The New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face off in Paris, each team grappling with distinct vulnerabilities. The Saints aim to exploit the Steelers' depleted receiving corps, missing key players like Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, while also facing a secondary that recently recorded the most interceptions in a game under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. New Orleans is coming off a strong defensive performance and will field a healthy secondary, which they hope will pressure a Steelers passing game that, despite injuries, has averaged 247.8 receiving yards per game.
Conversely, the Saints may find their best chance for victory lies in their rushing attack, as the Steelers have shown greater susceptibility against the run. Pittsburgh ranks seventh in passing yards allowed but struggles more defensively against rushing plays. The Steelers' Jaylen Warren, who ranks seventh in rushing yards and leads NFL tailbacks in receiving yards, poses a significant threat, especially if he receives increased workload due to Rico Dowdle's questionable status.
The travel dynamics add another layer to the matchup, with the Saints arriving in Paris earlier in the week compared to the Steelers, who will fly in just before the game. This difference in preparation time could impact performance, as both teams adjust to the time change. Ultimately, the game may hinge on which team can effectively turn its opponent's weaknesses into strengths, with the Saints targeting Pittsburgh's thin receiving options and the Steelers relying on Warren's versatility to sustain their offensive momentum.