6 important things to know about Saints' schedule in 2026

TL;DR

The New Orleans Saints' 2026 schedule features a strategic bye week after a challenging start, with significant travel ahead. Key matchups include a game in Paris against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Key points

Saints' bye week is after Week 7 game in Paris.
Only three home games in first seven games.
Facing Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris.
Significant travel time for the Saints.
Half of remaining games are at home.

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We've had time to go over the New Orleans Saints' 2026 schedule, and some things stand out. From travel time to rest days and specific opponent lineups, there are some real quirks to take note of. Some of those things work in the Saints' favor. Some present new challenges to overcome. Here are six important things you need to know about this year's slate of games.

1. The bye week arrives at a great time for the Saints

The Saints will play just three of their first seven games at home in New Orleans before getting a breather during the bye week, which means they'll come off a week of rest with ten games to go -- and half of them being played at home in the Caesars Superdome. The Week 8 bye falls immediately after their Week 7 game with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris, which the Saints requested. Four of those five road games will be played in back-to-back weeks, so it isn't like the Saints will be spending an extended time away from home. And each of those away games will take place in the Central or Eastern Time Zones. They just need to make it through the gauntlet in the opening weeks.

2. Few teams will spend as much time in travel as the Saints

With that said, the Saints will travel more air miles than all but ten other teams. They're estimated to have 21,892 miles ahead of them in the regular season which is more than two of their NFC South rivals put together (20,925 miles between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers). While much of that can be chalked up to the Paris game, the Saints will also have long flights taking them to Detroit, Baltimore, New York, , and . The training staff had better prepare an effective rest and recovery plan to deal with so much time in the air.

Q&A

What is the significance of the Saints' bye week in 2026?

The bye week is strategically placed after the Saints' Week 7 game, allowing them to rest before tackling ten games, with half at home.

How many home games will the Saints play in their first seven games of 2026?

The Saints will play only three home games in their first seven games of the 2026 season.

Which team will the Saints face in Paris during the 2026 season?

The Saints will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris during the 2026 season.

What are the travel challenges the Saints will face in 2026?

The Saints will have significant travel demands, with many away games scheduled in back-to-back weeks, primarily in the Central or Eastern Time Zones.