The Saints schedule was released Wednesday night. They have the second easiest strength of schedule based on 2024 records (.419), but still have some tough stretches they need to prepare for. The Saints will need to find a way to win some challenging matchups this year if they want to succeed.
The Saints have an important run of games following their bye week, with a stretch of three difficult opponents in weeks 12-14. They begin by hosting the division rival Atlanta Falcons in week 12. Next, they fly to Miami to face the Dolphins. They finish this stretch by heading to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers. It’s imperative that they come out of their bye week strong and perform against these teams.
In 2024, these three teams went a combined 26-25 (.51). This is significantly higher then the rest of their opponents win percentage. This streak of games is challenging, but is extremely important.
Winning after the bye week has been a lost art for the Saints
Besides facing talented competition, this stretch is challenging because it follows their bye week. Theoretically, teams should play better following byes due to the extra rest. However, the Saints have struggled in recent years.
New Orleans has lost two of the three games following their bye week each of the past three years. Their offense hasn’t clicked after the extra break. They have averaged under 20 points (19.6) in the three games following a bye week since 2023. They need to perform better and start out strong to succeed during this stretch.
The Saints are in the midst of a rebuild. However, Mickey Loomis has made it clear that he believes they are in a position to compete in the NFC South. If they surprise everyone and compete in their division, then this stretch will be pivotal to their success.
They face both the Falcons and the Buccaneers within three weeks. They each are vying for the automatic playoff spot, so defeating them would put the Saints in a prime position.
