Final Prediction for Saints-Steelers Week 7 Matchup

Here we are. The New Orleans Saints are playing in the first NFL game in France. Their opponent will be the Pittsburgh Steelers, and as the NFL’s representatives in France, the Saints will be the home team. 

After winning last week in New York, the Saints are looking to get their first win streak of the season, improve the team chemistry, buy time for head coach Kellen Moore, and make the race for first place in the NFC South even closer. This is a massive game for New Orleans, but before we get to any predictions, let's look at the opponent. 

The Steelers made a surprising move this past offseason by moving on from long-time head coach Mike Tomlin, and with the team still wanting to win now, they hired former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, a person who has some history with Kellen Moore. 

Moore was the offensive coordinator under McCarthy in Dallas; during that time, McCarthy took away play-calling duties from Moore. Then, when McCarthy was hired, he attempted to take some coaches from the Saints and was successful with Jahri Evans. 

So far this season, the Steelers are what we have seen for a while. The defense is playing really well, but the offense is not too great. But no matter what, this team is winning. This has been the story for the Steelers for years, so nothing has really changed, but being 4-2, it's going to be a challenge for the Saints, even if both teams are pretty equal.

Matchup-wise, even if the teams are almost equal, this could be tough for the Saints. The Steelers' run defense has been good enough that it could really hurt the Saints’ chances of winning, and the pass defense has been able to get turnovers, which has also been an issue for the Saints. Then, if the Steelers are able to rely on the run, they can really control the game, and the Saints' run defense has not been great. They could still have a nice game because Jaylen Warren has not been great, but he could still go for 100 yards.

For the prediction, I do think the Saints could win, but until they prove they can win two games in a row this season, I can't make that choice. For the final score, I believe it will be low-scoring and close. I have the Saints losing 10-13.