If you’re waking up in the 504 today, grabbing a coffee, and wondering what time is New Orleans Saints game today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. The short answer? There is no game.
Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. If you follow the Black and Gold, you know that the NFL regular season wrapped up just over a week ago. For the Saints, the 2025-2026 campaign didn't exactly end with a confetti shower. It ended with a quiet locker room and a lot of "what ifs."
The team finished the season with a 6-11 record. That placed them fourth in the NFC South. Because they didn't make the postseason, the team is currently in offseason mode. While the rest of the league is gearing up for the Divisional Round of the playoffs this coming weekend, the Saints are busy looking at draft boards and evaluating coaching tape.
Looking Back at How the Season Ended
The final whistle for the Saints blew on Sunday, January 4, 2026. It was a tough 19-17 loss against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Honestly, it was a microcosm of the whole year. Close, but just not enough to get over the hump.
Tyler Shough, who took over the reins late in the season, showed some flashes of brilliance. He threw a 16-yard touchdown to Ronnie Bell in the fourth quarter of that final game, but a Zane Gonzalez field goal for the Falcons eventually sealed the Saints' fate.
It’s been a rollercoaster. You’ve got Chris Olave putting up monster numbers—becoming only the second Saints receiver in history to hit 100 catches in a season—but the wins just didn't follow the stats.
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The Current State of the Saints in January 2026
Since there is no game today, what are the Saints actually doing?
Right now, the front office is in "assessment" mode. January 14 is a significant date in the NFL calendar, but not for games. Today is actually the deadline for college underclassmen to apply for special eligibility for the NFL Draft. While fans are asking what time is New Orleans Saints game today, Mickey Loomis and the scouting department are likely staring at a list of college stars who just declared their intent to go pro.
With a 6-11 record, the Saints are looking at a high draft pick. They need it. The defense remained somewhat stout throughout 2025, but the offensive consistency was a major pain point for anyone watching at the Superdome.
Why the Offseason Started Early
If you're frustrated that you aren't tailgating today, you aren't alone. The NFC South was surprisingly competitive this year, even if the records don't look like world-beaters. The Saints had a solid four-game winning streak toward the end of the year—beating the Bucs, Panthers, Jets, and Titans—but that 1-8 start to the season was a hole too deep to climb out of.
Basically, the season was lost in October.
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When Will the Saints Play Again?
Since there’s no game today, when can you actually wear the jersey and head to the Dome?
You’re looking at August 2026 for the preseason. The official 2026 NFL schedule won’t even be released until May. However, we already know who the opponents will be. Because the NFL uses a rotating formula based on division finish and scheduled rotations, the "who" is set even if the "when" isn't.
2026 Home Opponents
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Arizona Cardinals
- Las Vegas Raiders
2026 Road Opponents
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Carolina Panthers
- Chicago Bears
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Detroit Lions
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New York Giants
That is a brutal road schedule. Trips to Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Detroit (who are current powerhouses) mean the Saints have their work cut out for them this spring.
What to Watch While the Saints are Out
If you’re still itching for football today, you’ll have to wait for the weekend. The NFL Divisional Round kicks off this Saturday, January 17.
The matchups are set:
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- Saturday: Buffalo at Denver (4:30 PM ET) and San Francisco at Seattle (8:00 PM ET).
- Sunday: Houston at New England (3:00 PM ET) and LA Rams at Chicago (6:30 PM ET).
It’s weird seeing teams like the Bears and Lions dominating the conversation while the Saints are sitting at home, but that’s the current parity of the NFL.
Actionable Steps for Saints Fans Right Now
Don't let the lack of a game today get you down. There’s still plenty to follow if you’re a die-hard member of the Who Dat Nation.
Track the Draft Declarations: Since today is the underclassmen deadline, keep an eye on which offensive linemen and edge rushers are entering the pool. The Saints desperately need depth in the trenches.
Evaluate the Coaching Staff: There’s a lot of chatter about Kellen Moore’s future and whether the offensive identity will change heading into the 2026 season. Now is the time to read the local beat writers like Mike Triplett or Jeff Duncan for the inside scoop on personnel changes.
Check the Salary Cap: It’s a New Orleans tradition. Every January, the Saints are "in cap hell," and every March, they somehow find a way to make it work. Start looking at which veterans might be restructured or released to make room for new blood.
While the answer to what time is New Orleans Saints game today is "not today," the work for the next season is already happening behind closed doors at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center.