New Orleans Saints center Cesar Ruiz (51), New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (78), New Orleans Saints tight end Jack Stoll (88) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (2) run a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the football game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune | [NOLA.com](http://NOLA.com))
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
The New Orleans Saints will try to get their first win of the season when their former division rival, the San Francisco 49ers, come to town. The Saints are on a five-game losing skid dating to last season. They also have lost their last four games in the Dome. Can they get back on track Sunday? Here are our staff predictions.
**Jeff Duncan (Season record: 0-1)**
**Saints 18, 49ers 17:** A lot of times in the NFL, it's not who you play but when you play them. This game is a prime example. The Saints are catching the 49ers at a great time. The defense and special teams will each make a big play to deliver Kellen Moore and Spencer Rattler their first NFL wins.
**Zach Ewing (Season record: 1-0)**
**Saints 19, 49ers 17:** This is a massive opportunity for Kellen Moore and Spencer Rattler to notch a statement win, given the 49ers are coming off of an emotional road division win and have another division game next week. The absence of Brock Purdy and George Kittle just opens the door a little further. If not now for the Saints, then when?
**Luke Johnson (Season record: 1-0)**
**Saints 21, 49ers 20:** I don't feel great about this pick, but with the news that quarterback Mac Jones is taking the injured Brock Purdy's spot in the 49ers starting lineup, I think a feisty Saints defense makes life tough enough for him for the Saints to snag Kellen Moore's first win as head coach.
**Matthew Paras (Season record: 1-0)**
**Saints 21, 49ers 17:** Brocky Purdy's absence is enough to swing this for me. If the 49ers quarterback was playing, I'd pick San Francisco. Maybe Kyle Shanahan is enough of a wizard to revive Mac Jones' career. But I remember the days when he had C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens at quarterback. Give me the Saints.
**Rod Walker (Season record: 0-1)**
**Saints 20, 49ers 16:** These teams have alternated wins over their last seven meetings. If that trend continues, it means it's the Saints' turn to win. But the Saints' 13 penalties last week concern me. So does losing Julian Blackmon for the season. If they can clean up the penalties, they have a shot. But I'm expecting a big day from 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.