Saints 2026 schedule, game-by-game predictions: Finally, back to the playoffs?

With all that in mind, let's go game-by-game for the Saints' schedule in 2026 with background, instant analysis and predictions for each.

WEEK 1: Saints at Lions

• When: Noon, Sunday, Sept. 13
• TV: Fox
• Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
• Series history: Saints lead 14-13-1
• Last meeting: 2023, Week 13, Lions 33, Saints 28
• Prediction: Lions 38, Saints 27
• Record: 0-1

Notes: An early test. The Lions are coming off a disappointing season where they never seemed to find their footing with new offensive and defensive coordinators. I think Drew Petzing is going to get Detroit's run game back where it needs to be and I see Jahmyr Gibbs as the NFL's best active running back. I just think this will be a tough matchup on the road and a bit of a shootout. Perhaps it's good luck getting this matchup to open the season and while the Lions settle in to their new offensive system. The Saints will have to keep pace and I'm not sure that'll happen.

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WEEK 2: Saints at Ravens

• When: Noon, Sunday, Sept. 20
• TV: CBS
• Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
• Series history: Ravens lead 6-2
• Last meeting: 2022, Week 9, Ravens 27, Saints 13
• Prediction: Ravens 31, Saints 21
• Record: 0-2

Notes: About as brutal an opening draw as was possible. The Saints are a more athletic defense than they were the last time they faced Lamar Jackson, and the 3-4 scheme should allow for some versatility that will make defending him seem less impossible. Still, I just can't envision a scenario where the Saints can handle the combination of Jackson and Derrick Henry. Baltimore does have a new head coach in Jesse Minter, and time will tell just how well this group takes to a change in leadership. Still, i'm giving the edge to the Ravens in this one. This is a scenario where context will matter. An 0-2 start will be rough either way, but a competitive 0-2 would be a lot easier to stomach than non-competitive blowouts. I'm banking on the former.

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WEEK 3: Saints vs Raiders

• When: 3:25 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 20
• TV: CBS
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.
• Series history: Raiders lead 8-7-1
• Last meeting: 2024, Week 17, Raiders 25, Saints 10
• Prediction: Saints 19, Raiders 13
• Record: 1-2

Notes: The Saints come home and things lighten up quickly. This is a tough game to project because we'll have to wait and see on the quarterback situation. Klint Kubiak returns to New Orleans, and the fascinating question is whether the Saints face off with No. 1 overall pick in Fernando Mendoza or a veteran they know almost too well in Kirk Cousins. I think the Raiders would be smart to give Mendoza a few weeks to sit and learn, but we'll have to see if Kubiak agrees. Either way this will be an interesting reunion. Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty will be a load to handle, but otherwise this isn't particularly daunting offense. They look a year away to me. I'm also interested to see if they get a fully engaged Maxx Crosby after the bizarre trade saga with the Ravens. I see the Saints wining a low-scoring game and getting things turned in the right direction.

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WEEK 4: Saints vs Falcons (MNF)

• When: 7:15 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5
• TV: ESPN
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.
• Series history: Falcons lead 58-56
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 18, Falcons 19, Saints 17
• Prediction: Saints 24, Falcons 21
• Record: 2-2

Notes: What better way to get back into primetime than with a home showdown against the Falcons? It's the 20th anniversary of the Domecoming and I'm banking on some lingering magic in that building. It'll also be interesting to see who is playing quarterback at this point of the season, and if that's the same QB that started Week 1. Michael Penix is coming off of an ACL injury, but it sounds like he's on track to play. But what if Tua looks better in camp? One thing I can guarantee is that it'll be a left back there. The Saints get in a 10-point hole but rally and win on a long walkoff field goal. The vibes are high again.

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WEEK 5: Saints vs Vikings

• When: Noon, Sunday, Oct. 11
• TV: Fox
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.
• Series history: Vikings lead 25-13
• Last meeting: 2023, Week 10, Vikings 27, Saints 19
• Prediction: Saints 28, Vikings 14
• Record: 3-2

Notes: The Vikings, to me, are built a lot like the Bengals. The issue is the No. 1 pick they have at quarterback isn't a guy that scares me all that much. The Cardinals quit on Kyler Murray for a good reason, and while I do see Kevin O'Connell as a quarterback guru, I think this is the year the Saints finally get one back on Minnesota after a rough stretch in the series. I expect the Saints to be a good home team this year and the fans will be excited to cheer for some offense. We're streaking!

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WEEK 6: Saints at Giants

• When: Noon, Sunday, Oct. 18
• TV: Fox
• Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Series history: tied 17-17
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 6, Saints 26, Giants 14
• Prediction: Saints 27, Giants 17
• Record: 4-2

Notes: The Giants added a lot of intriguing new pieces this season and Jaxson Dart was impressive as a rookie. They've also got a new head coach in John Harbaugh that should get things in Big Blue headed in the right direction quickly. Still, the Saints have simply owned this series of late and I'll have to see it before I believe the Giants have solved the issues. The Saints defense got off to a slow start but by the end had completely figured out a rookie Dart by the end. A healthy Malik Nabers could go a long way, but my money is on the Saints defense again.

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WEEK 7: Saints vs Steelers (in Paris)

• When: Sunday, Oct. 25 at 8:30 a.m. (central)
• TV: NFL Network
• Where: Stade de France, Paris, France
• Series history: Saints lead 9-8
• Last meeting: 2022, Week 10, Steelers 20, Saints 10
• Prediction: Saints 17, Steelers 13
• Record: 5-2

Notes: This really is a tough game to project because this is a vastly different if Aaron Rodgers isn't at quarterback. The Steelers have been operating very much like a team that expects him to play at least one more season, so I'll assume he's out there. Regardless, these international games tend to be low scoring and the Saints have traditionally performed well in them. They're 2-1, with the lone loss coming in 2022 with a backup QB and a double-doink. Pittsburgh is kicking off a new head coaching regime, but it's a familiar name in Mike McCarthy. They need to make sure TJ Watt doesn't wreck the game, but I think the Saints do enough to make the home (Paris) fans happy.

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WEEK 8: bye

NFL teams have the option to request a bye after an international trip. While the NFL no longer guarantees those requests will be accommodated, clearly it was the case this time. I've always felt like Weeks 8-11 were the ideal time to recharge, particularly after a travel-heavy start to the season. The Saints hit their break on a five-game winning streak and in a perfect position to set up a playoff push.

WEEK 9: Saints vs Browns

• When: Noon, Sunday, Nov. 29
• TV: CBS
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.
• Series history: Browns lead 13-7
• Last meeting: 2024, Week 11, Saints 35, Browns 14
• Prediction: Saints 14, Browns 10
• Record: 6-2

Notes: I genuinely don't know what to make of this Browns team, but I do think they got better this offseason at a lot of positions. Unfortunately none of those positions were quarterback, and I just don't see this being a very dynamic offense until they can figure that out. I do really like their new trio of wideouts, with rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion joining Jerry Jeudy. Harold Fannin is a weapon at tight end and they bring back Quinshon Judkins from last year. They've also gotten better on the OL and it's still a well-built defense for new head coach Todd Monken. We all know what Myles Garrett can do. If Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders can play above expectations, this could be a dangerous very team.

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WEEK 10: Saints vs Panthers

• When: Noon, Sunday, Nov. 15
• TV: Fox
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.
• Series history: Saints lead 34-29
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 15, Saints 20, Panthers 17
• Prediction: Saints 28, Panthers 10
• Record: 7-2

Notes: Forgive me, but I'm just not in on the Panthers. Yes, Bryce Young has improved -- at least that's what I'm told when he's not facing the Saints. Yes, Carolina is coming off their first division title in a decade -- though that winning record remains elusive. I just don't think they have the quarterback and Bryce will have to prove me wrong before I change my tune. I also think the ultimate shell defense is that Ejiro Evero likes to run is going to start to be eviscerated by teams that dedicate themselves to heavy personnel (which seems to be the Saints' plan this year).

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WEEK 11: Saints at Bears

• When: Noon, Sunday, Nov. 22
• TV: Fox
• Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
• Series history: Saints lead 19-16
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 7, Bears 26, Saints 14
• Prediction: Bears 28, Saints 24
• Record: 7-3

Notes: This was one of the Saints' most frustrating losses last year because the offense simply had nothing to offer outside of a pair of drives sandwiching halftime. It was the game that made it clear a QB change wasn't too far off, and one has wonder if Tyler Shough would've fared better. Despite the Bears rushing for more than 200 yards, I actually thought the Saints defense held up pretty well. That unit was left on the field all game and they wore down. A bulk of that rushing yardage was allowed late in the game. I think the Saints look a lot better this time around, but that's an impressive Bears team that just seems to be getting better.

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WEEK 12: Saints at Bengals

• When: Noon, Sunday, Nov. 29
• TV: CBS
• Where: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Series history: Bengals lead 8-7
• Last meeting: 2022, Week 6, Bengals 30, Saints 26
• Prediction: Bengals 23, Saints 21
• Record: 7-4

Notes: I'm really not sure what to make of the Bengals. On paper they have one of -- if not the most -- dynamic offenses in the NFL and a quarterback in Joe Burrow what is among the best at his position. The problem has been injuries and ineffective defense undermining everything else. Cincinnati did invest in defense, most notably the trade for DT Dexter Lawrence, and that group should be improved. I could see this game going either way, but I have the Bengals taking it on a walkoff drive.

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WEEK 13: Saints vs Packers

• When: Noon, Sunday, Dec. 6 (FOX)
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.
• Series history: Packers lead 19-10
• Last meeting: 2024, Week 16, Packers 34, Saints 0
• Prediction: Packers 31, Saints 20
• Record: 7-5

Notes: The positive ... I don't think the Saints will get shut out this time. That's a win in itself, right? Look, I see the Packers as a legit, top-tier Super Bowl contender and I wouldn't be surprised if they won 14 games. They have the type of suffocating defense we watched Seattle run to the title with last year, and their offense is good enough to match it. Jordan Love still needs to exorcise some demons in the postseason. I see this as a measuring stick game, but I think it'll be one that shows the Saints they've got a ways to go.

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WEEK 14: Saints at Panthers

• When: Noon, Sunday, Dec. 13
• TV: CBS
• Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
• Series history: Saints lead 34-29
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 15 ... Saints 20, Panthers 17
• Prediction: Panthers 21, Saints 17
• Record: 7-6

Notes: At some point the Panthers have to find a win over the Saints? Right. You know, that daunting division champion that backed in to the playoffs with an 8-9 record. That former No. 1 overall pick that still hasn't convinced his team that he deserves a second contract. Heck, the Saints have probably played a major role in why they're not fully convinced yet. I'll throw Carolina a cat treat here. The Saints are a young group and they're stumbling a bit at this point in their schedule.

WEEK 15: Saints at Bucs

• When: Noon, Sunday, Dec. 20
• TV: Fox
• Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
• Series history: Saints lead 41-28
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 14, Saints 24, Bucs 20
• Prediction: Saints 24, Bucs 21
• Record: 8-6

Notes: This is the series of reverse splits. The Saints have won six of their past eight trips to Raymond James Stadium, and even the two losses saw the Saints squander big second-half leads. Meanwhile the Bucs have won their past four trips to the Caesars Superdome. It defies logic, but I'm predicting a season split, so this just makes sense.

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WEEK 16: Saints vs Cardinals

• When: Noon, Sunday, Dec. 27
• TV: Fox
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.
• Series history: Cardinals lead 17-16
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 1, Cardinals 20, Saints 13
• Prediction: Saints 34, Cardinals 10
• Record: 9-6

Notes: The Saints and Cardinals met last year and played a fun game that went down to the wire. They've since cut their former No. 1 overall pick and fired their head coach. Then they drafted a RB at No. 2 overall, which totally wasn't a terrible decision, while not addressing the QB position. Sure, sure, sure, sure, sure. This team looks to be a year away from being a year away, and I think the Saints benefit from having this game late in the year. By this stage Arizona will be a distant fourth in the NFC West and playing more for the No. 1 overall pick than a playoff seed. The Saints, meanwhile, will be in the thick of another weak NFC South race. Saints by a lot to help solidify playoff positioning.

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WEEK 17: Saints at Falcons

• When: Noon, Sunday, Jan. 3
• TV: Fox
• Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
• Series history: Falcons lead 58-56
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 18 ... Falcons 19, Saints 17
• Prediction: Saints 21, Falcons 18
• Record: 10-6

Notes: Even on the worst of days I find it easy to be negative about the Falcons. We'll see if Kevin Stefanski can get this team pointed in the right direction, but I don't think they have the quarterback. By this point Falcons are stumbling to a 9th consecutive losing season and the Saints are possibly playing to clinch a playoff berth? The Saints sweep the Falcons. Nature is healing.

WEEK 18: Saints vs Bucs

• When: TBD, Jan. 9 or 10
• TV: TBD
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.
• Series history: Saints lead 41-28
• Last meeting: 2025, Week 14 ... Saints 24, Bucs 20
• Prediction: Bucs 31, Saints 17
• Record: 10-7

Notes: Again: This is the series of reverse splits. The Saints have won six of their past eight trips to Raymond James Stadium, and even the two losses saw the Saints squander big second-half leads. Meanwhile the Bucs have won their past four trips to the Caesars Superdome. It defies logic, but I'm predicting a season split, so this just makes sense. The real question is: Will 10 wins be enough to take the NFC South?