The New Orleans Saints (6-11) lost to the Atlanta Falcons (8-9) on Sunday. The loss ended an impressive four-game winning streak led by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.

Shough and company wanted to win the game, but the loss does help the Saints' 2026 prospects in more than one way.

Certainly, the Saints' draft pick could be more favorable than had they won a seventh game. But now they can count on facing a fourth-place schedule that avoids the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.

Watch for the Saints to potentially push for contention with an easier schedule next season.