This week our Saints writers discuss just how many points the Saints will beat the Colts by, whether Sean Payton’s injury cost the team a win, and just how we think the season will play out. Enjoy.

1. On Sunday night the Saints are going to beat the Colts by ___.

Jake Lipsman – 10.  Can they win by more? Of course, but Curtis Painter and Pierre Garcon have connected for a lot of big plays this year, which plays into the Saints weakness.  Plus, the Saints tend to play to the competition.  I think the Saints will win comfortably, but I’m too bitter about last week’s pass defense to predict a blowout.
Jake Madison– I could be biased on this one being a Colts fan, but I’m realistic and I’ll say by 14. The Colts are not good and I think Saints secondary should be able to handle Curtis Painter.
Jonathan Christensen – 4. The Colts, although 0-6, have too many veterans to not be competitive. The potent pass rush of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will keep Indy in the game. The Saints should be able to win, but the Colts will keep it closer than many think.
Joe Gerrity- 24. The Saints are looking to take out some frustration following the loss to Tampa Bay, and the Colts are the perfect opponent to whoop on.

2. Is a healthy Sean Payton the difference between winning and losing the Bucs game?

Jake Lipsman – The same things that almost cost the Saints two out of their four wins so far (Houston and Carolina) were the difference between winning and losing the game.  Even the best offense can’t overcome so many quick scores by the other team, especially when that offense turns the ball over four times.  If anything, the Saints should be playing harder for Payton now that he is injured.
Jake Madison- The turnovers were the difference. With a defense giving up 25+ points per game, the offense is going to have to play at a very high level in order to get a win. Sunday, Drew Brees and Co. had an off day and that led to the loss. It’s tough to be perfect every week in the NFL, but the Saints offense needs to with that defense.
Jonathan Christensen – No, but his absence certainly didn’t help. Payton obviously helps when he is on the sideline as an active participant. He, however, didn’t cause the untimely turnovers from Sunday’s game, nor did he allow for Earnest Graham to run all over the defense. Mistakes and miscues, although sometimes correctable by coaches, ultimately fall in the hands of players.
Joe Gerrity- Not definitively, but I like to think it was.

3. The rest of this season is going to be _______.

Jake Lipsman – Potentially a mirage.  The Saints schedule (easiest in the NFC South the rest of the way) should allow them to cruise to the playoffs even with a questionable defense, but January could be a different story.  Hate to be a Debbie Downer, but teams that rank 26th in the NFL in points allowed don’t go to the Super Bowl.  Luckily, there is still plenty of time to turn this thing around and Gregg Williams is the right man for the job.
Jake Madison- Uneven. The offense is great but the defense is suspect. Some players play well one week and then are none factors the next. I don’t see a whole lot of consistency with this Saints team and that will lead to some very uneven performances throughout the rest of the year.
Jonathan Christensen – A toss up. Although the Saints have an easy remaining schedule on paper, they are very capable of losing any one of those upcoming games. Defensive consistency will be the key if the Saints want to make it into the postseason.
Joe Gerrity- Stressful. It’s hard to see the team going the entire way, but with all the talent they have it’s tough to say who exactly will stop them.