New Orleans Saints: 2017 Schedule Breakdown And Analysis

By Fansided and Rebecca Mills/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone
Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:24 p.m. ET

The New Orleans' Saints 2017 schedule is full of ups and downs with juggernauts like the Patriots and Packers and unpredictably like the Bears and the Rams.

The New Orleans Saints have a complicated NFL schedule this upcoming season. Weeks 1 and 2 including the Minnesota Vikings, known for their stellar defense and their week two matchup is with the former Superbowl champions. The team doesn't really get a chance to catch their breath after that with some tough weeks ahead.

Week 3 brings a divisional rival while week 4, the team travels to London. With a break in week 5, the team faces some of the best teams in their respective divisions. They might catch a break when they visit the Bills or when the Jets and Bears come into town. It's not going to be easy, getting wins and the Saints are going to face some adversity, no doubt.

Turning around a 7-9 season is going to be a challenge. If the team can keep a healthy roster, the possibilities are endless. The Saints should able to get by with at least seven wins this season, though.

Their division can be a toss-up so winning the division is anyone's game. The Saints were able to get at least one win from each of their rivals last season so there's no reason why they can't repeat that. Plus a few favorable matchups after their bye week will help them in the long run even if they can't get weeks in the first few weeks.

Let's get a better look at what the Saints have to work with and their likelihood for turning their 7-9 seasons around.

Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes the ball as Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1: at Minnesota Vikings (Monday Night)

The Saints begin the season away against the Minnesota Vikings. With a talented and stacked defense, getting a win in Minnesota is going to be tough. If the O-line can protect Drew Brees and give him the ability to scramble, a win is possible. Although we don't know much about Teddy Bridgewater's return, he's just another obstacle for the team to get over. It might take some grit to get the win, but a win is a win.

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    Week 2: vs New England Patriots

    Two elite quarterbacks going head-to-head, there's nothing better. In Week 2, the Saints face the New England Patriots, the reigning Super Bowl Champions. Obviously, the odds are stacked against the Saints and with Brandin Cooks on the other side, this game is definitely going to be worth watching.With Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in their prime, there might be a loss the Saints will have to take. If they win at Minnesota, they'll start the season 1-1 but that could change as easily when the team travels to Carolina the following week.

    With Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in their prime, there might be a loss the Saints will have to take. If they win at Minnesota, they'll start the season 1-1 but that could change as easily when the team travels to Carolina the following week.

    Week 3: at Carolina Panthers

    The New Orleans Saints have their first division game in Week 3. More than likely off the heels of a loss, the team will be out for revenge. With Ted Ginn Jr. on the side, the Saints have the advantage here and the pressure will be on the Panthers.

    The obvious hiccup for the Saints will be newly-signed defensive end, Julius Peppers. Peppers joins a talented group but the Saints know how to pressure Cam Newton and make him nervous. They might have squeaked by with a win last season, but the Saints could collect their second win this week.

    Week 4: at Miami Dolphins (London)

    The Saints travel across the pond for their week 4 game against the Miami Dolphins. London games are always meh because most people aren't up that early and neither team really has an advantage.

    The Dolphins lost some great defensive players in free agency, but signed Lawrence Timmons. With a short stint in the playoffs, eyes will be on the Dolphins to see if they can handle the NFC South team. The London game could be a solid showing for both teams as they should be fresh off wins. After London, the Saints have their bye in Week 5.

    Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) against the Detroit Lions during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

    Week 6: vs Detriot Lions

    Their second home game of the season, the Saints face their 2nd NFC North team. When the Lions and the Saints met last season, the Lions defeated them 28-13. Unfortunately, it was one of Brees' worst games of last season with him not even throwing a touchdown.

    The Saints will be out for revenge and with a week of rest, set for success. If the Saints win here, it's a small step towards them actually being taken seriously as contenders. If not, then their next week will be a battle.

    Week 7: at Green Bay Packers

    On the road again, the Saints travel to Green Bay for their 3rd NFC North opponent. Green Bay will be in a 7 game stretch and headed to their bye week, meaning they'll be looking for an easy win but the Saints aren't likely to give up that easy.

    Getting a win here will be tough, but the New Orleans Saints aren't one to back down from a challenge. With a tough schedule following them before the Saints, the Packers and Saints will be a duel between two elite quarterbacks on who can truly lead their team to victory.

    Week 8: vs Chicago Bears

    After the Packers, the Saints will visit their final NFC North opponent, the Chicago Bears. In their rebuilding phase, the Bears should be an easy win for the team. However, their defense might be able to disrupt Brees a little bit.

    With it being a home game, the Saints are obviously favored. This win should be a no-brainer and help set the tempo for the remainder of the regular season.

    Week 9: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Their NFC North showdown is capped off with a divisional game against the Bucs. The addition of Desean Jackson is definitely a huge advantage the Bucs have. I the Saints put Vonn Bell on him or Bell can tie up Mike Evans, a divisional win is just what the team needs.

    In their first meeting last season, the Saints lost by five with Brees throwing three interceptions. Their defense had Brees' number then but the team won their season game to knock them out of playoff contention. Tempers are sure to flare in this game and make the game a must-watch.

    Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field. Miami beats Buffalo 34 to 31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

    Week 10: at Buffalo Bills

    After a two-game home stretch, the Saints travel to Buffalo. This game should be another easy win for the team to pick up. The only hurdle I really see for them is LeSean McCoy, who is able to absolutely bulldoze over defenses if they give him the chance.

    Fortunately for the Saints, the team is now in the rebuilding stage and with a first-year coach, they have the advantage. With so many question marks for Buffalo, a win here should be easy.

    Week 11: vs Washington Redskins

    The New Orleans Saints travel back home to face the Washington Redskins. Washington and New Orleans are basically in the same boat here with a team full of potential not being able to capture a ton of wins.

      With Cousins future still uncertain and Brees still playing at high level, the Saints have a legitimate chance to run away with this. The Skins have the added pressure on Ginn with him reuniting with former teammate, Josh Norman too. If they can rattle Cousins, a win here could be the start of a hot streak for them.

      Week 12: at Los Angeles Rams

      What was a piece of cake for the Saints last year should be more of the same. With a second-year quarterback and a first-year coach, the Rams are in no better shape. The one strength the Rams have is their defense which wasn't much of a challenge for the team last season.

      Brees finished out that game with four touchdowns and a 49-21 score. The Saints ran away with this win and this game seems no different. Much like their time in Buffalo, a win here is almost guaranteed, making it a possible three-game winning streak.

      Week 13: vs Carolina Panthers

      The team wrapped their second game with Carolina in Week 13. On their home field last season, the Saints won 41-38. Even with only a three-point margin, Vonn Bell was able to get pressure on Newton and make him sweat. Defeating the Panthers will not only help them get a solid standing in the division but give them a good chance at the playoffs. Their three-game winning streak could move to four if they can keep up their momentum.

      Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) catches a pass against Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen (37) in the end zone in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The play was not ruled a touchdown. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

      Week 14: at Atlanta Falcons (Thursday Night)

      The first of two games against the Falcons, the Saints lost both games last season. Even in week 14, Atlanta will still be on a redemption tour and looking for wins. This game is going to be a must-watch, especially for diehard NFC South fans.

      The competition between Matt Ryan and Drew Brees has never been hotter. Both teams could be at odds for the NFC South at this point, making it a must-win for each team. Despite it being a Thursday night game, it's going to be worth checking out to see if the Saints can hold off the former Superbowl team.

      Week 15: vs New York Jets

      The New Orleans Saints travel back home for an easy win against the New York Jets. Another team poised for a high draft, the Jets might just tank the game for a draft pick. As one of the last games of the season, a win here could be the deciding factor for the playoffs. A win here is pretty much guaranteed, but expect Sean Payton to still put up a fight.

      Week 16: vs Atlanta Falcons

      Their second game against the Falcons, the New Orleans Saints will be at home. Unfortunately for them, last season they lost, 45-32, in the Superdome. This game will really depend on the outcome of the first one, but the Falcons are strongly favored.

      Even with that, don't count them the Saints out just yet. Payton might have a few tricks up his sleeve and the Saints always put up a fight against their division rivals. It might not be a pretty win or even ultimately a loss, but the fight for a playoff spot never is.

      Week 17: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

      The last game of the season is, of course, a division game at Tampa Bay. The New Orleans Saints will either be looking for a win to get them into the playoffs or possibly Tampa Bay will be. No matter what, these two teams always battle each other.

      With a draw last season, the Saints could end up with a sweep and possibly the division. This is another game dependent on the previous matchup's outcome. The Bucs will have the home-field advantage here and they won't go easy on the Saints. As a possible last game, it could be a nail-biter or one for either team's starters to rest.