Three matchups to watch: Saints at Titans

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are searching for their first four-game win streak since 2020. In order to get it, they’ll need to topple the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. The game will feature a bout of two of the top rookie quarterbacks from the 2025 class. Tennessee’s Cam Ward was the No. 1 overall selection while the Saints’ Tyler Shough was taken No. 40.

But that matchup won’t be the only one to impact this game. Here are three additional matchups, including two Saints stars looking to have another big impact, that can decide the matchup at Nissan Stadium.

Saints WR Chris Olave vs. Titans’ Secondary

Just like last week’s game against the New York Jets, everyone knows that the ball will be going to Olave in the passing game. Last week, Olave turned that into a 10-catch, 148 receiving yard and two-touchdown day. Despite everyone knowing that he would be the focus.

While Olave is questionable going into the game with a back injury, the expectation is that he will see the field Sunday. The wideout has played through numerous bumps and bruises all season long,this game appears to be no different.

Olave needs just eight receptions and another pair of touchdown catches to become the Saints’ only receiver all-time to finish a season with at least 100 catches, 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions. Against a banged up Tennessee secondary that ranks No. 21 in the NFL in passing defense

Saints’ Interior Offensive Line Vs. Titans DT Jeffery Simmons

As the best defensive tackle in football, Simmons can be a game wrecker from the interior. Meanwhile, the Saints’ guard positions have been far from world-beaters all season long. Especially now, as the unit navigates injuries, the middle of the Saints’ offensive line is a major concern. 

While the pass blocking side actually fares adequately, generating push in the run game has been a challenge for New Orleans. Simmons isn’t about to make that any easier. If the Saints want to take pressure off Shough and not subject him to about 40-plus-attempt passing matchup, they’ll need help in getting a run game going. Neutralizing (as much as one can) Simmons must be top priority.

Saints DE Chase Young vs. Titans LT Dan Moore Jr.

Young is looking to set a new career-high in sacks this season just one half-sack away from tying his previous best. He’ll be matching up quite a bit with 2021 fourth-rounder Moore on Sunday. Moore has surrendered just 38 total pressures this season, but eight sacks in the process.

While New Orleans shouldn’t be expected to match its eight-sack performance from the Jets game, Ward is the No. 2 most sacked quarterback in the NFL, taken down 51 times this season. Young can be a tone-setter by getting to the rookie early and starting off the snowball effect for the pass rush.