Leading up to the preseason, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the New Orleans Saints are the focus.

New Orleans Saints Easiest Games in 2017

9. Week 12 at Rams

The Rams have been the surprising trap opponent for the Saints in the Brees-Payton era as each team holds three wins a piece in the previous six matchups. In the midst of their 13-3 Super Bowl run in 2009, New Orleans outlasted the Rams in a 28-23 road game. In their next two games as the home team, the Rams dominated the Saints thanks to their overwhelming defensive line. Although the Saints beat the Rams last season, they did fall behind 14-7 relatively early. It won’t be a surprise to see Jared Goff improve in year two, especially if running back Todd Gurley returns to his 2015 rookie form. Whether the game is played in either New Orleans, St. Louis or now Los Angeles, the outcome will be unpredictable.

10. Week 6 vs. Lions

After their bye week, the Saints invite the Detroit Lions to New Orleans. Winning the first four times with Brees under center, New Orleans has lost their last three games against Detroit (two of those games being at home). Though the Lions no longer have Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Ameer Abdullah and Eric Ebron are very capable weapons for Matthew Stafford. With Haloti Ngata, Ziggy Ansah and A’Shawn Robinson along the line of scrimmage, the Saints will also have to engage in trench warfare against the Lions. Though it will be a challenging obstacle, the Superdome should give New Orleans much assistance.

11. Week 17 at Buccaneers

Though a divisional game should never been overlooked, in theory, the Saints have owned the Bucs since 2010 by going 10-4 in that span. Jameis Winston, though, has caused issues for New Orleans since he was drafted by Tampa Bay. With DeSean Jackson, rookie O.J. Howard to go along with Pro Bowler Mike Evans, the Buccaneers have one of the most fascinating rosters in football. On paper, they can easily become one of the league’s most prolific offenses. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, however, is that the Saints have their number in Tampa, going 5-1 in their last six visits to Raymond James Stadium.

12. Week 9 vs. Buccaneers

New Orleans has taken care of business against Tampa Bay in the Superdome as well, going 5-2 in their last seven home games against the Buccaneers. Their rambunctious fanbase always uplifts them. Outside of their offensive firepower, Tampa’s main hope will be to get dominant performances from perennial Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy and young star linebacker Kwon Alexander.

13. Week 11 vs. Redskins

Unexpectedly, the Washington Redskins have given the Saints fits in the post-Hurricane Katrina era. Including the Sean Payton-less Saints of 2012 during the Bountygate-riddled campaign, the Saints have only mustered up a 1-4 record against Washington. Their only victory came in their championship season, and that game was decided in overtime. While the Redskins have one of the best offenses in football, they have lost both DeSean Jackson and Alfred Morris in recent time. Because the NFC East is such deep division with its talent, depth and youth, the Redskins may get beat upon by their rivals, making them a ripe opponent for the Saints in the second half of the season.

14. Week 10 at Bills

Following a two-game home stand, the Saints travel to New York to face the Buffalo Bills. Only playing each other 10 times ever, the Saints lead the all-time series 6-4, including being the winners of the last four battles. While Buffalo has put together one of the most talented rosters on paper in recent seasons, it hasn’t materialized into winning football. Though the game will be played in a cooler location, the Saints shouldn’t have tremendous issues.

15. Week 8 vs. Bears

Ten years ago, at the start of the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era, the Chicago Bears were the biggest roadblock for the Saints. Playing in Chicago the first three times in that span, the Bears stifled New Orleans, holding them to under 26 points in each outing. With Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris and Charles Tillman in their primes, the Saints were just overmatched. With the Saints improving on both sides of the ball and the Bears falling out of their peak, momentum shifted towards New Orleans. The Saints have won each of the last three times versus Chicago since 2011, and with the Bears coming to the dome at the end of October, the Saints should continue that trend.

16. Week 15 vs. Jets

Given the lack of quarterback stability in New York, the Jets game appears to be the simplest for the Saints in 2017. After posting decent numbers for Gang Green in 2015, Ryan Fitzpatrick took a vast step backward last season. With Fitzpatrick now out of New York, Josh McCown is currently set to take over as the signal-caller. Many critics believe that either Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg–or both–will serve as the starter at some point, but McCown has the edge because of his experience. Regardless of the passer, the Jets offense has traditionally been abysmal (placing top 10 in total offense only twice since 1998). With Brandon Marshall now with the Giants, the Jets may struggle even more.

Be sure to check out the eight most difficult games of the 2017 New Orleans Saints schedule.

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