The New Orleans Saints did not earn a primetime game during the 2025 NFL season. While disappointing, not surprising. New Orleans was coming off a 5-12 record and had question marks at quarterback. But alas, just one season out, the Saints potentially found their quarterback in the exciting Tyler Shough, and head coach Kellen Moore is building a powerful offense behind him.
After a strong end to the 2025 season, seeing the Saints and Shough win four of their last five matchups, New Orleans entered the offseason with a plan. They made two splash moves as the free agency window opened up, signing running back Travis Etienne and guard David Edwards. They weren’t done adding firepower, however, drafting Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick, and plenty more offensive weapons.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 7: Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 7: Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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After ending the 2025 season on a high note, with a rising star at quarterback and a revamped offense, the Saints should fare better when it comes to primetime games in 2026. Here are my predictions for the black and gold’s primetime games in the upcoming season.
New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland Browns (International game in Paris)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 04: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 04: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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Not everyone considers the international games as primetime, considering they usually take place at 8 a.m. Central on a Sunday morning. Nonetheless, the Saints have already been confirmed to host an international game during the 2026 season in Paris.
While the opponent has yet to be revealed, it has been heavily rumored to be Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns, making for an exciting showdown between two second-year quarterbacks.
It makes too much sense for the Saints to host a Paris game. From New Orleans’ rich French culture to the growing European Saints fan base, the black and gold are primed to expand their global reach, even with a matchup featuring two of the worst teams in the NFL last season.
Sanders’ name holds a lot of weight, and the Saints will get to feature their new offense in front of a crowd of 80k fans. While not an overly exciting matchup, the first NFL game in Paris is certainly something to tune into.
Prediction: International game vs. the Cleveland Browns (Week 7)
New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants (Monday Night Football)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 04: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants looks to pass during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 04, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 04: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants looks to pass during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 04, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Every year in the NFL, when franchises select quarterbacks in the draft, fans are eager to argue online that their team’s quarterback is better than the other one. This has been the case with Saints and New York Giants fans. In a pointless argument, each franchise has vouched for its second-year passer, comparing stats, starts, and wins.
While this debate means little, since these teams aren’t division rivals, it does make for good football. Each quarterback is eager to prove their team right, and fans can’t wait for the bragging rights. Not to mention it’s not a bad idea for the NFL to put two of the league’s up-and-coming passers on primetime television.
Neither the Saints nor the Giants were that good last season. New Orleans finished 6-11, and New York only pulled away with a measly four wins. Despite this, each team drastically improved during the offseason and is expected to take positive steps forward. With each team trotting out rising stars at quarterback and revamped offenses, it could be a high-powered offensive game promoting the next generation of quarterbacks, and I’d bet it on Monday Night Football.
Prediction: Monday Night Football vs. New York Giants (Week 4)
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers (Thursday Night Football)
Carolina Panthers v New Orleans Saints
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My final prediction for the Saints’ primetime games will be a must-win Thursday Night Football matchup. While I, and many other fans, aren’t too thrilled with TNF football games, the NFL loves to schedule them, usually centering around divisional matchups.
Specifically, the NFL loves scheduling them when they mean something, and for the Saints and the Carolina Panthers, that likely means a late-season showdown that could determine the division. While making this list, I wen’t back and forth if this should be Carolina or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but I ultimately gave the matchup to the 8-9 divisional champs.
The NFC South is weak, and every team in the division thinks they’re the best team in it. So truthfully, this is the matchup I think is most likely to win. I’m not so sure it’ll make for good football, coming off a short week with two lackluster teams in 2025, but the game’s significance probably outweighs how good a game it will be.
Prediction: Thursday Night Football vs. Carolina Panthers (Week 16)