The New Orleans Saints were projected to improve in 2026, even being by multiple sites named as the team most likely to go from worst to first in their division. However, things haven’t gone as planned after a slow start. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon noted this in his recent article picking each division winner, but he may have gone too far.
“The Falcons are a legitimate challenger here—unlike the Saints, who look a year away—but Carolina's 34-3 blowout win in Atlanta in Week 2 tips the balance in the Panthers' favor,” Gagnon wrote.
Gagnon has the Carolina Panthers winning the division, but lists the Saints and the Atlanta Falcons as competitors. But he immediately undermines that by stating that they aren’t real threats. Despite their 2-4 record, they’ve shown plenty of potential and can make a run for the playoffs.
The Saints aren’t the leaders in the NFC South… but they are a dangerous competitor.
The Saints shouldn’t be favored to win the South; that’s irrational. The Panthers deserve the top spot and have outplayed the competition. Still, New Orleans’ high-octane offense makes them a serious contender.
Kellen Moore’s squad has had a tumultuous start to the season, with countless slow starts or fourth-quarter collapses. This was a similar trend last year: a terrible start to the season before picking up steam late. The Panthers are a great team, but likely won’t run away with the division with an untouchable record.
As mentioned, the Saints offense can make a deep run in the playoffs. Chris Olave is a bonafide superstar, ranking second in the NFL with 580 receiving yards. Additionally, Tyler Shough, although still flawed, has grown and looks like the franchise quarterback.
Beyond this, the Saints have been plagued by injuries, especially on offense. They’ve lost first-round pick wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, left tackle Kelvin Banks, and running back Travis Etienne Jr. Expect them to play a major role in the team’s success later in the season.
While they’ve struggled more defensively, they have shown promise. Chase Young is a superstar, Carl Granderson has been productive, and Jonas Sanker has been impressive at his new position. This could be a transformed unit if the secondary improves.
The Saints are an inconsistent team, but they are undoubtedly contenders for the NFC South. They have a talented roster, making it a golden opportunity to steal the division. Despite the record, don’t count New Orleans out yet.
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