EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe New Orleans Saints ended up being a pleasant surprise last season. Having failed to clear their win total every year since Drew Brees retired in 2020 while kicking the proverbial salary cap can down the road, New Orleans entered 2025 with minimal expectations.The Saints had the lowest-posted win total in the NFC, the longest Super Bowl odds in the league at 300-1 and opened the season 1-7 before Tyler Shough took over starting duties at quarterback in Week 9. With the second-round rookie under center, the Saints won five of their final nine games, reinstating hope for the team moving forward. They're still a long shot for playoff success, but they are primed to build off those late-season improvements. -- Kevin PulsiferNote: Odds by DraftKings and subject to change. 2026 outlook: Saints can build off of solid finish to '25The Saints enter 2026 with more optimism than their 6-11 record from last season would suggest. The biggest reason is Shough, who went 5-4 as a rookie starter and developed a strong connection with wide receiver Chris Olave, who finished 2025 with 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.New Orleans also upgraded the offense with Travis Etienne Jr., first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson and guard David Edwards. That matters for a team that ranked 28th in rushing and struggled mightily in the red zone last season. The defense has more uncertainty after losing veterans in LB Demario Davis and CB Alontae Taylor, but the Saints were solid on a per-play basis in 2025, ranking sixth in yards allowed per play and fifth in sack rate. The schedule also offers opportunity, with favorable matchups against the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants.The Saints' win total sits at 7.5, and there's a path to a division title if Shough takes another step, but there are still reasons to be cautious. The defense has undergone significant turnover, and none of Shough's five wins last season came against teams with winning records. -- Eric MoodyBest bet: Saints OVER 7.5 wins (-120)Shough should be even better in his sophomore campaign, and he'll have the benefit of improved supporting cast around him. New Orleans also draws a favorable last-place schedule and plays in a wide-open NFC South. Eight wins is a very realistic number to target. -- Moody
