Saints-Rams Predictions | Week 16

It may be a bit less of a "must-win" game than the New Orleans Saints have suited up for lately, but a win in Los Angeles would still go a long way for the team's postseason bid.

After what was undoubtedly their best performance last weekend against the New York Giants, the New Orleans Saint are set to head to the City of Angels on a short week. As the Saints take the field against the Los Angeles Rams for a Thursday Night Football matchup, they will not be fighting for their playoff lives. However, a win in Los Angeles would go a long way for head coach Dennis Allen and quarterback Derek Carr as they seek to string together a third-straight victory and perhaps change the perception of the team to the public.

Saints CB Paulson Adebo forces Rams QB Matthew Stafford to slide / Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) slides under a tackle by New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) in the second quarter at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

It will not be easy, even with the potential return of star wide receiver Chris Olave. The Rams' defense is fast and disruptive led by all-world defensive tackle Aaron Donald and their offense is creative and explosive with quarterback Matthew Stafford playing his best football of the year. On top of that, the Rams finally have a running back in 2022 fifth-round selection Kyren Williams who has been outstanding when healthy throughout the season.

Quite a challenge lies ahead for the Saints, who could either prove a lot with a decisive road victory or crash back down to Earth after stringing together a pair of wins. Consistency has been a challenge for New Orleans since the departure of future Hall of Fame passer Drew Brees, and as such, confidence is not soaring high here at Saints News Network.

Rams Offense Poses A Challenge For Saints Defense

Kyle T. Mosley

Los Angeles is in a groove, as well as the Saints defense. But the challenge of a short week and traveling is not like having a good bowl of gumbo at home.  It's not a recipe for a road win. 

Prediction: Rams 31, Saints 24

Bob Rose

Allen defenses have always had problems against Sean McVay (Rams head coach) passing attacks and their route designs. Probably the matchup of the day will be the talented New Orleans corners against the shifty Ram receivers. If the Saints defensive line can play to the level they have the last two weeks, then they will be able to get an immobile Stafford to the ground a few times. They will also need to shut down a highly productive L.A. power running attack--another big problem. 

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (3) is tackled by New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) in the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Offensively, the Saints should be able to throw the ball, but it is important that we see Carr as decisive as he was last week. It will be just as crucial to establish balance through the running game, something the Saints have been inconsistent at doing this season. Both will be easier to do if Olave ends up back in the lineup and offensive weapon Taysom Hill gets closer to 100%--each huge questions at the moment. 

New Orleans can certainly win this in spite of being on the road on a short week. There are two numbers that stick in my head though: 1. Allen is 1-12 against teams with .500 or better records. And 2. The Saints have had only one three-game winning streak under Allen in 31 games

Prediction: Rams 27, Saints 24

Saints vs. Rams: A First Look at Week 16's Matchup

John Hendrix

This matchup is hard to gauge. I know Vegas and a lot of people will be riding with the Rams, and I get that. I think this boils down to whether or not the Saints offense can generate points. The defense can at least mitigate the Rams attack, but they are going to have their hands full. Williams can not be the one to beat you in this one, and Los Angeles is going to lean on him a good bit to move the ball. This is a proving ground for New Orleans. I think they are ready for the challenge, and I am taking the upset. 

Prediction: Saints 23, Rams 17

Ross Jackson

The Rams offense is every bit as impactful and unpredictable as it has been since McVay took the reins. However, it is still vastly different from the offense the Saints handled in New Orleans on their way to a 27 - 20 victory last year. With a lot more man/gap run concepts, a good running back leading the way in Williams and Stafford playing the best ball he has played since their Super Bowl run a couple years ago, the offense will give the Saints' defense issues.

This one will likely come back to whether or not New Orleans can keep pace on the offensive side. Taking the Saints in a shoot out this season is tough, though they more than held their own against the Indianapolis Colts. But the fact of the matter is that there is a huge difference between Stafford and Colts signal caller Gardner Minshew.

Prediction: Rams 27, Saints 24