New Orleans Saints
NFC South | Bye Week: 11
Season Preview
The New Orleans Saints enter the 2025 NFL season facing a pivotal transition, with new head coach Kellen Moore and significant changes on their roster. The biggest storyline is the quarterback position, where Derek Carr’s retirement opens the door for second-round rookie Tyler Shough to compete against Spencer Rattler for the starting role. Shough’s college numbers look promising, especially his 65.9% completion rate under pressure, but the Saints will need him to quickly develop chemistry with his receiving corps to stabilize the offense. Jake Haener remains as an experienced backup option, potentially rounding out the quarterback depth chart.
Alvin Kamara continues to be the heart of the Saints' offense, claiming over 1,150 rushing yards and nearly 500 receiving yards last season with solid yards after contact and forced missed tackles. Despite battling some injuries recently, Kamara remains a top-tier fantasy RB2 and a focal point of Moore’s screen-heavy offensive system. Behind him, Kendre Miller has struggled with injuries, and rookie sixth-round pick Devin Neal joins a crowded backfield that also features Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers—both veterans but somewhat limited in explosiveness. Neal offers three-down potential but is a long shot to produce major fantasy value in his rookie season.
Defensively, the Saints hope to rebound under new coordinator Brandon Staley, who has a strong reputation despite a shaky stint as head coach of the Chargers. The defense features standout stars such as Cameron Jordan and younger talents like Justin Reid and Bresee Kool-Aid McKinstry. While the defensive unit is expected to be a strength, some roster moves like trading Khalen Saunders indicate ongoing tweaks and uncertainty in the front seven. Injuries to key players, especially some on offense, add a layer of unpredictability to New Orleans’ overall outlook.
Projections for the Saints’ 2025 season are tempered by doubts about their offense's consistency and quarterback play, with many experts predicting a challenging year ahead. The division competition is somewhat weak, which could allow the Saints to be more competitive than their previous 5-12 record implied. However, some analysts even forecast a last-place finish in the NFC South, citing injury concerns to receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed and the overall youthful roster. Ultimately, if Moore can harness Kamara’s talents and the defense performs to potential, New Orleans may find themselves surpassing expectations—but it will require growth from the new quarterback and health across the key skill positions.
