The New Orleans Saints open the season versus the Tennessee Titans this Sunday in the Caesars Superdome. The matchup will feature the debut of Derek Carr and the anticipated return of Michael Thomas. These players should impact the game heavily, but neither are a part of the three most important matchups of the game.
The outcome of these matchups have the ability to decide the game. If the Saints win all of these battles, they will win the game.
Marshon Lattimore vs. DeAndre Hopkins
These two haven’t faced off since 2019, when Deandre Hopkins was still a Houston Texan. Marshon Lattimore lives for matchups against high-profile wide receivers. He rarely has an off night in these situations. Hopkins is a talented receiver at the catch point so expect him to be targeted even when the coverage is good. We will see a lot of this battle.
Derrick Henry vs. Saints front seven
Every time Demario Davis and Derrick Henry meet at the line of scrimmage, it’ll be a treat for fans of both teams. If the Saints want to stop Henry, it’s going to need more than just Demario Davis. The Titans are rolling out a completely new offensive line. The Saints will roll out their own remodeled defensive line. It’s imperative New Orleans wins that battle. Davis or Pete Werner can’t always be the first defender Henry sees. The whole front seven is needed to stop one of the best runners in the league.
Jeffery Simmons vs. Saints interior offensive line
Jeffery Simmons is one of the best at his position and an absolute game wrecker at defensive tackle. Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz and James Hurst or Andrus Peat will have to deal with him from the first snap. Simmons will see many double-team blocks on Sunday. The Saints are very talented at the skill positions, but that will be rendered irrelevant if Simmons is disruptive and winning those battles in the trenches.
