The New Orleans Saints enter 2026 as the NFL’s favorite mystery box: possibly exciting, probably dangerous and somehow already priced like everyone knows what is inside.

On The Stephie Smalls Show, Stephie is joined by comedian and Bottom Line Bombs host CJ Sullivan to figure out whether the Saints’ late-season spark was the beginning of something real or just the NFC South briefly locating electricity. The conversation starts with Tyler Shough, whose promising finish has created genuine optimism in New Orleans and a minor nationwide investigation into how a second-year quarterback can already feel eligible for a Costco membership.

Shough showed mobility, arm talent and enough competence to make everyone forget the Spencer Rattler experience. Still, Stephie and CJ agree the hype needs adult supervision. His passing-yard total is sitting among far more established quarterbacks, making the under one of CJ’s favorite Saints bets.

The offense does offer reasons for excitement. Chris Olave remains the clear centerpiece and a strong candidate to beat his touchdown prop. Rookie Jordyn Tyson brings upside, although CJ has concerns about his ability to stay healthy. Travis Etienne raises the floor of a rushing attack that badly needed one, while Juwan Johnson continues his quiet campaign to win fantasy leagues without ever becoming a fashionable draft pick.

The defense, the easy schedule and the general nonsense of the NFC South give New Orleans a path to meaningful December football. Stephie ultimately prefers the Saints’ playoff price to blindly betting the win-total over, because this division may crown a champion the way a restaurant gives away a free dessert: somebody has to receive it.

Their final diagnosis is oddly encouraging. The 2026 Saints may be a better fantasy football team than an actual football team. In the NFC South, that may still be enough.