Saints Win Division and Other Bold Predictions for 2016

Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) stiff-arms Dallas Cowboys strong safety Barry Church (42) on his way to a game-winning, 80-yard touchdown in the first overtime against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

5. C.J. Spiller Finishes with More Touchdowns and  Yards Than Mark Ingram

There’s no denying that C.J. Spiller was disappointing in his first season with the Saints. At large part of this was due to him not being fully healthy, and Spiller has looked explosive during the pre-season.

However, despite his injury, there were still flashes where “Spiller the Thriller”, came up huge for the Saints and showed his ability to be a game changer in a way that simply put, Mark Ingram is not.

Specifically, the Saints week 4 contest last season against the Cowboys comes to mind. Spiller won the game in overtime by taking an 80 yard wheel route to the house, showing off his game-breaking speed.

That wasn’t the only instance, again, in the epic Saints shootout against the Giants, Spiller showed up big, hauling in the game-tying 7th touchdown pass from Drew Brees late in the 4th quarter.

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) in the second quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Ingram is a solid running back and he has started to come into his own with the Saints. But there’s no doubt his Heisman winning campaign at Alabama was due in large part to the dominance of the Alabama offensive line.

The Saints do not have that kind of a line, even with the re-signing of Jahri Evans. Factor in the fact that Ingram has never played a full 16 game season in the NFL and I think this year Spiller becomes the top back in a crowded Saints backfield.

Next: A True Number One