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The Seahawks (4-1-1) head to New Orleans in Week 8 for a matchup against the Saints (2-4), a game that's set for 10 a.m. PT on Sunday, October 30 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, with television coverage on FOX (channel 13 in Seattle).
This weekend's game marks the 13th all-time regular-season meeting between the two teams, with each side winning six contests. Seattle and New Orleans have split the last two meetings, with the Seahawks losing 34-19 at New Orleans in 2010 and winning 34-7 at CenturyLink Field in 2013. Seattle has had the advantage over New Orleans in playoff games in recent seasons, winning a wild-card game in 2010 and a divisional round playoff game in 2013 on its way to Super Bowl XLVIII.
Here's a look around the web at which side national analysts are predicting to win this weekend:
Mike Triplett at ESPN.com has the Seahawks winning by four, 27-23, "I've got my popcorn ready. No offense is lighting it up like the Saints have been at home this year (36 points per game, Drew Brees throwing for 421 yards and nearly 4 TD passes per game). But the Seahawks' defense is, you know, the Seahawks' defense -- even if they're worn out from last week's OT slugfest against Arizona. They're allowing just 14 points per game, tied for the league lead. The injury to Saints left tackle Terron Armstead hurts (if he plays, he's still less than 100 percent with a lingering knee issue). Expect a lot of short-yardage, ball-control throws, since the Saints will have to be very patient on offense to win it."
Sheil Kapadia at ESPN.com picks the Saints to upset the Seahawks, 24-20, "This is a tough spot for the Seahawks. Defensively, they had six different starters play more than 90 snaps in last week's overtime tie with the Cardinals. Now they have to make the trip across the country to face Drew Brees & Co. Offensively, the Seahawks scored just two field goals on 13 possessions last week, and Russell Wilson is dealing with a new pectoral injury to add to his existing knee and ankle issues. Plus, the team will likely be without starting left tackle Bradley Sowell. This is a game that matches strength vs. strength in the Saints' offense against the Seahawks' defense. It should be close, but New Orleans pulls the upset."
Chris Burke at SI.com thinks the Seattle offense gets back on track this week and the Seahawks win, 34-26, "It's safe to say the Seahawks will score more than six points Sunday. The Saints' three previous home games this season (Raiders, Falcons, Giants) produced an average of 75 points, with no team scoring fewer than 34. If the Seahawks' offense is going to find its stride, this is the week. That is, provided new left tackle George Fant—who played one year of college football as a tight end for Western Kentucky—can stymie a Cam Jordan-led pass rush. Russell Wilson still doesn't have his usual giddy-up escaping the pocket. It would ease the burden on Wilson and Fant dramatically if the Seahawks' defense plays as it did at Arizona, not like the week before in a loss to Atlanta. Drew Brees is every bit as capable of capitalizing on miscommunication in the secondary as Matt Ryan, although the Saints do not have any pass-catching RBs who will keep Seattle defensive coordinator Kris Richard up at night."
Michael David Smith at ProFootballTalk.com also thinks the Seattle offense rebounds at New Orleans and picks the Seahawks to win 28-21, "The Seahawks' offense hasn't been playing well, but a meeting with the weak Saints' defense could be just what the doctor ordered."
Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.com believes the Saints offense will outpace the Seahawks, and New Orleans will win 27-20, "Seattle's gaudy record conceals deeper concerns about the offense, which hasn't been the same since Russell Wilson suffered a pair of injuries. The Saints have the offense to outpace Wilson and company."
Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com thinks Seattle's defense controls the pace and helps pull out a 21-14 victory, "The Seahawks are playing consecutive road games, which is tough. They didn't look good at all on offense at Arizona last week. But that defense is special. And I think they will control the tempo, slowing Drew Brees. The Seahawks will get out with a victory."
Get to know the faces of the New Orleans Saints' offensive and defensive units heading into the team's Week 8 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Paul Kruger (99) on the field before a game against the San Diego Chargers played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/John Cordes)
Defensive tackle Tyeler Davison (95) of the New Orleans Saints watches play against the Atlanta Falcons October 15, 2015 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The Saints won 31 - 21 during a Thursday Night NFL football game. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New Orleans Saints nose tackle Nick Fairley (90) watches from the sideline during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The Saints defeated the Chargers 35-34. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) watches from the sideline during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The Saints defeated the Chargers 35-34. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints Dannell Ellerbe (59) in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Tampa, Fl.
(Tom DiPace via AP)
New Orleans Saints linebacker Craig Robertson (52) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in San Diego, Ca. The Saints won the game, 35-34. (Greg Trott via AP)
New Orleans Saints linebacker Nate Stupar (54) stretches before an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The Saints defeated the Chargers 35-34. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints safety Vonn Bell (48) on the field during the third quarter of a game against the San Diego Chargers played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/John Cordes)
New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) lines up in the secondary during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The Saints defeated the Chargers 35-34. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) looks on during the 2016 NFL week 3 regular season football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 in New Orleans. The Falcons won the game 45-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Ken Crawley (46) on the field during the third quarter of a game against the San Diego Chargers played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/John Cordes)
New Orleans Saints cornerback B.W. Webb (28) on the field before a game against the San Diego Chargers played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/John Cordes)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) on the field during the second quarter of a game against the San Diego Chargers played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/John Cordes)
New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL Game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in New Orleans, La. (Rick Wilson via AP Images)
New Orleans Saints guard Senio Kelemete (65) looks on during the 2016 NFL week 3 regular season football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 in New Orleans. The Falcons won the game 45-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New Orleans Saints center Max Unger (60) prepares to snap the football during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The Saints defeated the Chargers 35-34. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans (73) lines up in a three-point stance during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The Saints defeated the Chargers 35-34. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief (64) lined up in a two-point stance during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The Saints defeated the Chargers 35-34. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) runs to the end zone in front of Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) on a touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs with a pass against the Carolina Panthers in a week six NFL football game Oct. 16, 2016 in New Orleans. The Saints won 41 - 28. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New Orleans Saints fullback John Kuhn reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead (6) looks on from the sidelines while watching the action on the playing field during a Week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sunday, November 30, 2014. The Saints defeated the Steelers 35-32. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New Orleans Saints kicker Will Lutz (3) converts a 52-yard, game-winning field goal on the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers in a week six NFL football game Oct. 16, 2016 in New Orleans. The Saints won 41 - 28. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New Orleans Saints long snapper Justin Drescher (47) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Elliot Harrison at NFL.com thinks the Seahawks will ride their defense to a 23-17 win, "This is a game the Seahawks' defense wins almost on its own. First, the unit will have to produce favorable field position for a dysfunctional offense that needs all the midfield starts it can get. Second, look for a big takeaway somewhere in the middle of this contest. I realize Seattle didn't produce onein Arizona last Sunday night, but anyone who watched that game had to come away impressed with the Seahawks' intensity on that side of the ball. Will New Orleans rookie Michael Thomas be ready for this kind of challenge? The Saints have leaned on him, as Willie Snead has been so-so of late. If not a massive disappointment, Mark Ingram and the ground game should certainly be deemed subpar. The Brandin Cooks- Richard Sherman matchup fascinates. Drew Brees and the offense will have to earn this win, should they get it, due to the fact the Seahawks have allowed the fewest 10-yard rushing plays -- and big pass plays -- in the league."
Peter Schrager at FOXSports.com predicts a 31-23 Seahawks win, "Weird things can happen on Halloween in New Orleans. But if there's ever been a place the Seattle offense can cure its ills, it's down on the Superdome carpet in the Big Easy against that New Orleans D. Jimmy Graham used to own this building, and I think it might be just what he needs Sunday. I like Seattle. The quarterback breathes a little easier, the kicker kicks a little straighter, and the points come a little more smoothly."
David Steele at Sporting News takes the Seahawks, 34-30, "Like the Cardinals, the Seahawks took a beating in their overtime tie, then had to go east. Russell Wilson is taking a beating himself, again. The Saints defense is a good one to get healthy against, though: it's given up the most points per game and the fourth-most yards per game so far. Drew Brees is going to earn his money the rest of his contract.
Vinnie Iyer at Sporting News has Seattle winning 30-21, "Jimmy Graham will be a bit fired up at the home of his former team. He, along with the rest of Seattle's field-stretching pass-catchers with Russell Wilson, can make plenty of dents on a Big Easy defense. Drew Brees will do his best to keep up but will fall just short, as he gets little help from the run and sees most of his receiving targets get overmatched by The Legion of Boom. The 'Hawks make a lot more noise in the Superdome."
Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com predicts a 27-20 Seattle win, "Same story, different year. The Saints enter the game with one of the league's most explosive offenses, having passed for a league-leading 339.3 yards per game. The Seahawks have one of the league's best defenses, having held two of their first six opponents without a touchdown. The fact that Seattle didn't win either of those games is testament to how challenged Seattle's offense has been. The real question about this game is whether the Seahawks can run the ball, though. The Saints have given up 11 touchdowns on the ground, most by any team in the league.
Three of five writers at USA Today select the Seahawks to win.
Six of eight experts at CBSSports.com are taking the Seahawks to win straight up.
Eight of nine analysts at ESPN.com like the Seahawks to win this weekend.
The Seahawks face the Saints for Week 5 of the 2022 season at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Take a look back at photos from the past games between the two teams.
Kicker Garo Yepremian (1) of the New Orleans Saints attempts a field goal in 1979. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Floyd Turner (88) begins the celebration after catching the winning touchdown in the Saints Seattle Seahawks game on Sunday, Sept. 3, 1991 in New Orleans. Looking on is Seahawks James Jefferson (26). Turner took the pass from quarterback Bobby Hebert late the fourth quarter to give the Saints a 27-24 victory. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Eric Allen (21) stops Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Joey Galloway (84) during NFL action Sunday Nov. 16, 1997 in New Orleans. Galloway took a pass from quarterback Warren Moon, making a first down on the play. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is sacked by Saints' defenders Charles Grant (94) and Willie Whitehead (98) during the second quarter on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Seahawks' Stadium. Even through being sacked, Hasselbeck completed 12 of 23 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Seahawks over the Saints, 27-10. (AP Photo/Jim Bryant)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) throws against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, in New Orleans as guard Steve Hutchinson (76) blocks Saints linebacker Roger Knight. Hasselbeck completed 19 of 29 passes for 246 yards and one touchdown in Seattle's 21-7 win. (AP Photo/Travis Spradling)
New Orleans Saints' Tebucky Jones (34), right, grabs the face mask of Seattle Seahawks receiver Darrell Jackson (82) on a pass play during the second quarter at the Superdome Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, in New Orleans. Jackson picked up 22 yards on the reception and the Seahawks picked up 11 yards more on the penalty to help set up their second touchdown of the quarter. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints' Reggie Bush (25) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks' Brian Russell during the first quarter of their NFL football game in Seattle, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
RETRANSMISSION FOR ALTERNATE CROP OF SEA163 Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch (24) breaks away from a tackle by the New Orleans Saints defenders to score a touchdown in the second half of an NFL NFC wild card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
FILE - In this Dec. 2, 2013, file photo, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril hits the arm of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees causing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett in the first half of an NFL football game in Seattle. The Seahawks finished the regular season as the best pass defense in the NFL with three All-Pro selections in the secondary. Their best performance came when they suffocated New Orleans in Week 13. Now comes the challenge of duplicating that in Saturday's NFC divisional playoff game against the Saints. (AP Photo/Scott Eklund, File)
Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor (31) stops New Orleans running back Khiry Robinson (29) during an NFL Divisional Playoff game on January 11, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Saints 23-15 in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) leaps for a pass just outside the end zone as New Orleans Saints cornerback B.W. Webb (28) covers as time expires in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. Kearse came down out of bounds and the Saints won 25-20. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Seattle Seahawks defensive group tackles New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during an NFL regular season football game on Sunday, Sep. 22, 2019 in Seattle. The Saints won, 33-27. (Ric Tapia via AP)
