The New Orleans Saints are dealing with something different as they prepare to open the 2026 season — expectations.
The emergence of quarterback Tyler Shough and the additions of Travis Etienne, Jordyn Tyson and David Edwards have made the Saints a trendy pick to win the NFC South title.
That’s quite different than where things stood a year ago, when the Saints were 400-to-1 long shots to win the Super Bowl. Now, they’re one of the favorites to win the division and end their five-year playoff drought.
Week 1 at Lions, Sunday
SaintsCowboys
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Barion Brown (19) celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.
Week 2 at Ravens, Sept. 20
Week 3 vs. Raiders, Sept. 27
Week 4 vs. Falcons, Oct. 5
Week 5 vs. Vikings, Oct. 11
Week 6 at Giants, Oct. 18
Week 7 vs. Steelers (Paris), Oct. 25
Week 8 is a bye week
Week 9 vs. Browns, Nov. 8
Week 10 vs. Panthers, Nov. 15
Week 11 at Bears, Nov. 22
Week 12 at Bengals, Nov. 29
Week 13 vs. Packers, Dec. 6
Week 14 at Panthers, Dec. 13
Week 15 at Bucs, Dec. 20
Week 16 vs. Cardinals, Dec. 27
Week 17 at Falcons, Jan. 3
Week 18 vs. Bucs, Jan. 10