If you’re refreshing your feed looking for the saints game score now on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, I have some news that might sting a little. The New Orleans Saints aren’t on the field today. While the NFL Divisional Round is in full swing with the Texans visiting the Patriots and the Rams taking on the Bears, the Caesars Superdome is quiet.
The Saints officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign exactly two weeks ago. Honestly, it was a rollercoaster of a season that ended in a 19-17 heartbreak against the Atlanta Falcons. That loss didn't just end the year; it handed the NFC South crown to the Carolina Panthers. Kinda brutal, right?
Where the Saints Finished: The Final Scoreboard
The last time we saw a live score for New Orleans was January 4th. They finished the season with a 6-11 record. While that might look mediocre on paper, the way they played down the stretch under first-year head coach Kellen Moore actually gave fans a reason to stay tuned.
They went into that final Falcons game on a four-game winning streak. The defense was flying around. Tyler Shough, the rookie quarterback who stepped in, was looking like a legitimate find. But the scoreboard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ultimately told the story: Atlanta 19, New Orleans 17.
Breaking Down the Season Finale
- The Quarterback: Tyler Shough went 23-for-35 for 259 yards. He had one touchdown and one costly interception.
- The Big Play: Ronnie Bell made a ridiculous one-handed touchdown grab that had everyone on social media losing it for a minute.
- The Dagger: A late interception by Atlanta’s Dee Alford killed the comeback hopes.
Looking for the Saints Game Score Now? Here’s the 2026 Reality
Since there isn't a game happening today, the "score" most fans are tracking is the salary cap and the draft board. The Saints are entering a massive transition period. For years, this team was known for kicking the financial can down the road. Well, the road has basically ended.
New Orleans is currently looking at a 2026 schedule that features home games against the Packers, Vikings, and Steelers. They finished fourth in the division, which technically gives them a "last-place schedule," but in the modern NFL, there are no easy wins. If you're checking for updates today, you’re likely seeing news about coaching staff evaluations or early mock drafts rather than live touchdowns.
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Why the Divisional Round Matters for New Orleans
Even though the Saints are watching from home, today's playoff games affect them. The NFC is wide open. Seeing the Chicago Bears—a team that was struggling just a few years ago—hosting a Divisional game at Soldier Field today shows how fast a rebuild can happen.
The Saints' front office, led by Mickey Loomis, has to decide if they are going to do a "hard reset" or try to reload around Shough. Most experts, including those at local outlets like NOLA.com, suggest the team might finally embrace a younger roster. They’ve got some pieces. Carl Granderson and Chase Young (who split a sack in the finale) are a formidable duo on the edge. But the offensive line? That’s a project.
What Fans Should Watch Instead Today
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: Watch how C.J. Stroud handles the playoff pressure; it’s the blueprint for what the Saints want Shough to become.
- LA Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This is a battle of NFC styles. The Rams' high-octane offense vs. the Bears' emerging defense.
- Draft Order Tracking: Because the Saints finished 6-11, they are locked into a top-10 draft pick. Keep an eye on the top tackle prospects from schools like Ohio State or LSU.
What’s Next for the New Orleans Saints?
Basically, the "score" right now is all about the off-season. The team has already confirmed their 2026 opponents. They’ll be facing the NFC North and the AFC East next year. That means trips to places like Buffalo and New York are on the horizon.
If you want to keep tabs on the team, the next big date isn't a kickoff—it's the scouting combine in late February. The Saints need to hit on their first-round pick to ensure that this time next year, we are actually looking at a live playoff score.
For now, enjoy the Divisional Round. It sucks not seeing the Black and Gold out there, but the foundation laid in the final month of the season suggests they might not be "draft-watching" for much longer. Check back in during free agency in March; that’s when the real 2026 scoring begins.