Saints: 3 Highly-Anticipated Opponents in 2022

Every Saints fan wishes the team was still playing, and they'll undoubtedly be looking forward to several games on the 2022 schedule.

John Hendrix | Jan 22, 2022

It hasn't even been two weeks, and we're missing Saints football. As hard as it was to come to grips with the way things ended, there's reason for optimism in the future. The 2022 season opponents were finalized after the conclusion of Week 18, and some of the teams New Orleans will face in the new season have been known about for quite some time.

The normal slate of NFC South games will always be something to look forward to, especially playing the Buccaneers and Falcons. While things can undoubtedly change during the offseason, here's a few opponents we can't wait for the Saints to play next season. Remember that we won't found out the schedule until mid-to-late April.

Saints Opponents to Look Forward to in 2022

New Orleans Saints opponents in 2022.

Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase

Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase's Homecoming to Louisiana should draw prime eyes.

Trey Hendrickson

USATSI_17390705_168388561_lowres — Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) holds up his finger after a defensive stop with 4 seconds left in the second half the NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at Empower Field in Denver, Co. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Denver Broncos 15-10. Cincinnati Bengals At Denver Broncos 417

Trey Hendrickson and Vonn Bell are two former Saints who will return to the Dome.

vs. Bengals

It'll be surprising if this isn't a prime time game. Essentially you have LSU legends Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase returning to Louisiana to play in the Superdome. That's not including the likes of former Saints Trey Hendrickson and Vonn Bell returning to face the team that drafted them. If New Orleans can get their offense together, then this could be a really interesting game. It's 'Who Dat' vs. 'Who Dey', and it's certainly going to be a fun time.

Rams

USATSI_12030881 — Los Angeles Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman (23) breaks up a pass intended or New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis (11) during the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Bad blood will always exist between the Saints and Rams after the infamous 'No Call.'

vs. Rams

Whether it be for pride or boasting, no one is going to act like this won't mean something. Everyone knows about the bad blood from the NFC Championship game from the 2018 season, which has been brought into light even more with data and some of the poor officiating across the league. However, the big draw is Los Angeles costing the New Orleans a playoff spot. Los Angeles went 'all-in' for the season, and it'll be interesting to see how far they get. Cooper Kupp against the Saints secondary is going to be very fun to watch.

Lamar Jackson

USATSI_17300332_168388561_lowres — Dec 5, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs in the first quarter past Chris Wormley (95) at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Containing mobile quarterbacks have been a problem for the Saints, and Lamar Jackson is coming.

vs. Ravens

John Harbaugh vs. Sean Payton is always an entertaining chess match. What's even more entertaining is the thought of Lamar Jackson coming to town to take on the Saints defense. New Orleans hasn't exactly been the best against mobile quarterbacks, and Jackson also has the talent around him like Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown to be successful. New Orleans hosts Baltimore for just the third time, and they've never beaten them in the Superdome.

49ers

USATSI_13779892_168388561_lowres — Dec 8, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is defended by New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams (43) and defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) and strong safety Vonn Bell (24) after a reception late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The 49ers won, 48-46. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers shocked the Saints in 2019, while New Orleans got revenge in 2020. An old NFC West rivalry is renewed.

Seahawks with Wilson?

If the Saints pull off a trade with the Seahawks for Russell Wilson, then that matchup instantly gets put as 'must-see' TV.

Nov 21, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Other Considerations

at 49ers - Once upon a time, this used to be a premiere NFC West matchup. The two teams had an incredible regular season matchup in 2019, which saw the Saints make up for it in 2020. This will be the first time New Orleans is in town since 2016.
at Eagles - For the third year in a row, the Saints will travel to Philly to take on the Eagles. We've seen two straight seasons where Jalen Hurts and the Eagles rushing attack has pummeled the defense. Could this be a third's time the charm situation?
vs. Seahawks - If New Orleans were to pull off a trade for Russell Wilson, then you can fully expect that game to be a prime time affair and be hyped up to no end. However, it remains to be seen whether Seattle will move him with Pete Carroll reportedly staying in place.