Saints May Not Play in New Orleans for First Quarter of Season
By Ben Heisler
It's déjà vu all over again for the New Orleans Saints.
After Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city back in 2005, the Saints were unable to play their home games at the Superdome. Now, following the destruction of Hurricane Ida this week, they may be back on the road again, but hopefully for a shorter period of time.
Payton said the #Saints are starting with the idea that they could be away for a month.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 31, 2021
Added it is easier to reel it back if they are able to return on a shorter timeline
Saints head coach Sean Payton told the assembled media that they are expecting to be away for up to a month, and will "adjust accordingly" to any further updates involved with the city.
Not having the home field advantage of the Caesar's Superdome could change how oddsmakers at WynnBET impact the Saints' futures odds this season. Right now, New Orleans is currently +3000, or 30/1 to win Super Bowl 56, and +1500 to win the NFC Championship game. They are second behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-220) to win the NFC North at +330 odds.
Furthermore, the Saints' chances to MISS the playoffs are at -125 odds at WynnBET, compared to -105 to MAKE the playoffs, indicating that oddsmakers anticipate New Orleans likely being on the outside looking in.
Where will the Saints play "home games" while away from the Superdome?
Payton said the team has discussed multiple options for both "home" destinations as well as practice facilities while the Superdome is unavailable to them. College facilities will likely be the top play.
Payton says the Saints have explored several college facilities. College schedule works out well with the NFL schedule as far as the times of practices.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) August 31, 2021
The Saints were listed to host the Green Bay Packers at 4:25 pm ET, but that game could now be played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. WynnBET currently has New Orleans as three-point home underdogs, but expect that line to shift once a decision has been made on where they may play. They go on road in Weeks 2-3 against the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots, but are scheduled to return home against the New York Giants on October 3rd.
Payton also officially confirmed the decision that Jameis Winston will be named the Week 1 starting quarterback over Taysom Hill today.
Jameis Winston is the official starter and Sean Payton confirmed it for the first time today. #Saints https://t.co/zRTYfQsXpZ
— Who Dat Dish (@whodatdish) August 31, 2021
Winston finished the 2021 preseason 16 of 22, for 219 yards and three touchdowns with a passer rating of 124.8. He's currently +3000 at WynnBET to win NFL MVP.
How do you expect the Saints to do in 2021? Are they a playoff team?
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