Sophia
Despite facing the longest Super Bowl odds in the league, legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees believes his former team is primed for a breakout 2025 season. Speaking on CBS Sports HQ, Brees offered a compelling counter-narrative to the widespread skepticism surrounding the Saints, who have missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons and are entering the year with a young quarterback at the helm.
“I think top to bottom, the Saints’ roster is really, really strong,” Brees asserted. “One of the best offensive lines in football, one of the most dynamic running backs in Alvin Kamara, who can do everything for you. And then two extremely explosive receivers in [Chris] Olave and [Rashid] Shaheed. Not to mention a lot of other pieces of the puzzle defensively. … I think they’re flying under the radar right now.”
Spencer Rattler Takes the Reins
Central to the Saints’ 2025 campaign is quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was officially named the starter for the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Rattler, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, earned the starting nod after a competitive training camp, edging out fellow rookie Tyler Shough. While Rattler’s rookie season saw him struggle, throwing for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions in six starts (all losses), first-year coach Kellen Moore clearly sees potential.
Brees, a master of quarterbacking himself, highlighted the importance of experience, noting that a strong college foundation can significantly impact a player’s transition to the NFL. Rattler brings a substantial collegiate resume to his second professional season, having logged a combined 42 starts at Oklahoma and South Carolina.
Kellen Moore’s Impactful Offense
Beyond the talent on the roster, Brees also lauded the influence of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. He praised Moore’s scheme for maximizing the Saints’ strengths and instilling confidence within the team.
“Kellen Moore, everyone seems to love,” Brees commented. “I think he really has, you know, kind of like the pulse of that team and has really kind of created an offseason and a structure that’s really gotten those guys ready to play.”
NFC South: A Wide-Open Race
Brees further emphasized the Saints’ potential by pointing to the lack of a dominant force in the NFC South. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently favored (-105 at FanDuel), both the Atlanta Falcons (+230) and Carolina Panthers (+400) are also in developmental phases with their rosters. This competitive balance, Brees argues, creates a significant opportunity for the Saints (+1300) to contend for the division title.
“Man, all the way around, I think the Saints are in a position to maybe surprise some people,” Brees concluded, offering a glimmer of hope for a fanbase eager for a return to playoff contention. With a strong roster, a promising young quarterback, and an experienced offensive coordinator, the New Orleans Saints could indeed be the dark horse of the 2025 NFL season.
