Saints at Packers: Week 3 Score Predictions

After their first 2-0 start in a decade, the New Orleans Saints travel to Lambeau field with a chance to get to 3-0.

Much to the surprise of many analysts, three NFC South teams have kicked off their seasons 2-0. This week presents a viable opportunity for the New Orleans Saints to create a bit of early separation. While the Atlanta Falcons will be facing a feisty Detroit Lions team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking for a massive upset against last year’s Super Bowl contending Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, the Saints are considered underdogs on the road against the Green Bay Packers this weekend. 

If they can pull off a big win away from home, they set themselves up to potentially take an early lead in the division. But can they get it done? Here is what the Saints News Network team thinks. 

Kyle T. Mosley (2-0) - Saints 31, Packers 21

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) celebrates his third quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams with Rashid Shaheed at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

A Week 3 visit to Lambeau Field by New Orleans could be what the Saints offensive attack needs to eclipse the 30-point ceiling. Last weekend, the Green Bay defense surrendered 446 yards to the Falcons. The aerial attack with wideouts Chris Olave,  Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed is more potent and could be problematic for the Packers. 

Rookie running back Kendre Miller gets his first NFL start to spell the ailing Jamaal Williams (hamstring). Packers quarterback Jordan Love will face off against a ferocious New Orleans defensive line seeking to continue its hot trend of hits on the quarterback, pressures, and sacks. Due to the suspension of starting safety Marcus Maye and cornerback Paulson Adbebo's hamstring injury, potentially two new secondary players will still make things interesting for the Packers' quarterback to be successful. 

Bob Rose (2-0) - Saints 24, Packers 16

Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) react to getting an interception against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

I had the Packers contending for a playoff spot coming into the year, but I still believe that the Saints have far more talent on both sides of the ball. Green Bay's defense has been vulnerable to power rushers, which could mean a big game from offensive weapon Taysom Hill in a shorthanded Saints backfield. Pass protection remains an issue for New Orleans, but I don not think the Packers have the secondary depth to contend with Olave, Thomas and Shaheed. 

Love has been protected well and has not been careless with the football. Both of those might change on Sunday with the entire left side of their offensive line potentially out. I look for the aggressive Saints defense to continue their roll and come up with a few big turnovers. 

John Hendrix (2-0) - Saints 28, Packers 20

Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Jordan Howden (31) reacts to making a tackle on Houston Texans wide receiver Adam Humphries (27) during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints are going to be tested in a few ways when they play the Packers on Sunday. A lot of the focus will be on the rookies to deliver, with Miller carrying the load on offense and rookie safety Jordan Howden securing the backend on defense. New Orleans has a formidable defense at their disposal, and Love will be an appropriate stress test for them. I like New Orleans to keep rolling here and find better success offensively in this game. 

Ross Jackson (1-1) - Saints 13, Packers 17 

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during their football game on Friday, August 19, 2022, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 20-10.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Apc Packers Vs Saints 081922 464 Ttm

This is another game I picked the Saints to drop at the schedule release and as good as their defense has been to open the season, the offense has not yet inspired a change of heart. Unless New Orleans can get its offense rolling early, they may have trouble down the stretch in this one. Stagnant first half starts with second half bounce backs are not a sustainable way to win games. 

Unless they all of a sudden change that rhythm, Love and the Packers offense should be able to do just enough to hand the Saints their first loss of the season. This could all change if the Saints get out to an early lead to start the game. Which is more than possible with mid-week back injury at least hampering starting Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander.