RISING: Are the New Orleans Saints and Tyler Shough READY to SHOCK the NFC South in 2026?

New Orleans Saints shake up the NFC South with bold offensive upgrades and a promising young core. Can Tyler Shough’s breakout rookie performance behind an overhauled offensive line—featuring Kelvin Banks, Taliese Fuaga, and newcomer David Edwards—ignite a playoff surge under Kellen Moore’s play-calling? Chris Olave, Jordan Tyson, and dynamic backfield duo Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne headline an attack poised for a leap, but depth questions at wide receiver loom large. On defense, Pete Werner and Kaden Ellis anchor a revamped linebacker unit, while Chase Young and Carl Granderson headline an edge group blending upside and reliability. The secondary boasts rising stars Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley, with Justin Reid offering veteran stability. Can Brandon Staley maximize this youth movement after top-10 marks in red zone and third-down defense last season? Favorable scheduling and improved roster depth have the Saints primed as the NFC South’s dark horse contender. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.