The New Orleans Saints fell to the Atlanta Falcons 17-19 on Sunday afternoon. The Saints end the season at 6-11, having won four of their last five.
The outcome wasn’t desired, but certain players wrecked havoc and proved themselves to be solid contributors, while others faltered and aren’t certain of their future.
With that said, here are three winners and two losers from the Saints week 18 game against the Falcons.
Chase Young continues to be a weekly member of this list
Winner: Chase Young
Chase Young is the best player on the Saints. He dominated on Sunday with 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and a pass deflection. Young ended the season with a career high 10 sacks in 12 games played. He will enter the 2026 season as not only a premier defender in the NFC South, but in the entire league.
Loser: Juwan Johnson
Juwan Johnson didn’t have a bad statistical game, with three receptions for 61 yards and a fumble, but he disappointed in what could have been a massive opportunity. Johnson was the only healthy, established offensive threat and couldn’t prove himself as a consistent player. The future is now uncertain for him, as the Saints may opt for a different tight end in 2026.
Winner: Carl Granderson
Carl Granderson started off the year hot, but cooled down and became nearly invisible after week four… until Sunday. He was exceptional, with 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and an interception. No matter what the Falcons did, Granderson was there to stop it. This game proved that he should be a major contributor on the roster in 2026.
Loser: Raheem Morris
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris may have won the battle, but he lost the war as he was fired shortly after the game. This is now the second time in three years an Atlanta head coach has been fired following the Saints matchup on week 18.
Winner: Cam Jordan
Cam Jordan turned back the clock and shined in what could be his final NFL game. He impressed with one sack and two tackles for loss. He silenced the doubters who said he was getting too old to play with an outstanding 10.5 sacks on the season, at 36 years old. He may choose to retire, but he could still contribute to the team in 2026 if he doesn’t.