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A game-by-game preview of how the New Orleans Saints' 2012 season will play out:
WEEK 1 • Sept. 9
vs Washington
Saints 41
Redskins 17
Times-Picayune photo illustrationThe New Orleans Saints are trying to become the first team to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
Everyone who hopped off the Saints' bandwagon this offseason will be clamoring to get back on after they're reminded how sensational this offense is. Drew Brees throws four touchdown passes, one each to Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, Lance Moore and Darren Sproles. And tailback Mark Ingram runs in another.
Meanwhile, Redskins rookie quarterback RG III may go on to have a nice season. But he's sacked three times and throws three picks in his debut while trying to play catch-up inside a raucous Superdome.
Record: 1-0
WEEK 2 • Sept. 16
at Carolina
Saints 23
Panthers 20
A lot of people believe the Saints will be on the decline this season, and the Panthers will be on the rise. So the Saints happily will escape with a road victory in Week 2, even if it's not as glamorous as the opener.
New Orleans' pass rush is less effective against Panthers quarterback Cam Newton than it was in Week 1, and Carolina's ground game keeps the Saints' potent offense off the field for large chunks. But Graham catches nine passes for 100-plus yards, and Brees leads the Saints on a winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
Record: 2-0
WEEK 3, Sept. 23
vs Kansas City
Saints 34
Chiefs 17
The Chiefs might be a sneaky-good team this season. But they're not equipped to win a shootout against the Saints inside the Dome. After a fast start by New Orleans, Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel throws two interceptions, including a pick-six by cornerback Jabari Greer.
Saints tailback Pierre Thomas has his first 100-yard rushing game since Week 3 of the 2009 season. And the Chiefs won't get "Stand Up & Get Crunk" out of their heads until October.
Record: 3-0
WEEK 4 • Sept. 30
at Green Bay
Packers 38
Saints 31
Michael DeMocker / The Times-PicayuneAaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will provide the New Orleans Saints a stern test.
The Packers boast a deadly combination: They're the most talented team in the NFL, and they're hungry after a disappointing second-round playoff loss to the New York Giants last season. The road to New Orleans will go through Wisconsin.
Although the Saints are revved up and ready for this showdown, the Packers are just a tad better. Aaron Rodgers throws four touchdowns to Brees' three. And the Packers win the turnover battle 2-1. Sproles has a monster game, though, with 150 yards from scrimmage and another 130 on kick returns.
Record: 3-1
WEEK 5 • Oct. 7
vs San Diego
Chargers 28
Saints 24
The Saints are still a little flat after the deflating loss at Green Bay. And though they storm back with 21 points in the second half, it's not quite enough. Brees throws two interceptions in the first half, and the Saints' defense gives up more than 150 rushing yards while forcing no turnovers against a steady performance by Chargers QB Philip Rivers.
The Saints are able to hold former teammate Robert Meachem to a quiet day. But after a strong start, New Orleans heads into its bye week on a two-game losing streak.
Record: 3-2

Continue reading.
How Mike Triplett sees the 2012 New Orleans Saints season playing out - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

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