RSS Saints Team Notes

[New Orleans Saints]

Fleur-de-Links, August 28: The roster is nearly fully set before Week 1

Starting Spencer Rattler may have just set up the perfect 2-year plan​

The Saints have made their QB decision, and it may have set up New Orleans for success, regardless of the outcome.

The Saints’ practice squad is officially here​

With the first game of the season a week away, the Saints’ roster is almost complete.

The 5 Worst Fantasy Football Offenses To Avoid Including The Saints and The Browns​

With an offense led by Kellen Moore, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Taysom Hill, and Alvin Kamara, are they still a group to avoid in fantasy football?

QB1 at practice today pic.twitter.com/wteUJ0y1r5

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 27, 2025

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-the-roster-is-nearly-fully-set-before-week-1

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Trevor Penning is progressing from injury, but Week 1 is still in doubt

Since offensive lineman Trevor Penning was selected by the New Orleans Saints in 2022, his career has been filled with ups and downs. Injuries, confidence issues, and lack of development have been the main culprits for these struggles, but it can reach a point where a team is unsure about what to do with a player. The good news was that the Saints viewed Penning as a potential option at their LG spot, which was a massive issue on the offensive line going into the offseason. This move for Penning was always going to be a learning curve for the former tackle, but in practice, he was showing signs of getting settled into his new position. Even though there were still struggles in the preseason, Penning was still showing the coaching staff that they could go into the season with him as the starter. However, just as it did early in his career, an injury halted any progress.

Against the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning suffered a foot injury that was perceived as minor, and the recovery period shouldn’t last long, but it could still go into the regular season. Since the announcement of the injury, there have been minor updates, but in Kellen Moore’s press conference today, the head coach provided some further information that could be seen as both positive and negative.

Kellen Moore said Trevor Penning is out of his boot and “we’ll see if he’s ready for week 1” mentioned they have a few days off this weekend #Saints

— Erin Summers (@ErinESummers) August 28, 2025

The Saints having a near fully healthy group of starters would be an excellent situation to start the season, and there is a real chance Penning can play right away. Still, I doubt the coaching staff will rush Penning to play and would rather have him sit out this week to heal so that he can be ready for the rest of the season. It is much worse to lose Penning for an extended period of time than just missing him for week 1. The Saints also have two backups, Dillon Radunz and Torricelli Simpkins, whom they can feel comfortable subbing in while Penning is out.

Time will tell if the Saints can have Trevor Penning for Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, and with the game being 10 days away, there is a good chance it will happen.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...sing-from-injury-but-week-1-is-still-in-doubt

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Former Saints LB D’Marco Jackson and CB Rico Payton claimed off waivers

On Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints finalized their initial 53-man roster. Among those waived were 2022 fifth-round LB D’Marco Jackson and second-year UDFA CB Rico Payton. Jackson was claimed by the Chicago Bears, and Payton by the New York Giants.

Jackson missed his entire rookie season in 2022 due to a hamstring injury but has since carved out a crucial role on special teams.

I was surprised by his release, but the fourth-round selection of Danny Stutsman, combined with the emergence of Jaylan Ford and Isaiah Stalbird, made the position group more crowded than expected—leaving Jackson as the odd man out.

I had hoped he would return to the practice squad, but Chicago swooped in and snagged him off of the waiver wire, reuniting the 27-year-old with his former head coach in Bears DC Dennis Allen.

The former Appalachian State Mountaineer finished his time in New Orleans with 27 total tackles (12 solo), three stops and a fumble recovery in 27 games, according to Pro Football Focus.

Payton was one of last year’s training camp standouts after signing with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Division II Pittsburg State.

The 25-year-old appeared in 16 games for New Orleans as a rookie, logging a pass breakup and 12 total tackles (10 solo) on special teams.

After another solid camp, Payton struggled in the preseason, posting a 56.1 overall defensive grade compared to an 83.0 in 2024, per PFF.

While I still thought he had a strong chance to make the roster due to his value on special teams, an injury expected to sideline him for two to three weeks likely factored into the decision to waive the fan favorite. That, combined with Rejzohn Wright’s stellar offseason, looks to have cost Payton his roster spot.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ackson-and-cb-rico-payton-claimed-off-waivers

 

[New Orleans Saints]

LPB launches new weekly sports series, Game Notes with former Saints LB Scott Shanle

Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is making a bold play this fall with the premiere of its new weekly sports series, GAME NOTES. Celebrating Louisiana’s unmatched passion for college football, the series spotlights eleven teams from six conferences across the state.

The season kicks off with the weekly GAME NOTES program beginning Saturday, August 30 at 10:00am, featuring pregame insights and analysis of the day’s matchups. Then, watch for POST GAME NOTES beginning Sunday, August 31 at 6:00pm, a weekly wrap-up show highlighting the biggest plays and most memorable moments from Saturday’s games. Both programs continue throughout the football season.

Veteran broadcaster Victor Howell will host, alongside Super Bowl champion and former Saints’ linebacker Scott Shanle. “Some may be surprised to see sports coverage on LPB, but it’s a natural fit,” said Howell. “Football connects families, friends, and alumni across Louisiana. With GAME NOTES, we’re bringing those connections home to LPB and celebrating the passion that unites our state.”

From North to South Louisiana, GAME NOTES highlights historic powerhouses and rising programs alike, featuring: Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, Louisiana State University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Southern University, and A&M College, Tulane University, University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and University
of Louisiana-Monroe.

“LPB is committed to telling Louisiana’s stories—and many of those stories are found on the football field,” said LPB President and CEO Clarence “C.C” Copeland. “Past LPB series like Behind the Glory focused on the personal journey of athletes. With GAME NOTES, we step into the excitement of the season and the energy of game day,
meeting viewers where they are—cheering on their teams every Saturday.”

When to watch:

GAME NOTES | Saturdays beginning August 30 at 10:00 am
Howell and Shanle set the stage with pregame insights and analysis of the day’s matchups.

POST GAME NOTES | Sundays beginning August 31 at 6:00 pm
A weekly wrap-up highlighting the biggest plays and most memorable moments from Saturday’s games.

Viewers can watch statewide on LPB and stream anytime at lpb.org/gamenotes or the LPB YouTube channel.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...game-notes-with-former-saints-lb-scott-shanle

 

[New Orleans Saints]

SB Nation Reacts Results: How confident are you in the 2025 Saints now compared to earlier in the offseason?

Training camp and preseason is officially over as we now just 8 days away from the kickoff of the 2025 NFL Season for the New Orleans Saints. So, in this week’s reacts poll, we asked our readers to let us know how confident they are in the 2025 Saints now compared to earlier in the offseason?

41% of voters said they are feeling exactly the same about the upcoming season with 35% feeling more confident followed by 24% feeling less confident.

Plenty has changed since the Saints last played back in January… With a new coach comes a new era in New Orleans and we will soon see exactly what Kellen Moore has been planning this year when the Saints open the 2025 season at home against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 7th.

Check out all the odds for the upcoming NFL season from our friends at FanDuel at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ints-now-compared-to-earlier-in-the-offseason

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Drafting the Saints: The 2025 Players You May Want on Your Fantasy Roster

Fantasy football fanatics, assemble! Now that we somewhat got through the NFL chopping block day, it’s time to dive deep into the bayou and peek at some fantasy black & gold from the 2025 New Orleans Saints roster. With new head coach in Kellen Moore and some interesting changes on the offensive side of the ball, the Saints are a team possibly ripe with both opportunity and risk. Here’s my take on who you should be targeting when your draft rolls around.

The Crown Jewel: Alvin Kamara, RB

Let’s not overthink this. Alvin Kamara is, and will continue to be, the most valuable fantasy asset on the Saints’ roster. The man is a PPR machine, a dual threat back who feasts on targets out of the backfield. Even with a new quarterback likely leaning on short passes, Kamara’s role as a top-tier receiving back is secure. He’s finished as an RB1 multiple times and despite the presence of Kendre Miller and rookie Devin Neal, his workload is not likely to be significantly impacted. Draft him with confidence as a reliable RB1 or high-end RB2 who will provide a fantastic floor and a massive ceiling every single week.

The Big-Play Threat: Chris Olave, WR

Chris Olave can be a fantasy force to be reckoned with. The guy has a knack for creating separation and making big plays down the field. However, while his 2024 season was hampered by a concussion, he’s a true WR1 talent. If you are willing to gamble a spot, he could prove to be formidable. With the addition of veteran Brandin Cooks and the continued development of Rashid Shaheed, the Saints’ receiving corps is a dangerous trio. If used properly, Olave could have a breakout season. Kellen Moore will need to find creative ways to get Olave the ball without putting him in the position of agitating another concussion injury. I expect short yard routes with Olave to place him on the leader board for fantasy points this season. Olave may not be your first choice for a main fantasy roster spot, but he definitely should be in your line-up.

The Risky Sleeper: Tyler Shough, QB

This is where things get interesting. Derek Carr’s retirement has opened the door for a new era in New Orleans. While Spencer Rattler is in the mix, the Saints’ decision to spend a second-round pick on Tyler Shough suggests they believe he can eventually be their prime QB. Shough has a big arm and can read defenses, but he’s also known for getting into trouble when pressured. This makes him a high-risk, high-reward pick. He’s likely a late-round flier or a super flex option, but if he can click with the offensive line and his talented pass-catchers, he has the potential to be a fantasy surprise. The gamble becomes risky due to the Saints naming Rattler as the starter. So, you would have to one-arm bandit the roster and believe he would get some field time to gain you some points.

The Sneaky Stash: Rashid Shaheed, WR

Don’t forget about Rashid Shaheed! The speedster is a fantastic downfield threat and a perfect complement to Olave. He’s more than a one-trick pony, and with Moore’s new system, he could see his target share increase. He’s a great bench player to have for bye weeks or as a potential flex starter, especially in high rival games.

The Redemption Player: Brandin Cooks

Cooks is looking to bounce back after a tough 2024 season with the Cowboys, where he had the lowest production of his career—just 26 catches for 259 yards. It was the first time in his 11 seasons he didn’t hit at least 42 catches and 550 yards. I could see a real connection between Cooks and Rattler. Picking him in your draft can be proven beneficial, even if he is predicted to be traded to the Steelers.

The Dart Throw: Juwan Johnson, TE

Juwan Johnson is a solid, if unspectacular, tight end option. He’s a reliable chain-mover who has shown flashes of touchdown-scoring ability. The lack of clarity at the QB position makes him a bit of a question mark, but he’s a viable streaming option or a low-end TE2 for those in deeper leagues. Again, Rattler building field rapport with Johnson will definitely get you some points.

The Defensive Gamble: Saints D/ST

The Saints’ defense has been a roller coaster for fantasy owners. They have some big names, but their overall performance has been inconsistent. With some new faces in the secondary and on the defensive line, they could be a good streaming option for favorable matchups, but they’re not a set-it-and-forget-it unit.

Final Take

The Saints’ 2025 offense is a fascinating fantasy puzzle. While the quarterback situation could still be a big question mark, the playmakers are proven talents. With Rattler starting the season, him being consistent can bring some roster points. Kamara and Olave are your core targets, while Shough and Shaheed offer intriguing upside at a lower cost. If you’re looking for a team with high-ceiling players who could either win you a league or leave you with a few headaches due to having a slew of fresh players to rebuild with, the New Orleans Saints are a great place to take a chance to gamble big and win!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...5-players-you-may-want-on-your-fantasy-roster

 

[New Orleans Saints]

College Football Week 1 Open Thread

Happy Saturday everyone! Welcome to the Canal Street Chronicles College Football open thread! This is where we congregate to discuss and dissect each and every one of today’s games on the NCAA Division 1-A (FBS) football schedule. Let’s have some fun and enjoy some stress-free football as we watch the future stars of the NFL today!

Here are the headline games for Week 1:

Saturday, August 30th

#1 Texas at #3 Ohio State – FOX

Northwestern at Tulane – ESPNU

#9 LSU at #4 Clemson – ABC

Leave your comments and insight below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/game-day-threads/98480/college-football-week-1-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

College football players to watch- NCAA Week 1

The time has come to rejoice for fans of college football and all mock draft creators. Week 1 of the NCAA football season has arrived and there are plenty of talent-filled matchups to look forward to as we begin another year of greatness on the gridiron. Who will rise to the occasion and conquer all adversity? Who will create highlight reel-type plays? Who will lead their team to greatness and come out on top at the season’s conclusion? Let’s breakdown some of the top players Saints fans should be keeping an eye on in the collegiate games this week.

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ANY of the Top Projected Quarterbacks

In a hypothetical scenario, the Saints whiff on the season and Spencer Rattler nor Tyler Shough can prove they’re the answer at quarterback. What then? There are several top tier QBs that will be on display in week one matchups. Texas versus Ohio State will see the reigns turned over to Arch Manning (although we can not yet be certain he will enter the draft), LSU and Clemson will have championship-caliber QBs in Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik duking it out, and who could forget the dual-threat LaNorris Sellers at South Carolina? There are several options if the current QB room in New Orleans runs aground.

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Tyreak Sapp

Florida’s edge rusher enters 2025 on the Chuck Bednarik award watch list. With an aging defensive line, the Saints could use Sapp’s youthful speed and strength as a sort of resurgence within the trenches for a squad that finished middle of the pack amongst NFL teams with less than 40 sacks. Sapp is currently slated to be a late first to mid second round selection, but a good statistical year against the SEC’s best could boost that projection.

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Jordyn Tyson

The 6’2” wideout from Arizona State has the size and speed the Saints need in the receiving department. At his currently listed height, Tyson would be the second tallest WR on New Orleans’ roster. Tyson is a smart player when he’s got the ball in his hands. Fans should expect to see that a lot with one of the top QBs in the country, Sam Leavitt, throwing him the ball this fall.

What are some other names you’re keeping an eye on throughout the upcoming season? Are there any players in particular that you’re hoping to see in a Saints’ uniform in 2026? Let us hear it in the comments!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/nfl-draft/98732/college-football-players-to-watch-ncaa-week-1

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints working out former Chargers WR Brenden Rice

The New Orleans Saints are bringing in former Los Angeles Chargers 2024 seventh-round pick Brenden Rice for a workout, per Jordan Schultz.

Sources: The #Saints are working out former #Chargers WR Brenden Rice tomorrow.

Rice, the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, worked out for the #Eagles last week as well. pic.twitter.com/h2qIVF614m

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 1, 2025

Rice, the son of NFL Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Rice, was a standout wide receiver at USC, putting up 791 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023, earning Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors. Despite his success in college, the second-year wideout has yet to record a stat in the NFL.

At 6-foot-3, Rice is a physical receiver and wins off of press with his hands. He highpoints the ball at a high level is a great target for 50/50 balls. While he has struggled to create separation, at his size, he has underrated speed, running a 4.5 40-yard dash.

The Saints found an answer to their height problem in the wide receiver room after trading for Denver Broncos second-year wideout Devaughn Vele, but New Orleans is one Vele injury away from 6-foot Chris Olave being the tallest wideout on the team.

With Vele coming back from injury, New Orleans is doing homework on current free agent additions. The Saints aren’t the only team interested in the son of the Hall of Famer, however, with the Philadelphia Eagles bringing Rice in for a visit last week.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...news/98765/saints-working-out-wr-brenden-rice

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints to wear gold jerseys in Week 1 vs. Cardinals

At long last, the 2025 NFL regular season kicks off this week. With the wait almost over, the New Orleans Saints have announced that they will debut their new Gameday Gold alternate jersey when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday we wear 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 #Saints | @CaesarsNOLA pic.twitter.com/SejQ4S94yv

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 1, 2025

The team hasn’t worn gold since 2002, when they repped it in a narrow 32-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

The Saints will hope to mark the return of the color scheme – historically synonymous with the organization after all – with a win in head coach Kellen Moore’s first game in charge at home in the Caesars Superdome this weekend.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...s-to-wear-gold-jerseys-in-week-1-vs-cardinals

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Fleur-de-Links, September 2: New Orleans make a shocking release

Saints have released defensive back J.T. Gray​

With New Orleans currently having a roster spot open from this move, major questions arise as to why the Saints made this decision.

For first time ever, no New Orleans Saints players made the NFL’s annual Top 100 list​

New Orleans was one of 5 teams that were shut out from making the list.

NFL team previews 2025: Predictions, rankings, depth charts​

An outlook for the Saints this season.

Thank you @iam_jtgray, for everything you have done on the field and in the community as a Saint pic.twitter.com/gKPz5C3yQr

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 1, 2025

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ptember-2-new-orleans-make-a-shocking-release

 

[New Orleans Saints]

SB Nation Reacts Survey: Are you confident the Saints are headed in the right direction?

Week 1 of the 2025 regular season is finally here. It has been a long 8 months to get to this point, but the New Orleans Saints are back with a new head coach and new identity as Kellen Moore looks to right the wrongs from the past few seasons and get this team back to their winning ways.

As always, we want to hear from you so for this week’s reacts question… Tell us “Are you confident the Saints are headed in the right direction?” Vote in this week’s poll and let us know!

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Saints fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-the-saints-are-headed-in-the-right-direction

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Former Saints DB J.T. Gray to sign with the Ravens

Former New Orleans Saints safety J.T. Gray is signing with the Baltimore Ravens per a report by Jordan Schultz.

Sources: The #Ravens are signing former #Saints 3x All-Pro special-teamer and safety J.T. Gray.

Gray, a surprise release earlier this week, had significant interest from a number of teams. Baltimore expects him to be on the field sooner than later. pic.twitter.com/HwxKEy5TPD

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 3, 2025

The Saints surprisingly released Grey on Monday with Kellen Moore calling it “one of the hardest decisions made this year.”

Signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in May 2018, Gray quickly made a name for himself as special teams standout and team captain in New Orleans.

Several teams were said to be interested in Gray soon after the news spread of his release and now it seems he will be headed to the AFC to join the Ravens.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...er-saints-db-j-t-gray-to-sign-with-the-ravens

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Wednesday’s Saints vs. Cardinals injury report

The New Orleans Saints just wrapped up their first Week 1 practice and have released today’s injury report ahead Sunday’s regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals in the Caesars Superdome.

A total of 7 players were listed on today’s reports for the Saints and Cardinals.

New Orleans Saints​

Full Participation

N/A

Limited Participation

DE Chase Young (calf)

CB Alontae Taylor (groin)

DT Khristian Boyd (hand)

S Jordan Howden (oblique)

Did Not Participate

OL Trevor Penning (toe)

Wednesday's #Saints injury report: pic.twitter.com/w7rTIyTq1p

— Tina Howell (@TinaHowellNOLA) September 3, 2025

Arizona Cardinals​

Full Participation

Jon Gaines II (thumb)

Limited Participation

OL Will Hernandez (knee)

Did Not Participate

N/A

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c.../wednesdays-saints-vs-cardinals-injury-report

 

[New Orleans Saints]

NFL Picks Week 1: Rising From The Ashes

The kickoff of the 2025 New Orleans Saints season begins with a renewed optimism in New Orleans. This Saints team enters the season with a new Head Coach in Kellen Moore. Much like they did following the retirement of Drew Brees, similarly following the resignation of Sean Payton, the Saints enter a new era for the franchise. Unlike those circumstances though, the Saints are not following greatness, now they follow a regime of disappointment and frustration. Now is the time for Kellen Moore to put his stamp on a new era that sets itself apart from all eras before it.

The expectations have been expectedly lowered for the Saints this season, but hope remains for the team to compete for the division title. These Saints may not have what it takes yet to compete for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California next February, but they will certainly attempt to shock the league. Their chance to rise from the ashes of the past four seasons of disappointment begins here in Week 1.

All season and postseason, we will be presenting you with each and every game on the NFL schedule along with my picks for each game. It’s been a long wait for this season to begin, so let’s get started.

WEEK 1​

Thursday, September 4th – NFL Kickoff 2025

Cowboys at Eagles​

It is only fitting that Philly unveils their Super Bowl LIX banner in front of their longtime NFC East rivals. Dallas, reeling from the loss of their best player, will now suffer the embarrassment of their rivals completing their victory lap in front of a national audience.

Philadelphia wins 38-13.

Pick: Eagles

***

Friday, September 5th – NFL São Paulo Game

Chiefs at* Chargers – Corinthians Arena – São Paulo, Brazil​

Kansas City looks to make their annual climb up the NFL mountain to the Super Bowl, and this may be the toughest trek yet, following a stunning fall from that mountain this past February. Now their journey begins against a familiar foe in an unfamiliar land. Regardless, the destination remains the same.

Kansas City wins 21-14.

Pick: Chiefs

***

Sunday, September 7th – Early Games

Buccaneers at Falcons​

Tampa looks to win the NFC South for a record-breaking fifth-consecutive season, but the team most likely to end that reign, primarily due to their young QB Michael Penix Jr, will look to make this a tough race right from the start.

Atlanta wins 34-28.

Pick: Falcons

***

Bengals at Browns​

Cincinnati looks to surprise a public that is sleeping on them this season, against their in-state rivals in Cleveland that are well… Cleveland.

Cincinnati wins 23-10.

Pick: Bengals

***

Dolphins at Colts​

If any team is going to be making a run at the top-overall pick in next year’s draft, it’s Indianapolis. Miami may be in disarray this season, but they couldn’t have picked a better opponent to open against.

Miami wins 20-6.

Pick: Dolphins

***

Panthers at Jaguars​

Carolina certainly hopes they have improved this season, but Jacksonville is a team that certainly has improved, behind the remarkable talents of Travis Hunter.

Jacksonville wins 24-17.

Pick: Jaguars

***

Raiders at Patriots​

These old AFC foes may have transformed their woeful ways of the recent past, behind the hirings of Pete Carroll and Mike Vrabel respectively as head coaches, but it will be Vegas that gets the win for their new coach first.

Las Vegas wins 26-21.

Pick: Raiders

***

Steelers at Jets​

Yes, it’s the “Aaron Rodgers game” and yes, it will probably underwhelm. Both quarterbacks, who flip-flopped teams this offseason, will be pretty rough to watch, as defense will be the story of this game.

New York wins 20-17.

Pick: Jets

***

Giants at Commanders​

The defending NFC finalist Commanders will open a season full of hope and excitement with a win over their NFC East rivals.

Washington wins 24-20.

Pick: Commanders

***

Cardinals at Saints​

The Saints open the season with a notably brutal four-game stretch, the “easiest” of which is this one, at home against Arizona. These Cardinals are not projected to be a player this season, but have proven to be a feisty and well-coached team. That is the most comparable projection for the Saints themselves this season. This team has potential to be better than most expect, but it may take some time to get there. Arizona isn’t the toughest opponent in this early stretch, but they have the coaching and talent to spoil the season-opening party in the Dome.

Can the Saints win this game? Certainly. Will the Saints win this game? It’s truly a coin-toss, considering we haven’t seen this group in a complete game setting with most of their starters out there, and their coaches showing their cards. This game will be close all the way through, tied in the closing minutes, and a late mistake by Arizona will prove costly, as the Saints capitalize with a touchdown in the final minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Saints win 24-17.

Pick: Saints

***

Sunday, September 7th – Late Games

Titans at Broncos​

Sean Payton and Denver will look to qualify for the playoffs again, starting their campaign with a layup victory over rookie QB Cam Ward and Tennessee.

Denver wins 14-10.

Pick: Broncos

***

49ers at Seahawks​

These NFC West rivals have seen some diminished expectations this season, due to some critical personnel moves, but don’t be surprised to see them start the year with a strong outing here.

San Francisco wins 27-23.

Pick: 49ers

***

Lions at Packers​

Detroit has fallen short of lofty aspirations for two straight years now, and right off the bat, they face the team most well positioned to knock them off the top of the NFC North. Not only that, but Green Bay has a new defensive weapon poised to give Jared Goff nightmares.

Green Bay wins 30-24.

Pick: Packers

***

Texans at Rams​

Houston had another successful season by all reasonable metrics, but there was a sense of disappointment around the team. Now with another season under the belt for CJ Stroud and more weapons at his disposal, the Texans may be ready to take another leap and they will make it hard to be overlooked this year in the AFC.

Arguably, the most overlooked team in the NFC this year resides in Los Angeles. All eyes are on Philly, Detroit, and Washington in the NFC, but the Rams were the only team that nearly beat Philly in these past playoffs, in Philly, in the snow no less. The Rams have only upgraded since then, most notably replacing Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams. The biggest question mark will be the health of Matthew Stafford, which will be critical. With arguably the best coach in the NFL at the helm, for better or worse, the Rams may be gearing up for another run at the Super Bowl.

Los Angeles wins 31-17.

Pick: Rams

***

Sunday Night Football

Ravens at Bills – Game of the Week​

This just may be the AFC Game of the Year right off the jump. This rematch of their thrilling Divisional playoff game, won my Buffalo, will certainly live up to the billing. These teams may be the perennial runner-up to Patrick Mahomes in the AFC, but both are looking to finally slay that dragon this year, and the winner of this game puts themselves in a great position to do just that when the time comes. Just like the last meeting, this one will come down to the wire, as Baltimore exacts the smallest bit of revenge.

Baltimore wins 21-19.

Pick: Ravens

***

Monday, September 8th – Monday Night Football

Vikings at Bears​

Behind former QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota had a remarkable regular season last year, until they did what they usually do in the playoffs. Now they turn to JJ McCarthy to keep the ship sailing. On the other sideline, fellow second-year QB Caleb Williams finally has a new coach to guide him, in former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. These teams may not be fighting for the division title with the Lions and Packers this year, but they will make this division tough.

Chicago wins 30-20.

Pick: Bears

***

That’s how I see it, tell us how you see Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season unfolding. Leave your comments and insight below. Finally, Saints football is back!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c.../97282/nfl-picks-week-1-rising-from-the-ashes

 

[New Orleans Saints]

A look back at the history between the Saints and Cardinals

The New Orleans Saints will open their 2025 season at home in the Caesars Superdome against the Arizona Cardinals.

These two teams first played one another way back on December 3, 1967, which saw the then St. Louis Cardinals defeat the Saints 31-20 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO. Sunday will be the 31st time that these two franchises have faced one another in the regular season, with Arizona winning the series 16-15. Their only post season matchup took place on January 10, 2010, which saw the Saints defeat the Cardinals 45-14 in the divisional round of the playoffs.

These two last played one another at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ on October 20, 2022, which saw the Cardinals defeat the Saints 42-34.

Kickoff is at 12 pm and the game will be broadcast on CBS with Tom McCarthy (play-by-play), Ross Tucker and Logan Ryan (color analyst) and Tiffany Blackmon (sideline)

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-the-history-between-the-saints-and-cardinals

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Eagles vs. Cowboys: 2025 NFL Kickoff Open Thread

The Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys tonight in the City of Brotherly Love to get the 2025 season underway. The reigning World Champion Eagles will unveil their Super Bowl LIX championship banner against their bitter NFC East rivals. After what felt like an extremely long wait, NFL Football is finally here. So let’s kick back, relax, and enjoy some football!

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles​

Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania​

Kickoff – 5:20pm PST / 7:20pm CST / 8:20pm EST​

Network – NBC​

Odds – Eagles -8.5, O/U 47.5​

You can check out all the odds for your favorite NFL team at Daily Fantasy Sports and Online U.S. Sportsbook | FanDuel

Enjoy the festivities with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...agles-vs-cowboys-2025-nfl-kickoff-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Final Saints vs. Cardinals injury report

The New Orleans Saints have finished their final practice ahead of their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals and have ruled out defensive end Chase Young and guard Trevor Penning. New Orleans also listed safety Jordan Howden as limited. Cornerback Alontae Taylor, who has been limited all week, was a full participant on Friday and will play.

The Cardinals gave three players game-day designations for Sunday, listing linebacker Owen Pappoe and defensive lineman Dante Stills as questionable. Offensive lineman Will Hernandez was ruled out.

New Orleans Saints​

Full Participation

CB Alontae Taylor (groin)

DT Khristian Boyd (hand)

Limited Participation

S Jordan Howden (oblique) Questionable

Did Not Participate

DE Chase Young (calf) Out

OL Trevor Penning (toe) Out

Final #Saints injury report: pic.twitter.com/n5SoFuds3A

— Tina Howell (@TinaHowellNOLA) September 5, 2025

Arizona Cardinals​

Full Participation

Jon Gaines II (thumb)

Limited Participation

LB Owen Pappoe (quad) Questionable

DL Dante Stills (heel) Questionable

OL Will Hernandez (knee) Out

Did Not Participate

DL Calais Campbell (NIR-Rest)

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...99117/final-saints-vs-cardinals-injury-report

 

[New Orleans Saints]

SB Nation Reacts Results: How confident are you that the Saints are headed in the right direction?

New Orleans Saints will kick off their 2025 season at home in the dome on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. It’s been a long 8 months, and the team has gone through a lot of changes since their last regular season game in January but we’re finally here. So, in this week’s reacts poll, we asked readers to vote on how confident they are that the Saints are headed in the right direction?

68% of voters said yes, they are confident that the team is headed in the right direction.

Head coach Kellen Moore definitely has a plan to turn things around in New Orleans and as he has said all off-season, it is a process. Building a competitive team takes time, all the puzzle pieces have to come together and on Sunday, we will finally see what Moore and his staff have been putting together for the 2025 season.

Check out all the odds for the upcoming NFL season from our friends at FanDuel at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-the-saints-are-headed-in-the-right-direction

 

[New Orleans Saints]

College Football Week 2 Open Thread

Happy Saturday everyone! Welcome to the Canal Street Chronicles College Football open thread! This is where we congregate to discuss and dissect each and every one of today’s games on the NCAA Division 1-A (FBS) football schedule. Let’s have some fun and enjoy some stress-free football as we watch the future stars of the NFL today!

Here are the headline games for Week 2:

Grambling at #1 Ohio State – BTN

Tulane at South Alabama – ESPN+

#15 Michigan at #18 Oklahoma – ABC

Louisiana Tech at #3 LSU – ESPN+

Leave your comments and insight below!

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/99199/college-football-week-2-open-thread