SEATTLE, Wash. (Sept. 21, 2025) — The New Orleans Saints hit the road for the first time this season in search of their first victory, traveling to Lumen Field to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CDT with FOX carrying the regional broadcast.
The Saints (0-2) have dropped two close contests to begin the season under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, but signs of progress have been visible. Running back Alvin Kamara has been the lone offensive spark, rushing for 99 yards in last week’s narrow loss to San Francisco and continuing to serve as the focal point of an otherwise inconsistent attack. New Orleans will need more balance if it hopes to notch its first win of 2025.
The Seahawks (1-1) enter the matchup coming off a hard-fought victory in Week 2, leaning on their defense to steady things after a disappointing season opener. Second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has shown flashes of big-play potential but has also been tested against pressure, making this game a key early measuring stick for his development.
Saints Look for Offensive Rhythm
For New Orleans, the biggest storyline remains the lack of consistent offensive production. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has displayed poise at times, throwing three touchdown passes last week, but turnovers and stalled drives have plagued the unit. The offensive line has also struggled to protect him, surrendering six sacks across two games.
That has left Kamara as the steady hand. His vision, burst, and ability to create mismatches in the passing game have forced defenses to key in on him, often with extra defenders in the box. Still, his near-100-yard performance against a stout San Francisco front showed he remains capable of carrying the load.
If Rattler can find chemistry with weapons like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, the Saints could finally open the playbook and create balance. Moore’s system is designed around quick reads and spacing, but execution has been the issue through two weeks.
Seattle Seeking Consistency
The Seahawks are 1-1 after splitting their opening games, and like the Saints, they are still trying to find an offensive rhythm. Penix has leaned on veteran receiver DK Metcalf, who leads the team in receiving yards, while the backfield tandem of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet has given Seattle a physical edge.
Defensively, the Seahawks bounced back in Week 2 with a strong effort, limiting explosive plays and forcing two turnovers. The front seven will again be counted on to contain Kamara, who poses a similar challenge to San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey. Seattle’s young secondary, led by Devon Witherspoon, will look to take advantage if Rattler is forced into long down-and-distance situations.
Key Matchups
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Alvin Kamara vs. Seattle Linebackers: Kamara’s versatility makes him the ultimate chess piece. Whether running between the tackles or catching passes in space, how Seattle defends him will shape the game.
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Spencer Rattler vs. Seahawks Pass Rush: If Rattler gets time, he has the arm talent to test Seattle downfield. If not, it could be another long day for the rookie.
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Michael Penix Jr. vs. Saints Secondary: The Saints’ defense has been opportunistic at times but is vulnerable against vertical passing. Penix’s ability to stretch the field could be decisive.
What’s at Stake
For the Saints, this game is about avoiding an 0-3 start and building confidence under Moore. A win on the road at one of the NFL’s toughest venues would not only halt the skid but also validate the flashes of progress seen so far.
For Seattle, the contest is about maintaining momentum. A 2-1 record through three weeks would keep them firmly in the NFC West race and continue Penix’s steady growth.
Prediction
Both teams have shown signs of life but remain inconsistent. Expect Kamara to be heavily featured again, but Seattle’s defense has the athletes to limit his damage. Penix and Metcalf should connect on a few explosive plays to tilt the balance in Seattle’s favor.
📌 Final Score Prediction: Seahawks 24, Saints 17
