However, a win in Los Angeles would go a long way for head coach Dennis Allen and quarterback Derek Carr as they seek to

string together a third-straight victory and perhaps change the perception of the team to the public.

Even with the possibility of great wide receiver Chris Olave’s comeback, it won’t be simple.

The Rams’ offense is inventive and explosive, with quarterback Matthew Stafford playing some of his finest football of the season, and their defense is quick and disruptive, anchored by all-world defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

In addition, Kyren Williams, a running back selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has been an excellent player for the Rams while healthy all season.

Quite a challenge lies ahead for the Saints, who could either prove a lot with a decisive road victory or crash back down to Earth after stringing together a pair of wins.

Consistency has been a challenge for New Orleans since the departure of future Hall of Fame passer Drew Brees, and as such, confidence is not soaring high here at Saints News Network.

Kyle T. Mosley

Los Angeles is in a groove, as well as the Saints defense. But the challenge of a short week and traveling is not a recipe for a road win.

Prediction: Rams 31, Saints 24

Bob Rose

Allen defenses have always had problems against Sean McVay (Rams head coach) passing attacks and their route designs. Probably the matchup of the day will be the talented New Orleans corners against the shifty Ram receivers.

If the Saints defensive line can play to the level they have the last two weeks, then they will be able to get an immobile Stafford to the ground a few times.

They will also need to shut down a highly productive L.A. power running attack–another big problem.

Offensively, the Saints should be able to throw the ball, but it is important that we see Carr as decisive as he was last week.

It will be just as crucial to establish balance through the running game, something the Saints have been inconsistent at doing this season. Both will be easier to do if Olave ends up back in the lineup and offensive weapon Taysom Hill gets closer to 100%–each huge questions at the moment.

New Orleans can certainly win this in spite of being on the road on a short week. There are two numbers that stick in my head though: 1. Allen is 1-12 against teams with .500 or better records. And 2. The Saints have had only one three-game winning streak under Allen in 31 games

Prediction: Rams 27, Saints 24

John Hendrix

This matchup is hard to gauge. I know Vegas and a lot of people will be riding with the Rams, and I get that. I think this boils down to whether or not the Saints offense can generate points.

The defense can at least mitigate the Rams attack, but they are going to have their hands full. Williams can not be the one to beat you in this one, and Los Angeles is going to lean on him a good bit to move the ball. This is a proving ground for New Orleans. I think they are ready for the challenge, and I am taking the upset.

Prediction: Saints 23, Rams 17

Ross Jackson

The Rams offense is every bit as impactful and unpredictable as it has been since McVay took the reins.

However, it is still vastly different from the offense the Saints handled in New Orleans on their way to a 27 – 20 victory last year.

The offense will cause the Saints’ defense problems with a lot more man/gap run concepts, a strong running back in Williams leading the way, and Stafford playing some of his best ball since their Super Bowl run a few years ago.

The key to this one will probably be how well New Orleans can maintain its attacking pace.

Even though they more than held their own against the Indianapolis Colts, facing the Saints in a shootout this season is difficult. However, Gardner Minshew, the signal caller for the Colts, and Stafford actually differ greatly from one another.