NFC South
New Orleans Saints
AI Summary
After a 2-10 start in Kellen Moore's first season, the Saints closed 2025 on a 5-4 tear once Tyler Shough took over at quarterback, going undefeated in December and finishing 6-11 overall. Shough enters camp as the clear starter behind an offense bolstered by newcomer RB Travis Etienne Jr., guard David Edwards, and No. 8 overall pick WR Jordyn Tyson, while veterans Alvin Kamara and Cameron Jordan return for another year. That late-season surge and an easier 2026 schedule have bettors and oddsmakers bullish, pushing the team's win total up to 7.5, but training camp has been clouded by injuries to Kamara and Jordan and a contract-driven holdout by Chris Olave.
Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026
Real Efficiency KPIs
Offensive EPA/play
-0.088
#27 of 32
Defensive EPA/play allowed
-0.059
#10 of 32
2025 regular season, 1064 offensive / 1029 defensive plays. Source: nflverse play-by-play (github.com/nflverse/nflverse-data), real 2025 regular season. This is a prior-season baseline — this team's 2026 numbers will replace it once real Week 1 plays exist.
Key Players (2025 production)
Leading Passer
Tyler Shough · QB
221/327, 10 TD, 6 INT
+2.1 passing EPA
Leading Rusher
Alvin Kamara · RB
131 car, 471 yds, 1 TD
-28.8 rushing EPA
Leading Receiver
Chris Olave · WR
100/156, 1163 yds, 28% target share
+35.6 receiving EPA
Leading Pass Rusher
Cameron Jordan · LB
10.5 sacks, 15 QB hits
Leading Tackler
Demario Davis · OLB
61 solo, 79 assist
Leading Interceptor
Kool-Aid McKinstry · CB
3 INT
Source: nflverse player stats (github.com/nflverse/nflverse-data), real 2025 regular season; team attribution updated for documented 2026 offseason trades. Prior-season baseline, not 2026 in-season stats.
Key Storylines
- Tyler Shough enters as unquestioned starter after going 5-4 down the stretch in 2025; Zach Wilson signed as backup ahead of Spencer Rattler
- Offense retooled with RB Travis Etienne Jr., G David Edwards, and No. 8 pick WR Jordyn Tyson to pair with Kamara and Olave
- Defense loses longtime leader Demario Davis (signed with Jets) as Kaden Elliss returns to help fill the void
- Win total climbed to 7.5 this preseason on the strength of the team's late-2025 turnaround and a favorable 2026 schedule
- Season opens on the road at Detroit on Sept. 13, with Kamara's MCL injury putting his availability for that game in question
Injury Report
Alvin Kamara · RB
Out (expected ~1 month)
Sprained MCL suffered in a joint practice hit against Dallas; timeline is tight for the Sept. 13 opener at Detroit.
Chris Olave · WR
Holding in
Practicing but sitting out full team drills amid a push for a contract extension; not facing a medical restriction.
Cameron Jordan · DE
Limited/Questionable
Dealing with a hamstring issue that has kept him out of practice and could cost him time in camp.
Dillon Radunz · G
Out for season
Suffered a torn ACL in training camp.