If you’re waking up this Sunday, January 18, 2026, and scouring the web to find out what time is saints game sunday, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, there isn't one. The New Orleans Saints are officially in "vacation mode," and their 2025-2026 season has already wrapped up.
It's a tough pill to swallow for the Who Dat Nation. Usually, this time of year is reserved for deep playoff runs or at least the hope of a Wild Card miracle. But this year? The Superdome is quiet.
The Reality of the Saints Game Sunday Schedule
The reason you can't find a kickoff time for today is pretty simple: the Saints didn't make the cut for the NFC Divisional Round. After a grueling 18-week regular season, New Orleans finished with a 6-11 record, placing them fourth in the NFC South.
Their final game happened back on January 4, 2026. It was a heartbreaking 19-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Kellen Moore’s squad actually fought hard toward the end of the year—winning four straight before that finale—but that last-second field goal by Younghoe Koo (or whoever the Falcons have kicking these days) basically sealed the deal on their postseason dreams.
So, while teams like the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams are duking it out today at 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC, the Saints players are likely at home, resting up for the 2026 cycle.
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Why the Confusion Happens Every Year
Look, I get it. The NFL schedule is a beast. With the league moving to a 17-game season and 18 weeks of total play, the dates shift every year. If you’re used to the Saints playing deep into January because of the Sean Payton era, your internal clock is probably just calibrated for success.
Also, search engines sometimes get "ghost results" where old schedules from 2025 or even 2024 pop up. You might see a "Sunday, January 18" date from a previous year and think it’s current. It's not.
What’s Next for the New Orleans Saints?
Just because there isn't a saints game sunday doesn't mean the team isn't busy. The front office is currently in "salary cap gymnastics" mode—a tradition in New Orleans as common as red beans and rice on Mondays.
Offseason Priorities
The 2026 opponents are already set. Even though we don't know the exact order yet, we know who is coming to the Dome. The Saints will face:
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- The NFC South Rivals: Falcons, Panthers, and Buccaneers (twice each).
- Home Games: Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Away Trips: Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and the New York Giants.
The big story for this upcoming season? The Saints are scheduled to play seven games against teams with brand-new head coaches. That’s a massive statistical anomaly. Usually, you might get two or three. Facing that many rebuilding coaching staffs could be the "in" the Saints need to flip that 6-11 record into something respectable.
The Tyler Shough Factor
One bright spot from the end of the season was rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. He showed some serious flashes of brilliance in those final weeks. Fans are already debating whether he's the definitive "guy" or if New Orleans needs to use their high draft pick to hunting for another arm.
How to Watch the NFL Playoffs Today Instead
If you’re still itching for some football, there are two massive games happening today, Sunday, Jan 18. You might not be wearing black and gold, but the high-stakes drama is still there.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: This one kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT) on ESPN and ABC. It’s a battle of the young guns versus the established system.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: This is the primetime slot. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT) on NBC and Peacock. Soldier Field is going to be rocking, and it’s arguably the most anticipated matchup of the weekend.
Don't Forget the Scouting Combine
Since there’s no saints game sunday, the next big date for fans to circle is the NFL Scouting Combine in late February. This is where the 2026 roster actually starts to take shape. With the Saints finishing last in the division, they’ll have a premium pick.
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Most analysts are looking at the offensive line or the defensive secondary. The Saints' defense was actually ranked 9th in the league for yards allowed this past year, which is wild considering they only won six games. It’s the offense that needs the "New Orleans magic" back.
Actionable Steps for Saints Fans Today
Since you have about four hours of free time now that the Saints aren't playing, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Review the 2026 Opponent List: Familiarize yourself with the home/away splits. The Baltimore and Detroit road trips are going to be brutal.
- Check the Salary Cap Status: Keep an eye on local beat writers like Nick Underhill or Jeff Duncan. They usually break down the "voidable years" and contract restructures that allow the Saints to actually sign free agents in March.
- Watch the Divisional Games: Pay close attention to the Rams/Bears game. These are the teams the Saints need to leapfrog next year if they want to be playing on January 18, 2027.
The 2025-2026 season might be over, but the road to the next kickoff has already started. Keep your jerseys ready; training camp will be here before you know it.