Saints - Colts Predictions | Week 8

Can the New Orleans Saints bounce back and secure a much needed victory against the Colts? Our staff weighs in.

The New Orleans Saints are looking for a bounce back win in the biggest way. After seven weeks of inconsistent play and concerns on offense, the team took advantage of its “mini-bye” after their Thursday night loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sunday, they round out their AFC South schedule in Indianapolis against the Colts.

The Colts, who are also 3-4 through their first seven, are coming off of a shootout loss to the Cleveland Browns. New Orleans will need its defense to keep that from being the case in order to give their offense a chance to stay in it. Can the Saints get it done to start off a must-win stretch of games right? Here are the predictions from the Saints News Network team.

Bob Rose

We saw some signs of life from the Saints offense in the second half last week. Hopefully they will show some up-tempo after having some success with it against Jacksonville. The Colts have been vulnerable in the middle of the field defensively, but New Orleans has rarely attacked there despite the weapons to do so. I see quarterback Derek Carr and wideout Chris Olave having big days. They will have to in order to silence some of the growing criticism.

Defensively, I have been very concerned about the lack of pass rush and tendency of the secondary to give up key plays in big moments. As long as the Saints can stifle the Colts running game, and I think they will, a consistent pass rush is vital to keep Colts passer Gardner Minshew from getting into a rhythm.

It's not hyperbole to suggest that New Orleans needs a win to keep this season from plummeting into an abyss. I think they get it, but they will not make it easy on themselves.

Prediction: Saints 23 Colts 20

Kyle T. Mosley

The Saints are licking their wounds after falling to the Jaguars in Week 7. Both teams are 3-4 and require a victory to keep pace with their division foes. The rushing attack of the Colts and Minshew II's unpredictable style of play is a concern. We may finally see a New Orleans offense play for a full game.

Prediction: Saints 27, Colts 23.

John Hendrix

The Saints had extra time to fix and address some issues in-house, but is it going to work? That is the question we are asking ourselves walking into Sunday’s game against the Colts. I have felt like New Orleans could have won every game in their schedule this season, but they have mostly found ways to beat themselves. I will keep being wrong about picking them, but I feel despite the bug going around and all the other items, they will find a way to win this one.

Prediction: Saints 30, Colts 27

Ross Jackson

It is hard to believe in this Saints offense with what we have seen before. The reservations can easily be lifted with a strong performance in Indy, but that performance needs to be seen first. This one is simple for me: eliminate the Colts’ rushing attack and convert the situational chances on third downs and in the red zone.

But can New Orleans check those boxes? It is hard to believe they can until we see it consistently.

Prediction: Saints 17 - Colts 21