2026 Saints schedule: Previewing home game vs. Cardinals in Week 16

The New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals don’t share the same type of rivalry history as some of New Orleans’ NFC South opponents, but the series record suggests that it’s anyone’s ballgame. The Cardinals escaped the Caesars Superdome last season with a win, spoiling Kellen Moore’s debut as the Saints’ head coach. When they return to New Orleans in Week 16 this coming season, the Saints will have an opportunity to answer back in the same building.

Arizona holds a slight edge in the all-time series — a one-game lead in a matchup that has seen 32 regular-season games and one postseason game. With the series that tight, the upcoming meeting between the two teams will give the Saints a chance to even things up.

Upcoming game in Saints vs. Cardinals

When: Sunday, Dec. 27 (Week 16) at Noon CT

Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.

Record: Cardinals lead 17-16.

Last meeting in Saints vs. Cardinals

Cardinals won 20-13 on Sept. 7, 2025.

The Saints opened the 2025 season at home against the Cardinals and came up short 20-13. Arizona grabbed a 17-10 lead heading into halftime behind Kyler Murray, who threw two touchdowns. Spencer Rattler threw for 214 yards on 46 attempts, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win over a Cardinals team that finished 3-14.

Common connections in Saints vs. Cardinals

Cardinals punter Blake Gillikin was waived by the Saints in late August 2023 and was claimed by the Cardinals just over a month later. Since then, he’s remained in Arizona and signed a contract extension with the team in back-to-back offseasons.

The Cardinals also signed defensive tackle P.J. Mustipher to a one-year contract extension this offseason. He spent the latter part of the 2023 season with the Saints before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in the ensuing offseason.

Notable changes since the last meeting in Saints vs. Cardinals

The Cardinals no longer have Kyler Murray leading their offense. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett is now expected to be Arizona’s starter after Murray was released, though Brissett’s offseason situation has become a storyline after he skipped voluntary OTAs in search of a contract extension.

The Cardinals added young offensive talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love at pick No. 3 overall and quarterback Carson Beck in the third round. Beck could be an immediate option if the situation surrounding Brissett’s sours.

Arizona’s offense still has dangerous pieces with Marvin Harrison Jr remaining the headliner at wide receiver and Trey McBride being one of the better tight end threats that the Saints will see on the schedule.

This matchup appears, on paper, to be one of the easiest that the Saints will encounter all season. Last season, Arizona did not dominate New Orleans; they managed the game more effectively and made key plays when the Saints couldn’t. If Tyler Shough can continue managing games effectively, Travis Etienne Jr. helps the Saints stay balanced offensively, and the wide receivers continue to show up, New Orleans shouldn’t have any issues protecting their home turf.

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