The New Orleans Saints’ 2026 season is finally here. Heading into Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, here are some numbers that help to set the table with what’s worked, what needs improvement and what’s on the way for New Orleans.
0.434 – The 2025 win percentage of the Saints’ 2026 opponents. This number gives the team with the second-easiest strength of schedule headed into the season.
5 – New Orleans has not been to the playoffs in the last five years. The streak is tied for the team’s third-longest playoff drought in franchise history with the 2001-2005 seasons.
7.5 – The team’s most common projected win total across major sportsbooks. The Saints have won an average of 7.2 games per season over the last five years.
9 – Since the retirement of Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints have fielded nine starting passers. The most recent was 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough, who is set to lead the team in 2026. Thus far, he looks the part of a long-term option with this season set to be the proving ground for franchise quarterback status.
30 – Per Spotrac, the Saints were No. 30 in special teams spending last year across kicker, punter and long snapper. The team is now No. 12 in 2026. It’s their highest spending ranking since 2022.
66.7 – Shough had the second-highest completion percentage on third downs in 2025 among qualifying passers. He also led the group in third-down passer rating.
75.8 – One of the biggest changes expected for New Orleans’ offense this season is shifting to more snaps from under center. The Saints spent 75.8% of their snaps with Shough and Spencer Rattler deploying their offense from the shotgun.
100 – In 2025, wide receiver Chris Olave became only the second player in Saints franchise history to reach the century mark in receptions with 100 in the dot. He’s expected to have an enormous ’26 following up a career year last season.
121 – Last season, the Saints were outscored by 121 points in the first half. A focus going into ’26 will be the team’s ability to get off to early starts.
517 – The Saints faced the third-most rushing attempts against in 2025. Despite that, they allowed only the 19th-most rushing yards and ranked No. 6 in the NFL in yards allowed per carry. The run defense will be looking to continue its rebound in 2026.
