If it had been suggested that the New Orleans Saints might close the season with at least a three‑game winning streak, that quarterback Tyler Shough is emerging as a potential franchise player, that head coach Kellen Moore is showing improvement, and that defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has the unit performing at a high level, it may have seemed unlikely. Yet that is exactly what is unfolding in New Orleans.
In Week 17, the Saints are traveling to face off against the Tennessee Titans in one of their biggest challenges in a while. For both teams, their records do not reflect the improvements they have made, and this is going to be a fun game.
Saints vs. Titans Preview feat. Tyler Shough vs. Cam Ward
For the only time this season, Shough will be competing against another QB from his class. The Saints faced the New York Giants earlier this season with Jaxson Dart, but Shough was not the starter yet. Now, Shough will be playing against Cam Ward, who was the first pick in the draft.
The Titans have only three wins this season and fired their head coach earlier, but this is a fighting team. Yes, it’s not consistent yet, but it’s dangerous to underestimate them. Ward is playing at a much higher level. Tennessee’s offense will be something to watch, but the defense is really where the Saints can lose this game.
Star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons is ranked the best defensive tackle in PFSN’s DT Impact metric, and there’s a good chance he gets to Shough for most of the game. The Saints’ interior offensive line has not been good this season, and combining that with the challenge of Simmons on the Titans’ interior, good luck.
New Orleans’ run game has struggled as well. Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal will be out in Week 17, so expect Shough to throw nearly every play. We already saw this last week, and it would not be surprising to see it again.
Final Prediction
Even with the clear challenges the Saints are dealing with on offense, Shough has been able to overcome nearly everything thrown at him since becoming the starter. With New Orleans carrying significant momentum, the team appears positioned to continue its success.
Final score: Saints win 30-10
