The NFC South remains one of the NFL’s most wide-open divisions, with no clear powerhouse to shake up the rankings. What’s even more intriguing is the unpredictability surrounding all four teams, as each underwent significant roster shakeups and coaching changes. According to Super Bowl champion Jason McCourty, one team has been under the radar but could surprise everyone during the 2026 season: the New Orleans Saints.
With head coach Kellen Moore and sophomore quarterback Tyler Shough leading the offense, McCourty believes New Orleans can surprise people after finishing with a 6-11 record last season.
New Orleans Saints Could Lead the NFC South in 2026
A major aspect of the Saints’ success will be Shough’s development. Following the team’s dismal start, the rookie took over the starting role in Week 9 and helped the team win four of its final five games.
McCourty believes he is the key to the team exceeding expectations.
“I met with Tyler Shough a few times,” McCourty said on “The Schrager Hour” with ESPN’s Peter Schrager. “So, you look at what they were able to do. They went and got a running back from Jacksonville in Travis Etienne Jr. So you still have Alvin Kamara. You drafted Jordyn Tyson to be alongside your other star receivers, so now, Chris Olave, you have some guys on the offensive side of the ball with Brandon Staley running the defense, and you have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL.
“They can easily walk away and win the NFC South, a team that’s gotten zero buzz.”
McCourty believes a favorable schedule and a wide-open division give the Saints a legitimate opportunity to emerge as a surprise contender in the NFC.
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The Saints will open the season with back-to-back road games against the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens, but then things get easier.
If Shough and his men can steal one of those games or at least prove they can go toe-to-toe with both these teams, it would immediately validate McCourty’s predictions.
The Saints will also travel to Paris in late October for an international showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France.
After the first half of the season is over, Moore and Co. will enjoy a few home games, giving the Saints an opportunity to win more games and potentially make a serious push for the postseason.
