| New Orleans Saints (0-2) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1) | |||
| Game Details: Sunday, September 21, 4 p.m. EST | |||
| Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA | |||
| Where to Watch: CBS |
In a Week 3 clash that pits a team seeking its first win against one riding the high of a recent victory, the New Orleans Saints travel to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Seahawks. The Saints, sitting at 0-2, are in the throes of a rebuild and desperate to find some positive momentum. Despite two close losses, the young team has shown flashes of competitiveness but now faces the daunting task of playing in the notoriously loud Lumen Field.
For the Seahawks, this game is an opportunity to build on their 1-1 record and prove that their Week 2 win in Pittsburgh was no fluke. Under new head coach Mike MacDonald, Seattle’s defense has started the season strong, and the offense is looking to establish consistency. A home game against a struggling opponent is the perfect setting for Seattle to make a statement and move to 2-1 on the young season.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | +7 | +295 | Over 41.5 |
| Seattle Seahawks | -7 | -370 | Under 41.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| New Orleans Saints | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Seattle Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Points Per Game | 22 |
| 197 | Passing Yards Per Game | 212 |
| 114 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 100.5 |
| 23 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 17 |
| 198.5 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 230 |
| 111.5 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 95.5 |
Key Details
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints may be winless, but they haven’t been blown out, keeping their first two games competitive. The story for this young team revolves around finding an offensive identity. Quarterback Spencer Rattler has shown signs of improvement, and the offense has impressively committed only one turnover so far. However, they’ve struggled to generate a consistent pass rush on defense, which could be a major problem against a capable quarterback.
A long road trip to Seattle is a tough assignment for any team, let alone one trying to find its footing. The key for the Saints will be to protect Rattler and find a way to quiet the “12th Man” with sustained drives. If their defense can’t pressure the opposing quarterback, they’ll need their offense to control the clock and keep a potent Seattle attack on the sidelines. It’s getting late early in New Orleans, and the pressure is on to avoid a 0-3 start.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks enter Week 3 with a spring in their step after a solid win on the road. Now, they return home, where they’ll look to unleash their formidable defense in front of their raucous crowd. Coach MacDonald’s defensive unit is off to a fantastic start, leading the NFL with an incredible 49.4% pressure rate despite being one of the least blitz-heavy teams in the league. That spells trouble for a Saints team that has struggled in pass protection.
Offensively, the Seahawks will lean on their powerful running back duo of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet to control the game’s tempo. Quarterback Sam Darnold, after a much-improved performance in Week 2, will look to exploit a Saints defense that lacks a pass rush. If Darnold can play efficiently and avoid mistakes, the Seahawks have a clear path to victory and a chance to assert themselves as a contender in the NFC.
Prediction
It is doubtful that Rattler will be the Saints’ QB past week five. If you have watched his two games, you will feel bad for him. It is a team game, and his team is not good right now. It is not all on Rattler. Against the Seahawks, and in Seattle, there is no reason to believe this will be a breakout game for Rattler and the Saints.
