The New Orleans Saints are set to embark on a new chapter in the 2025 NFL season, with the full schedule now officially released.
This season marks the beginning of the Kellen Moore era as head coach and the anticipated debut of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, signaling a fresh start for the franchise following a challenging 5-12 campaign last year.
Opening at home: A familiar start
For the seventh time in eight years, the Saints will open their season at home, hosting the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome.
The Week 1 matchup is particularly notable, as the Saints have maintained a winning streak in season openers since 2019.
Their last home game against the Cardinals resulted in a dominant 31-9 victory in 2019, though Arizona holds a narrow lead in the all-time regular season series (16-15).
The Saints’ 2009 playoff win over Arizona evened the overall series, a memory still fresh for many fans.
Key early matchups: Giants return to New Orleans
Another early highlight comes in Week 5, when the New York Giants visit the Superdome.
This game serves as a rematch of the 2021 overtime upset by the Giants and the Saints’ convincing win in 2023. The series between these two teams has been tightly contested, with the Giants holding a slight edge.
A Saints victory in this matchup would even the all-time series at 17-17, adding extra motivation for the Saints.
Divisional showdowns and key dates
The Saints’ schedule features the usual slate of NFC South battles, with pivotal home games against the Carolina Panthers (Week 15, Dec. 14) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 8, Oct. 26).
These matchups are crucial in the Saints’ quest to climb back into playoff contention and reassert themselves in the division.
The Saints will also host the New York Jets on Dec. 21, providing another test against an AFC East opponent as the season winds down.
New era under Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough
The 2025 season is especially significant as it marks the first year under head coach Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
After a difficult 2024, the franchise is looking to build a new identity and develop young talent.
The schedule offers both challenges and opportunities, with a mix of traditional rivals and intriguing out-of-division opponents, including teams from the AFC East and NFC West.
Home and away highlights
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Home Opener: Week 1 vs. Arizona Cardinals
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Key Home Games: New York Giants (Week 5), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 8), Carolina Panthers (Week 15), New York Jets (Dec. 21)
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Divisional Road Games: Dates to be determined, but always a highlight for Saints fans
Season outlook
With a blend of established rivals and new faces, the Saints’ 2025 schedule is packed with must-watch games.
The early home stretch provides a chance to build momentum, while late-season divisional clashes could determine the team’s fate in the NFC South.
As the Saints usher in a new era, fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds to fresh leadership and a challenging slate of opponents.
Key Saints 2025 Home Games
| Week | Opponent | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona Cardinals | Sept. 7 | 12:00pm | Caesars Superdome |
| 5 | New York Giants | Oct. 5 | 12:00pm | Caesars Superdome |
| 8 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Oct. 26 | 3:05pm | Caesars Superdome |
| 15 | Carolina Panthers | Dec. 14 | 3:25pm | Caesars Superdome |
| – | New York Jets | Dec. 21 | 12:00pm | Caesars Superdome |
The game Oct. 5 will be a good one for the ticket sales. Considering the proximity of Ole Miss fans, quarterback Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants coming to town will be a draw.
Dart, taken the first round of the NFL Draft in April, may or may not be seeing much action. That won’t diminish the attendance, though, as the Saints have one of the easiest-ranked schedules in the NFL.