You're probably looking at your calendar and wondering what time the saints play this weekend. It's a habit, right? The air gets a little crisp, the weekend rolls around, and you start looking for that 12:00 PM or 3:25 PM kickoff.
Honestly, I have some news that might be a bummer depending on how much you like your Sundays filled with stress.
The New Orleans Saints aren't playing this weekend. In fact, they won't be playing for quite a while. After a chaotic 2025 season that felt like a rollercoaster with more downs than ups, the Saints officially wrapped up their campaign on January 4, 2026. They finished with a 6-11 record. If you were hoping to see them in the Wild Card or Divisional rounds, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but they were mathematically eliminated back in early December after a tough loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Understanding the NFL Playoff Schedule Without New Orleans
Since the question of what time the saints play is currently answered by "they don't," the focus has shifted to the rest of the league. We are currently in the thick of the 2026 NFL Playoffs. While the Caesars Superdome is quiet, the rest of the country is gearing up for the Divisional Round.
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Here is how the actual postseason schedule looks for the games happening right now:
- Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos kicks off at 4:30 PM ET on CBS.
- Saturday Night, Jan. 17, 2026: The San Francisco 49ers head to Seattle to face the Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
- Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026: Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN/ABC.
- Sunday Night, Jan. 18, 2026: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
It's a weird feeling for Who Dat Nation. Usually, there's at least a glimmer of hope or a "mathematical possibility" heading into the final weeks. But this year, the 2-10 start—the worst since the Mike Ditka era in 1999—basically sealed the coffin before the holiday season even started.
What Happened to the Saints This Season?
You might be asking how we got here. Kellen Moore took over as head coach, and there was a lot of buzz. People were excited. But the reality was a bit harsher. The team struggled with a massive amount of dead money on the salary cap and the transition away from the Derek Carr era.
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The silver lining? Tyler Shough.
The rookie quarterback, who many experts including those at ESPN have praised, actually gave fans something to watch in the final month. The Saints went on a bit of a tear late, winning four out of their last five games before falling to the Falcons in the season finale. It wasn't enough to make the playoffs, but it was enough to prove that the "rookie class of 2025" might be the real deal. In fact, some analysts are already calling it the best rookie class in the league, led by Shough and first-round tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since there is no game time to set your alarm for this week, your next "Saints time" won't happen until August 2026 when the preseason kicks off. However, the 2026 opponents have already been locked in based on the final standings. Because the Saints finished fourth in the NFC South, they get a "fourth-place schedule," which is technically easier on paper.
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Next year, you can expect to see home games against:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Arizona Cardinals
- Las Vegas Raiders
They'll also be traveling to places like Detroit and Baltimore. The official dates and specific kickoff times won't be released by the NFL until the middle of May 2026.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Even though the team is out, the offseason is arguably more important than the games were this year. Here is what you should be tracking over the next few months:
- The 2026 NFL Draft: The Saints have clinched the No. 8 overall pick. This is a prime spot to grab another blue-chip prospect to pair with Kelvin Banks Jr.
- Salary Cap Watch: With Derek Carr’s retirement officially on the books, Mickey Loomis finally has some breathing room. Watch for how they use that "golden parachute" money in free agency starting in March.
- Coaching Stability: Keep an eye on the staff. While Kellen Moore is expected back, there could be shifts in the defensive room as the team looks to build on their No. 13 DVOA finish.
Basically, enjoy your stress-free Sundays for the rest of the winter. Watch the playoffs as a neutral observer, and get ready for the draft updates that usually start flying around the Combine in late February.