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New Orleans finally showed the aggressive version of this roster for more than a quarter. Tyler Shough accounted for four touchdowns, the defense forced four turnovers and five sacks, and the Saints ripped off 34 straight points. The concern is how quickly the game nearly flipped back late. The ceiling is higher when Shough creates, but the Saints still have to finish after taking control.
New Orleans' rating improved after a 34-27 Week 6 win, led by gains in Recent Performance and QB Stability.
New Orleans is at its best when Tyler Shough's movement and aggression create points before the defense has to protect a thin margin. Shough accounted for four touchdowns against the Giants, Alvin Kamara added an explosive run element and the front produced five sacks. The problem came after the lead was built, when the offense stopped sustaining drives and nearly reopened the game.
New Orleans has to protect Shough without Banks on the left side. Shough has shown he can handle pressure, but asking a young quarterback to live in it every week would erase the rhythm and downfield confidence that drove the Baltimore comeback.
Pick the winner.
New Orleans has one of the league’s more favorable remaining roads at No. 28, with opponents averaging 77.4. Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers still give the schedule a real test, but 2 games against current top-10 teams keep the full road from looking as heavy as most.
Toughest remaining opponent: 
Chicago Bears at 85.3 PFM.
Shared profile: Offense and QB Stability.
New Orleans supports the quarterback with motion and formation stress, while Arizona gets there with wide zone and play action. That means New Orleans can force coverage to declare before the snap, while Arizona can use run action to create a cleaner passing window. New Orleans separates in explosiveness because the attack around motion and formation stress creates more chances to flip field position in one snap.
Atlanta remains the team to catch in the NFC South. Tampa Bay is still the most proven NFC South obstacle. New Orleans can stay in the race by running efficiently, using motion to create clean throws for Shough and letting the pass rush protect a lead. The remaining problem is offensive-line stability around a young quarterback.
See the current New Orleans Saints depth chart across offense, defense and special teams.
New Orleans lists only Erik McCoy at center in the live roster, leaving no natural second option at the position. Adding a young center would protect the offense from a major structural problem if McCoy misses time.
Cameron Jordan remains a starting edge defender with Chase Young and Carl Granderson in the rotation. The Saints need younger pass-rush succession so the front does not age out at once.
Tyler Shough is the current starter with Spencer Rattler behind him, but the position still needs to prove it has a durable long-term answer. Another quarterback option remains reasonable until that question is settled.
5,108 F-S value
R1 No. 12 · R2 No. 43 · R3 No. 74 · R4 No. 111 · R5 No. 145 · …
New Orleans is 1–0 in the Super Bowl, winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
