How do you see this one playing out? The NFL is set to kick off its first-ever game in France, with the New Orleans Saints (2-4) meeting the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) on Sunday, leading off a loaded Week 7 slate. Our staff picks are in. Here's who we're taking in Saints vs. Steelers, with final scores and bold predictions.
Saints 28, Steelers 21
New Orleans won't have as easy a time offensively as they did last week (the Steelers defense is at least middle-of-the-road against the run, while the New York Giants were second-worst) but I do think the Saints learned some things about what does and doesn't work for the personnel available to them. Defensively, New Orleans is getting a huge boost with Kaden Elliss returning after a three-week absence, and he should do a lot
to help them contain past-his-prime quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (two interceptions last week) is playing too well to keep him off the field. Emerson's experience against the Steelers in several years with the division-rival Cleveland Browns could make a difference.
Bold prediction: Aaron Rodgers throws more interceptions (2) than touchdowns (0) in a rough outing in Paris. -- John Sigler
Saints 23, Steelers 20
I like this matchup for the Saints, especially if they build on the momentum from jumping to a 34-10 lead over the Giants last week. Pittsburgh's defense could present major problems on the edge with a deep and talented pass rush rotation. However, the Steelers have looked vulnerable in the secondary. On offense, Aaron Rodgers has looked downfield very little this year, perhaps allowing the Saints to constrict their coverage. New Orleans must stop Jaylan Warren from making big plays on the edge and contain Pittsburgh's two talented tight ends. If the Saints can protect Tyler Shough reasonably well, then he should be able to exploit matchup advantages with his wideouts. Another week of rushing production will also set up play-action opportunities.
Bold prediction: Tyler Shough throws for over 300 yards against Pittsburgh coverage, with Devaughn Vele recording over 100 receiving yards. On defense, Chase Young sacks Aaron Rodgers twice, including one late to clinch the victory. -- Bob Rose
Steelers 30, Saints 27
The Saints head to Paris for what feels like their most critical game of the season thus far, a matchup that could ultimately change the trajectory of this team moving forward. Sitting at 2-4, New Orleans has an opportunity to enter the bye week at 3-4, with the potential return of promising rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson and running back Travis Etienne on the horizon. Adding those two playmakers would bring some much-needed explosiveness to an offense that could position itself for a run down the stretch. Of course, the Saints’ issues extend beyond a few missing pieces, but securing a win here would be a massive step in the right direction.
On the other side, the Pittsburgh Steelers enter at 4-2 with some impressive victories under their belt, including a comeback win over Tampa Bay just a week ago. That said, Pittsburgh has its own deficiencies, and this is certainly a winnable matchup for New Orleans. I expect the Saints to put up a fight, but ultimately, I see Pittsburgh escaping Paris with a narrow victory.
Bold prediction: Juwan Johnson goes for over 80 yards and two touchdowns. -- Luke Loffredo
Steelers 24, Saints 17
The Saints enter this matchup with some momentum following their win over the Giants, but Pittsburgh figures to be a much tougher challenge. New Orleans has struggled to defend the run all season, which could allow Warren to take control of the game. Tyler Shough and Chris Olave should keep the Saints competitive. However, Pittsburgh’s ability to force turnovers and exploit defensive weaknesses gives the Steelers the edge in a close Sunday morning affair.
Bold Prediction: Jaylen Warren finishes with 150-plus scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. -- Arye Pulli
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Staff picks, Week 7: Who we're taking in Saints vs. Steelers
