The New Orleans Saints are coming off their bye week on a high from their big win two weeks ago against the Carolina Panthers. Winning more games throughout the remaining schedule will do wonders for the Saints’ morale, but it could also shape the future at QB.
Could the Saints Win in Week 12?
On Sunday, the Saints have an excellent opportunity to capitalize on a winnable game against a division rival. The Atlanta Falcons are no longer the same team they were a week ago.
Falcons’ starting QB Michael Penix picked up an injury in Week 11 that knocked him out for the rest of the season, and WR Drake London will be out against the Saints. This allows New Orleans to win on Sunday, but the offense still needs to perform effectively.
Tyler Shough Needs To Have a Big Game Against the Falcons
QB Tyler Shough’s performance against the Panthers was impressive, and it showed his potential as the future franchise QB. He became the first Saints rookie quarterback to win in 44 years. This was a big first step, but against the Falcons, he may be able to secure his starting spot in 2026.
During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected LB/EDGE Jalon Walker at pick 15. After trading their future first-round pick to the Rams, Atlanta went back to the defensive line and picked EDGE James Pearce Jr. I am bringing this up because the Falcons’ defensive line can change this game.
This season, according to PFSN’s EDGE Impact Metric. Walker has four sacks, and Pearce Jr. has 2.5. Each rookie has shown the ability to affect the opposing QB. Going further, the entire Falcons defense ranks third in the percentage of QB dropbacks that result in sacks, according to PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric.
To make things just a bit more difficult, the Saints may be without starting RT Taliese Fuaga in this game. Compared to their last game against the Panthers, when Shough was pressured, this will be a more challenging matchup for the rookie. This will be a real test for Shough, and if he can overcome it, make plays, have a clean game, and secure the win, the 2026 QB job may be his.
