Saints vs. Titans in Week 17: More Than a Matchup - It's a Glimpse Into Two Franchises' Futures
The playoff picture may no longer include the Saints or the Titans, but don’t let the records fool you - this Week 17 showdown in Nashville is far from meaningless. At 5-10, New Orleans enters with momentum, riding a three-game win streak that’s quietly reshaping the narrative around their season.
Tennessee, sitting at 3-12, finds itself at a crossroads - balancing the development of rookie quarterback Cam Ward with the long-term value of a potential top-five draft pick. The Saints are slight road favorites at -2.5, but the real stakes lie in the evaluation of young talent and the direction each team is heading.
Tyler Shough: From Rough Start to Rising Star
Let’s talk about Tyler Shough. The Saints' rookie quarterback has authored one of the most impressive in-season turnarounds of any player in the league. After a rocky debut - a 10-34 loss to the Rams - the second-round pick (No. 40 overall) has settled in and started to show flashes of real franchise potential.
Over his last three starts, Shough has completed 66.4% of his passes for 1,792 yards, tossing seven touchdowns to five interceptions. His 86.5 passer rating during that stretch doesn’t just tell the story of improvement - it speaks to growing command of the offense. His most recent outing against the Jets was a career-best: 32-of-49 for 308 yards and a touchdown, marking his first 300-yard game and a clear sign that he’s becoming more than just a game manager.
Shough’s development has synced up perfectly with Kellen Moore’s offensive system. The Saints are averaging 4.8 yards per play, and while the backfield has been banged up, the scheme has leaned into quick passes, play-action, and smart spacing - all of which fit Shough’s strengths. His poise under pressure, ability to extend plays with his legs, and knack for drawing penalties on scrambles have added dimensions to this offense that weren’t there earlier in the season.
Now he gets a Titans defense that’s been generous, to say the least. Tennessee ranks 29th in opponent points per play (0.448) and is allowing 5.7 yards per play overall.
When opponents build multi-score leads, the Titans’ secondary has been especially vulnerable, giving up 5.1 yards per pass attempt in those situations. That sets up a favorable script for Shough to keep the momentum rolling.
What’s at Stake for New Orleans
This game is more than a chance to extend a win streak - it’s a referendum on the Saints’ quarterback future. Shough is 4-3 as a starter heading into Week 17, and if he can deliver a fifth straight win, New Orleans might walk away from this season with clarity at the most important position in football.
That clarity has draft implications. Win out, and the Saints likely land somewhere in the 13th-14th pick range.
Lose, and they could sneak into the top 10. But if Shough continues to trend upward, that top-10 pick may no longer need to be spent on a quarterback.
That’s a big deal for a franchise that’s been in quarterback limbo since Drew Brees retired.
Cam Ward: A Titan Taking Shape
On the other sideline, Cam Ward is making his own case as a franchise quarterback. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft had a rough start - Tennessee opened 1-5, and Ward struggled with turnovers and accuracy.
But since the bye week, something has clicked. Over his last three games, he’s thrown eight touchdowns to just one interception, including a career-best performance against the Chiefs: 228 yards and a 122.3 passer rating.
Ward’s progression has shifted the Titans’ priorities. Rather than tank for a higher draft pick, the organization is doubling down on Ward’s development. Team president Chad Brinker and GM Mike Borgonzi have even brought him into the fold during the head coaching search - a clear sign they view him as the centerpiece of their rebuild.
Cam Ward doing impressive football stuff with his bros pic.twitter.com/79mmUFZyVh
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) December 22, 2025
This week’s matchup is another measuring stick. The Saints' defense has been quietly solid, allowing just 4.9 yards per play and ranking 8th in third-down conversion rate allowed (34.78%).
They’ve gotten strong interior pressure from Malcolm Koonce, while edge rushers Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson have consistently collapsed the pocket. That kind of disruption could force Ward into uncomfortable territory - particularly when it comes to tight-window throws, where he’s still developing consistency.
Ward’s season-long numbers - 60.2% completion rate, 13 touchdowns, 7 interceptions - reflect a rookie still finding his rhythm, but the recent trend line is what matters most. The Titans aren’t just playing out the string - they’re investing reps in a quarterback they believe in.
Chris Olave: Ascending to Elite
While Shough is the story under center, Chris Olave is the engine that makes the Saints’ offense go. The third-year wideout has been on a tear, turning in a season that’s quietly placing him among the league’s elite.
Through 15 games, Olave has hauled in 92 catches for 1,044 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 11.3 yards per reception. His last game?
A masterclass: 10 catches, 148 yards, and two touchdowns against the Jets. It wasn’t just production - it was dominance.
What separates Olave is his efficiency. He’s averaging 11.9 yards per target - a number that puts him in rare company among high-volume receivers.
Over his last four games, he’s averaged nearly 10 catches and 96 yards per game. That kind of consistency, especially against quality defenses, is what elevates a player from good to great.
Against Tennessee’s secondary, which is allowing a 67.69% completion rate, Olave is set up for another big day. The Titans’ tendency to play soft-zone coverage and their inability to match up in man coverage means Olave should see plenty of favorable looks. His release off the line and route-running precision make him a nightmare in single coverage - and he’s been cashing in.
With Pro Bowl voting underway, this is the kind of game that could cement Olave’s status among the league’s top receivers. If he adds another 100-yard, multi-score performance to his résumé, it’ll be hard to leave him out of that conversation.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just a battle between two eliminated teams - it’s a snapshot of two franchises trying to find their footing. For the Saints, it’s about confirming that Tyler Shough is the guy.
For the Titans, it’s about building around Cam Ward. And for both teams, it’s a chance to close the season with clarity, momentum, and maybe even a little optimism.
Sunday in Nashville might not shape the playoff race, but it could shape the next five years for two teams trying to climb back into contention.