Tyler Shough's fight for QB crown highlights Saints' games to watch

The New Orleans Saints enter 2026 with optimism the fan base hasn't felt in years. Tyler Shough looks like the quarterback of the future. The 2025 draft class has an offseason to build on their impressive rookie campaign, and the incoming rookies have sent a wave of excitement before minicamps. Looking at the schedule feels different when you have something to believe in.

The Saints' schedule is highlighted by some major matchups to watch. Games like the showdown against the Detroit Lions is one fans are already circling as a huge matchup beyond just being the first game. Surprisingly, none of the Who Dat Dish picked that game as the showdown they're most excited to see.

Saints' most anticipated games

Saints can make an example out of the Falcons

The game I’m most excited for is the Week 4 matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. After being swept by their division foes last season, New Orleans has a major opportunity to make an early statement.  With an improved roster, added playmakers, and growing confidence around the team, the Saints can show they’ve closed the gap, and possibly move ahead in the NFC South race.- Tramell Jeffers

Tyler Shough shuts up Giants fans

The game that I’m most eager for is the Saints week six matchup against the New York Giants. There’s a young rivalry budding between second year quarterbacks Tyler Shough and Jaxson Dart. With both fanbases adamant about their leader, this is set to be a high-intensity matchup early in the season. Plus, we will also get an early look at the Saints offensive line against a Giants pass rush.- Drew Collings

Vikings quietly pose a littany of interesting challenges

The Vikings isn't the first game many fans think of when highlighting the schedule, but it quietly has a few challenges. Justin Jefferson will test the pair of young cornerbacks. The pain of watching a mobile QB run around versus the Saints is still present, despite improving in 2025. They'll have to shut down Kyler Murray again. Lastly, Brian Flores is the perfect defensive mind to confuse a young player. Cam Jordan saying game 5 is when teams know themselves is the cherry on top.- Darrion Gray

Allez les Saints! Kellen Moore vs Mike McCarthy in Paris

The game I’m looking forward to the most this year is the week seven Paris showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s an opportunity to see a match between Kellen Moore and Mike McCarthy, and hopefully Moore can show his former head coach just how much he learned from him. It’ll also be a real test for the team’s defense, because they’re likely to face future HOF QB Aaron Rodgers. A player that can tear up any defense, it puts a ton of pressure on the young secondary.- Molly Bauer

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