New Orleans Saints

5 Bold Predictions For Raiders vs Saints in NFL Week 1

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints kicking their seasons off on Sunday, big things are bound to happen. Here are five bold predictions for how this Week 1 showdown will play out.

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints will be looking to start their 2016 campaigns off on the right foot. The two will square off in Lousiana for Week 1, and will both be looking to notch one in the win column when all is said and done.

Unfortunately, only one team can come away victorious.

That’s why I’ve decided to put together some bold predictions for Sunday’s showdown. They’re meant to push the limits of logic and provide some pregame intrigue, so don’t take them too seriously. Just take them for what they are: entertainment.

No matter how off my predictions are, it’s sure to be a good game between the Raiders and Saints. While the two teams appear to be headed in different directions as the 2016 season gets underway, I’d anticipate both teams coming out firing on all cylinders in Week 1.

Here are my five “bold” predictions for what will happen when the Raiders and Saints clash this weekend.

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5. DeAndre Washington Scores TD In First NFL Game

Obviously Latavius Murray is the starter heading into the season, but the Raiders will try early and often to get DeAndre Washington involved in the offense. The 2015 fifth-round pick showed well during the preseason, and has absolutely earned some regular-season touches.

Luckily for Oakland, he’ll make the most of those aforementioned touches.

I’d probably anticipate him turning a catch into six points, but Washington could also strike paydirt on the ground. Either way, I’m predicting he scores his first NFL touchdown in his first NFL game, officially starting his career with a bang.

Washington was built up to be a rising star during training camp, and flashed serious potential during the preseason. Although he only managed 3.8 yards per carry, he made a big impact in the passing game with nine receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. If he can duplicate the success he enjoyed against the Tennessee Titans in the third preseason game, he’ll have a sensational Week 1 outing.

I was skeptical about Washington’s potential to be a true compliment to Murray. However, as we head into Week 1, I’m starting to see what the Raiders saw in the Texas Tech product. We’ll see if he can deliver against the Saints.

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4. Delvin Breaux Hauls In Two Interceptions

The Saints head into the 2016 season with a miserable defense, but cornerback Delvin Breaux is one of the lone bright spots. The former CFL star signed on with New Orleans last year and didn’t disappoint when thrust into action. Now, he’s heading into Year 2 and should see his stock soar.

I’d anticipate him taking a step or two in his development against the Raiders.

By that, I mean Breaux should create a turnover or two on Sunday. That doesn’t mean that Derek Carr and the Oakland passing game will flop, but it’s early in the year and mistakes are bound to happen. Whether Carr forces a couple of throws or tipped passes fall into Breaux’ lap, the exciting young cover man should enjoy quite the day on the stat sheet.

Breaux looked like a rising star as a rookie, and shouldn’t have trouble keeping his star burning bright in 2016. He hauled in three interceptions last season, and will get an early jump on eclipsing that number in Week 1.

This may not be a pretty game for the Saints, but at least someone will give the coaches something positive to go over in film review.

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3. Khalil Mack Racks Up Three Sacks

As many of you know, I’m very confident in Khalil Mack’s ability to light the NFL on fire this upcoming season. I’ve already predicted that he’ll win the 2016 NFL MVP Award, so why not start his campaign off on the right foot with a three-sack performance?

Now the Saints’ offensive line is no joke. I wouldn’t necessarily put it among the NFL’s top front fives, but it deserves respect. However, in terms of overall talent, Mack should have little trouble overwhelming tackles Terron Armstead and Zach Strief on Sunday.

Put simply, Mack is a superstar. He’s only in his third year in the NFL, and he’s already solidified his standing as one of the league’s best defenders. On top of being an excellent edge rusher (evidenced by 15 sacks a season ago), he’s a dynamic playmaker who flies all around the field creating highlights for the Raiders defense.

While the Saints did a relatively good job of keeping Brees upright in 2015, that doesn’t mean Mack can’t have a huge game in Week 1. My guess is he’ll put whoever’s lined up against him on their heels and drag down the aging quarterback on three separate occasions.

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2. Drew Brees Fails To Throw A Single TD

It’s not very often Drew Brees fails to throw a touchdown in a game. Heck, he owns the record for consecutive games with a touchdown toss with 54. However, on Sunday, he’s going to struggle to earn that shiny new extension he just signed.

It might not be entirely his fault. Brees will be relying on a young group of receivers and drops could definitely be an issue. He’s also facing off against a greatly improved Oakland defensive backfield. What I really think has the Raiders sitting in a good place, though, is their pass rush.

While the Saints possess a capable offensive line, the Oakland pass rush is outstanding. Between the talents of Mack (who will rack up three sacks, as mentioned), Bruce Irvin, and Dan Williams, it’s going to be nearly impossible for the New Orleans front five to keep this group at bay.

With the Raiders providing consistent pressure, Brees will be on the run all game long. He’ll make some plays, rack up some yards and put his team in position to score on a couple of occasions. However, when all is said and done, the Saints won’t score through the air.

That doesn’t mean they’ll be shutout, but Brees’ name won’t be attached to any points.

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1. Raiders Pull Off The Blowout Victory

Even with the two interceptions, the Oakland offense should still roll. Carr will overcome the early-season hiccups to toss a couple of touchdowns. Murray and Washington will move the ball on the ground with ease.

More than anything, the Saints defense is just too subpar to slow the Raiders down.

As previously mentioned, New Orleans will also struggle to get its passing game going. They might find the end zone a couple of times on the ground, but Brees not producing will limit them on the scoreboard. Without the air assault clicking, there’s only so much potential for points from the Saints.

When all is said and done, this should be a pretty lopsided affair.

These teams are headed in different directions right now. The Raiders look like a sleeper contender in 2016, while the Saints are a team still in the middle of a rebuild. New Orleans doesn’t have the talent to be competitive this season, and will prove that point correct in Week 1.

The season’s barely started, but it looks like the Raiders could be in for a big year. They’ll live up to the hype in Week 1, demolishing the Saints and starting 1-0 for the first time since 2002.