Saints vs. Titans: Week 1 Score Predictions
The fact of the matter is that both the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans are coming into their Week 1 clash with a lot of impactful changes across their rosters and coaching staffs. Meaning either could fall victim to simple growing pains coming out of the gate. That being said, a first week loss will not be representative of either team's season-long outlook. But a fast start is uniquely important for every team around the NFL.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) is chased by Tennessee Titans linebacker Monty Rice (56) as the teams face off at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Titans Saints 1829
Per NFL Communications, the 57 Super Bowl winners have a Week 1 record of 46-10-1. Since 2002's realignment, roughly 52.7% of the 334 teams that have won their season kickoff game have gone to the playoffs.
Here are the Saints News Network team's predictions for how this weekend's matchup will go.
Kyle T. Mosley - Saints 34, Titans 27
Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) sacks Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17). Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY
The outcome of the Saints-Titans game hinges on how well each team's defense handles play-action and the running game. Saints defensive coordinator Joe Woods mentioned that his defense must force running back Derrick Henry to run east and west instead of north and south. Keep a close eye on the battle between wideout DeAndre Hopkins and Marshon Lattimore. Should Saints quarterback Derek Carr and his weapons mount four to five scoring drives before the 4th quarter, the pressure will be on Titans passer Ryan Tannehill.
Bob Rose - Saints 23, Titans 13
I am not impressed with the Titans roster at all, outside of perhaps running back and starting defensive front. However, a Mike Vrabel coached team will physically challenge you. Even without star back Alvin Kamara, the Saints have the potential to dominate Tennessee's defense if they hold up on the offensive line. Defensively, this New Orleans team looks far more stout against the run. Assuming that proves true, then the Saints should win this one easily.
John Hendrix - Saints 27, Titans 21
This game will be decided by who controls the line of scrimmage better. There is a lot of buildup here for both sides, and each team has something to prove in Week 1. However, I think the team that needs to show it more is New Orleans. This is their time to make a good first impression with a new-look offense with new starting quarterback Derek Carr at the helm and show the pieces that have been added on defense will take them far. I don not think it will be a high-scoring affair, but I will take the Saints by 6 in a thriller from the Dome.
Ross Jackson - Titans 17, Saints 14
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Trevor Siemian (15) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Titans Saints 1304
Being the lone dissenter is always fun. The bottom lime for me here is that the Titans defense is not getting the respect it looks like it deserves. The team was No. 1 against the run across the NFL last year and has not had enough turnover this offseason to expect that to change. If New Orleans struggles to run the ball, it will be tough to keep the offense on the field, therefore not allowing their revamped unit to catch rhythm. This is all about timing. I think the Saints win this game with ease if they took on the Titans Week 4 or 5. Week 1, this is a bad matchup for a new offense. One thing that would change it all is if the Saints defense can show that they, unlike last year, can force takeaways. If they can do so Sunday, flip the result.
