Five Storylines to Watch: New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Can the Jaguars find success this week at home against another NFC opponent?

Coming off a road loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Jacksonville Jaguars are back home against another NFC South opponent, the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have a 4-1 record and have not slowed down since an injury to Drew Brees sidelined the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Can the Jaguars (2-3) continue to improve on offense and find a way to get its defense moving forward, not backward? Fans of the Black and Teal should watch for these storylines developing throughout the game.

Stopping Alvin Kamara – Last week, the Jaguars were stomped on by Christian McCaffrey, who rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns, as well as catching six passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.

It’s not much easier this week for the Jags defense, who are facing another top running back in the league, Alvin Kamara.

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Kamara missed practice on Thursday and Friday, potentially missing this week with an ankle injury, but if he’s available the Jaguars will need to key in on one of the Saints’ top targets.

Jalen Ramsey vs. Michael Thomas (Maybe) – After having a heart-to-heart with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Shad Khan believes Ramsey will play this week against the Saints. But, Ramsey is nursing a back injury and could be a question mark for Sunday.

If he’s good to go, Ramsey will draw a matchup against Michael Thomas, one of the best wide receivers in the league.

Ramsey and Thomas have never faced off, bringing a marquee matchup to week six football. In five games Thomas has 45 receptions for 543 yards and three touchdowns.

Having Ramsey back brings another dimension to a struggling Jaguars defense. As seen in the Titans game, if Ramsey is on the field it allows the front seven to get pressure.

DJ Chark vs. Marshon Lattimore – In five games, wide receiver DJ Chark has established himself as a clear wide receiver one and fantasy stud. His rapport with quarterback Gardner Minshew II continues to grow, but it will be tested this week.

Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore held Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans to a goose egg, bringing his matchup with Chark as must-see TV.

The Saints’ passing defense ranks 19th in the league, giving up 255 yards per game.

Now would be the week for Jaguars receivers not named DJ Chark for a breakout game.

Leonard Fournette Train – After drawing criticism last season and the first couple games this year, running back Leonard Fournette has had great back-to-back games.

Rushing for 333 yards in the last two games, Jacksonville should continue to roll with Fournette, as he opens up the opportunity for deep passing plays and the play action.

New Orleans gives up around 109 rushing yards per game, a golden opportunity for Fournette to control the game.

Minshew Mania at TIAA Bank Field  Jaguars fans attending this week’s game will be fully decked out like their starting quarterback Gardner Minshew.

With this wave of momentum and unexpected media hype, the team should capitalize and get a home victory against a team starting a backup quarterback.

It’s early in the season, but Jacksonville needs to keep up with their division rivals — who are coming off big wins last week.