FanDuel Sportsbook projects the New Orleans Saints to win 6.5 games in 2026. The win total poses the simple question of whether or not the Saints will be better than they were last year. For most fans, it's an easy yes.
The Saints went 6-11 last year, with the mass majority of their success coming at the end of the season. That's the reason Saints fans are hopeful about this upcoming season. The end of the season was spearheaded by Tyler Shough entering the starting lineup.
If the Saints were to repeat the same record from last year, it would be to the surprise and dismay of the fan base. The Saints added a lot of talent in addition to the strong finish, so there's higher expectations. The win total projection does represent one of the bigger deciding factors in the Saints season: delivering on potential.
Saints are the combination of many unknowns
It's difficult to fault the FanDuel or anyone for not believing in the Saints. The team is built on a bunch of questions, and where you land on those questions will determine where you land on the Saints.
The biggest question of them all is Tyler Shough. Shough had a strong rookie campaign, but that campaign was just 9 starts. It was enough to generate belief, but it was still just half a season. It was long enough for you to get a good idea of what type of quarterback he was.
Shough displayed his poise, arm talent, mobility and the ability to elevate talent around him. Normally, that would be enough to silence doubters, but there's always the rebuttal of 9 starts. You can begin to form thoughts, but firm judgements are reserved until a player plays at least a season's worth of games.
On top of that is the sophomore slump narrative. It doesn't matter who the quarterback is. Questions of a sophomore slump will be attached to any quarterback with a successful rookie year.
It doesn’t stop at quarterback. Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson have the potential to be an exceptional duo. They both have to show they can remain healthy consistently. Tyson also has to prove the hype from his draft stock can turn to immediate production.Â
The most questions lie on the defense. Chase Young had the best year of his career and must prove he can do it again. Can the Saints find a consistent partner opposite Young? The cornerback duo of Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley have a lot to prove as well. McKinstry needs to prove weekly consistency, and Riley just has to continue developing after his rookie season. Jonas Sanker was an impressive rookie, and he's now switching to a vital position in Brandon Staley's defense.
From the quarterback to weapons to protection and defense. There's reasons to believe most of these questions will go in the Saints favor. If it does, the Saint will exceed expectations. If they don't 6.5 is a fair number.
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