Week 4 Rooting Guide: Who Saints fans should pull for this week

The Saints have suffered back to back losses in primetime, which may explain the slightly desperate feeling hovering over the team heading into Week 4 vs. the Lions. The Raiders and Packers have exposed some very clear flaws with the Saints, and the NFC, particularly the NFCS, is looking more competitive every week.

The Saints also have some extraneous tension heading into this game, with a false COVID-19 positive test for fullback Michael Burton marring Saturday night’s preparations. With that in mind, the Saints can obviously only focus on themselves Here’s a rooting guide for Saints fans to use for Week 4.

Early games

Panthers vs. Cardinals
The Cardinals stumbled against the Lions last week after an 0-2 start, while the Panthers notched their first win of the Matt Rhule era. With that being said, the rule of always rooting against the division applies. Hope the Cardinals right the ship this week, and don’t let the Panthers keep pace with the Saints if they handle business.

Similar to last week, there’s a big slate of inter conference games. The Buccaneers, Vikings, Seahawks, Cowboys and Washington Football Team all have 1 p.m. kickoffs against AFC opponents. Root for the AFC.

Later games

Giants vs. Rams
The Rams nearly completed an improbable comeback against the Bills last week, but a pass interference call later led to the Bills pulling out the win. The Giants, meanwhile, still seem completely hapless. Root for the Giants, as the Rams certainly appear to be a better team.

Primetime games

Eagles vs. 49ers
The 49ers really appear to be finding their stride, and that’s dangerous for the rest of the NFC. The defending conference champs routed the Giants last week. It would serve the Saints well if Carson Wentz could pull it together and deliver a strong performance for an Eagles win. A 49ers team with momentum is very dangerous.

Packers vs. Falcons
It’s hard to imagine this game being remotely competitive, but Saints fans should be whispering for a Falcons win. The Saints need to gain ground on the Packers ASAP after last week’s loss. The Packers are one of the most dangerous teams in the conference. The Falcons, meanwhile, seem completely listless this season. Whoever wins in this game, Saints fans kind of lose. But I would posit they lose more with a Falcons loss.

It goes without saying none of this means anything without a Saints win. A 1-3 hole would be a very difficult one to deal with, with the only saving grace being a relatively weak division thus far. The Saints have a ton of work to do and a lot to overcome. But to make waves this year it has to start this week.