Machine Learning Models: Using algorithms like neural networks and random forests, these models train prediction models from large samples of match data, gradually improving accuracy. This shift marks the transition of football prediction from “experience-based judgment” to “algorithm-driven” approaches.

The Saints’ record against the spread last year was 7-10-0. As 6.5-point underdogs or more, New Orleans went 3-2 against the spread last year. Last season, eight of the Saints’ 17 games went over the point total.

Teams just outside the top-12 best College Football Playoff chances this week include: Texas A&M (30.9 percent chance to make the playoff), Tulane (30.9 percent), Auburn (30.1 percent). Everyone else enters Week 2 with less than a 30 percent shot at the CFP in 2025-26.