After getting a big win against their division rival, the New Orleans Saints are entering their bye week with a 2-8 record. Although the playoffs are not a focus, given how QB Tyler Shough performed in the last game, the Saints may have some more wins in their future.
Let’s review the team’s remaining schedule and consider how those games might unfold.
The Remaining Schedule
According to PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, the Saints have the easiest remaining schedule in the league. This may be bad news regarding the 2026 NFL Draft, but it’s good news for the team’s morale and Shough.
In the last game against the Carolina Panthers, Shough looked excellent and became the first Saints rookie quarterback to win in 44 years. This was a big first step, and with the remaining schedule being manageable, there could be some even better performances.
However, overall, the offense has struggled, earning a grade of D and ranking 29th on PFSN’s Offense Impact metric.
Winning is good for this rebuilding team, but when will that happen?
Week 11 – Bye week
Week 12 – Atlanta Falcons
Chance to win game per PFSN Playoff Predictor: 41.8%
Predicted result: Saints Win (updated record 3-8)
Week 13 – Miami Dolphins
Chance to win the game per PFSN Playoff Predictor: 42.7%
Predicted result: Saints loss (updated record 3-9)
Week 14 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chance to win the game per PFSN Playoff Predictor: 32.1%
Predicted result: Saints loss (updated record 3-10)
Week 15 – Carolina Panthers
Chance to win the game per PFSN Playoff Predictor: 46.6%
Predicted result: Saints Win (updated record 4-10)
Week 16 – New York Jets
Chance to win the game per PFSN Playoff Predictor: 48.5%
Predicted result: Saints Win (updated record 5-10)
Week 17 – Tennessee Titans
Chance to win the game per PFSN Playoff Predictor: 50.5%
Predicted result: Saints Win (updated record 6-10)
Week 18 – Atlanta Falcons
Chance to win the game per PFSN Playoff Predictor: 38.9%
Predicted result: Saints loss (updated record 6-11)
What happens if the Saints end with a 6-11 record
If the season ends with a 6-11 record, there are both positives and negatives to consider. Obviously, getting five total wins in eight games with Shough as the starter is an excellent sign for the future. There will now be no pressure to select a QB in the draft, and New Orleans can now go in other directions. Regarding the draft, this is where the negative aspect comes into play.
Instead of selecting at the top of the draft, the Saints would now be around that 10-15 area. This is still acceptable, and they can get an upgrade to the roster, but New Orleans will miss out on some of the top prospects.