Alright so we're exactly a month away from the first pre-season game and I figured this would be a good time to get some predictions in. I'm going to bookmark this thread so as the season goes on, we'll see how close this actually was. And of course this is assuming Brees is our full time starter.

1. Washington at home - W. I see this game very similar to the Detroit opener back in 09. I like Griffin and hope he succeeds in the NFL, but I think they're going to get smashed as the crowd goes absolutely nuts.

2. Carolina away - W. Considering it is only the second game of the season, we will still be considerably healthy. Cam has a nice day, and I think this game is close until we pull away in the 4th quarter.

3. Kansas City at home - W. Back in the dome against an inferior opponent. Matt Cassel doesn't impress me. They do have a good defense, but Brees still puts up points.

4. Green Bay away - L. Unfortunately I don't think we get revenge for last season's opener. I think this another extremely close game that honestly could go either way, but I'll give home field advantage to the Pack.

5, Chargers at home - W. With a chance to break Jonny U's 50 year old touchdown record, Brees has a night of the ages. Big win in primetime over his former team. Sproles shows off even more than usual.

6. Tampa away - W. With the exception of last year, we continue our habit in smashing Tampa at their place. Had Payton not gotten injured last year, I don't think it would have been close. Saints Roll.

7. Denver away - L. I'm extremely torn about this game. Denver has a great defense, and now they have Peyton Manning. I think this will be another very close, competitive game, but I will give them the home field advantage. This is another that could really go either way.

8. Philly at home - W. The Eagles showed a lot of potential down the stretch last year. They really came together and showed some serious talent. But this Monday Night Football in the dome, and the Saints don't disappoint in the spotlight. Being that this is about the midway point in the season, who knows how healthy Vick is.

9. Falcons a home - W. The Falcons are talented, but I don't really feel like they did a whole lot to improve their team. We took a huge cog in their defense and I have a feeling Lofton is going to want to show off. Saints pull away late.

10. Oakland away - L. A loss to Oakland? Really? Yes, unfortunately. It's always hard to predict the one boneheaded loss the Saints have every year and I feel like this has the potential. Huge spotlight wins over the Eagles and Falcons, we're due for a letdown. Honestly, I think Oakland is more talented than most give them credit for. We get caught sleeping on our trip out west.

11. San Fran at home - W. This is one game I'm really looking forward to next season. The dome will be electric out of its mind with the fresh wounds we suffered last year. I don't think we dominate, but the Saints win in a very efficient manner.

12. Atlanta away - L. I think this a game we might feel cheated in, let's say stolen from. Lets say there is a controversial call or a less than fair injury that leads to a Falcons victory. Pains me to say it, but I don't think we sweep the Falcons next year.

13. New York Giants - away - W. While the first thing you might bring is the weather, the next thing I will bring up is the run game. I think this will be a key advantage here. If it's a crappy day, I think we will be the team who is able to run the ball given our stable of backs. Close game, but Saints win.

14. Tampa at home - W. Tampa at home has been a close game except for the last year. I'd venture to say this is a slip-up game, but I think the team stays focused and takes care of business.

15. Dallas away - L. I think Dallas is an improved team from last year. We straight up stole the game last time we visited the Cowgirls and I think this game will be equally as close, but the Saints fall short.

16. Carolina at home - W. I really think the outcome of this game depends on the seeding situation. If we already have the #1 seed locked up, then I could see starters resting and us losing this game. However, I think the seeding will be competitive til the end and the Saints take care of the pesky Panthers for the last regular season win.

That takes the Saints total 2012 record to 11-5. I think this is pretty reasonable given all of the circumstances this offseason. 11-5 is what I came up with when taking it game by game, but I really think this team can achieve anywhere from 10-13 wins.

Here's to the start of the season

This post was edited on 7/9/12 at 12:08 am