Despite an easy strength of schedule in 2025, the Saints will face some of the league’s top end talent at quarterback.
The New Orleans Saints have been given the second-easiest strength of schedule in 2025 behind only the San Francisco 49ers. Despite what is considered an easy schedule, the Saints will face many of the top quarterbacks in the league.
With a rebuilding defense and many young up-and-coming defenders on the roster, these top quarterbacks will put the ultimate test on the Saints’ defense.
Week 1: Kyler Murray
Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images
2024 stats
2024 Passing yards: 3,851
2024 Touchdowns: 21
2024 Interceptions: 11
Kyler Murray hasn’t lived up to the immediate expectations that usually come with being the No. 1 overall pick. But when Murray does find his rhythm, he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
During his second season in the NFL, Murray had his best season as a pro, putting up 26 touchdowns through the air and adding 11 more on the ground. The Cardinals are hoping to bring the former first overall pick to the same success by utilizing plenty of top-end draft capital to build their offense. First-round draft picks over the last few years, such as Trey McBride, Paris Johnson, and Marvin Harrison Jr, put plenty of talent around a still-young quarterback.
The dual-threat ability of quarterbacks has been the kryptonite of the Saints’ defense, and Murray possesses that and more. Combine his ability to use his legs and week one fatigue, and New Orleans is certainly going to face obstacles if they want to start the season with a win.
Week 2: Brock Purdy
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
2024 stats
Passing yards: 3,864
Touchdowns: 20
Interceptions: 12
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t have the season they anticipated in 2024. A slew of injuries all around the ball and poor performances from seasoned veterans, the burgundy and gold were only able to put up a disappointing six wins after 12 wins in 2023.
Part of the 49ers’ shortcoming last season was Purdy having his worst year as a starter. The former Mr. Irrelevant only threw 8 more touchdowns than interceptions. Despite his struggles, Purdy has proven before how lethal he can be orchestrating Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
With a healthy team in 2025, Purdy could look to get back on track. Facing a Saints defense in a new scheme early on could be a big game for the fourth-year quarterback.
Week 4: Josh Allen
Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images
2024 stats
Passing yards: 3,731
Touchdowns: 28
Interceptions: 6
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been a top-3 quarterback since his breakout in 2020. Allen has incredible arm talent that can’t be denied and took home the MVP award in 2024 after putting up 40 total touchdowns and just 6 interceptions.
The Saints have faced the Bills just once since Allen took over at quarterback in a 31-6 loss during the 2021 season. The 2024 MVP threw 4 touchdowns to just 5 incompletions. The New Orleans defense was able to get 2 interceptions, however.
Allen is by far the greatest quarterback the Saints will face in 2025 and closes the early-season gauntlet of quarterbacks. From his immense arm talent to his ability to run the ball, the Saints offense will likely have to compete in a shootout if they want a chance to win.
Week 9: Matthew Stafford
Kara Durrette/Getty Images
2024 stats
Passing yards: 3,762
Touchdowns: 20
Interceptions: 8’
The Saints have faced the Matthew Stafford-led Los Angeles Rams three times since the veteran quarterback was traded in 2021. The Rams are 2-1 against New Orleans since the trade, including a two-game win streak over the last two seasons.
Stafford has thrown 6 touchdowns against the Saints in those three games with no interceptions. Facing a veteran quarterback always offers the challenge of experience, and with a young secondary in New Orleans on a new scheme, Stafford could be looking forward to another big game against the black and gold.
Week 17: Cam Ward
Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images
2024 stats
Passing yards: N/A
Touchdowns: N/A
Interceptions: N/A
Cam Ward was the No. 1 overall pick of the draft for a reason. From his big-play ability that impressed scouts to his combination of size and game IQ, Ward is sure to produce in a rookie year surrounded by veteran wide receiver talent.
While the Tennessee Titans have struggled to be competitive since their divisional playoff loss in 2021, a second year under head coach Brian Callahan, and the excitement of a young high-ceiling quarterback could lead to an electric 2025 season for the Titans.
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