If you're looking for the quick answer, the New Orleans Saints ended their 2025 season with a 19-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on January 4, 2026. Since the Saints finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs, there is no game today, January 15. The team is officially in offseason mode.
Honestly, it was a weird way to end the year. The Saints went into that final week on a four-game winning streak. People were actually starting to feel optimistic. Then, they headed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and let a winnable game slip through their fingers. If you're wondering what's the score for the New Orleans Saints game because you missed the regular-season wrap-up, that 17-19 tally is the one that matters most right now.
A Heartbreaker in the ATL
The game was a defensive slog for the most part. Tyler Shough, who has been trying to prove he’s the long-term answer at quarterback, threw for 259 yards. He had a rushing touchdown and a late passing touchdown to Ronnie Bell, but it wasn’t enough.
The real killer was a late interception. Trailing 16-10 in the fourth quarter, the Saints were driving. They were at the Atlanta 20-yard line. Then, Dee Alford picked off Shough and ran it back 59 yards. That basically set up Zane Gonzalez for another field goal, making it a two-score game.
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Atlanta's kicker, Zane Gonzalez, was basically their entire offense. He accounted for 13 of their 19 points. He hit from 40, 51, 38, and 38 yards. It’s hard to win when you let a kicker beat you like that.
Why the Saints Score Matters for the NFC South
The final score didn't just end the Saints' season; it handed the division to the Carolina Panthers. Talk about a mess. The Panthers, Falcons, and Buccaneers all finished 8-9. Because the Saints lost, Carolina took the tiebreaker.
- Final NFC South Standings:
- Carolina Panthers: 8-9 (Division Champs)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-9
- Atlanta Falcons: 8-9
- New Orleans Saints: 6-11
Even though the Saints were the only team with a losing record that didn't hit eight wins, they were the hottest team in the division for the last month. Winning five in a row would have been a hell of a statement for Kellen Moore's first year as head coach. Instead, they’re watching the playoffs from the couch like the rest of us.
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Breaking Down the Key Stats
Tyler Shough went 23-of-35. That's a 65.7% completion rate. Not bad, but that one interception was catastrophic. Audric Estime led the ground game with 63 yards on 21 carries. It wasn't exactly explosive. The Saints' offense outgained the Falcons 340 to 208 in total net yards, which makes the loss feel even more annoying.
How do you outgain a team by over 130 yards and still lose? Turnovers and red zone efficiency. The Saints had two turnovers to Atlanta’s one. Plus, the Falcons' defense, led by Raheem Morris (who was actually fired right after this game), stood tall when it mattered most.
What’s Next for New Orleans?
Now that the what's the score for the New Orleans Saints game question is settled, we have to look at the 2026 draft. The Saints are locked into a high pick. They need help on the offensive line and probably another playmaker on the outside. Chris Olave had a monster year, becoming only the second Saints receiver ever to hit 100 catches in a season, but he can't do it alone.
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The 2026 opponents are already set. Because they finished fourth in the South, they’ll play a "fourth-place schedule." That means home games against the Packers, Vikings, Browns, Steelers, Cardinals, and Raiders, along with the usual division rivals.
Next Steps for Saints Fans:
Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. With the season over, the front office is shifting entirely to scouting. You should also watch for news on the coaching staff; while Kellen Moore seems safe for now after that late-season surge, there could be tweaks to the defensive side of the ball.
Check the 2026 NFL Draft order to see exactly where the Saints will be picking in the first round. Usually, a 6-11 record puts you in the top 10 or 12, depending on how the tiebreakers for draft position shake out.