Our offseason opponent breakdown series on theRams.com continues with Los Angeles' Week 9 home opponent coming off its Bye Week, the New Orleans Saints (SoFi Stadium, Nov. 2, 1:05 p.m. PT on FOX).
2024
The Saints stumbled to a 5-12 record last season following season-ending injuries to their starting quarterback, Derek Carr, and top receiver, Chris Olave. Their 19.9 points scored per game ranked 24th in the NFL, while they allowed an average of 23.4 points per game, ranking 19th. Rookie gunslinger Spencer Rattler took over for the injured Carr as needed, but New Orleans lost all six games he started.
Key changes
It might be easier to list the things that haven't changed in New Orleans. Carr has retired, first-time head coach Kellen Moore has taken over at the helm, and second-round quarterback out of Louisville Tyler Shough is expected to compete with Rattler for the starting job. The coaching staff has gone through the significant turnover that's expected with a new head coach, including the hiring of three new coordinators.
In free agency, the Saints reunited with some familiar faces, including their first-round pick from 2014, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and center Will Clapp, who spent the first four seasons of his career in New Orleans. Offensive line reinforcements were a clear priority, as it also added former Titan Dillon Radunz and drafted tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. out of Texas ninth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Defensively, they signed safety Justin Reid from the Chiefs, cornerback Isaac Yiadom from the 49ers and acquired defensive lineman Davon Godchaux in a trade with the Patriots.
Head coach
Moore enters his first season as the Saints' head coach after serving as the offensive coordinator of the Cowboys (2019-22), Chargers (2023) and Eagles (2024).
What to watch for
New-look Saints passing offense versus emerging Rams pass rush
Last season, the Rams clinched a 21-14 victory in New Orleans with a batted ball from Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse that caused a turnover on downs in the red zone. In 2025, the Saints will have a less experienced quarterback under center and only a marginally improved offensive line.
The Saints tied with the Seahawks for the eighth-highest pressure rate in the NFL on offense last season (37.4%), while Los Angeles generated the fourth-highest defensive pressure rate (37.1%) including the postseason, according to Next Gen Stats. That's a clear matchup advantage for Los Angeles, which has an explosive young core of pass rushers who are bound to improve.
Moore worked with arguably the best offensive line in football last season with the Eagles, so he will have to alter his offense to adapt to the Saints' personnel. Meanwhile, the Rams will look to continue their defensive ascension under now-second-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
