The New Orleans Saints (5-10) aren't ascending toward the playoffs this season but they've matched last season's victory total with two games remaining, and only six NFL teams currently have longer win streaks than the Saints' three straight, the first time they've accomplished that since 2022.
That's noticeable progress and the Saints have a prime opportunity to add to their streak Sunday against the Titans (3-12) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The rookie quarterbacks – No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward of Tennessee and Saints second-round pick Tyler Shough – will be worth watching as the Saints attempt to win their fourth consecutive game within a season for the first time since winning six straight from Weeks 5-10 in 2020.
Here are some areas that should factor:
1. WHAM CAM
The Titans' future at quarterback is secure with Ward, who has completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,866 yards and 13 touchdowns, with seven interceptions, and has added 138 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries. But the number to circle for the Saints' defense is 51 – as in, Ward has been sacked 51 times. New Orleans has the rushers to bring the heat, led by 15-year veteran Cameron Jordan (8.5 sacks) and fellow edge rusher Chase Young (seven sacks). New Orleans' defense is on a heater – 16 points allowed per game in the last six, 177 passing yards allowed per game overall, fourth fewest in the league. Here's a chance to stack another good effort.
2. STEADY SHOUGH
Shough has handled success well so far; New Orleans is 4-3 in his starts and his performances progressively have improved during the winning streak. He posted a career high 308 passing yards against the Jets last Sunday, and the Titan pass defense statistically seems accommodating (223 yards allowed per game, 11th most). Shough, who has 1,792 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions, and receiver Chris Olave (92 catches for 1,044 yards and eight touchdowns) are synced. Can they combine for another solid day?
3. LINE DANCE
Kudos to the Saints' offensive line, which has been a patchwork unit for much of the season and likely will continue to be so Sunday. Few imagined that left guard Dillon Radunz, center Luke Fortner and right guard William Sherman would be starting at this point of the season, but it's where the Saints are and they've held up well enough on the interior. Shough's mobility helps and it should factor against the Titans, but the unit deserves its flowers. Keeping the quarterback upright always is monumental.
4. TOP OF THE HILL
Taysom Hill conjured memories last week with a vintage Hill performance – 12 carries for 42 yards, four catches for 36 yards and a 38-yard touchdown pass to Olave. New Orleans may not need all of that against Tennessee from the only player in the Super Bowl era with 1,000 yards rushing, receiving and passing, but Hill has to be effective as the top running back option and in his role at quarterback.
5. THE CHARLIE FACTOR
The early forecast calls for a possibility of rain at Nissan Stadium. Saints kicker Charlie Smyth already has dealt with conditions that weren't perfect and handled it fine, but each week presents its own separate challenge. Smyth, coming off a five-field goal game – tying the franchise single-game mark – is nine for 11 this season and has the kind of confidence you want to see from your kicker. Hopefully, he won't need to make another five but if he's needed, he has the goods.
