You woke up, grabbed your coffee, and started hunting for the kickoff time. Maybe you even checked the TV guide or scrolled through your sportsbook app looking for the spread. It’s mid-January, the air is crisp, and it’s peak football season. But if you’re asking where is Saints game today, I’ve got some tough news for the Who Dat Nation.
There isn't one.
The New Orleans Saints aren't on the field today, Thursday, January 15, 2026. While the NFL Divisional Round is just around the corner, the Superdome is quiet. Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer. After a late-season surge that saw New Orleans win four of their last five games, they ultimately fell short of the postseason. They finished the 2025-2026 regular season with a 6-11 record, putting them in fourth place in the NFC South.
What happened to the 2025-2026 Saints?
It was a rollercoaster. Truly.
The season started like a nightmare. You probably remember that brutal four-game losing streak to open the year. Losing to the Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks, and Bills right out of the gate is a tough hill to climb for any roster. By the time November rolled around, the Saints were sitting at a dismal 1-8. Most fans had already started looking at mock drafts.
But then, things got interesting.
The team found some late-season chemistry under Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. They started stacking wins against teams like the Giants, Panthers, and even a solid 29-6 thumping of the Jets. Going into Week 18, there was a glimmer of hope, but a narrow 19-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 4 officially ended the campaign.
Why the Saints aren't playing in the playoffs
To understand where is Saints game today, you have to look at how the NFC playoff bracket shook out. Because New Orleans finished 6-11, they didn't even sniff a Wild Card spot. Instead, the NFC South was represented by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons, though neither team exactly dominated the conference.
Right now, the NFL is in a "bridge" period between the Wild Card and Divisional rounds. Here is who is actually playing this weekend while the Saints are at home:
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- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET)
It’s weird seeing the Bears and Seahawks hosting playoff games while New Orleans watches from the couch, but that's the reality of the 2026 postseason.
Where is Saints Game Today? Looking Forward to the 2026 Season
Since there’s no game today, the focus in New Orleans has already shifted to the 2026 schedule. Even though we don't have the exact dates yet (the NFL usually drops the full calendar in May), we already know exactly who the Saints are playing.
Because they finished in fourth place, the Saints get a "last-place" schedule. On paper, that sounds bad, but in reality, it’s a huge advantage for a team trying to rebuild. They’ll be facing other fourth-place finishers, which could pave an easier path back to the playoffs.
The 2026 Home Opponents
If you’re planning a trip to the Caesars Superdome later this year, these are the teams coming to town:
- Divisional Rivals: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- NFC North/West: Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals.
- AFC Matchups: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders.
The 2026 Road Trips
The Saints will be traveling to some tough environments next season:
- Divisional Rivals: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- NFC/AFC Challenges: Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and the New York Giants.
One really weird quirk for the 2026 season? The Saints are scheduled to play seven games against teams that will have brand-new head coaches. This includes both games against the Falcons, plus matchups with the Cardinals, Ravens, Browns, Raiders, and Giants. Facing a team with a new scheme and a new leader is usually a "get right" opportunity for a veteran-heavy team like New Orleans.
The Tyler Shough Factor
A big reason you’re likely searching for the game today is the hype surrounding Tyler Shough. The rookie showed some serious flashes of brilliance at the end of the 2025 season. He managed to lead the team to multiple wins and showed he could handle the pressure of the NFL.
However, being "the guy" in New Orleans carries a lot of weight. With Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara facing various injury hurdles last year, Shough didn't always have his full arsenal. The 2026 offseason will be about surrounding him with enough talent to ensure that next January, we aren't asking "where is the game," but rather "what time is the game."
What to do if you’re a Saints fan today
Since you can't watch the Black and Gold today, you've basically got two options. You can wallow in the 6-11 finish, or you can scout the competition.
Watching the Rams and Bears game on Sunday is actually pretty relevant for Saints fans. Both those teams are NFC hurdles New Orleans will have to cleared eventually. Plus, keeping an eye on the Falcons' offseason moves is a must. They barely beat the Saints in the finale, and that rivalry is only getting more heated.
The official 2026 NFL schedule won't be out for a few months, so for now, the "game" is all about the front office. General Manager Mickey Loomis and the coaching staff are likely deep into film sessions right now, preparing for the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: Set a reminder for mid-May 2026. That’s when the NFL will release the specific dates and times for the Saints' games.
- Check the Draft Order: The Saints’ 6-11 record gives them a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Keep an eye on the mock drafts starting in February to see which offensive linemen or defensive ends might be headed to New Orleans.
- Review the Roster: Follow the Saints' official injury reports and transaction wires. With several key veterans hitting free agency, the team roster could look very different by the time training camp opens in July.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even without the Saints, the Saturday and Sunday games will determine who represents the NFC in the Super Bowl. It's good to know who the "top dogs" are for next year.
While it's frustrating that the answer to where is Saints game today is "nowhere," the 2026 outlook is actually surprisingly optimistic. A fourth-place schedule, a promising young quarterback, and a lot of opponents in transition could make the Superdome the place to be next January.