2026 New Orleans Saints: A Season of Promise and Potential
The New Orleans Saints are poised for a promising 2026 season, with a young and talented roster led by quarterback Tyler Shough and wide receiver Chris Olave. After a middling 2025 campaign, the Saints are ready to take a step forward, and I believe they have the potential to surprise many in the NFC South.
A Quarterbacks' Journey
The Saints' quarterback situation has been a rollercoaster. Starting the 2025 season with Spencer Rattler, they struggled to a 1-7 record. However, the introduction of Tyler Shough in Week 9 brought a spark to the offense. Shough, a seasoned rookie, averaged 7.3 yards per attempt and 216.7 passing yards per game, significantly outperforming Rattler. His ability to push the ball downfield and add value as a runner makes him a high-end QB2 in fantasy leagues. Personally, I think Shough's performance in the second half of the season was a sign of things to come, and I'm excited to see how he builds on that momentum in 2026.
The Rise of Chris Olave
Chris Olave, the Saints' top target, is a fascinating player. With a 29.4% target share, he was a key reason for the team's success in the second half of the season. His connection with Shough resulted in an impressive 9.0 yards per target, a significant improvement from the 6.1 yards per target he averaged with Rattler. Olave's ability to command targets and his history of injuries make him a risk-reward play. While he has some health concerns, his arrow is pointing up, and I believe he's worth a top-13 wide receiver ADP in fantasy drafts.
Adding Depth with Jordyn Tyson
The Saints' decision to draft Jordyn Tyson in the first round was intriguing. Tyson, a physical perimeter receiver, has the potential to be a quality separator. However, his injury concerns, stemming from hamstring issues, are a cause for caution. When healthy, he proved his worth, catching 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games. I think Tyson could be a solid WR3 in fantasy drafts, but his health will be a key factor in his success.
Wide Receiver Group: Youth and Spares
The Saints' wide receiver group is a mix of youth and experience. Devaughn Vele, a 27-year-old second-year player, caught 25 passes for 293 yards last season. Bryce Lance, a tall receiver drafted in the fourth round, offers some competition for Vele's WR3 role. Barion Brown and Ja'Lynn Polk are also in the mix, while Mason Tipton is primarily a kick returner. I think Vele is a good dart throw in redraft leagues, but Lance is the better Dynasty stash option.
Tight Ends: Juwan Johnson and Beyond
Juwan Johnson, the Saints' second-leading receiver, is a valuable target over the middle of the field. He ranked No. 5 in routes run among all tight ends last season and is a low-end TE1. However, he'll face competition from rookie third-rounder Oscar Delp, who has the potential to be a better NFL player than he was in college. Delp's athleticism is impressive, and I think he could see more than just a limited role as a rookie. He's worth a dart throw in deep redraft leagues and a good Dynasty stash target.
Running Game: Etienne's Volume and Kamara's Mix
The Saints' running game struggled in 2025, but the addition of Travis Etienne in the offseason offers hope. Etienne, a heavy workload back, carried 260 times for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Kellen Moore's history as an offensive coordinator suggests he can craft good rushing offenses, but Etienne is no Saquon Barkley. I think his volume will elevate him into a productive fantasy season, making him an RB2. Alvin Kamara, on the other hand, is an RB4 in point-per-reception leagues, and the No. 3 role will be a battle between him and whoever wins the backup job.
2026 Win Total: Over the Line
With improvements on offense, continuity at quarterback, and a solid coaching staff, I believe the Saints are on the right track. I'm picking the over for their 2026 win total, predicting eight wins and potentially the division title. The NFC South is far from a powerhouse division, and the Saints' last-place schedule could work in their favor. Defensively, Brandon Staley's second year as defensive coordinator and the return of Cam Jordan bode well for the team's success.
In conclusion, the Saints are a team on the rise, with a young and talented roster led by Tyler Shough and Chris Olave. While there are concerns and risks, I believe they have the potential to surprise many in 2026. It's a season of promise and potential, and I'm excited to see how they perform.
