The Saints are back from their bye, and the timing could not be more pointed. New Orleans returns home to face the Cleveland Browns after a loss in Paris, and while changes were made, they were far smaller than many expected. That leaves the Saints staring at a simple question as the second half of the 2026 season opens: are they going to save themselves, or are they going to keep sliding?
This week’s pick is built around one idea - belief. Not in the front office, not in the coaching, and not in the broader mess around the team.
Just belief that New Orleans can finally put together one Sunday where the effort, pride, and execution line up well enough to get a win. The call is for the Saints to grab their first home victory of the season and beat Cleveland 24-17.
Around the league, Week 9 opens with Jacksonville heading into Baltimore on Thursday night. The Ravens’ quarterback situation keeps spinning, while Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars keep rolling. Jacksonville is picked to win 35-24.
The international window brings Cincinnati and Atlanta to Madrid, Spain, where Joe Burrow and the Bengals are expected to make life miserable for a Falcons team that just got shut out. Cincinnati is projected to win 38-17.
In the early slate, Denver’s four-game winning streak is expected to keep going in Carolina, with the Broncos taking a tight one 23-21. Dallas is also projected to keep moving, taking advantage of an Indianapolis team that has dropped four straight and just dismissed its GM. The Cowboys are picked 27-21.
Kansas City is expected to bounce back from its loss in Denver by handling the Jets, 28-14. Detroit, which has settled in after an uneven start, is picked to keep it going in Miami with a 30-16 win. New York’s trip to Philadelphia is forecast to extend the Eagles’ brutal six-game skid, with the Giants escaping 28-27.
The Rams are also expected to keep climbing after an ugly first six weeks, with Los Angeles winning in Washington 28-14. In New Orleans, the Saints are the surprise pick over Cleveland, 24-17.
Houston gets the nod over the Chargers, with the Texans taking advantage of what has been the AFC’s most disappointing team in a 26-14 win.
The week’s game of the week is Raiders at 49ers. San Francisco comes in off a bye with the Atlanta loss still fresh, while Las Vegas arrives after snapping a four-game losing streak. The matchup between Klint Kubiak and Kyle Shanahan is expected to be the kind of chess match that comes down to the final kick, and the 49ers are picked to win 37-34.
New England is projected to edge Green Bay in a meeting of two teams that have found their footing, with the Patriots winning 28-22. Seattle is picked to handle Arizona even without Sam Darnold, thanks to an inspired defensive showing, with the Seahawks winning 38-14.
Sunday night brings Buccaneers at Bears, and Chicago is expected to end Tampa Bay’s run of division-dominating fun. The final score is projected to be closer than expected, but the Bears are still picked to win 23-21.
Monday night closes with Bills at Vikings, a matchup of 6-1 teams that are not being treated as equals. Minnesota’s defense is expected to keep things competitive for a while, but Josh Allen and Buffalo are projected to take over and win 28-20.
In Other News...
Saints Give Audric Estim Another Shot With Depth Suddenly In Play
With the backfield picture changing, the Saints are taking another look at a familiar name in Audric Estim. New Orleans brought the running back back into the fold after claiming him off waivers from Cleveland, a move that gives the team another body in a position group where depth can shift quickly and where every practice rep matters.
Estim already had a brief run with the Saints this season, and the staff now gets a fresh chance to decide where he fits. His role from here will be shaped by what he shows in practice and, if he gets the opportunity, in games, as New Orleans sorts through its options and tries to settle on the right mix in the backfield. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Suddenly Face A Very Different Browns Offense In Week 9
The Browns are suddenly looking at a very different quarterback setup for Week 9, and the Saints have to prepare accordingly. Deshaun Watson was added late to the concussion protocol and did not practice Thursday, which has put his status for the game in serious doubt as New Orleans gets ready for a matchup that had been expected to feature Clevelands usual starter.
Shedeur Sanders is now lined up to take the first snaps for the Browns, with Dillon Gabriel behind him and Taylen Green as the emergency third quarterback. Cleveland has not officially ruled Watson out yet, but the recent practice reports point in one direction, leaving the Saints to adjust for a game plan that could look a lot different than the one they were initially preparing for. [Read more 🡒]
Cesar Ruiz Is Turning Personal Tragedy Into A Message Saints Fans Will Feel
Cesar Ruiz entered this season with a deeply personal reason to think about family and the road ahead. The Saints offensive lineman became a father earlier this year when his son Caiden was born during training camp, adding a new layer to a life already shaped by loss and responsibility.
Ruiz has also opened up about losing his own father in a fatal accident as a child, and he is now using that experience to speak about road safety in a broader way. His work with AAAs Slow Down, Move Over campaign puts him in a position to remind drivers about the stakes of paying attention and giving roadside workers the space they need. [Read more 🡒]