New Orleans Saints 2021 schedule predictions: Picking every game

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 17: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against Jordan Whitehead #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 17, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) — NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 17: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against Jordan Whitehead #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 17, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Now that Drew Brees is retired, the new era will officially begin for the New Orleans Saints come Week 1 of the 2021 season.

Things are going to feel pretty dang different for New Orleans Saints fans come next season. That’s because after a historic, Hall-of-Fame career, legendary quarterback Drew Brees is retired and off spending more time with his family.

With Brees no longer under center, it will either be Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill taking over the offense for the organization. While losing Brees hurts, this team is still built to be a contender in the NFC South. How will the 2021 campaign play out?

Sean Payton has a big decision at quarterback leading up to the 2021 season

Obviously, all eyes will be on veteran head coach Sean Payton to see which decision he makes at quarterback. Signal-callers Winston and Hill will be hungry as ever to try and lock down the job once camp rolls around. It really feels like it’s going to be an incredibly tight race.

Regardless of who wins that battle, they’ll have the confidence knowing they’ll be able to throw the ball to Michael Thomas. When healthy, Thomas is no doubt one of the best receivers in the game. There’s also a guy by the name of Alvin Kamara suiting up for the offense. When Kamara has the ball in his hands, you can expect plenty of magic.

Again, with Brees no longer playing for the Saints, things will be different. Will there be a big drop off? We think so, which is why we’re picking New Orleans to go 8-9 next year and miss the playoffs.