The New Orleans Saints roll into Week 13 on a two-game winning streak.
After two hard fought wins against the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns, New Orleans will be looking to capitalise on the momentum it has built recently in the Caesar’s Superdome.
The Saints have a long and storied history against the Rams. Following their inception in 1967, the Saints first game on 17th September saw the Rams better the Saints 27-13, despite the Saints returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown.
Over the next 57 years, the rivalry between the two has been an up-and-down affair. The teams were fierce divisional rivals, both originally members of the NFC West until the league realignment in 2002.
Since then, the teams meet less frequently, but that does not mean that sparks can not fly. Ask anyone who was watching the game on January 20th, 2019 with 1:49 remaining.
The ‘NOLA No-Call’ remains etched in the mind of every New Orleans fan – many of whom point to the event as the moment they became emotionally detached from the team and the league.
Three in a row?
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi brought practice forward by a day this week to give players the day off to spend Thanksgiving with their families. It is the latest of many changes Rizzi has implemented since taking over the helm.
The Saints hope that they can continue the resurgence they have seen under Rizzi as they aim for three wins on the bounce.
They are playing with energy and fervour this team has not seen in years.
The Rams come into the Superdome on Sunday as the clear favourites and are likely to pose a greater challenge to New Orleans than the previous two opponents.
This game will tell us more about the team than perhaps all others.
A welcome health kick?
The Saints are finally looking healthier. Defensive End Tanoh Kpassagnon, who has been out the entire season, has been a full participant in practice. His return cannot come soon enough with the defensive line struggling against the run.
But there are still a few key pieces the Saints would love to have back on the turf under the Lights of the Dome.
Centre Erik McCoy is questionable after aggravating his previous groin injury in the Browns game. Running back Kendre Miller is not yet eligible for return from injured reserve until next week against the New York Giants. Guard Lucas Patrick – one of the highest rated offensive line players in the league after the first two weeks – also did not practice this week.
Wide receiver Chris Olave is still in concussion protocol and it is not confirmed if he will return this season. Marquez Valdes-Scantling will look to continue his connection with quarterback Derek Carr, replacing Rasheed Shaheed as the favourite deep-threat target.
The Rams might not be the Super Bowl winning team they were back in the 2021 season but they have dangerous weapons.
With receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp catching passes from quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Saints will have their work cut out for them. Hopefully the defensive backs can step up.
