In the Spotlight: New Orleans Saints Look to Build Around Tyler Shough in 2026

The New Orleans Saints enter the 2026 season hoping the progress made late last year carries over into Kellen Moore’s second season as head coach. New Orleans finished 6-11 in 2025, but a four-game winning streak late in the season offered some optimism after Tyler Shough took control of the offense. The second-year quarterback went 5-4 as a starter and completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Saints continued reshaping the roster this offseason, adding veteran depth while also using the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. New Orleans also selected Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller in the second round and tight end Oscar Delp in the third.

What to Watch

Shough’s development is the biggest storyline. He showed enough as a rookie to enter 2026 as the expected starter, and the Saints added former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson as another quarterback option. The offense has some intriguing weapons. Chris Olave remains a key target, while Tyson gives Shough another potentially explosive receiver. Running backs Kendre Miller and Travis Etienne Jr. will also be important as New Orleans looks for more balance. Defensively, the Saints added Anfernee Jennings and Martin Emerson Jr. in free agency and acquired edge rusher Tyree Wilson in a draft-day trade. Longtime defensive end Cameron Jordan also returned on a one-year contract.

Betting Outlook

The Saints aren’t among the leading Super Bowl contenders, but the NFC South could provide an opportunity. BetMGM recently listed New Orleans at +260 to win the division, behind Tampa Bay at +180 but ahead of Carolina and Atlanta. New Orleans’ regular-season win total sits at 7.5 at some sportsbooks, while Super Bowl prices vary considerably by operator. Fanatics recently listed the Saints at +8500 to win Super Bowl LXI, while other futures markets have offered substantially longer prices. The schedule presents an immediate challenge with road games against Detroit and Baltimore, but a competitive NFC South means improvement from Shough and the young roster could put New Orleans into the division race.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 6-11.
• Key players to watch: Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, Kendre Miller, Travis Etienne Jr., Cameron Jordan and Christen Miller.
• Expected starting QB: Tyler Shough.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Zach Wilson, Anfernee Jennings, Martin Emerson Jr., Tyree Wilson and 2026 draft picks Jordyn Tyson, Christen Miller and Oscar Delp.
• Betting odds to win NFC South: +260 at BetMGM.
• Betting odds to win NFC Championship: Prices vary by sportsbook.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +8500 at Fanatics in a recent market.
• Win totals over/under: 7.5 wins; Fanatics recently priced the Over at -120.

2026-27 New Orleans Saints Schedule

The official schedule includes a Monday night home game against Atlanta, an international matchup against Pittsburgh in Paris and a Week 8 bye.

Week	Date	Opponent	Location
1	Sept. 13	Detroit Lions	Away
2	Sept. 20	Baltimore Ravens	Away
3	Sept. 27	Las Vegas Raiders	Home
4	Oct. 5	Atlanta Falcons	Home
5	Oct. 11	Minnesota Vikings	Home
6	Oct. 18	New York Giants	Away
7	Oct. 25	Pittsburgh Steelers	Paris
8	—	BYE	—
9	Nov. 8	Cleveland Browns	Home
10	Nov. 15	Carolina Panthers	Home
11	Nov. 22	Chicago Bears	Away
12	Nov. 29	Cincinnati Bengals	Away
13	Dec. 6	Green Bay Packers	Home
14	Dec. 13	Carolina Panthers	Away
15	Dec. 20	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Away
16	Dec. 27	Arizona Cardinals	Home
17	Jan. 3	Atlanta Falcons	Away
18	TBD	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Home