The Saints allowed 351 yards during Sunday's 34-31 win over the Panthers and will play the Falcons on Thursday.

Analysis: New Orleans escaped with the victory, though it was fortunate to do so with Carolina kicker Joey Slye missing two PATs and a late chip-shot FG. Regardless, the Saints recorded four sacks and recovered one fumble, but they were unable to intercept QB Kyle Allen, who struggled in recent weeks. WR Julio Jones is dealing with a shoulder injury and didn't practice Monday, which could factor significantly in Thursday's contest. The Saints D/ST has been good enough this season to be a solid option…read more

The Saints allowed 334 yards and 17 points to the Buccaneers in Week 11 and will play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: The absence of top-CB Marshon Lattimore ended up mattering little, as QB Jameis Winston stayed true to form and tossed four interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick that Marcus Williams returned for a touchdown. QB Kyle Allen is also coming off a four-INT performance for Carolina, and he's thrown a pick in four straight games (nine INTs overall). The Saints D/ST is an attractive option for Week 12 given the Panthers' recent offensive struggles.

CB Marshon Lattimore suffered a hamstring strain in Sunday's 26-9 loss to the Falcons and is considered week-to-week. The Saints play the Buccaneers in Week 11.

Analysis: Lattimore's absence would be significant for New Orleans, as Tampa Bay's WR tandem of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both rank top five in the league in receiving yards. The Saints certainly didn't play poorly against the Falcons, but one sack and zero takeaways made if an unproductive afternoon. The Buccaneers are 31st in the league with 21 giveaways, but they also have the third-best scoring offense (28.9 PPG). It will be worth checking out available streaming options for Week 11 should…read more

The Saints come out of their bye allowing 316.5 YPG and 19.5 PPG and will play the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: New Orleans continued its dominant stretch of defensive play Week 8 versus Arizona, giving up only 237 yards and nine points while recording four sacks. Assuming QB Matt Ryan (ankle) returns to action, Atlanta still has the some dangerous pieces with WR Julio Jones, TE Austin Hooper and RB Devonta Freeman, but the unit is averaging only 20.6 PPG and has 15 giveaways. The Saints D/ST should have a good chance to continue its strong run of play coming out of the bye this week.

New Orleans allowed 25 points and 252 yards in the Week 7 win over Chicago and will play Arizona on Sunday.

Analysis: The line looked much more impressive with the Saints leading 36-10 with 4:33 to go, but the Bears managed to double their yardage and score a pair of late touchdowns (thanks to a recovered onside kick). Regardless it was a dominating performance as QB Mitch Trubisky averaged a mere 4.2 yards per pass and the Bears averaged 2.4 yards per carry. QB Kyler Murray is enjoying a solid rookie campaign for the Cardinals, but the Saints have dominated defensively over the past four games and should be a…read more

The Saints held the Jaguars to 226 yards and six points Sunday and will play the Bears in Week 7.

Analysis: New Orleans had only one takeaway and two sacks, but it managed to stifle rookie QB Gardner Minshew and Jacksonville all afternoon. The Saints are giving up 245 YPG and 13.3 PPG over their last three contests. The Bears rank near the bottom of the league in total offense (266.0 YPG) and scoring (17.4 PPG), but QB Mitchell Trubisky (shoulder) is set to return this week. Regardless of who is under center for Chicago, New Orleans remains a quality fantasy option in Week 7.

The Saints had six sacks in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers and will play the Jaguars in Week 6.

Analysis: Tampa Bay totaled only 252 yards on 4.6 yards per play, 78 of which came on a garbage-time touchdown drive that finished with 13 seconds remaining. New Orleans has flashed defensive dominance at times this season, but ranks middle of the pack in total defense (363.4 YPG), scoring defense (23.2 PPG) and takeaways (six). Rookie QB Gardner Minshew has taken solid control of the Jacksonville offense, though he did lose three fumbles last week against the Panthers. The matchup isn't anything overly…read more

The Saints held the Cowboys to 257 yards and 10 points Sunday and will face the Buccaneers in Week 5.

Analysis: New Orleans surrendered at least 27 points in each of its first three games, but it buckled down against the Cowboys with five sacks and three takeaways. The Buccaneers put up 48 offensive points against the Rams in Week 4, but QB Jameis Winston still holds the potential to commit a string of turnovers. The Saints are giving up 391.2 YPG this season and rank middle of the pack in sacks and takeaways, leaving them as a middling option against a Buccaneers offense that runs through a pair of…read more

DT Sheldon Rankins (Achilles) looks unlikely to play in Week 4 versus the Cowboys.

Analysis: The Saints aren't going to rush Rankins back, especially since David Onyemata can pick up the slack for the time being. Still, this will hurt the Saints' ability to stop the Cowboys run game, which has surpassed 200 yards in two straight games. Those outings were against the Redskins and the Dolphins, but they've formed a solid one-two punch with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. The Saints have struggled to stop the run, however, as they've allowed at least 100 yards in every game. However,…read more

Sheldon Rankins is dealing with an Achilles injury that could jeopardize his status for Sunday's matchup with Seattle.

Analysis: Rankins has yet to play this season after appearing in all 16 games for the Saints in 2018, logging 40 total tackles and eight sacks. New Orleans has certainly missed his support in stopping the run, as they've given up 5.8 yards per carry to opposing running backs through two games in 2019. The Saints will take on a Seahawks offense Sunday that has reportedly dedicated themselves to the running game, but has only managed 223 yards on 58 carries (3.8 YPC) so far this season.

The Saints gave up 414 yards and 28 points in Week 1 and will play the Rams on the road Sunday.

Analysis: New Orleans recorded six sacks and an interception but were otherwise unable to slow down Houston, especially on the ground (7.8 YPC). Things won't get any easier Week 2 in Los Angeles, though the Rams did average only 4.8 yards per play and had one turnover in the season opener at Carolina. The Saints feature a talent-laden defense but have a rough early-season schedule, and Sunday's matchup with the Rams is a sub-par fantasy option at best.

DT Sheldon Rankins (Achilles) was removed from the PUP list but is unlikely to play in Monday's season opener against the Texans.

Analysis: New Orleans was solid defensively last season as it ranked 14th in both total defense (349.1) and scoring defense (22.1), and finished fifth with 49 sacks. QB Deshaun Watson and WR DeAndre Hopkins will provide a significant test in Week 1, but RB Lamar Miller (knee) being out for the year will force recent-acquisition Duke Johnson to lead the backfield. The Texans were tied for third with only 16 giveaways last season, so there may not be many playmaking opportunities for the Saints defensively.

DT Sheldon Rankins (Achilles) will likely remain on the PUP list and miss the first six games of the season.

Analysis: Rankins suffered a torn Achilles in January so he was never expected to be an early season option for the Saints. The defense brings back most of the significant contributors from 2018 after ranking 14th in both total defense (349.1 YPG) and scoring defense (22.1 PPG), while finishing 13th with 24 takeaways. DE Cameron Jordan and CB Marshon Lattimore will have a tough test in Week 1 against the Texans.

The Saints have held every opponent this season under 112 rushing yards. They play the Panthers in Week 17.

Analysis: The Panthers are having discussions about sitting players like RB Christian McCaffrey for the season finale to ensure he'll be healthy for next season when they'll have another shot at the playoffs. With that in mind, McCaffrey could be limited in snaps even if he plays, and QB Cam Newton (shoulder) is already set to sit out. The Saints have little to play for, either, but seeing less of McCaffrey could make their regular-season finale even easier while the turnover opportunities from undrafted…read more

The Saints have forced 14 turnovers over the last six weeks. They host the Steelers in Week 16.

Analysis: During their turnover frenzy, the Saints have kept each team at 17 or less points. There's plenty of uncertainty in regards to this matchup since Steelers RB James Conner (ankle) may not play for the third straight week, but Jaylen Samuels looked like an adequate fill in against the Patriots in Week 15. No matter the opposing back, the Saints have proven stout, leading the league in run defense (79.1 YPG). Instead, the Saints will be tested by the Steelers' third-ranked passing game, which…read more

The Saints have allowed 17 points or less in each of the last five games entering Monday's game against the Panthers.

Analysis: The Saints began the season allowing an average of 35.3 points over the first three games, but are currently proving to be one of the better defensive units in the league. New Orleans ranks first in the NFL in rushing defense (77.6 YPG) and is tied for second in sacks (41), but does rank 28th in pass defense (271.2 YPG). Christian McCaffery has undoubtedly been the Panthers workhorse out of the backfield this season, and should see plenty of action regardless of the effectiveness of the rushing…read more

The Saints have forced nine turnovers in the last three games. They play the Buccaneers in Week 14.

Analysis: When the two teams met in the opening game, they combined for 88 points and the Saints didn't force a turnover. Since then FitzMagic has faded away and the Saints defense has built a brand for itself as a crew of run-stoppers, ranking first in the league with just 75.4 rushing yards allowed per game while racking up 19 turnovers. Although Bucs RB Peyton Barber is heating up with a score in three straight games, he's set to meet his match against the Saints and QB Jameis Winston won't go three…read more

The Saints have allowed just two teams to surpass 100 rushing yards this year. They play the Cowboys in Week 13.

Analysis: Ever since bottling up Rams RB Todd Gurley for 68 rushing yards in Week 13, the Saints' run defense shouldn't be questioned. Nevertheless, Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott provides a stiff challenge, as he's amassed over 120 rushing yards in each of the last three games while hauling in 18 passes. The Saints have found plenty of fantasy value in keeping opponents off the scoreboard while racking up seven turnovers in the last two games, but Dallas hasn't turned the ball over in three straight…read more

The Saints have forced eight turnovers in the last four weeks. They play the Falcons in Week 12.

Analysis: Despite coming into the contest with six losses in 10 games, the Falcons have avoided mistakes on offense with only eight turnovers this season. After dropping 38 points on the Redskins three weeks back, the Falcons have been bottled up their last two contests, finishing with fewer than 20 points on both occasions. With their playoff hopes waning, Atlanta is desperate now and should be aggressive offensively, much like they were when they racked up 37 points against the Saints in Week 3. The…read more

The Saints have allowed a league-best 80.1 rushing yards per game. They play the Eagles in Week 11.

Analysis: The Eagles' backfield trio of Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement and Josh Adams has been shaky, with only Adams accruing more than 40 rushing yards in any of the team's last three contests. The Saints will look to swallow them up while facing a stiffer challenge in slowing an Eagles pass attack that now features WR Golden Tate to complement a strong group of pass catchers. The Saints are on the opposite end of the spectrum with their pass defense, ranking 31st in the league. New Orleans also…read more