Latest Picks and Betting Odds for the New Orleans Saints

Check out our latest picks for the upcoming Saints’ games:

New Orleans Saints 2024 Team Stats

Below is a breakdown of the New Orleans Saints stats for the 2024 season:

https://sportstats.nypost.com/football/nfl/teamstatistics/4

New Orleans Saints Injury Updates

Check out the latest injury updates for the New Orleans Saints here:

History of the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints, founded in 1966, are a professional football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The franchise was awarded to the city shortly after the U.S. Congress passed legislation to merge the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). Named after the jazz hymn “When the Saints Go Marching In,” the team began playing its home games in Tulane Stadium. Despite the excitement surrounding the team’s inception, the Saints struggled in their early years, failing to post a winning record for their first two decades.

A significant turning point came in 1985 when Tom Benson purchased the team, bringing much-needed financial stability and leadership. Under head coach Jim Mora, the Saints finally achieved their first winning season and playoff appearance in 1987. Though the team experienced playoff disappointments in the 1990s, they gradually built a stronger foundation.

The team’s most significant era began with the arrival of head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees in 2006. That same year, after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Saints returned to New Orleans and made a historic run to the NFC Championship Game, symbolizing the city’s resilience. In 2009, the Saints achieved their greatest success, winning Super Bowl XLIV, defeating the Indianapolis Colts. This victory solidified the Saints’ place as an elite NFL franchise.

Recently, the Saints have remained competitive, regularly contending for the playoffs. Though Brees retired in 2021, the team’s rich history, loyal fan base, and memorable triumphs continue to define the New Orleans Saints as a prominent force in the NFL.

Timeline of the New Orleans Saints Franchise

• 1966: New Orleans Saints franchise is awarded on November 1 (All Saints’ Day), with the team named after the jazz hymn “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
• 1967: The Saints play their first game on September 17 at Tulane Stadium, losing to the Los Angeles Rams.
• 1970: Tom Dempsey kicks a then-record 63-yard field goal to defeat the Detroit Lions.
• 1985: Tom Benson purchases the team, bringing financial stability and new leadership.
• 1986: Jim Mora is hired as head coach, initiating the “Dome Patrol” era with a strong defense.
• 1987: Saints achieve their first winning season (12-3) and make their first playoff appearance.
• 1990-1992: Saints make the playoffs three consecutive years but do not win a postseason game.
• 2000: The Saints win their first-ever playoff game, defeating the St. Louis Rams in the Wild Card round.
• 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans, forcing the team to play the entire season away from home.
• 2006: Sean Payton is hired as head coach, and Drew Brees is signed as quarterback. The Saints return to New Orleans and reach the NFC Championship Game.
• 2009: The Saints finish 13-3 in the regular season and win Super Bowl XLIV, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.
• 2011: Saints set offensive records, including Brees breaking the single-season passing yards record.
• 2017-2020: The Saints win four consecutive NFC South division titles, becoming consistent playoff contenders.
• 2021: Drew Brees retires after 15 seasons with the Saints, leaving behind a legacy of franchise records and success.
• 2022: Dennis Allen is promoted to head coach following the departure of Sean Payton.

Potential Betting Trends for the 2024 New Orleans Saints

The Saints offense is expected to underperform again this year as a whole. However, that doesn’t mean that betting value can’t be found within the Saints roster. These 2024 betting trend projections highlight key players and situations that could offer profitable betting opportunities:

• Derek Carr Over Passing Yards: Carr, entering his second season with the Saints, will have had more time to develop chemistry with his receivers, particularly Chris Olave. Given his ability to spread the ball across the field, the over on his passing yards is a strong bet for 2024.

• Alvin Kamara Anytime Touchdown Scorer: Kamara remains a pivotal part of the Saints’ offense, and with his ability to both run and catch, he’s always a strong candidate to find the end zone. As long as he’s healthy, betting on Kamara as an anytime touchdown scorer continues to offer value.

• Chris Olave Over Receiving Yards: Olave is coming off a breakout year and is expected to take another leap in 2024. His rapport with Carr should be even stronger, and his deep-play ability makes the over on receiving yards an attractive option, especially in games where the Saints may rely more on the passing attack.

• Saints Under Total Points in Games Against Strong Defenses: In games against elite defensive teams, the Saints’ offense may struggle, particularly on the road. Betting the under on total points in matchups against teams with top-tier defenses could prove to be a profitable strategy.

Successful Betting Trends for the Saints in 2023

These betting trends reflect how the Saints’ offensive struggles and defensive strengths shaped wagering outcomes during their 2023 season, offering insights into the types of bets that proved successful:

• Saints Under Total Points: The Saints’ offense struggled with consistency throughout 2023, leading to many low-scoring games. Betting the under on total points in Saints games often proved successful, especially against stronger defenses and in road matchups.

• Opponents Covering the Spread: The Saints often failed to cover the spread, particularly when favored. This made betting on the Saints’ opponents to cover the spread, especially as underdogs, a profitable trend in 2023.

• Alvin Kamara Under Rushing Yards: Kamara’s production was inconsistent in 2023, and the Saints often leaned more on the passing game. Betting the under on his rushing yards was a successful strategy in many games, especially when the team fell behind and had to abandon the run.

• Derek Carr Under Passing Touchdowns: Carr struggled to generate consistent offensive output, often falling short of expectations in the passing game. Betting the under on Carr’s passing touchdowns proved profitable in several games, as the Saints often settled for field goals or stalled in the red zone.

• Saints Defense Over Sacks: Despite their overall struggles, the Saints’ defense remained a bright spot, particularly their pass rush. Betting the over on team sacks was successful in multiple matchups, as the Saints consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks.

New Orleans Saints Schedule for 2024

Below is the schedule for the New Orleans Saints this season:

New Orleans Saints Depth Chart

Below is a look at the New Orleans Saints current depth chart:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/no/new-orleans-saints

Key Players to Monitor When Betting on the Saints

When betting on the New Orleans Saints, it’s essential to understand how sportsbooks determine their betting lines. Oddsmakers set lines based on a variety of factors, including player performance, team statistics, injuries, and even public perception. Key players who consistently impact games are especially important when assessing the odds for point spreads, over/unders, and prop bets. For the Saints, a few standout players heavily influence how betting lines are set, making them critical to watch when placing wagers.

• Derek Carr
• Alvin Kamara
• Chris Olave
• Juwan Johnson

Derek Carr – Quarterback

Derek Carr, the veteran quarterback acquired by the Saints in 2023, is a significant factor for sportsbooks when setting lines for Saints games. His ability to lead an offense, pass for high yardage, and protect the ball plays a crucial role in determining the Saints’ offensive output and, by extension, the point totals set by sportsbooks. 

Carr’s experience in reading defenses and making clutch plays also makes him a key player to consider for prop bets such as passing yards or touchdowns. His chemistry with the Saints’ receivers, including Chris Olave, will directly impact betting lines on the Saints’ passing game.

Alvin Kamara – Running Back

Alvin Kamara is one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in the NFL, and his performance is often a central factor in setting Saints-related betting lines. Kamara’s ability to impact both the running and passing game makes him an attractive target for prop bets on rushing and receiving yards. 

Bettors should consider how the Saints plan to use Kamara in a given matchup, as well as his workload and recent performance, when placing wagers. Additionally, when Kamara is healthy and active, sportsbooks may adjust the Saints’ overall point total due to his game-breaking potential to score touchdowns.

Chris Olave – Wide Receiver

Chris Olave, the Saints’ young and explosive wide receiver, is becoming a key player to watch for bettors. His speed and route-running skills make him a consistent deep threat, and sportsbooks often adjust their prop bets on receiving yards and touchdowns based on his performance. 

Olave’s growing connection with Derek Carr also means he can influence point spreads and totals, especially in games where the Saints are expected to air the ball out. Keeping track of Olave’s targets and matchups against opposing defenses can provide valuable insight for those looking to bet on player props or Saints game outcomes.

Juwan Johnson – Tight End

After a breakout season in 2023, where he solidified himself as a reliable red-zone target, Johnson enters this season with even more potential. With Derek Carr now firmly entrenched as the Saints’ quarterback, Johnson’s ability to exploit mismatches and make plays in critical moments will be crucial. His size and athleticism make him a prime candidate for prop bets like “anytime touchdown scorer” or over/under on receptions and yardage, especially in games where the Saints face weaker coverage on tight ends.

Johnson’s chemistry with Carr, combined with the Saints’ need for a dependable weapon beyond Chris Olave, could lead to a spike in his targets, particularly in the red zone. His ability to score multiple touchdowns in a game or haul in crucial third-down conversions adds value for bettors looking for a sleeper pick in daily fantasy or player props.

Keep Up with the Latest On the New Orleans Saints

Keep up on the New Orleans Saints this season and check out all our latest blog posts:

Will The Saints Improve From Last Season?

Betting on the New Orleans Saints requires a keen understanding of their key players, team trends, and matchup dynamics. In 2024, Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Chris Olave will continue to influence the betting lines, providing valuable opportunities for player props and team performance bets. Based on the Saints’ underwhelming performance in 2023, bettors who capitalized on trends like low-scoring games, underachieving offensive stats, and strong defensive plays found success.

As the Saints look to improve, staying informed on how these trends evolve will be crucial for profitable betting. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve and make smarter wagers, consider signing up for our handicapping services. Our expert team provides in-depth analysis, tailored betting insights, and data-driven predictions to help you make more informed bets and ultimately win more. Don’t miss out on maximizing your betting potential this season—join us today and gain the edge you need!