Jets vs. Saints Preview: Rookie QBs, Defensive Shakeups, and Draft Implications in the Big Easy
Sunday's matchup between the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets might not carry postseason weight, but don’t let the lack of playoff implications fool you - this game matters. With both teams sitting near the bottom of the standings, this one could help shape the top of the 2026 NFL Draft board. And while the stakes are different, there's still plenty to watch when these two struggling squads meet in New Orleans.
Let’s start with the Saints, who - believe it or not - are starting to show signs of life. After a sluggish stretch, New Orleans has rattled off back-to-back wins, and not just against bottom-feeders.
These victories came against division rivals still in the hunt for the NFC South crown, which makes them all the more impressive. Now, they return home with a chance to build real momentum against a Jets team that’s reeling.
A big reason for that late-season spark? Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
He didn’t win the starting job out of camp - that went to Spencer Rattler - but since taking over, Shough has looked like the future under center in New Orleans. He’s the first rookie QB in franchise history to win consecutive starts, and with another victory, he’d set a new team record for rookie wins, surpassing none other than Archie Manning.
That’s rare air.
Shough’s growth has been steady and noticeable. He’s making quicker decisions, showing more command at the line, and doing it all without trying to play hero ball. Add in a Saints defense that’s held opponents to 24 points or fewer in five straight games, and you’ve got a team that’s quietly starting to find its identity.
On the other sideline, the Jets are still searching for theirs - and not having much luck. Over the last two weeks, New York has been outscored by a staggering 52 points.
Injuries have gutted the quarterback room, and now third-string rookie Brady Cook is under center. Cook was thrown into the fire last week and got burned, tossing three interceptions in a 48-20 loss to the Jaguars.
He’ll need a massive bounce-back effort if he wants to leave the Superdome with his first career win.
To make matters worse, the Jets defense - once a strength - has completely unraveled. Last week’s collapse against Jacksonville cost defensive coordinator Steve Wilks his job after the unit gave up 330 passing yards, 108 on the ground, and nearly 50 points.
Now it’s up to interim DC Chris Harris to try and plug the leaks. He’ll face a Saints offense that isn’t elite but has enough weapons to make life difficult, especially if Shough continues to trend upward.
This game also features a unique twist: a rookie quarterback duel between two older first-year players. Shough and Cook are both 24 or older, making this just the seventh matchup of rookie QBs in that age range since 1950. Most of those have come in the last two decades, and while it’s not the headline-grabbing Caleb Williams-Drake Maye kind of battle, it’s still a fascinating look at two players trying to prove they belong in this league.
What to Watch For:
- Can Tyler Shough continue his upward trajectory and break the Saints’ rookie QB win record?
- Will Brady Cook rebound from a rough debut and show he can handle the moment?
- How will the Jets defense respond under a new coordinator after a brutal showing last week?
- Which team will inch closer to locking in a top draft pick - and which might build some late-season momentum?
Prediction: The Jets are in a tough spot.
They’re down to their third quarterback, their top receiver is banged up, and the defense is in flux. The Saints, meanwhile, are playing with confidence, have a defense that’s quietly been solid, and a rookie quarterback who’s starting to look the part.
It’s hard to trust either team fully, but based on recent form, the edge goes to New Orleans.
Pick: Saints -5.5
Total: Under 40.5
This may not be a playoff preview, but for two teams trying to build something for the future, Sunday’s game in the Superdome could be a key step in the journey.