Saints-Jaguars Score Predictions | Week 7

Everyone is counting the New Orleans Saints out ahead of their Thursday Night Football matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Can they pull it off?

After a disappointing loss to the Houston Texans just four days ago, the New Orleans Saints are set to host one of the best teams on their 2023 schedule for this Week 7 Thursday Night Football tilt. While some have the Saints favored, very few are taking them to win this matchup. Does the Saints News Network team disagree? Not entirely...

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during warm ups prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Bob Rose

Frankly, we have not seen anything from an offense that has been equally inept in coaching and execution to think things will turn around. Now the Saints are missing two starters from an already underachieving offensive line.

New Orleans would be wise to get the ball out of Carr's hands very quickly and use running back Alvin Kamara and wideouts Michael Thomas, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed to spread the Jaguars from sideline-to-sideline. We'll see.... 

The New Orleans defense will be expected to carry the chances for victory yet again. It is a capable unit, but must pressure Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence consistently and limit the impact of running back Travis Etienne. I expect both Lawrence and Saints linebacker Demario Davis to play, but the game will obviously be impacted if they don't or they're limited. 

Prediction: Saints 10, Jaguars 24 (if Lawrence plays) Saints 13, Jaguars 10 (if Lawrence is out)

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle T. Mosley

The Saints have a problem. Without offensive linemen Ryan Ramczyk and James Hurst, Carr will have difficulty in the pocket against that tough defensive line of the Jaguars. On a short week, the defense may be ready to face Lawrence, but will the offense score enough points to win?

Prediction: Jaguars 31, Saints 23

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

John Hendrix

Call me annoyingly optimistic, but I was encouraged by some of the things the Saints offense was able to do against the Texans on Sunday. I understand the doom and gloom from fans, and this team is just a few blunders from being 4-2 or even 5-1. 

Thursday night against the Jags is a true proving ground for New Orleans. They’re going to be somewhat depleted on the offensive line, and other player statuses are in question with the short week. The Saints need this game in the worst way, and I am counting on them to deliver and also hit the over. 

Prediction: Saints 24, Jags 20

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepare to walk onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ross Jackson

Greatness or even the potential for greatness is not established when things are easy. Instead, it has to be cemented when things are at their most challenging. The Saints have faced a ton of adversity already this season, and things will not get any easier in their matchup against the Jaguars. This could be the team's last best chance before tough questions will need answers whether immediately or heading into the offseason.

It may seem that there is no reason to pick the Saints to win this matchup, but two patterns for the Jaguars could make a big difference. In Jacksonville's two losses, they failed to produce pressure on Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud despite Houston's injured offensive line and the Jaguars offense was bullied by the Kansas City Chiefs' press-man system. Both could go the Saints' way and give their offense a real chance to show up on the national stage. If they cannot, massive implications may  eventually follow. Allow me to put some good juju in the air:

Prediction: Saints 23, Jaguars 20