The New Orleans Saints (5-10) seek their fourth consecutive win Sunday when they face the Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Nissan Stadium. Here are the predictions from our staff for the game.
Jeff Duncan (Season record: 8-7)
Titans 23, Saints 21: Just when you think you have things figured out, the NFL has a way of humbling you. I’ve got a sneak suspicion that might happen to the Saints and Tyler Shough this week. The Titans have been playing better football in recent weeks, and unlike the Jets, are still playing with purpose. When in a battle of evenly-matched teams, I’ll side with the home team.
Zach Ewing (Season record: 9-6)
Titans 26, Saints 23: This is a contrarian pick more than anything; with the way the Saints are playing on defense, they seem like a safe bet here. But there’s no such thing in the NFL, and unlike a lot of other bad teams, the Titans are playing hard. Also, as good as Tyler Shough has looked, I’m starting to worry about how much he’s being asked to carry this New Orleans offense.
Luke Johnson (Season record: 10-5)
Saints 21, Titans 20: Crazy as it might’ve sounded a while back, I think this might end up being a really fun game. Two teams with bad records who are playing much better football late in the season thanks to their rookie quarterbacks — sign me up. I just like what the Saints have done lately a little more than Tennessee’s recent stretch.
Matthew Paras (Season record: 8-7)
Saints 23, Titans 13: Tony Pollard is having a nice season for the Titans, but the rest of the supporting cast for quarterback Cam Ward leaves much to be desired. It’s why I can’t see the Titans having much success against a Saints defense that’s been among the league’s best of late. At least, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough still has Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson on offense.
Rod Walker (Season record: 10-5)
Saints 24, Titans 17: The Saints haven’t given me a reason to pick against then, so I won’t. The Titans have won two of their last three games, but those games came against the Browns and the QB-depleted Chiefs. The Saints’ defense is in a groove right now, and Tyler Shough just keeps getting better. So make it four straight wins for the Saints.
