The Green Bay Packers will have an opportunity to clinch a spot in the NFC Playoffs when they host the New Orleans Saints in Week 16 on “Monday Night Football” at Lambeau Field.
The Saints started 2-0 but lost nine of their last 12 games to fall to 5-9. Dennis Allen was fired after a 2-7 start, and Darren Rizzi led the Saints to a 3-2 record over the last five.
Injuries are decimating the Saints, especially on offense. Derek Carr is not expected to play and several other crucial players are sidelined or injured.
Here’s a closer look at the Saints entering Week 16:
Last week (loss, 20-19 for commanders)
The Saints trailed 14-0 in the first half, 17-0 early in the second half and 20-7 early in the fourth quarter, but New Orleans rallied overdue and scored three straight goals for a game-clinching two-point lead. conversion attempt. It failed, and the Saints’ comeback attempt resulted in a one-point loss. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler hit Foster Moreau for a touchdown moments before a missed two-point attempt. Moreau caught four passes, Alvin Kamara had a touchdown pass and former Packer Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught passes of 39 and 25 yards. The Saints defense produced eight sacks from rookie Jayden Daniels, including two each from Cameron Jordan and Chase Young. New Orleans is struggling with injuries on offense, but the defense is still an effective group.
Playing quarterback
Rookie Spencer Rattler is expected to start at quarterback. Derek Carr is struggling with a left hand injury and is not expected to play, while substitute Jake Haener was substituted in favor of Rattler against Commanders. Rattler, a fifth-round pick, completed 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown last week. In four appearances, Rattler completed 57.5 percent of his passes, threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions, and averaged 5.9 yards per attempt, good for a passer rating of 73.1. The Saints have lost all three of Rattler’s starts this season. He is diminutive (6-0, 211), but an effective scrambler. He was also sacked 14 times due to restricted appearances, during which he played eight loss-worthy games.
Line of scrimmage
Saints have problems offensively. Pro Football Focus ranks the Saints 30th in pass-blocking, but also 11th in run-blocking. New Orleans is averaging 4.4 yards per rushing attempt. The offensive line is substantial and full of top picks – including first-rounders Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga at receivers and Cesar Ruiz at right tackle. Former Packer Lucas Patrick mans left guard. Both Penning and Fuaga have contributed over 30 pressures this season, taking a combined 20 penalties. Erik McCoy is an elite middle blocker. Defensively, the Saints rank 30th in yards per carry at 4.9 and 31st in run defense per PFF. Pass rush is a potential strength. Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Bryan Bresee and Cameron Jordan all have over 25 pressures. Running the football will be crucial to set the tone for the Packers.
Turnover
The Saints are plus-1 in turnovers this season – 15 giveaways compared to 16 takeaways. New Orleans is just 1-3 when it turns the ball over two or more times, but also 1-3 when it doesn’t turn the ball over at all. Four of the Saints’ five wins came after at least one turnover. Spencer Rattler threw two picks, but as a youthful and inexperienced quarterback, he’s certainly prone to turnovers. Veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu has three interceptions and two forced fumbles, so he’s still doing the same thing as Honey Badger. The Saints have nine players who have forced a fumble.
Injury situation
Starting quarterback Derek Carr (hand) is not expected to play. Receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are on injured reserve. The same goes for versatile tight end Taysom Hill and cornerback Paulson Adebo. The injury to watch this week is Alvin Kamara’s groin injury. His chances of playing on Monday evening are very high. Also, linebacker Kool-Aid McKinstry and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling missed the Saints’ loss to Commanders due to injuries.
Players worth knowing
Edge Hunter Carl Granderson: He quietly has seasons of at least 50 pressures. Last week, Granderson had five pressures and a sack.
LB Demario Davis: The veteran linebacker can still produce excellent performances, especially against the run. He produced another 100-attack season in 2024.
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling: The former Packer has had at least 20 yards in five straight games, including catches of 67 and 71 yards. He is averaging 25.1 yards per catch for the Saints. But he also completed three passes on 23 targets.
FosterMoreau: On the season, he is averaging 9.7 yards per target and has four touchdown catches. Since the fall of Taysom Hill, the veteran offensive player has become a bigger part of the offense.
CB Alontae Taylor: No linebacker in football has missed more tackles (18) or allowed more catches (68) this season, but he also defended a team-high 13 passes.
