The wait is finally over for the Who Dat Nation. The NFL has officially released the New Orleans Saints 2026 NFL schedule, and it is packed with historic milestones, challenging road trips, and a high-stakes look at the franchise's future under second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. After finishing the 2025 season with a 6-11 record and a strong 4-1 surge to close the year, expectations are rising in the Big Easy as head coach Kellen Moore prepares for his second campaign at the helm.
A Historic Milestone: The Saints Head to Paris
The crown jewel of the New Orleans Saints 2026 NFL schedule is undoubtedly the Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On October 25, the Saints will make history by participating in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Paris, France. The contest will be held at the iconic Stade de France with an 8:30 a.m. ET kickoff.
New Orleans has held the league's marketing rights in France since 2023, making them a natural choice for this international expansion. This marks the Saints' fourth regular-season game overseas, following previous appearances in London in 2008, 2017, and 2022. Following the trip to Paris, the Saints are expected to have their bye in Week 8 to allow for recovery from the international travel.
Tyler Shough and the Year 2 Leap
All eyes will be on Tyler Shough as he enters his first full season as the undisputed starter. The 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year took over the starting job mid-way through last season, leading the team to a 5-4 record in his nine starts. Shough finished his rookie year with a 67.6% completion percentage, 2,384 passing yards, and 10 touchdowns.
With a full offseason to master Kellen Moore’s offensive system, Shough is surrounded by a evolving supporting cast that includes star wideout Chris Olave and rookie Jordyn Tyson. The front office has prioritized stability around their young signal-caller, ensuring he has the tools to improve upon a 2025 season that saw the Saints finish as one of the hottest teams in the league down the stretch.
Key Matchups and Primetime Showdowns
The 2026 season kicks off with a grueling two-game road swing. The Saints open in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions on September 13, followed by a Week 2 trip to face the Baltimore Ravens. These early tests will be critical for a team looking to prove that last year's late-season success was no fluke.
- Week 4 vs. Atlanta Falcons: The Saints return to primetime for a Monday Night Football clash against their division rivals on October 5. This marks the team's first home Monday night game since 2022.
- Week 7 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: The historic Paris game serves as a home designated game for New Orleans.
- Week 10 vs. Carolina Panthers: A key divisional home game as the Saints look to repeat their 2025 series sweep of the Panthers.
- Week 18 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The regular season concludes at the Caesars Superdome with a matchup that could have major NFC South playoff implications.
Breaking Down the 2026 Strength of Schedule
On paper, the Saints have one of the most favorable paths in the league. Based on 2025 winning percentages, New Orleans faces the second-easiest strength of schedule in the NFL, with opponents posting a combined .434 winning percentage last year. Only the Cleveland Browns have a statistically easier slate.
However, analysts caution that the schedule is front-loaded with difficult road environments. Facing Detroit, Baltimore, and a trip to Paris all before November will test the depth of a roster that saw the departure of veterans like Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan in the offseason. If the Saints can survive the opening two months, the back half of the schedule provides ample opportunity to make a run at their first playoff appearance since 2020.
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