The energy in the Big Easy is a bit heavy right now. If you're asking when does new orleans saints play, the answer isn't what any member of the Who Dat Nation wants to hear. Their 2025-2026 season just wrapped up with a tough 19-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on January 4, 2026.
Since the Saints finished the season at 6-11, they didn't make the cut for the playoffs. That means there are no more games on the calendar for the next few months. It's officially "wait until next year" mode in New Orleans.
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The Long Wait for the 2026 Schedule
Right now, we are in that quiet stretch of the NFL calendar. The pads are off, the Caesars Superdome is hosting other events, and the front office is looking at draft boards rather than playbooks.
If you are looking for the exact dates for the 2026 regular season, you'll have to be patient. The NFL typically drops the full, official schedule in mid-May. That’s when we’ll get the "schedule release" videos and the ticket frenzy begins.
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However, we do know who they will play, even if we don't know the when just yet. Based on the NFL's rotating schedule formula, the 2026 opponents are already set in stone.
Home Games at the Superdome
- Atlanta Falcons (The rivalry never sleeps)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Carolina Panthers
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Jacksonville Jaguars
Away Games on the Road
- Atlanta Falcons (The trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Carolina Panthers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Cleveland Browns
Why the 2025 Season Ended Early
Honestly, 6-11 wasn't the plan. The season felt like a roller coaster that ran out of track. After a brutal start—losing seven of their first nine games—the Saints actually found a little rhythm in December. They put together a three-game winning streak, beating the Buccaneers, Panthers, and Jets. For a second there, fans thought maybe, just maybe, they could sneak into the conversation.
But the Week 18 loss to Atlanta was the final nail. Finishing fourth in the NFC South is a tough pill to swallow, especially when the Carolina Panthers took the division at 8-9. It was a weird year for the South; nobody really wanted to run away with the lead.
Key Dates for the 2026 Season
Since there are no active games, your next chance to see the Saints "play" in a competitive environment is during the preseason.
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- Late July 2026: Training Camp begins. This is usually held in Metairie, though they've moved it around in the past.
- August 2026: Preseason games. Expect three games here—usually two at home and one away, or vice versa.
- September 10-14, 2026: This is the likely window for NFL Week 1.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
People often think the schedule is random. It's actually a very rigid math equation. The NFL ensures that every team plays their division rivals twice, certain other divisions once on a four-year rotation, and a few "parity" games based on where they finished in the standings the year before.
Because the Saints finished fourth in the NFC South this year, their 2026 schedule actually looks a little "easier" on paper. They’ll be matched up against other fourth-place finishers from the previous season. That’s a small silver lining for a team trying to rebuild its identity.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Mark your calendar for May 15, 2026. This is the ballpark date for the NFL Schedule Release. That's when you can plan your road trips.
- Watch the NFL Draft (April 23-25, 2026). Since the Saints finished 6-11, they'll have a high pick. This is the first "win" of the 2026 season.
- Check the Ticket Portal in June. Season ticket renewals happen early, but individual game tickets usually hit the secondary market (like SeatGeek or StubHub) immediately after the May schedule announcement.
Keep an eye on the injury reports and coaching changes over the next few weeks. The roster you saw in January probably won't be the one that takes the field in September.