NFL record predictions for the 2018 regular season

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans makes a peace sign as he warms up on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans makes a peace sign as he warms up on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a touchdown by eating Airheads candy on the sideline during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a touchdown by eating Airheads candy on the sideline during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints

There’s nothing stopping the New Orleans Saints from being contenders this year, just as they were last year.

The Saints facilitated their playoff run last year not on the prowess of Drew Brees. Having the Hall of Fame to-be quarterback certainly helped, but the Saints’ playoff run was actually the result of an influx of young talent. The Saints did everything right in the NFL Draft last year, acquiring key contributors such as lockdown cornerback Marshon Lattimore, stout tackle Ryan Ramczyk, safety Marcus Williams, and 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Alvin Kamara.

The offense thrived off of the duo of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, and the defense was energized by droves of young talent. Whether it’s Sheldon Rankins, or Lattimore, or Williams, or Vonn Bell, or Michael Thomas, the Saints have a bevy of young stars at their disposal , and those players will only get better over the offseason of 2018.

With Drew Brees still in tow for another year, Sean Payton undoubtedly has Super Bowl aspirations. After all, they almost got there last year. With the talent surrounding Drew Brees, the Saints are the team to beat in the NFC South, and they have the potential to get back to the biggest game in the NFL.

New Orleans Saints record projection: 11-5