Saints' 2026 schedule sparks similar exciting playoff belief as Lions, Bengals

The New Orleans Saints finished in last place in the NFC South during the 2025 season, but with how Tyler Shough played to end the season, there was a lot of optimism with the Saints heading into 2026.

That optimism was further strengthened after a solid offseason, highlighted by big additions to the offensive side of the ball to surround Shough with elite playmakers and protectors. With all this optimism, is there a chance for the Saints to make the playoffs?

ESPN's Dan Graziano highlighted the Saints alongside the likes of the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions as teams that have some of the best chances to get into the playoffs, thanks in part to their schedule.

Saints get similar playoff hope as Lions, Bengals

"The Saints have had a good offseason, feel good about coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough, and have the second-easiest schedule by opponents' 2025 records," Graziano writes.

An easy schedule, combined with belief in the coaching staff and the offseason additions, makes for a very reasonable playoff belief for this team.

Graziano also highlighted the Bengals and the Lions as teams that missed the 2025 playoffs, which could return this year, thanks in part to their easy schedules.

The Lions have the seventh-easiest schedule, according to Graziano, while the Bengals have the third-easiest schedule.

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It's not a surprise that teams with easy schedules are projected to make the playoffs, but for the Saints to be mentioned in this group is a great sign.

Since Drew Brees has retired, it's been a rough go of things for the Saints in trying to find their answer at the QB position. With Shough, it looks like they've found their guy.

Add in a good supporting cast, offensive line, and a good coach, plus their second-easiest schedule, and a playoff trip in a weak NFC South is not that unrealistic a possibility.

This belief from Graziano, thanks in part to the easy schedule, is a very exciting one. Saints fans might finally see a return trip to the playoffs this year, with everything seemingly falling into place for the Saints in 2026.

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