So, you’re looking for the kickoff. You’ve got the dip ready, the lucky jersey is out of the closet, and you’re wondering what time do the Saints play today so you can plan your afternoon.
I’ve got some bad news. Honestly, the New Orleans Saints aren’t playing today.
It’s Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If you follow the NFL, you know that the regular season just wrapped up on January 4th. This week is usually when the elite teams are prepping for the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Saints didn't make the cut this year. They finished the 2025-2026 season with a 6-11 record, landing them at the bottom of the NFC South.
Basically, while the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to find some late-season magic, the Saints are currently at home. They aren't on the schedule today, or any other day this month. Their season is officially over.
What Time Do the Saints Play Today and Why They’re Missing the Playoffs
The NFL playoff bracket for 2026 is already set in stone. If you look at the Wild Card results from this past weekend, you’ll see teams like the Chicago Bears, the Philadelphia Eagles, and even our division rivals, the Carolina Panthers, fighting for a spot in the Super Bowl.
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The Saints' final game was a tough 19-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on January 4. That game pretty much summed up the year. A lot of "almosts" and "what-ifs."
Because they finished fourth in the division, the front office is already looking at 2026 draft picks and free agency instead of game tape. It’s a bitter pill for the Who Dat Nation to swallow, especially since there were flashes of brilliance earlier in the season. But that's the NFL. One week you're a contender, the next you're checking the calendar for the scouting combine.
Who is playing today?
Nobody. Tuesdays are typically "off days" for active NFL teams during the postseason. The next round of games—the Divisional Playoffs—won't start until Saturday, January 17, and Sunday, January 18.
If you were hoping to see some NFC South representation, keep an eye on the Panthers. They managed to sneak into the playoffs with an 8-9 record. It’s wild to think about, but the South was a bit of a scramble this year.
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The Injury Bug That Bit New Orleans
You can't talk about the Saints' absence today without mentioning the medical tent. It was a revolving door. By the time Week 18 rolled around, the roster looked like a hospital ward.
- Alvin Kamara: Out with a knee (MCL) issue.
- Chris Olave: Dealing with a late-season illness and back issues.
- Taysom Hill: Shoulder problems that limited his versatility.
- Bryan Bresee: Knee injury that sidelined him for the final stretch.
When your star running back and your WR1 are both in street clothes for the season finale, winning in the NFL becomes a Herculean task.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since the question of what time do the Saints play today has a disappointing answer, let’s look at what we do know about the future. The NFL has already determined who New Orleans will face in the 2026 regular season.
At the Caesars Superdome, we’re going to see the Falcons, Panthers, and Buccaneers (obviously), but also some heavy hitters like the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The road schedule looks just as grueling, with trips to Baltimore and Cincinnati on the horizon.
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There’s no official schedule with times and dates yet—that usually drops in May—but the opponents are locked in based on the formulaic rotation the league uses.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there's no game today, here is how you can stay plugged into the Black and Gold:
- Watch the Senior Bowl: It's coming up on January 31 in Mobile, Alabama. This is where the Saints' scouts will be looking for the next hidden gem to fix the roster.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: With a 6-11 finish, keep an eye on the news wire. Changes in New Orleans usually happen fast once the season ends.
- Check the Draft Order: The Saints will have a high pick this year. Start looking at mock drafts for offensive line depth or perhaps a developmental quarterback, depending on how they feel about the current room.
- Wait for the League Year: March is when the "legal tampering" period begins and free agency kicks off. That’s the real next "game day" for this front office.
The Superdome might be quiet today, but the offseason in New Orleans is rarely boring. Grab a po'boy, watch the playoffs as a neutral observer, and get ready for the draft cycle.