Staff picks: Week 3 bold predictions, final score for Saints at Seahawks

Seahawks 20, Saints 16

I think Seattle has an edge here. They’re better positioned to control the line of scrimmage and dictate terms, and I don’t think Spencer Rattler is about to end his 0-8 winless streak as a starter on the road in a hostile environment. But I don’t expect the Saints to get left in the dust. They’re scrappy. Bold prediction: Alvin Kamara has his first multi-touchdown game since Week 2 last year, scoring at least once as both a rusher and receiver. — John Sigler

Seahawks 24, Saints 20

Sam Darnold is simply not a good quarterback. But, we are also only a week removed from Mac Jones carving up the New Orleans secondary. Stopping the Seahawks rushing attack and pressuring Darnold into mistakes gives the Saints a puncher’s chance. I’m more worried about the matchup between a battered New Orleans offensive line and the very talented Seahawks defensive front. If the Saints can somehow establish balance and protect Rattler, I believe the wideouts, Juwan Johnson, and Alvin Kamara can make some plays as pass catchers against an injured Seattle secondary. I just can’t see the Saints winning the battle in the trenches on either side to pull off a win. Bold Prediction: Alvin Kamara has at least 8 catches and 100 yards receiving. — Bob Rose

Seahawks 24, Saints 10

The Saints are still in search of their first win of the season, and enter this one largely deemed to be the underdog. While quarterback Spencer Rattler showed flashes of a true NFL starting quarterback in his latest appearance, he’s going to need some help in an offense that still shows signs of stagnancy and hasn’t crossed 300 total yards in either game this season. The Seahawks ultimately have the edge at home and win, 24-10. Bold Prediction: Spencer Rattler passes for at least 235 yards. Rattler caught a lot of flack (as did every other Saints quarterback) in the preseason, and continued to be surrounded by question marks in the season-opener, entering his first year as the team’s starter. But he drew a lot of praise as he passed for 207 yards in his latest appearance, and prepares to face a team that’s averaged 230 yards surrendered through the air. The Saints could lean into their QB’s arm again on Sunday. — Crissy Froyd

Seahawks 24, Saints 14

The New Orleans Saints are looking to be somewhat productive following that San Francisco 49ers matchup, but their defense started trending the wrong direction that day. The Seattle Seahawks look like a potentially easier foe on paper, but this is also an extremely hostile environment to play in for opposing teams, and with the roster being extremely young and still trying to find their footing, this likely ends up in a loss. Bold prediction: Elijah Arroyo finds some more targets in a Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated offense and produces 90+ receiving yards following slow first two games. — Jeremy Trottier

Seahawks 16, Saints 10

A tough road matchup for the Saints traveling to Seattle, who have one of the better defenses in the league. Specifically up front, the Seahawks have some premier players on the interior who should be a handful for the Saints offensive line who will be potentially be down two starters on Sunday. The Saints secondary will also be tested as they will have to deal with young standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp, one of the better duos in the league. That said, the Saints do have something going in their favor as Seattle is dealing with three major injuries to their secondary at the safety and cornerback positions. Head coach Kellen Moore should make it a point to target their replacement players early and often to give his team an advantage. All things considered, I think the Saints find a way to lose another one-possession game coming down to the last few drives. Bold prediction: Rashid Shaheed scores the one and only touchdown for the Saints on a punt return. — Luke Loffredo