The New Orleans Saints just missed the playoffs last season, and oddsmakers don't like their chances in the postseason this year. New Orleans will have to contend with a theoretically improved Panthers team, a Kirk Cousins led Falcons squad, and the hungry Buccaneers.
Dive into all the odds and all the Saints futures betting options below while I share how I'm approaching these markets:
2024 New Orleans Saints Super Bowl & NFC Odds
Odds from BetMGM as of August 30
It's hard to get excited about the New Orleans Saints this season. Their ceiling, if all the stars aligned, is winning the NFC South and getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs. Their floor is rock bottom and selecting top-5 in the NFL Draft next season. New Orleans coach Dennis Allen is a good defensive coach but he has a lifetime head coaching record of 24-46 and the Raiders actually regressed under his watch.
Because of the deficiencies on the offensive line and at head coach, I can't get behind a bet on the Saints to win the Super Bowl, NFC, or NFC South.
2024 New Orleans Saints Win Total Odds
Odds from BetMGM as of August 30
The Saints win total is at 7.5 and some experts expect big things while from New Orleans with the addition of OC Klint Kubiak from San Francisco. Theoretically, Kubiak is going to bring concepts from the 49ers and make running back Alvin Kamara a poor man's Christian McCaffrey. The main concern with New Orleans is along the offensive line which could end up being one of the worst in the league.
Ryan Ramczyk is done for the season, so Trevor Penning returns to a starting role after being benched last season. At LT, rookie Taliese Fuaga will start but he played RT in college and nursed a back injury in the preseason. Inside, Eric McCoy is solid at center, but Cesar Ruiz (51.2 PFF grade in 2023) and Lucas Patrick (50.5 PFF grade) aren't. It's worth noting, the 49ers had success last season despite concerns on the offensive line, so Kubiak's system could mask some of the Saints flaws.
The Saints were an under team last year and that trend could continue this season with games scheduled vs. teams with uninspiring QBs like the Giants, Browns, Raiders, Panthers as well as games vs. rookie QBs like Denver and Washington.
2024 New Orleans Saints Playoff Odds
Odds from BetMGM as of August 30
These numbers seem to be priced about right and I don't see value on a New Orleans Saints playoff wager at this time. If you do feel the Saints are playoff worthy, I'd wait until after the Chiefs game Week 5 to make the bet because I suspect these numbers will move in your favor before then. The Saints open Week 1 vs. the Panthers and then have four straight games against playoff-caliber opponents (Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Kansas City) so Week 5 might present a buy-low opportunity.
2024 New Orleans Saints NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Odds from BetMGM as of August 30
Kool-Aid McKinstry is probably the Saints player with the best chance of winning an award this season, but even he las long odds. The roster doesn't feature any players worthy of MVP consideration and, even if first-round pick Taliese Fuaga has a monster season, offensive lineman never awards like that.
As for McKinstry, the Alabama product is known for his press coverage and sure tackles. In New Orleans he'll be tested in the slot and maybe on the outside as well in a division with passing attacks led by Kirk Cousins, Bryce Young, and Baker Mayfield. Even with these juicy odds, I can't get behind a McKinstry Defensive Rookie of the Year pick.