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