So, you’re looking for the kickoff time, maybe checking which channel to flip to so you can catch the Black and Gold in action. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026. Usually, this time of year is when the air in New Orleans starts getting that specific playoff electricity—that mix of charcoal smoke, cold beer, and nervous hope. But if you’re asking who does New Orleans Saints play today, the answer is actually nobody.
The Saints are officially on summer vacation, or at least the NFL equivalent of it.
After a gritty, rollercoaster 2025 season that saw the team fighting through a late-season surge, the music stopped just a bit too early. The regular season wrapped up on January 4, 2026, with a tough 19-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That loss put the final nail in the coffin for the 2025-2026 campaign, leaving the Saints with a 6-11 record and a fourth-place finish in the NFC South.
Where the Saints Stand Right Now
While the rest of the NFL is gearing up for the Divisional Round of the playoffs this weekend—with teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos coming off their byes—the Saints are in evaluation mode.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling. For a decade, January meant Sean Payton or Drew Brees or some kind of "Who Dat" magic. Now, fans are looking at a roster that showed flashes of brilliance (like that Week 17 win over the Titans) but couldn't find the consistency needed to leapfrog the Carolina Panthers or the Falcons.
The Wild Card round just finished up a few days ago, and while New Orleans wasn't invited to the dance, the local talk is already shifting toward the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
Why there is no game today
- End of Season: The Saints failed to qualify for the postseason.
- Playoff Schedule: Only eight teams are left in the hunt, and the Divisional Round games don't even start until tomorrow, Saturday, January 17.
- Draft Order: Finishing 6-11 gives the front office a high enough pick to potentially snag a franchise-altering talent.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since the season is over, the question of who does New Orleans Saints play today shifts toward who they will play when the 2026 season kicks off next September. Because of the way the NFL rotation works, we actually already know the home and away slate for next year.
If you're planning a road trip or looking to renew season tickets, here is the breakdown of who's coming to the Superdome and where the Saints are traveling in 2026.
Home Games at the Caesars Superdome
The dome is going to be rocking with some heavy hitters next year. Beyond the usual NFC South suspects (Falcons, Panthers, and Buccaneers), the Saints are scheduled to host the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. Those are always high-energy games with plenty of traveling fans.
You’ll also see the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, and the Las Vegas Raiders making the trip to New Orleans. It’s a diverse schedule that features a lot of physical, defensive-minded AFC North teams.
Road Trips on the Calendar
Traveling for the Saints in 2026 will involve some iconic stadiums. Outside of the divisional games, New Orleans is headed to:
- Baltimore Ravens: M&T Bank Stadium is a tough place to play, especially with that Ravens defense.
- Chicago Bears: A potential cold-weather game at Soldier Field.
- Cincinnati Bengals: A trip to see Joe Burrow (always a homecoming feel for LSU fans).
- Detroit Lions: Ford Field has become one of the loudest venues in the league.
- New York Giants: MetLife Stadium is on the list for a trip to the Big Apple.
What Fans Should Do Next
Since there isn't a game today, the focus for a real Saints fan shifts to the "offseason of change." There are a few things you should be tracking if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
First, keep an eye on the Senior Bowl on January 31. This is where the Saints’ scouting department does some of its best work, looking for those mid-round gems that have historically kept this roster competitive.
Second, the NFL Scouting Combine in February will be massive. With a 6-11 record, the Saints are in a position to look at top-tier offensive tackle talent or potentially a new signal-caller if the front office decides to pivot.
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Lastly, mark your calendars for March 11, 2026. That is the start of the new league year and free agency. Given the Saints' perennial "salary cap gymnastics," this is often the most stressful—and exciting—part of the year for the fan base.
Basically, today is a day for rest. Grab a po'boy, watch the Divisional games tomorrow as a neutral observer, and start scouting the college kids. The road back to a January home game starts now.
Next Steps for Saints Fans:
Check the official NFL Draft order to see exactly where the Saints land in the first round. You can also head over to the Saints' official site to see the full list of "Future" signings as the team begins building their 90-man offseason roster.