Many analysts believed the New Orleans Saints were going to be the worst team in football in 2025, but first-year head coach Kellen Moore led the team to a respectable 6-11 record.
A big reason for that was rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who played well in limited action and led the team to four wins in its final five games. The Saints added some talent in the offseason, hoping to take advantage of a weak NFC South.
While it would still be a surprise to see New Orleans make the playoffs in 2026, the team has a much clearer path there than was the case a year ago. It mainly depends on Shough, though, whose development will decide how much the Saints can improve this year.
Luckily for the Saints, they get a big benefit after finishing in last place last year, giving them more games against 2025 last place teams.
Here is a complete breakdown of the Saints' 2026 schedule, including dates, start times and analysis for all 17 games.
New Orleans Saints schedule 2026
Home opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Buccaneers, Packers, Vikings, Steelers, Browns, Raiders, Cardinals
Away opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Buccaneers, Bears, Lions, Ravens, Bengals, Giants
Every NFL team's 2026 opponents are predetermined. Saints' full 2026 NFL schedule with dates, times and TV networks will be updated below when the NFL schedule is announced at 8 p.m. ET on Thrusday, May 14.
Week Date Opponent Kickoff time (ET) TV channel
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Saints strength of schedule
In 2025, the Saints played a mixed-bag schedule against both bad teams and playoff contenders. On the one hand, New Orleans had games against the Jets, Cardinals, Titans and Giants, which doesn't take into account a weak division.
On the other hand, the Saints had games against the Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, Patriots, Bills and Bears, going 0-6 in those games alone.
The Saints have a chance to take advantage of a weak schedule in 2026, as New Orleans' opponents combined to produce a .434 winning percentage last year. That will give the Saints the second-easiest schedule in the NFL this season, only behind the Browns.
New Orleans finished last place in a weak division, which helped comprise the schedule. The Saints will play 12 games against teams that finished under .500, including six in their own division.
Toughest tests: The Saints have two particularly tough road games in 2026, as they have to play both the Bears and Ravens on the road. Chicago established itself as a Super Bowl contender in 2025, while Baltimore should be able to bounce back this season.
Additionally, New Orleans hosts the Packers at the SuperDome in what will likely be the team's toughest home game of the year.
Biggest breaks: The Saints have a huge break this year, playing a last-place schedule in the NFL's weakest division. Not only does the team have three division games against teams that finished under-.500 last year, but the Saints also play some of the worst teams in the NFL from a year ago.
Among New Orleans' games are matchups against the Raiders, Cardinals, Giants and Browns, who owned four of the top six picks in the NFL draft due to their struggles last year.
Saints record prediction
Over/under win total: 7.5
Bottom line: The Saints have a chance to be a trendy pick in 2026, as they were surprisingly competent last year despite expectations of being the worst team in the NFL. Moore and Shough seem to be a solid pair, and a weak schedule could allow New Orleans to take a leap forward.
Still, this team lacks talent in certain areas that should prevent New Orleans from making the playoffs. Instead, the Saints should be a tough team to beat that could allow them to remain in the playoff picture through December.
Record prediction: 7-10