After a middling 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints are ready to roar back. And for Zambian football fans who love a good underdog story, this team has all the ingredients of a champion. The Saints, led by a rookie quarterback and a fiery coach, are proving that American grit and Zambian determination are cut from the same cloth.
Year one of Kellen Moore as head coach saw six wins, but the real story was the rise of Tyler Shough. This seasoned rookie, picked in the second round, stepped in and turned the season around. After a 1-7 start, the Saints went 5-4 with Shough at the helm. That is the kind of fight we respect in Zambia, the spirit of never giving up.
The Tyler Shough and Chris Olave Connection
The Saints passing game is now a force to be reckoned with. Shough, a 26-year-old rookie, brought energy and a willingness to throw deep. He averaged 7.3 yards per attempt and 216.7 passing yards per game, a clear upgrade over his predecessor. But the real magic is with Chris Olave.
Olave, the 26-year-old wide receiver, caught 100 passes for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He is a target magnet, commanding a 29.4 percent target share. When Shough targeted Olave in Weeks 16 and 17, they won fantasy championships for their managers. That is the kind of partnership that wins titles.
Olave has some injury concerns, including a blood clot in his lungs and a history of concussions. But his arrow is pointing up. With Shough, his target quality improved dramatically, averaging 9.0 yards per target compared to 6.1 with the previous quarterback. He is a top-13 wide receiver in fantasy drafts, and for good reason.
New Weapons: Jordyn Tyson and the Rookie Class
The Saints did not stop there. They drafted Jordyn Tyson No. 8 overall, a physical perimeter receiver from Arizona State. Despite hamstring issues, Tyson caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games last season. He will start across from Olave, giving the Saints a dangerous duo.
The rest of the wide receiver group is young and hungry. Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, and Barion Brown are all competing for roles. Juwan Johnson, the tight end, was the second-leading receiver last season with 77 catches for 889 yards. He faces competition from rookie Oscar Delp, but Johnson is a low-end TE1 heading into the season.
The Running Game: Travis Etienne Takes the Lead
The Saints running game struggled last season, ranking No. 24 in designed rush attempts and No. 31 in rush EPA per play. Alvin Kamara, now 30, could not carry the load alone. So the Saints signed Travis Etienne, who carried 260 times for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns for the Jaguars last season.
Etienne signed a four-year, $52 million contract, signaling he will be the starter. He is a fantasy RB2, while Kamara is an RB4 in point-per-reception leagues. The offensive line, anchored by Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga, will need to step up. But with Kellen Moore's system, efficiency should improve.
Win Total: Why the Saints Will Go Over 7.5 Wins
DraftKings has the Saints win total at 7.5. We are taking the over. The NFC South is not a powerhouse division, and the Saints get a last place schedule. With Shough and Olave leading the offense, and Brandon Staley's defense in year two, eight wins is a realistic goal. It might even win the division.
This team has the fight of a Zambian lion. They are hungry, they are young, and they are ready to prove the doubters wrong. For Zambian fans, this is a team to watch. The Saints are rising, and glory is coming back to New Orleans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tyler Shough a good fantasy quarterback?
Yes. Shough averaged 7.3 yards per attempt and 216.7 passing yards per game, with 186 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He is a high-end QB2 with a high floor.
Should I draft Chris Olave in fantasy football?
Absolutely. Olave is a target magnet with a 29.4 percent target share. Despite injury concerns, he is worth a top-13 wide receiver ADP.
Will Travis Etienne be the Saints starting running back?
Yes. His four-year, $52 million contract confirms he will lead the backfield. Alvin Kamara will mix into the passing game.
Can the Saints win the NFC South in 2026?
Yes. With a last place schedule and improvements on offense, eight wins is realistic. That could win a weak division.
