Here is who national experts predict will win KC Chiefs-New Orleans Saints game
Most opponents at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium hear it from Chiefs fans, but a few Saints players could be cheered during the “Monday Night Football” game.
A trio of former Chiefs play on New Orleans’ defense: defensive lineman Khalen Saunders, linebacker Willie Gay Jr., and safety Tyrann Mathieu. Unfortunately, Gay will miss the game because of an injury.
But all three won at least one Super Bowl title with the Chiefs and will be back at Arrowhead for the first time since leaving as free agents.
Can they help the Saints pull off an upset? Here is who 61 experts are picking in the Chiefs-Saints contest. Kickoff is at 7:15 p.m. and the game airs on KMBC (Ch. 9) and ESPN.
A 21-17 Chiefs victory is the prediction from the Sporting News’ Bill Bender. This is from his story: “The Chiefs continue to play through injuries, and Rashee Rice is the latest one that leaves a hole at receiver. That means Patrick Mahomes will rely more on Kareem Hunt and Travis Kelce, who got on track with seven catches for 89 yards in Week 4.”
A 24-20 Saints win is the call from NOLA.com’s Jim Derry. Here is part of what he wrote: “Both teams are different than the ones they were at the end of last year. For New Orleans, this is either going to be a loss that brings them together and they are closer to the ones that played the first couple weeks, or they could begin to unravel. I am doing something I almost never do — pick a game solely on gut. My power ratings say this should be Kansas City -6, so I certainly am not getting value. Common sense says the Saints are so banged up, they cannot compete with the two-time defending Super Bowl champs.”
A 20-16 Chiefs victory is the prediction from the Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi. This is an excerpt from his story: “Derek Carr and the Saints (2-2) were unstoppable the first two weeks. Not anymore. The Chiefs (4-0) keep winning despite losing key players to injuries. They’ve still got Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and a strong defense.”
Going with the Chiefs are three of five writers at NFL.com: Brooke Cersosimo (27-24), Dan Parr (20-18) and Tom Blair (24-21). Picking the Saints are Ali Bhanpuri (24-23) and Gennaro Filice (24-23). This is what Bhanpuri wrote: “The Chiefs enter the week undefeated and atop the AFC, but little about their perfect start has been, well, perfect. They’ve won four games by just 20 total points — a margin the Saints eclipsed in each of their first two games — lost multiple star playmakers to injury and seen Patrick Mahomes get out to the worst start of his career. The two-time MVP, whose productivity and efficiency after becoming Kansas City’s QB1 fast-tracked him toward becoming the NFL’s QB1, has developed a nasty turnover habit in recent seasons. His 51 total giveaways since the start of the 2021 campaign, including at least one in each game this year, ranks third-most among quarterbacks. Against a New Orleans team that thrives on turning takeaways into points (fifth-most in 2024), Mahomes will have less room for error than he did over his first four games.”
The Chiefs are the choice for all eight writers at CBS Sports: Pete Prisco, Will Brinson, Jared Dubin, Ryan Wilson, Tyler Sullivan, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg and John Breech. Prisco predicted a 31-20 score. Here is part of what he wrote: “ Patrick Mahomes started to show flashes of his old ways last week. I think he plays well here — throwing for over 270 and two scores — as the Chiefs win when they turn Derek Carr picks into points.”
Picking the Chiefs are six of seven USA Today writers: Jarrett Bell (27-24 final score), Chris Bumbaca (23-20), Nate Davis (27-23), Tyler Dragon (25-21), Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (21-17) and Jordan Mendoza (23-19). Going with the Saints is Lorenzo Reyes (17-13). Here is what Mendoza wrote: “No matter what happens, Kansas City continues to find a way to win. The Saints have slowed down and the Chiefs defense will keep them in check to advance to 5-0.”
The Chiefs are the pick for 10 of 11 ESPN experts: Stephania Bell, Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Dan Graziano, Jeremy Fowler, Kalyn Kahler, Kimberly Martin, Moses Moody, Jason Reid and Seth Wickersham. Going with the Saints is Lindsey Thiry.
The Chiefs will win, say nine of 10 Dallas Morning-News members: Joey Hayden, Dana Larson, Damon Marx, Craig Miller, David Moore, Abraham Nudelstejer, Newy Scruggs, Kevin Sherrington and Calvin Watkins. Picking the Saints is Tim Cowlishaw.
The Chiefs are the pick for eight of nine SB Nation writers: JP Acosta, James Dator, David Fucillo, Jeanna Kelly, Brandon Lee Bowton, Jared Mueller, Ricky O’Donnell and Mark Schofield. Going with the Saints is Matt Warren.
Picking the Chiefs are four of six Sports Illustrated writers: Connor Orr, Mitch Goldich, Matt Verderame and John Pluym. Going with New Orleans are Albert Breer and Gilberto Manzano.
The experts at Pro Football Talk are split. Mike Florio has the Chiefs prevailing (24-20), while Chris Simms went with the Saints (27-20).