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The New Orleans Saints are one of the most interesting teams to monitor heading into 2026. After a very fun and successful close to 2025, the Saints are betting on another season leap from Tyler Shough, plus Kellen Moore's scheme and the pieces added in free agency and the draft to push the Saints into the playoffs.
The NFC South isn't exactly imposing, which is another reason for New Orleans, but make no mistake, the Saints aren't some charity case. However you add it up, the upstart, young Saints will be a sexy pick to win the division with good reason.
Pro Football Focus ranked the Saints at the top of NFL teams that can go from worst to first in 2026.
The Saints have struggled fairly mightily over the last two seasons, going just 11-23 and finishing last in the NFC South both times. However, that should change in a big way this year.
New Orleans has a sense of real optimism based on the development of second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who produced the 10th-best overall PFF grade (77.1) at the position from Weeks 13-18. Moreover, the Saints should still field a strong defense under Brandon Staley, one which ranked ninth in EPA per play a season ago and fields Chase Young, Kaden Elliss, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Justin Reid.
Encouragingly, the Saints made several splashes this offseason to address weaknesses by acquiring running back Travis Etienne, receiver Jordyn Tyson and guard David Edwards. Now, Kellen Moore’s group could have enough to claim its first division title since 2020 — especially given that the rest of the NFC South yet again looks uncertain.
The Saints aren't done making moves with a potential return of lifelong Saint Cam Jordan and a split with Alvin Kamara. Optimism is through the roof in New Orleans. Teams have had similar expectations, but Moore has a chance to realize his potential as an offensive mind in 2026.
Continue reading...
The NFC South isn't exactly imposing, which is another reason for New Orleans, but make no mistake, the Saints aren't some charity case. However you add it up, the upstart, young Saints will be a sexy pick to win the division with good reason.
Pro Football Focus ranked the Saints at the top of NFL teams that can go from worst to first in 2026.
1. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have struggled fairly mightily over the last two seasons, going just 11-23 and finishing last in the NFC South both times. However, that should change in a big way this year.
New Orleans has a sense of real optimism based on the development of second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who produced the 10th-best overall PFF grade (77.1) at the position from Weeks 13-18. Moreover, the Saints should still field a strong defense under Brandon Staley, one which ranked ninth in EPA per play a season ago and fields Chase Young, Kaden Elliss, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Justin Reid.
Encouragingly, the Saints made several splashes this offseason to address weaknesses by acquiring running back Travis Etienne, receiver Jordyn Tyson and guard David Edwards. Now, Kellen Moore’s group could have enough to claim its first division title since 2020 — especially given that the rest of the NFC South yet again looks uncertain.
The Saints aren't done making moves with a potential return of lifelong Saint Cam Jordan and a split with Alvin Kamara. Optimism is through the roof in New Orleans. Teams have had similar expectations, but Moore has a chance to realize his potential as an offensive mind in 2026.
Continue reading...
