Pivot points: Six games that could decide Saints' 2026 season

Every year in the NFL, there are teams that have missed the playoffs because they came up on the short end on tiebreaker scenarios. Such has been the case for the New Orleans Saints a few times. In 2021 and 2023, the Saints missed out on the postseason with identical 9-8 records because of a few excruciating losses that cost them dearly in the tiebreakers.

In 2026, the Saints are hoping to snap a five-year playoff absence. New Orleans comes into the year with high expectations, despite their 6-11 record last year. This is mostly because of four wins in five games to end last season, the play of Tyler Shough at quarterback along with an improved defense, and several notable offseason roster upgrades.

On paper, the Saints have one of the easier schedules in the NFL this season. Of course, reality doesn't always play out that way. Obviously, it's critical that New Orleans performs well in their NFC South matchups against the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Atlanta Falcons.

The Saints went 3-3 against the division last year. Nearly as crucial are their games against other NFC opponents. Aside from divisional matchups, here are six games that could make or break the Saints in 2026.