There are many fascinating story strains for the New Orleans Saints going into the 2026 NFL season. Tyler Shough’s improvement, how will Kellen Moore hold his staff on observe, and what does Alvin Kamara’s position appear to be as RB2?
Regardless of all of those, the Saints’ matchups have been ignored fairly a bit. So what could be probably the most can’t-miss video games for New Orleans in 2026?
3. Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 7)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers appears to cross in opposition to the Houston Texans within the first quarter of an NFL wild card playoff recreation at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Picture by Justin Ok. Aller/Getty Photographs) Getty Photographs
Nobody deserved to be a part of the first-ever NFL recreation in Paris greater than the Saints. From the French roots that constructed New Orleans to the staff’s steady effort to determine a presence there, it was by no means a shocker they’d be chosen to be there.
However a part of what makes this recreation so intriguing is the staff’s capability to develop internationally. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has proven one factor to Individuals: how lovely a recreation soccer actually is, regardless of the stereotypical American response. A part of this development has been because of the truth that it’s going down on residence soil, one thing the Saints will be capable to replicate in Paris.
The matchup itself isn’t too intriguing. The Saints and the Steelers don’t have a lot beef, however Tyler Shough versus Aaron Rodgers is a fairly stable headline. Regardless of the dearth of pleasure for the matchup, a win for the Saints in Paris might do wonders for his or her worldwide development.
2. Saints vs. Chicago Bears (Week 11)
Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New Orleans Saints broad receiver Chris Olave (12) runs with the ball after making a catch in opposition to Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) through the first half at Soldier Discipline. Obligatory Credit score: David Banks-Imagn Photographs David Banks-Imagn Photographs
The Saints weren’t nice early within the 2025 NFL season, and regardless of a valiant loss to the New England Patriots heading into their matchup with the Chicago Bears, it was Chicago’s dominant protection that really derailed the Saints’ season.
The Dennis Allen-led protection dominated Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans offense, with a last rating of 26-14. After the loss, the Saints would bench Rattler at halftime of their subsequent matchup in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The plain, intriguing a part of this matchup is the rematch with Allen. The Bears’ protection was the x-factor within the 2025 matchup, with Chicago forcing 4 turnovers and 4 sacks. However this matchup will probably be much more fascinating the second time round.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 04: Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints warms up previous to the sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Picture by Todd Kirkland/Getty Photographs) Getty Photographs
Tyler Shough would be the starter this time round. Shough was clearly the higher quarterback for the Saints’ offense, and it will likely be fascinating to see how he responds to a harmful Bears protection.
1. Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons (Week 4)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 04: Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after scoring a landing through the second quarter of the sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Picture by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Photographs) Getty Photographs
The most effective storyline for the Saints in 2026 would be the NFL commemorating the Saints vs. the Atlanta Falcons homecoming recreation 20 years later. New Orleans will host Atlanta on Monday Evening Soccer in Week 4, slightly over 20 years because the iconic recreation. The Falcons will need nothing greater than to spoil the Saints’ huge recreation, and fairly truthfully, New Orleans can’t enable them to try this.
This recreation may be a giant second for Shough. Commemorating 20 years of the best recreation in Saints historical past and the rebirth of, not simply the Saints, but in addition the town of New Orleans. Shough is already seen as a part of the turnaround for the Saints. They’ve struggled since Drew Brees retired and gave the impression to be in quarterback purgatory.
A win for the Saints in opposition to their greatest rivals could be huge, however to do it in a recreation meaning as a lot because it does to New Orleans makes this recreation probably the most fascinating going into the 2026 NFL season.
