How many prime-time games will the Saints get to play in 2026?

TL;DR

The New Orleans Saints are hoping for a return to prime-time games in 2026 after being shut out in 2025. They have had a challenging few seasons, with only nine night games since 2022.

Key points

Saints were shut out of prime-time games in 2025
They have played only nine night games since 2022
Saints have a 1-8 record in prime-time matchups
Last appearance on Sunday Night Football was in 2021
Six teams had fewer prime-time games than the Saints

Mentioned in this story

Drew BreesSean PaytonKellen MooreTyler Shough

New Orleans SaintsCarolina PanthersCleveland BrownsJacksonville Jaguars

How many prime-time games will the Saints get to play in 2026?

Only days remain until the 2026 NFL schedule release, and you have to think the New Orleans Saints are hoping for their return to prime time after being shut out in 2025. Life without Drew Brees and Sean Payton has been difficult for them, but Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough seemed to turn things around last season. An eventful offseason with several big free agency signings and bold draft picks has only helped build more momentum. But is it enough?

Just six teams have been featured in fewer night games than the Saints (9) since 2022: the Carolina Panthers (4), Cleveland Browns (6), Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts (7), Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals (8). And the Saints are 1-8 in those matchups, with their sole win coming against Carolina on a Monday night in 2023. On top of that, NBC has not invited the Saints back into Sunday Night Football since they set a record for the prime-time series' lowest-scoring game of all time, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-0 back in 2021. Moore and Shough may have more work to do to convince the schedule-makers they're ready for prime time.