Saints expected to struggle early in the 2024 season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated 5/19/24

Excitement and anticipation continue to mount for the 2024 NFL season. For the New Orleans Saints, they are looking for a return to the postseason. It will not be a simple task to begin with on their schedule.

The Saints' opening slate for the 2024 season is not easy. Outside of the Carolina Panthers, they'll play four potential playoff teams in their first five games, including the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Accordingly, the Saints are favored in just one of their first five matchups.

Saints are favorites against only Carolina in the first five weeks of the season:

WEEK 1 vs Panthers, -4.5
WEEK 2 at Cowboys, +6
WEEK 3 vs Eagles, +3
WEEK 4 at Falcons, +4.5
WEEK 5 at Chiefs, +8 https://t.co/CzZzod9YlL
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) May 16, 2024

You can argue with the line against the Atlanta Falcons (ATL -4.5). Outside of that, though, many folks will understand why the Saints are not favored in those other games against Dallas, Philadelphia, and KC.

Derek Carr and the Saints offense must start strong if they do not want to dig themselves a hole and frustrate fans.

That may be a tall task with a new offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak, but hopefully, they can iron out issues before the regular season begins. They'll have plenty of reps in training camp and a handful in the preseason.

Their sole favored matchup is against the Carolina Panthers to open the regular season. That game is a must-win with the following opponents lined up for the black and gold. All in all, there is plenty of doubt headed in the Saints' direction to start 2024. Let's see if Dennis Allen and co. can surprise the masses and impress in the first month or so of the season.

Starting 1-4 would not be the end of the world, but that is quite the tough start to bring yourselves back from if you're New Orleans - regardless of how easy their schedule may be at times.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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