So, you’re checking the clock and looking for the remote. It's a common ritual. But if you’re asking what time does saints play today, I've got some news that might be a little tough to swallow if you were hoping for a kickoff this evening.
Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026.
👉 See also: Nebraska Basketball Schedule 2025: What Most People Get Wrong
The New Orleans Saints aren't on the field today. Honestly, nobody is. The NFL divisional round doesn't actually get moving until Saturday. But for the Who Dat Nation, the wait is going to be even longer than that. After a rollercoaster 6-11 season that saw a late-season surge fall just short, the Saints are officially in "next year" mode.
The Current NFL Playoff Situation
If you’re a football junkie just looking for any game to watch, you’re going to have to be patient. There is no Thursday Night Football tonight. Since we’re deep in the postseason, the league has shifted away from those midweek Amazon Prime slots to focus on the heavy-hitter weekend matchups.
The real action starts Saturday, January 17.
The Buffalo Bills are heading to Denver to take on the Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET. Later that night, the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks are set for an 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff on FOX. That Seahawks game is actually a huge storyline right now because their quarterback, Sam Darnold, just popped up on the injury report with an oblique issue. He says he’s playing, but in the playoffs, you never really know.
Sunday gives us the Texans at the Patriots and the Rams at the Bears. It’s a solid lineup, even if the black and gold won’t be part of it.
Why the Saints Aren't Playing Today
It’s been a weird year in New Orleans. Kellen Moore’s first year as head coach didn't exactly start with a bang. They went through a brutal stretch early on, losing a string of games including a 44-13 blowout against Seattle and a frustrating 31-19 loss to the Bills.
Then things got interesting.
Tyler Shough stepped in at quarterback and actually gave the fans something to cheer about. They rattled off four straight wins toward the end of the season, including a 34-26 thriller against the Titans where Chris Olave secured his first 100-catch season. For a minute there, it felt like they might actually sneak into the postseason.
🔗 Read more: Detroit Lions Injured Reserve: How the 2025 Roster Shuffle Actually Works
But then came the finale.
On January 4, 2026, the Saints traveled to Atlanta. It was a classic NFC South slugfest. Shough threw a late touchdown to Ronnie Bell to make it 19-17, but they couldn't close the gap. That loss officially ended the season and cemented their spot at the bottom of the division.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Since you won't find a Saints game on TV today, the best thing to do is look at what's coming. The 2026 opponents are already locked in. Because they finished fourth in the NFC South, they actually have a "last place" schedule, which sounds bad but is secretly a bit of a gift.
They’ll be facing a lot of teams going through major transitions.
In fact, the Saints are slated to play seven games against teams that will have brand-new head coaches in 2026. We’re talking about matchups with the Falcons, Cardinals, Ravens, Browns, Raiders, and Giants. John Harbaugh has already taken the Giants job, which is going to be a fascinating storyline when New Orleans heads to MetLife Stadium next fall.
The home slate at the Caesars Superdome looks pretty diverse. They’ve got the usual suspects like the Bucs and Panthers, but they’re also hosting the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How to Stay Connected During the Offseason
If you’re feeling that post-season void, there are a few things to keep an eye on. The NFL Draft order is starting to solidify, and with the Saints picking early, there’s a lot of chatter about whether they’ll stick with Shough or look for a long-term franchise cornerstone.
Dante Moore out of Oregon is the name everyone is whispering about right now.
You should also keep an eye on the coaching carousel. Even though Kellen Moore seems safe for now, the staff around him might see some changes as they try to figure out how to turn those late-season flashes into a full 17-game performance.
✨ Don't miss: Why the American football conference standings look so weird right now
So, while you won't be hearing "When the Saints Go Marching In" today, the groundwork for 2026 is already being laid. The next big date for your calendar isn't a kickoff, but the start of free agency and the scouting combine in February.
Actionable Next Steps for Saints Fans
- Check the Divisional Round: If you still want your football fix, tune in Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET for Bills vs. Broncos.
- Track the Draft: Keep tabs on Dante Moore’s draft stock; he could be the future in New Orleans.
- Review the 2026 Opponents: Start planning your road trips now, especially for those challenging games in Baltimore and Detroit.
- Watch the Coaching Hires: See who the Falcons and Panthers hire, as those new schemes will be the Saints' biggest hurdles next season.
The 2025 season is in the rearview mirror, but with a fourth-place schedule and a potentially high draft pick, the path back to the playoffs in 2026 is already starting to take shape.