JACKSON: Saints positive outlook can continue against 49ers

By Ross Jackson

As the rhythm sets in for the New Orleans Saints over the course of the 2025 NFL season, there will be plenty of moments that serve to project optimism for the team’s future. 

During last week’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the optimism came from the team’s fight and late-action effort that almost tied the game with a stellar two-minute drive. The team came just one catch shy of that chance, despite entering the season as the league’s biggest home underdog and widely viewed as having its weakest roster.

The Saints measured up well to a team that was in their position mere years ago. Now in Week 2, the Saints get to measure themselves against a proven opponent. The 49ers may have a roster on the decline, but they’ve reached two Super Bowls in the last six years.

But this week, the Saints could have a chance to sneak up on an injured roster. With tight end George Kittle out with a hamstring issue and quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Jauan Jennings managing injury, New Orleans has a chance to be that resilient team and make things interesting.

As someone that picked the Saints to start 0-4 on the season, before getting their first win against the New York Giants in Week 5, a surprise win in Week 2 would be a big statement.

Typically when picking the games the Saints play, there’s a lot of negotiation around the roster, the quarterback matchup and the coaching matchup. This game has the chance to pack it all, or at least pack some major storylines in each of those areas.

New Orleans has a chance now to turn the resilience it showed against the Cardinals last week into what’s necessary to become the aggressor this week. 

Catching a stumbling 49ers team is a great way to see who the Saints really are. A win, even against an injury-depleted opponent, could be the perfect statement that while the Saints aren’t a finished product yet, their future is promising.