New Orleans Saints: 3 predictions for the 2017 season

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Drew Brees #9 and Mark Ingram #22 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Drew Brees #9 and Mark Ingram #22 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 18: Adrian Peterson
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 18: Adrian Peterson /

1. Adrian Peterson rushes for over 1,000 yards

We’re starting off really bold with this first prediction. After leaving Minnesota, it was unclear where Peterson would end up and he ended up in New Orleans. His presence has Saints and NFL fans excited for good reason. He’s coming off of injury and wants to prove himself to all of his doubters.

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What better way to exact revenge than rushing for over 1,000 yards? Peterson has done so seven times already in his career. What’s going to be hard, though, is learning a new playbook and running behind another offensive line. The Saints have a pretty good line, which will help ease the transition for Peterson. Rushing will keep the pressure off of Brees and leave the team a little less predictable.

It’s going to take some work for the aging running back, but he’s shown he’s more than capable of being a team’s workhorse. Obviously, he’s going to win the starting job over Ingram and will be the Saints’ main ball carrier. The only reason I don’t see this happening is if Peterson gets injured, but after rehab and proper recovery time, he should be in the clear.

Peterson is someone I wouldn’t bet against. If the reports from OTAs are true, he’s back in business. It’s great for the Saints, not so good for their competitors.