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Curious to see what you all think regarding games played each week early in the season. Make no mistake. This thread is not to be confused with the "Know Who To Pull For" thread. @Bill has been doing a great job carrying on with that thread since the "dotless one" took a leave of absence. Both guys have put a lot of work into that thread each week over the years with some very thoughtful input with a few nuggets of contemplation engrossment. It's one of my favorite threads each year during the season. That thread doesn't usually get rolled out until it is evident which teams are in contention to have an impact of the Saints chances to make the playoffs or not. There has been contention that until then it doesn't matter as much which teams win or lose in the early part of the season. I don't personally agree with that theory as I think in some way or form all games matter, as what sets the tone early in the season has an impact on what is relevant down the stretch. Anyway, until that thread appears, we can share thoughts on what teams we all would prefer to win each week.
NFL Week 1
1. Ravens @ Chiefs - AFC matchups typically have little impact on NFC playoff implications, but a slither of substance seen through a magnifying glass can be found if one is looking for it. I didn't particularly have a dog in the hunt on this one, but I think the outcome was best. The Saints don't play the Ravens this season, but they do play the Chiefs. If the Saints can beat the Chiefs in their Week 5 meeting it would not only go a long way towards their overall win/loss record, but it would also increase their strength of schedule winning percentage in any NFC tiebreakers that could become critical. Not likely but slightly possible.
2. Eagles vs. Packers - In Brazil. Both of these teams are on the Saints schedule this season. It's an NFC matchup that will leave one team with a loss to begin the season. If nothing else good comes from this game that's at least something good. Both of these teams most likely will by vying for a playoff spot at the end of the season. I would rather the Packers take the early loss in this one as the loss to them last year was the zinger of the Saints 2023 season.
3. Steelers @ Falcons - This one is a no-brainer for any Saints fan. Hopefully Wilson and/or Fields will have a week one twenty-twenty-four resurgence and exploit any weaknesses the Clowns have. Break out the Steel Curtain!
4. Cardinals @ Bills - This one is an interconference matchup. Another no-brainer. A Cardinals loss in week one may be just one of many in 2024 but it's best for them not to establish any confidence early. Going with the Bills!
5. Titans @ Bears - Another easy one for Saints fans to figure out. It's an interconference game. The Bears should be an improved team in 2024 having stockpiled high draft picks the past few years as well as drafting Caleb Williams #1 overall in this years draft. They've also added other pieces through trades and free agency. They should be an up-and-coming team. The Titans don't look to be a juggernaut. They need to win this one some way somehow. Just do it.
6. Patriots @ Bengals - Another AFC matchup that has little impact on what's to come in the NFC or on the Saints. The Saints play neither in 2024. CINCY could be fun again to watch in 2024. I'm for the Bengals in this one.
7. Texans @ Colts - Rinse and Repeat of number 6. Colts could surprise in 2024 with a healthy Richardson if he can stay that way the entire season. Both of these teams could be in playoff contention down the stretch. Toss up for me.
8. Jaguars @ Dolphins - Same or similar to #6 and #7 above. This should be an entertaining game. Hard not to see Dolphins offense not making plays. A healthy Achane back in the lineup could be a difference maker. Fish for me.
9. Vikings @ Giants - It's a hard no on the boys from Minny Soda. The G-Men may be the weak link in 2024 in the NFC East, but this would be a great way for them to start the year. Giants without a doubt in this one.
10. Raiders @ Chargers - This is an AFC matchup. The Saints play both of these teams this year. I'd rather the Raiders get the win in this one if for no other reason but to slow the Harbaugh roll. We get the Bolts early, LV late.
11. Broncos @ Seahawks - SP could do the Saints a favor in week one by taking down the Hags, an NFC team. Pretty simple.
12. Cowboys @ Browns - It could hardly be any sweeter than to see the Boyz knocked down in the season opener. A conference and week 2 opponent of the Saints. Watching Jerrah have a meltdown is like having desert. Brownies!
13. Commanders @ Buccaneers - This one is quite simple. A division foe of the Saints, the Bucs falling flat a home on opening day would be perfect medicine. The Commandos could be much improved in 2024. Show it in week 1.
14. Rams @ Lions - Two NFC playoff teams from 2023. A loss by either would be welcomed. I'd prefer DET to take this one as they remain the favorite to win their division. Saint have the Rams Week 13. Set the tone early. Lions!
15. Jets @ 49ers - An interconference game no-brainer. Another simple one for a Saints fan to understand. Let's see Rodgers fly 8 miles high in this one. Saints don't play either one in the regular season. J-E-T-S!!!
16. Panthers @ Saints - Saints All The Way! Hard to imagine a week one contest a must win game but for the Saints it may be just that, if for nothing else, setting the tone for the season. Make Dome Field Advantage Real! Who Dat!
NFL Week 1
1. Ravens @ Chiefs - AFC matchups typically have little impact on NFC playoff implications, but a slither of substance seen through a magnifying glass can be found if one is looking for it. I didn't particularly have a dog in the hunt on this one, but I think the outcome was best. The Saints don't play the Ravens this season, but they do play the Chiefs. If the Saints can beat the Chiefs in their Week 5 meeting it would not only go a long way towards their overall win/loss record, but it would also increase their strength of schedule winning percentage in any NFC tiebreakers that could become critical. Not likely but slightly possible.
2. Eagles vs. Packers - In Brazil. Both of these teams are on the Saints schedule this season. It's an NFC matchup that will leave one team with a loss to begin the season. If nothing else good comes from this game that's at least something good. Both of these teams most likely will by vying for a playoff spot at the end of the season. I would rather the Packers take the early loss in this one as the loss to them last year was the zinger of the Saints 2023 season.
3. Steelers @ Falcons - This one is a no-brainer for any Saints fan. Hopefully Wilson and/or Fields will have a week one twenty-twenty-four resurgence and exploit any weaknesses the Clowns have. Break out the Steel Curtain!
4. Cardinals @ Bills - This one is an interconference matchup. Another no-brainer. A Cardinals loss in week one may be just one of many in 2024 but it's best for them not to establish any confidence early. Going with the Bills!
5. Titans @ Bears - Another easy one for Saints fans to figure out. It's an interconference game. The Bears should be an improved team in 2024 having stockpiled high draft picks the past few years as well as drafting Caleb Williams #1 overall in this years draft. They've also added other pieces through trades and free agency. They should be an up-and-coming team. The Titans don't look to be a juggernaut. They need to win this one some way somehow. Just do it.
6. Patriots @ Bengals - Another AFC matchup that has little impact on what's to come in the NFC or on the Saints. The Saints play neither in 2024. CINCY could be fun again to watch in 2024. I'm for the Bengals in this one.
7. Texans @ Colts - Rinse and Repeat of number 6. Colts could surprise in 2024 with a healthy Richardson if he can stay that way the entire season. Both of these teams could be in playoff contention down the stretch. Toss up for me.
8. Jaguars @ Dolphins - Same or similar to #6 and #7 above. This should be an entertaining game. Hard not to see Dolphins offense not making plays. A healthy Achane back in the lineup could be a difference maker. Fish for me.
9. Vikings @ Giants - It's a hard no on the boys from Minny Soda. The G-Men may be the weak link in 2024 in the NFC East, but this would be a great way for them to start the year. Giants without a doubt in this one.
10. Raiders @ Chargers - This is an AFC matchup. The Saints play both of these teams this year. I'd rather the Raiders get the win in this one if for no other reason but to slow the Harbaugh roll. We get the Bolts early, LV late.
11. Broncos @ Seahawks - SP could do the Saints a favor in week one by taking down the Hags, an NFC team. Pretty simple.
12. Cowboys @ Browns - It could hardly be any sweeter than to see the Boyz knocked down in the season opener. A conference and week 2 opponent of the Saints. Watching Jerrah have a meltdown is like having desert. Brownies!
13. Commanders @ Buccaneers - This one is quite simple. A division foe of the Saints, the Bucs falling flat a home on opening day would be perfect medicine. The Commandos could be much improved in 2024. Show it in week 1.
14. Rams @ Lions - Two NFC playoff teams from 2023. A loss by either would be welcomed. I'd prefer DET to take this one as they remain the favorite to win their division. Saint have the Rams Week 13. Set the tone early. Lions!
15. Jets @ 49ers - An interconference game no-brainer. Another simple one for a Saints fan to understand. Let's see Rodgers fly 8 miles high in this one. Saints don't play either one in the regular season. J-E-T-S!!!
16. Panthers @ Saints - Saints All The Way! Hard to imagine a week one contest a must win game but for the Saints it may be just that, if for nothing else, setting the tone for the season. Make Dome Field Advantage Real! Who Dat!
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