The New Orleans Saints are suddenly one of the hottest teams in football-and no, that’s not a typo.
After stumbling to a 2-10 start, the Saints have rattled off three straight wins, and they’re not just squeaking by-they’re doing it with purpose. Now sitting at 5-10, New Orleans is eyeing a fourth straight victory, and there’s reason to believe they can get it. A Week 17 showdown against the Tennessee Titans looms, and while it won’t be easy, the Saints are starting to look like a team that’s figured some things out.
Let’s talk about that defense.
This recent surge isn’t just about momentum-it’s about execution, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Over their last six games, the Saints have allowed just 15.8 points per game.
That’s not a fluke. That’s a defense playing fast, physical, and smart football.
Whether it’s locking down the run, getting after the quarterback, or clamping down in the red zone, this unit has been consistently disruptive.
And when you hold opponents under 16 points per game across a six-week stretch in the NFL? That’s not just a good run. That’s a calling card.
Now, the Saints will need that defense to show up again in Week 17, because they’re facing a Titans team that’s starting to show signs of life-largely thanks to the emergence of rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
The rookie QB duel is must-watch.
This game might be defined by defense, but the quarterback matchup is where things get really interesting. We’ve got two rookies-Cam Ward for the Titans and Tyler Shough for the Saints-each trying to carry their team through growing pains and into something bigger.
Ward has been electric at times this season. Despite a shaky offensive line that’s allowed him to be sacked 51 times, he’s thrown for 2,866 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
His completion rate sits at 60.2%, but that doesn’t tell the full story. He’s made big plays under pressure and flashed the kind of arm talent that gets scouts buzzing.
He’s not just surviving-he’s competing, and he’s doing it without a stacked supporting cast.
On the other side, Shough’s rookie campaign has been quietly impressive. He’s completed 66.4% of his passes for 1,792 yards, seven touchdowns, and five picks.
He’s shown poise, accuracy, and a knack for making smart decisions in tough spots. His numbers might not pop like Ward’s, but he’s been efficient and steady-two traits that are invaluable to a team trying to build an identity.
What’s at stake?
For the Saints, this is about continuing a late-season surge that’s changing the narrative around their year. At 5-10, they’re not playing for playoff seeding, but they are playing for momentum, pride, and the foundation of something better in 2026. A fourth straight win would speak volumes about the culture Dennis Allen and his staff are building-and about the potential of their young quarterback.
For the Titans, it’s about seeing more from their future franchise QB. Ward has already shown he belongs, but every snap is another chance to learn, grow, and prove he can be the guy to lead Tennessee back into contention.
Bottom line?
This isn’t just a late-season matchup between two teams outside the playoff picture. It’s a measuring stick game for two rookie quarterbacks and a Saints defense that’s quietly become one of the league’s stingiest units. If New Orleans can keep up its defensive dominance and get another composed performance from Shough, they’ve got a real shot at extending their win streak to four.
And if that happens, don’t be surprised if this Saints team starts turning heads heading into the offseason.