Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough leads a young squad's rise. Could this emerging New Orleans team clash with a resurgent Patriots dynasty in a future Super Bowl?
The New Orleans Saints are on an upward trend after a four-game winning streak in their final five games. The team's breakout came in large part because of its starting quarterback Tyler Shough.
Shough's breakout was a revelation to many as the rookie and second-round draft pick looks to have proven he is franchise quarterback caliber through nine NFL starts. The quarterback checked off a handful of milestones, including back-to-back 300-yard games among several other impressive firsts in 2025.
The Saints' 6-11 record does not scream imminent Super Bowl contender, but their recent young additions may do that. In addition to Shough, the team has star receiver Chris Olave and franchise left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Both players seem to have solidified their place among the NFL's better players at their positions if not proven to be starter quality players.
With that, it's hard not to look ahead to the team's potential for a future playoff run and who they may face when they get there. Look no further than this year's AFC champion, the New England Patriots.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) speaks to the media at the Santa Clara Marriott. Cary Edmondson-Imagn ImagesMaybe forecasting what team is going to play in the Super Bowl three years out is an exercise in futility. Then again, maybe there are trends that indicate a potential matchup is possible. If we were forced to forecast who would represent the AFC in three years, however, you'd be hard pressed to find many candidates better than this year's Super Bowl representative.
The Patriots famously went from worst to first in the AFC East division with new head coach Mike Vrabel this year. Whether or not Vrabel or star quarterback Drake Maye is more responsible is uncertain, but whatever the reason the team is there, it's clear the combination is working.
The Kansas City Chiefs long dominated the AFC and may still have a few years of quality football ahead of them. Then there's the Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen who has made several big plays over his career. Nevertheless, there may be no team better set up to win over the next few seasons in the AFC than the young Patriots. It's worth filing away for Saints fans anticipating a New Orleans breakout over the next few years.
New Orleans got a taste of Super Bowl success when recent Hall of Fame inductee Drew Brees elevated the Saints to their first Super Bowl in the 2009 season. It's unclear who the Saints will play when they get there next. But if the team gets there any time soon, keep an eye on the Patriots to be their opponent.