New Orleans Saints: Predicting each game of the second half
By Jason Reed
The New Orleans Saints have surprised everyone with a 7-1 record at the halfway point of the season and now have an immensely high ceiling.
The New Orleans Saints exceeded everyone’s expectations with a 7-1 record in the first half. Prior to the season, a record like that after eight weeks was expected as the Saints have been one of the best teams in the league the previous two years.
However, after losing Drew Brees and losing to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2, it felt more like a 5-3 record at the halfway point than a 7-1 record. Nonetheless, the Saints overcame the injury with a strong defense and strong play from Teddy Bridgewater to win five games in a row before Brees’ return in Week 8.
Now the Saints are in prime position to lock down the first seed in the NFC and are competing against the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers to do so. The Packers also have a 7-1 record the 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday to move to 8-0 on the season.
However, you could make the case that both teams have had it somewhat easy-going in the first half. Regardless, the Saints are going to need a strong finish and this is how we see the second half shaping up.