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EDIT: Week 5 Edition Begins Further Below
It's Saints/Falcons rivalry week, for many of us, the best two weeks of the season each year. The Saints let one slip away last week against the Eagles. Prior to the start of the season, nobody expected the Saints to start out 2-0 and only the folks on Airline Drive held a belief they could start out 3-0 before the year began. However, after a red hot start out of the gate there were plenty of believers that thought the Saints could begin the season 3-0. They coulda, woulda, shoulda, but they didn't. So now it's time to move on from those wild and exciting thoughts of an undefeated season and get back to focusing on the one game at a time mentality. Of course, 16-1 is still a possibility.
The Saints are still in a 1st Place tie in the NFC South division with the best inner division record to this point. The McCoy injury impact on the Saints offense was more than what anyone would have imagined. The Saints will be without their Captain and arguably most valuable Offensive Lineman for the at least the next 8 games it appears as of now. They must find a way to overcome that loss and mitigate the ramifications of it. The team brought in five offensive linemen for tryouts on Tuesday. The team signed one of those tryout players, Veteran Guard Chris Reed to the Practice Squad on Wednesday. The Saints placed Erik McCoy on IR Wednesday afternoon, a move which will have him miss a minimum of 4 weeks, which is expected anyway. The Saints then signed veteran C/G Shane Lemieux from the Practice Squad to the 53-man active roster. The Saint will also have up to 2 players from the Practice Squad that can be elevated to the Gameday Roster. More than likely, the Saints will elevate at least one Offensive Lineman from the Practice Squad, such as Hergel, as a Gameday Active for this Sunday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Saints have (G) Kyle Hergel, (G) Chris Reed, (T) Austin Deculus, and (T) Josiah Ezirim on the Practice Squad as reserve linemen that could be elevated for a Gameday roster spot. I'm expecting the Saints to have at least 9 Offensive Linemen active Sunday, at least one more than in the first 3 weeks.
The Clowns were hit with the injury bug this past week as well. Like the Saints, ATL lost their starting Center, Drew Dalman, who has been placed on Injured Reserve. Their backup, Ryan Neuzil, will now be the starter at Center. They also took another hit to their offensive line. Right Tackle Kaleb McGary, the Starter since 2019, was injured in the 2nd quarter of the game Sunday Night against the Chiefs and did not return to play in that game. It is believed that he suffered an MCL Sprain to his Left Knee. His status for this week against the Saints is unknown and he is considered day to day at this time. HC Raheem Morris stated on Wednesday that he won't be placed on injured reserve. For now, he is day to day. He was replaced in the loss against the Chiefs with journeyman swing tackle Storm Norton, who was on the Saints practice squad last year. The Clowns have signed an Offensive Lineman, a Center, to their Practice Squad and have elevated Guard Elijah Wilkinson from their Practice Squad to their 53-man active roster.
The Clowns have made some changes to their depth chart along the Defensive Line, demoting DL Zach Harrison and promoting DL Eddie Goldman into the starting lineup while also signing DT Naquan Jones. The Dirty Birds have been ineffective at rushing the passer so far this season. After 3 games they rank 31st across the league with only 3 sacks. For context, there are 10 teams with at least 10 sacks already. If this holds true for this Sunday, Carr should have time to throw.
This weeks matchup between the Saints and the FailClowns will be an early division tone setter. The Saints can take command of the division with an early 2-0 division record, while remaining in no less than a first-place tie in the division with the Bucs, while at the same time dropping the Clowns down in the division two games with an early tiebreaker victory. A win this week would also go a long way to regaining the confidence in the team itself while stopping a losing streak before one gets started. A 3-1 start would also keep the Saints within no less than 1 game atop the NFC leaders in an early race for HFA. The Saints have won 4 of the last 5 contests. The All-Time Series is tied up at 55-55 (including one playoff game which the Saints lost) and the Saints can take the Series lead with a win on Sunday. All of the above is plenty of motivation for the Saints. Veterans like Cam Jordan will make sure everyone knows it.
On the other hand, a loss this week may not make or break the season for either team, but a FailClowns win, and a Saints loss would change the tone of the season early for each team. Both teams would have identical 2-2 records with ATL having the early upper hand in the division, and both would either be in a 3-way tie for 1st Place with the Yuks or trail them by one game in the division. And Lordy Lordy No, a win by the Pansies could produce a 4-way tie. Not a pretty picture for the Saints. It would be a major upcoming for the Clowns considering the alternative. And then there's that All-Time Series lead to brag about. For the Clowns to lose that right this Sunday would be true to their franchise for FailClowning things up. Make it happen Saints.
Week 4 Edition of Who Would You Prefer To Win This Week?
1. DAL (1-2) @ NYG (1-2) - This is a Thursday Night matchup between two NFC East teams, both of which have struggled so far. The Boyz are more talented and capable of rising up. I can't see the G-men being a threat to the NFC field of teams by year end, but I'd like to see them shine this week. How sweet it would be to start the week off with a Cowgirls loss.
2. CIN (0-3) @ CAR (1-2) - A game featuring Big Game Cats. Let the Cool Cat Burrow prevail. This is the perfect week for Joe to regain his mojo magic and a good time for the red riffle to shoot blanks. I'm hoping the Pansies wilt before halftime. Hopefully they will find a few wins along the way against some NFC teams, as long as one is not the Saints.
3. LAR (1-2) @ CHI (1-2) - An NFC matchup where a loss by either could be devastating to their postseason aspirations early. I'd prefer the Cubbies to hold serve at home and put the Lams in a hole they may not be able to climb out of. The Bears are still a few Lego building blocks away from being a contender. The Lams only need to get healthy. Bear Claws Out!
4. MIN (3-0) @ GB (2-1) - A huge NFC North matchup that I'd rather not see either win. Even a tie would not be welcomed. I'm torn on this one to go either way. Minnie has DET, LAR, CHI, ARZ, ATL, CHI, SEA, GB, and DET ahead. GB has LAR, ARZ, DET, CHI, SF, DET, SEA & NO ahead. I would rather see the Queens knock the Pack further down for now.
5. JAX (0-3) @ HOU (2-1) - An AFC South showdown that has little to no impact on the Saints at this point. I like the Texans as a team better, but I think I'd prefer to see the Jags get the win and stay alive and competitive, so they play like it against the NFC North later on. JAGS have CHI, GB, PHI, MIN, and DET ahead. Texans have GB, DET, and DAL ahead. Go Cats Go!
6. PIT (3-0) @ IND (1-2) - An AFC matchup. Saints play neither in 2024. Steelers have all NFC East teams on schedule to play. It would be nice to see them win all of those. Colts have Vikings, Lions, and Giants left to play in the NFC. I'm all for the Steelers improving and Fields holding off Russ. It's an early feel-good story that could have Fields in high demand in 2025.
7. DEN (1-2) @ NYJ (2-1) - Another AFC matchup. Saints host the Broncos in week 7 in a homecoming game for former Saints HC Sean Payton. I'd rather have Rodgers give SP a Shot of reality and not let the Broncos gain any confidence this week. DEN has NO, CAR, and ATL ahead. NYJ has MIN, ARZ, and LAR ahead. Get Mean Get Green. J...E...T...S all the way!
8. PHI (2-1) @ TB (2-1) - This one needs very little explaining. Of course I prefer the Bucs to lose. Along the way I'd also like to see the game be a slop fest with plenty of mistakes by both teams with very little scoring. Eagles rinse and repeat. PHI has NYG, DAL, WAS, LAR, CAR, WAS, DAL and NYG ahead. TB has ATL, NO, ATL, SF, NYG, CAR, DAL, CAR, and NO ahead.
9. WAS (2-1) @ ARZ (1-2) - An NFC matchup. Since both won't lose, I'm down for the Red Birds to get a win. Saints host the Commies week 15. OK for JD5 to beat up on other NFC East opponents. Tarot Cards don't scare me in the big picture of things and over the long haul so I'm down for them taking the Commanders behind the voting booth this week.
10. NE (1-2) @ SF (1-2) - The Patriotic thing to do would be to kick the 9ers while they're down. The boys by the bay are dealing with some key injuries. A great time for an upset by NE. A Whiners loss now could have them playing spoiler later on and possibly putting them on a path to miss the postseason. SF has ARZ, SEA, DAL, TB, SEA, GB, CHI, LAR, and DET ahead.
11. KC (3-0) @ LAC (2-1) - The Saint play the Chiefs next week and the Bolts in week 8, both road games. Someone has to win that division. Most expect it to be the team coached by the Walrus. I think I'd rather KC eek out an unimpressive win while knocking Big JIm down a notch. A 4-0 KC team could be ripe for a trap game next week when the Saints come to town.
12. CLE (1-2) @ LV (1-2) - An AFC matchup of two faltering teams. Saints host the Brownies in week 11 and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in week 17. CLE still has PHI & WAS ahead. LV still has LAR, TB, ATL ahead. I like neither. I doubt either will see the playoffs up close in person. A coin flip here for me. Just beat the remaining NFC teams on schedule other than the Saints.
13. BUF (3-0) @ BAL (1-2) - An AFC matchup of two teams that most likely will contend for a playoff spot in that conference by seasons end. Saints play neither this season. BUF still has SEA, SF, LAR, and DET ahead. BAL still has WAS, TB, PHI, and NYG ahead. I'd prefer the Bills win this one. It could set up a must win already for the Ravens in week 7 on the road at TB.
14. TEN (0-3) @ MIA (1-2) - An AFC matchup of the wounded. Saints play neither. TEN has DET, MIN, and WAS ahead. MIA has SEA, ARZ, LAR, GB, and SF ahead. Dolphins need a game manager until Tua returns. I'm pulling for the Fish in this one and for them to be relevant down the stretch against their NFC opponents. Getting to .500 would help getting them on track.
15. SEA (3-0) @ DET (2-1) - A big NFC showdown in week 4. Saints play neither. SEA has NYG, SF, ATL, LAR, SF, ARZ, ARZ, GB, MIN, CHI, and LAR ahead. DET has DAL, MIN, GB, CHI, GB, CHI, SF, and MIN ahead. I don't like the idea of the Saints traveling to the great northwest in January. A SeaHag loss is on order. HFA must also be considered. The Lions for me in this one.
16. NO (2-1) @ ATL (1-2) - Although words aren't necessary, here are a few just for Lagniappe, a word that those George Jens don't understand the meaning of. One thing they will understand Sunday is that the Saints Are Coming, and this time with No Apologies! Let's Geaux Saints! If they try to Rise Up, shoot 'em down. Help them Embrace The Suck! They Own It!
Does anyone have any thoughts on some of these matchups with wanting different teams to win than those I have chosen?
If so, please say so and why by replying below. I'd love to hear it.
There are several games this week that could have a favorite to win by some for different reasons.
Go for it.
It's Saints/Falcons rivalry week, for many of us, the best two weeks of the season each year. The Saints let one slip away last week against the Eagles. Prior to the start of the season, nobody expected the Saints to start out 2-0 and only the folks on Airline Drive held a belief they could start out 3-0 before the year began. However, after a red hot start out of the gate there were plenty of believers that thought the Saints could begin the season 3-0. They coulda, woulda, shoulda, but they didn't. So now it's time to move on from those wild and exciting thoughts of an undefeated season and get back to focusing on the one game at a time mentality. Of course, 16-1 is still a possibility.
The Saints are still in a 1st Place tie in the NFC South division with the best inner division record to this point. The McCoy injury impact on the Saints offense was more than what anyone would have imagined. The Saints will be without their Captain and arguably most valuable Offensive Lineman for the at least the next 8 games it appears as of now. They must find a way to overcome that loss and mitigate the ramifications of it. The team brought in five offensive linemen for tryouts on Tuesday. The team signed one of those tryout players, Veteran Guard Chris Reed to the Practice Squad on Wednesday. The Saints placed Erik McCoy on IR Wednesday afternoon, a move which will have him miss a minimum of 4 weeks, which is expected anyway. The Saints then signed veteran C/G Shane Lemieux from the Practice Squad to the 53-man active roster. The Saint will also have up to 2 players from the Practice Squad that can be elevated to the Gameday Roster. More than likely, the Saints will elevate at least one Offensive Lineman from the Practice Squad, such as Hergel, as a Gameday Active for this Sunday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Saints have (G) Kyle Hergel, (G) Chris Reed, (T) Austin Deculus, and (T) Josiah Ezirim on the Practice Squad as reserve linemen that could be elevated for a Gameday roster spot. I'm expecting the Saints to have at least 9 Offensive Linemen active Sunday, at least one more than in the first 3 weeks.
The Clowns were hit with the injury bug this past week as well. Like the Saints, ATL lost their starting Center, Drew Dalman, who has been placed on Injured Reserve. Their backup, Ryan Neuzil, will now be the starter at Center. They also took another hit to their offensive line. Right Tackle Kaleb McGary, the Starter since 2019, was injured in the 2nd quarter of the game Sunday Night against the Chiefs and did not return to play in that game. It is believed that he suffered an MCL Sprain to his Left Knee. His status for this week against the Saints is unknown and he is considered day to day at this time. HC Raheem Morris stated on Wednesday that he won't be placed on injured reserve. For now, he is day to day. He was replaced in the loss against the Chiefs with journeyman swing tackle Storm Norton, who was on the Saints practice squad last year. The Clowns have signed an Offensive Lineman, a Center, to their Practice Squad and have elevated Guard Elijah Wilkinson from their Practice Squad to their 53-man active roster.
The Clowns have made some changes to their depth chart along the Defensive Line, demoting DL Zach Harrison and promoting DL Eddie Goldman into the starting lineup while also signing DT Naquan Jones. The Dirty Birds have been ineffective at rushing the passer so far this season. After 3 games they rank 31st across the league with only 3 sacks. For context, there are 10 teams with at least 10 sacks already. If this holds true for this Sunday, Carr should have time to throw.
This weeks matchup between the Saints and the FailClowns will be an early division tone setter. The Saints can take command of the division with an early 2-0 division record, while remaining in no less than a first-place tie in the division with the Bucs, while at the same time dropping the Clowns down in the division two games with an early tiebreaker victory. A win this week would also go a long way to regaining the confidence in the team itself while stopping a losing streak before one gets started. A 3-1 start would also keep the Saints within no less than 1 game atop the NFC leaders in an early race for HFA. The Saints have won 4 of the last 5 contests. The All-Time Series is tied up at 55-55 (including one playoff game which the Saints lost) and the Saints can take the Series lead with a win on Sunday. All of the above is plenty of motivation for the Saints. Veterans like Cam Jordan will make sure everyone knows it.
On the other hand, a loss this week may not make or break the season for either team, but a FailClowns win, and a Saints loss would change the tone of the season early for each team. Both teams would have identical 2-2 records with ATL having the early upper hand in the division, and both would either be in a 3-way tie for 1st Place with the Yuks or trail them by one game in the division. And Lordy Lordy No, a win by the Pansies could produce a 4-way tie. Not a pretty picture for the Saints. It would be a major upcoming for the Clowns considering the alternative. And then there's that All-Time Series lead to brag about. For the Clowns to lose that right this Sunday would be true to their franchise for FailClowning things up. Make it happen Saints.
Week 4 Edition of Who Would You Prefer To Win This Week?
1. DAL (1-2) @ NYG (1-2) - This is a Thursday Night matchup between two NFC East teams, both of which have struggled so far. The Boyz are more talented and capable of rising up. I can't see the G-men being a threat to the NFC field of teams by year end, but I'd like to see them shine this week. How sweet it would be to start the week off with a Cowgirls loss.
2. CIN (0-3) @ CAR (1-2) - A game featuring Big Game Cats. Let the Cool Cat Burrow prevail. This is the perfect week for Joe to regain his mojo magic and a good time for the red riffle to shoot blanks. I'm hoping the Pansies wilt before halftime. Hopefully they will find a few wins along the way against some NFC teams, as long as one is not the Saints.
3. LAR (1-2) @ CHI (1-2) - An NFC matchup where a loss by either could be devastating to their postseason aspirations early. I'd prefer the Cubbies to hold serve at home and put the Lams in a hole they may not be able to climb out of. The Bears are still a few Lego building blocks away from being a contender. The Lams only need to get healthy. Bear Claws Out!
4. MIN (3-0) @ GB (2-1) - A huge NFC North matchup that I'd rather not see either win. Even a tie would not be welcomed. I'm torn on this one to go either way. Minnie has DET, LAR, CHI, ARZ, ATL, CHI, SEA, GB, and DET ahead. GB has LAR, ARZ, DET, CHI, SF, DET, SEA & NO ahead. I would rather see the Queens knock the Pack further down for now.
5. JAX (0-3) @ HOU (2-1) - An AFC South showdown that has little to no impact on the Saints at this point. I like the Texans as a team better, but I think I'd prefer to see the Jags get the win and stay alive and competitive, so they play like it against the NFC North later on. JAGS have CHI, GB, PHI, MIN, and DET ahead. Texans have GB, DET, and DAL ahead. Go Cats Go!
6. PIT (3-0) @ IND (1-2) - An AFC matchup. Saints play neither in 2024. Steelers have all NFC East teams on schedule to play. It would be nice to see them win all of those. Colts have Vikings, Lions, and Giants left to play in the NFC. I'm all for the Steelers improving and Fields holding off Russ. It's an early feel-good story that could have Fields in high demand in 2025.
7. DEN (1-2) @ NYJ (2-1) - Another AFC matchup. Saints host the Broncos in week 7 in a homecoming game for former Saints HC Sean Payton. I'd rather have Rodgers give SP a Shot of reality and not let the Broncos gain any confidence this week. DEN has NO, CAR, and ATL ahead. NYJ has MIN, ARZ, and LAR ahead. Get Mean Get Green. J...E...T...S all the way!
8. PHI (2-1) @ TB (2-1) - This one needs very little explaining. Of course I prefer the Bucs to lose. Along the way I'd also like to see the game be a slop fest with plenty of mistakes by both teams with very little scoring. Eagles rinse and repeat. PHI has NYG, DAL, WAS, LAR, CAR, WAS, DAL and NYG ahead. TB has ATL, NO, ATL, SF, NYG, CAR, DAL, CAR, and NO ahead.
9. WAS (2-1) @ ARZ (1-2) - An NFC matchup. Since both won't lose, I'm down for the Red Birds to get a win. Saints host the Commies week 15. OK for JD5 to beat up on other NFC East opponents. Tarot Cards don't scare me in the big picture of things and over the long haul so I'm down for them taking the Commanders behind the voting booth this week.
10. NE (1-2) @ SF (1-2) - The Patriotic thing to do would be to kick the 9ers while they're down. The boys by the bay are dealing with some key injuries. A great time for an upset by NE. A Whiners loss now could have them playing spoiler later on and possibly putting them on a path to miss the postseason. SF has ARZ, SEA, DAL, TB, SEA, GB, CHI, LAR, and DET ahead.
11. KC (3-0) @ LAC (2-1) - The Saint play the Chiefs next week and the Bolts in week 8, both road games. Someone has to win that division. Most expect it to be the team coached by the Walrus. I think I'd rather KC eek out an unimpressive win while knocking Big JIm down a notch. A 4-0 KC team could be ripe for a trap game next week when the Saints come to town.
12. CLE (1-2) @ LV (1-2) - An AFC matchup of two faltering teams. Saints host the Brownies in week 11 and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in week 17. CLE still has PHI & WAS ahead. LV still has LAR, TB, ATL ahead. I like neither. I doubt either will see the playoffs up close in person. A coin flip here for me. Just beat the remaining NFC teams on schedule other than the Saints.
13. BUF (3-0) @ BAL (1-2) - An AFC matchup of two teams that most likely will contend for a playoff spot in that conference by seasons end. Saints play neither this season. BUF still has SEA, SF, LAR, and DET ahead. BAL still has WAS, TB, PHI, and NYG ahead. I'd prefer the Bills win this one. It could set up a must win already for the Ravens in week 7 on the road at TB.
14. TEN (0-3) @ MIA (1-2) - An AFC matchup of the wounded. Saints play neither. TEN has DET, MIN, and WAS ahead. MIA has SEA, ARZ, LAR, GB, and SF ahead. Dolphins need a game manager until Tua returns. I'm pulling for the Fish in this one and for them to be relevant down the stretch against their NFC opponents. Getting to .500 would help getting them on track.
15. SEA (3-0) @ DET (2-1) - A big NFC showdown in week 4. Saints play neither. SEA has NYG, SF, ATL, LAR, SF, ARZ, ARZ, GB, MIN, CHI, and LAR ahead. DET has DAL, MIN, GB, CHI, GB, CHI, SF, and MIN ahead. I don't like the idea of the Saints traveling to the great northwest in January. A SeaHag loss is on order. HFA must also be considered. The Lions for me in this one.
16. NO (2-1) @ ATL (1-2) - Although words aren't necessary, here are a few just for Lagniappe, a word that those George Jens don't understand the meaning of. One thing they will understand Sunday is that the Saints Are Coming, and this time with No Apologies! Let's Geaux Saints! If they try to Rise Up, shoot 'em down. Help them Embrace The Suck! They Own It!
Does anyone have any thoughts on some of these matchups with wanting different teams to win than those I have chosen?
If so, please say so and why by replying below. I'd love to hear it.
There are several games this week that could have a favorite to win by some for different reasons.
Go for it.
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