a mystery, but Patrick Robinson and Ken Crawley look ready to battle for that spot. Marcus Williams was strong at free safety his rookie season and veteran Ken Coleman will play a big role at strong safety.