What’s a Realistic Outcome for the New Orleans Saints in the 2024-25 Season?

As the New Orleans Saints head into the 2024-25 NFL season, fans and analysts are speculating about their chances for success. With a roster that has seen significant changes and a few key preseason performances, the Saints are a team that could go in several directions. Their blend of veteran experience and young talent offers both potential and uncertainty. Let’s break down their realistic prospects based on their current roster, coaching strategies, and preseason showing.

Current Roster Overview

The Saints enter this season with a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent. Derek Carr returns as the starting quarterback, looking to improve on a disappointing 2023 season where he struggled behind an inconsistent offensive line. The Saints have attempted to address some of these issues by bringing in offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and focusing on improving protection for Carr. Additionally, the coaching staff has emphasized a more balanced offensive approach to alleviate the pressure on Carr and maximize the effectiveness of their skilled playmakers.

On offense, Chris Olave remains the clear WR1, while the backfield is bolstered by a healthy Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. The receiving corps also welcomes Equanimeous St. Brown and Cedrick Wilson Jr., who add depth and experience​. Defensively, the Saints made a significant addition by acquiring edge rusher Chase Young. This move could be a game-changer, particularly in a division where getting to the quarterback is critical. The defense, led by vets Cam Jordan, Tyrann Mathieu, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore, remains one of the team’s strengths, and the new additions will likely help maintain or even improve their standing​.

Preseason Performance

The Saints had a mixed preseason, showing flashes of both brilliance and concern. They secured a couple of wins, which featured strong performances from their first-team units, especially on defense. However, the offensive line's ability to protect Derek Carr remains a question mark, as the unit allowed several pressures, forcing Carr to rush throws or scramble. The Saints' ability to run the ball was also inconsistent, which is worrisome given their reliance on Alvin Kamara and the ground game. These issues underscore the need for continued adjustments before the regular season begins if the Saints hope to compete at a high level.

One bright spot from the preseason was the performance of rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who showcased his potential as a future star in the secondary. His ability to adapt quickly to the speed of the NFL is a positive sign for the Saints' defense​. McKinstry's ball-hawking skills and strong coverage instincts have already drawn comparisons to some of the league's top cornerbacks. If he continues on this trajectory, he could play a pivotal role in solidifying the Saints' secondary throughout the season.

Division and Playoff Outlook

The NFC South is one of the weaker divisions in the NFL, which plays in the Saints' favor. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a rebuilding phase post-Tom Brady, and the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers have their issues at quarterback and offensive consistency. Given the competition, the Saints have a realistic shot at winning the division. The defense should be strong enough to keep them in most games, and if the offense can avoid turnovers and maintain a balanced attack, they could emerge as NFC South champions.

However, suppose the offensive line issues persist and the running game remains inconsistent. In that case, the Saints might struggle to secure the division and could instead find themselves battling for an NFC Wild Card spot. In that scenario, their success would heavily depend on how well they can perform in crucial games, especially against tougher out-of-division opponents. Additionally, the health and performance of key players like Alvin Kamara and Derek Carr will be critical in determining whether the team can overcome these challenges. Any significant injuries or further declines in performance could derail their playoff aspirations entirely.

Potential Outcomes and Expectations for the Saints' Season

The Saints are positioned for a promising run in the 2024-25 season, with a strong defense that could carry them through a competitive NFC South. Their chances of winning the division are bolstered by the relative instability of their rivals. However, their success hinges on resolving critical issues like offensive line protection and maintaining a consistent running game.

Should these areas improve, New Orleans could confidently aim for a division title and a playoff spot. On the other hand, if these challenges persist, the team might find itself in a tougher battle for a Wild Card berth, with the risk of missing the playoffs entirely. The season's outcome will depend heavily on how the Saints manage these pivotal aspects of their game.