The New Orleans Saints are beginning to attract attention from national sports shows—but there is still no agreement about how dangerous they will be during the 2026 NFL season.
On this edition of The Sports Coma, Big Q reacts to NFC South predictions from First Things First, The Pat McAfee Show and The Rich Eisen Show. Each program offered a different perspective on Tyler Shough, Kellen Moore’s roster and New Orleans’ chances of returning to the playoffs.
Are the Saints Becoming the NFL’s Surprise Team?
New Orleans is no longer being treated like an automatic last-place team. The Saints have become a popular sleeper candidate because of their offensive potential, Tyler Shough’s encouraging development and the collection of weapons available to Kellen Moore.
The offense could feature Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne in the same backfield, along with Chris Olave, Taysom Hill, Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant. If Shough continues progressing, New Orleans could possess one of the NFC South’s most versatile attacks.
However, the national analysts remain divided over whether that offensive potential will produce a winning season.
First Things First Remains Skeptical
During its AFC and NFC South predictions, the First Things First panel described the Saints as a trendy selection entering the season.
Nick Wright projected approximately eight victories for New Orleans, leaving the team just outside the playoffs. The panel acknowledged the excitement surrounding Shough but questioned whether his late-season improvement was enough to establish him as a proven franchise quarterback.
That skepticism creates an important question: Are analysts properly evaluating Shough’s growth, or are they judging him primarily by his overall rookie statistics?
Watch the original First Things First discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYDe9fnP_JQ
The Pat McAfee Show Gives the Saints a Chance
The Pat McAfee Show’s NFC South discussion produced one of the strongest endorsements of New Orleans.
While the panel was divided among Tampa Bay, Carolina and New Orleans, the Saints received support as a possible division winner. The team’s offense earned respect, but questions about the defense prevented the entire panel from backing New Orleans.
That may be the central issue surrounding the Saints. The offense appears capable of surprising people, but the defense must prove it can consistently pressure quarterbacks, stop the run and protect leads.
Watch the original Pat McAfee Show discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–q352_raKU
Rich Eisen Sees Potential—but Takes the Under
Rich Eisen and Chris Brockman discussed how the combination of Shough, Kamara, Etienne, Olave, Hill and the Saints’ tight ends could produce a dangerous offense.
Despite recognizing that potential, the Saints’ projected win total of 7.5 created another disagreement. New Orleans was still viewed as a team in the building process, and the under was selected during the discussion.
That prediction places the Saints in an interesting position. The national media recognizes the roster’s upside but remains reluctant to trust New Orleans over a complete season.
Watch the original Rich Eisen Show discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJnavvpBsxE
What Must Happen for New Orleans to Win the Division?
The Saints’ path to the NFC South championship rests on four major factors:
- Tyler Shough must turn his late-season progress into consistent quarterback play.
- Kellen Moore must maximize the versatility of Kamara and Etienne without making the offense predictable.
- The offensive line must keep Shough healthy and create a dependable running game.
- The defense must become more consistent and prevent explosive plays.
Tampa Bay remains respected because of Baker Mayfield and its established offensive weapons. Carolina enters the conversation after improving its roster, while Atlanta possesses playmakers but continues to face uncertainty at quarterback.
The division appears more competitive than it has been in recent seasons, but it does not have an unbeatable favorite. That gives New Orleans a legitimate opportunity.
Big Q Reacts Live
Big Q will examine what each national show got right, what it overlooked and whether the Saints are receiving legitimate respect—or simply becoming a fashionable preseason sleeper.
Join the live conversation and answer two questions:
What will the Saints’ final record be?
Will New Orleans win the NFC South?
Watch the complete reaction stream above, subscribe to The Sports Coma and visit The Who Dat Daily for continuing Saints coverage.