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at Green Bay, Thursday: All games count as one, but this one will have the hype and feel of more than that as the NFL showcases the last two Super Bowl champions. The Saints' defense must contend, right out of the gate, with a super offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and boasting perhaps a resurgent running game with the return of Ryan Grant.
vs. Chicago, Sept. 18: The Bears went to the NFC championship game last season but few are expecting them to repeat that run. Which means this is a conference game the Saints must win, particularly if they are coming off a loss in the opener. New Orleans will have plenty of time to prepare, given Green Bay is a Thursday night game.
vs. Houston, Sept. 25: The Texans and the Saints meet in a rematch of the week 2 preseason game Houston won easily. The Texans boast a top-notch offense led by quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster and perhaps the game's best wide receiver, Andre Johnson. The Texans have playoff aspirations, too, and thus this game should prove an important hinge for both teams.
at Jacksonville, Oct. 2. The Saints begin a stretch of three consecutive road games, and, given the Jaguars went 8-8 last season and have a losing record over the last five seasons, the Saints must begin the road run with a victory. The Jaguars drafted quarterback Blaine Gabbert last April and while David Gerrard remains the starter, if he gets off to a rough start the Saints could see the rookie.
at Carolina, Oct. 9. The Saints open divisional play on the road against the worst team in the NFL in 2010. The Panthers may be more exciting in 2011 with No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Newton at quarterback, but that doesn't mean they should be a match for the Saints. If there's one game circled early as a probable 'W,' this would be it.

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Breaking down the New Orleans Saints schedule | NOLA.com