Green Bay Packers 2020 opponent preview: New Orleans Saints
One of the Packers’ toughest challenges of the 2020 season comes in Week 3.
The Green Bay Packers will be competitive in the NFC this season, but among their biggest rivals in the conference will be the New Orleans Saints.
The two teams will meet in a huge NFC showdown in Week 3, with the Packers heading on the road to visit the Saints at the Superdome.
This will be one of the most challenging games on the schedule for Green Bay.
Last season
Once again, the Saints were one of the most balanced teams in the NFL last season. They ranked No. 9 in total offense, No. 7 in passing offense, and No. 16 in rushing offense. On defense, they ranked No. 11 overall, No. 20 against the pass and No. 4 against the run. Overall, these are strong numbers.
Defending the pass was their biggest issue, but they were in the top-10 in most categories and in the top half in the NFL for all but pass defense.
They finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, good for the NFC’s third seed. But despite being heavy favorites against the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round, they lost at home, 26-20 after overtime.
When is the game?
The game will be played in Week 3. Kickoff is 7:20 p.m. CT on Sunday, Sept. 27. The game will be played in primetime on Sunday Night Football.
Offseason additions
The Saints offense has improved with the signing of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, a perfect No. 2 receiver to line up alongside Michael Thomas. Last week, they also signed former Packer Ty Montgomery.
New Orleans’ biggest offseason move was signing safety Malcolm Jenkins to a four-year deal worth $32 million.
Last meeting with Packers
October 22, 2017: Saints won 26-17 at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
Michael Thomas: Thomas was far and away the NFL’s best receiver last season. He set an NFL record for single-season receptions with 149. He finished the year with 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns.
Whether it’s Jaire Alexander or Kevin King covering Thomas, the Packers will need a good plan and to be at their best defensively to stop him dominating.