RSS Saints Team Notes

[New Orleans Saints]

Former Alabama and Saints RB Mark Ingram to be inducted into the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class

The National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Hall of Fame have announced the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class and Former Alabama and New Orleans Saints Running Back Mark Ingram will soon be joining the elite group of college athletes and coaches.

Ingram becomes the 28th former Crimson Tide player or coach to be induced into the College Football Hall of Fame and is the 3rd Alabama inductee since 2024, as he joins Antonio Langham (2024) and Nick Saban (2025).

Ingram played for the Alabama from 2008-2010. In 2009, he became the first Heisman Trophy winner in the school’s history after rushing for 1658 yards, 17 touchdowns and helping the Tide win the 2009 National Championship.

Ingram was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2008. He earned consensus All-American status and SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2009 in addition to being named the Most Valuable Player of the BCS National Championship. During his 3 seasons at Alabama, Ingram rushed for 3,261 yards on 572 attempts, scored 42 rushing touchdowns plus caught 60 receptions for 670 yards and 4 touchdowns. His 42 rushing touchdowns currently ranks as the 3rd-most in program history, while his 3,261 rushing yards stand as 7th-most in the school’s record book

In 2010, Ingram was drafted 28th overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2010, where played 10 total seasons. Through his 12-year NFL career, he rushed for 8,111 rushing yards with 65 touchdowns and was selected to Pro Bowl in 2014, 2017 and 2019.

Joining Ingram in the 2026 College Hall of Fame Class are:

(Players)

• Jerry Azumah, RB (1995-98) – University of New Hampshire
• Ki-Jana Carter, RB (1991-94) – Penn State University
• Bruce Collie, OT (1981-84) – University of Texas at Arlington
• George Cumby, LB (1976-79) – University of Oklahoma
• Aaron Donald, DT (2010-13) – University of Pittsburgh
• Marvin Harrison, KR/WR (1992-95) – Syracuse University
• Garrison Hearst, RB (1990-92) – University of Georgia
• Chris Hudson, DB (1991-94) – University of Colorado
• Mark Ingram, RB (2008-10) – University of Alabama
• Olin Kreutz, C (1995-97) – University of Washington
• James Laurinaitis, LB (2005-08) – Ohio State University
• Jordan Lynch, AP/QB (2010-13) – Northern Illinois University
• Herman Moore, WR (1988-90) – University of Virginia
• Terence Newman, CB (1999-2002) – Kansas State University
• Bob Novogratz, OG (1957-58) – United States Military Academy
• Ndamukong Suh, DT (2006-09) – University of Nebraska
• Peter Warrick, WR (1996-99) – Florida State University
• Eric Weddle, S (2003-06) – University of Utah

(Coaches)

COACHES:

• Jim Margraff: 221-89-3 (71.1%) – Johns Hopkins University [MD] (1990-2018)
• Gary Patterson: 181-79-0 (69.6%) – Texas Christian University (2000-21)
• Chris Petersen: 147-38-0 (79.5%) – Boise State University (2006-13); Uni. of Washington (2014-19)
• Ken Sparks: 338-99-2 (77.2%) – Carson-Newman University [TN] (1980-2016)

The formal College Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-the-2026-college-football-hall-of-fame-class

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Should the Saints bring back Isaiah Stalbird?

The New Orleans Saints have some tough decisions to make this offseason with pending free agents, but one of the easier ones should be re-signing former UDFA LB Isaiah Stalbird, who proved to be an exciting piece for Brandon Staley’s defense.

The former South Dakota State Jackrabbit and converted defensive back finally got his chance to shine after a redshirt year on the Saints’ practice squad as a rookie. Stalbird finished the 2025 season with 25 total tackles (12 solo), six pressures, two sacks, four stops and a pass breakup across 17 games and 63 defensive snaps.

Standing 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, the former safety’s speed and quickness proved valuable as a stand-up edge rusher in Staley’s scheme. Down the stretch, he became one of the more electric players to watch on a rolling Saints defense.

Just 25 years old, Stalbird could develop into a dynamic asset for New Orleans if the team decides to bring him back on a new deal. With his speed and versatility, he has the tools to become a playmaker for the defense as the Saints continue to shape the personnel for Staley’s 3-4 scheme.

Would you like to see the Saints re-sign Isaiah Stalbird?

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c.../should-the-saints-bring-back-isaiah-stalbird

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Watson’s Saints 3-round mock NFL Draft

With the 2026 NFL Draft just over four months away and the postseasons of both professional and college football coming to a close, many athletes hopeful of hearing their names called in April are prepping to put forth their best for scouts, coaches, and staff of teams seeking to fill their needs. As for Kellen Moore, Mickey Loomis, and the New Orleans Saints, the eighth overall pick of the draft will add another foundational pillar to the future of football in the Big Easy.

This mock draft was completed without New Orleans submitting any trades, although such trades are certainly feasible within the early round selections. The Saints currently hold one pick in each of the first three rounds of the upcoming draft in Pittsburgh. They will choose prospects at slots 8, 42, and 73.

While many believed that the Saints would be locked into selecting a top quarterback following the early portion of this past season, the performance from 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough has given New Orleans new life at the position. With their QB of the future locked in, this will allow the team to build around him and get new weapons on both sides of the football. Here’s how I could see things breaking down:

Round 1, Pick 8- Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

Should Auburn’s Keldric Faulk be the first edge defender taken in the draft, there is a very real possibility that Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., whom many believe to be a top-three talent in this year’s draft, could fall to number eight, where New Orleans would be waiting to pounce. Bain, a three-year player at UM, is having a career season helping Miami find a spot in the National Championship game. The 6’3” pass rusher has nearly 20 sacks over the course of the past three years and has come to be an opposing QB’s worst nightmare. With uncertainty about whether or not longtime Saint Cam Jordan will return to the team, Who Dat Nation could very well be looking at Jordan’s successor, the defense so desperately needs.

Round 2, Pick 42- Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

After securing a top defender in the draft class, Tyler Shough will get a new pass catcher on the roster at a big position of need. The Saints lack size in their wide receiver room. They need someone with a large frame, strong hands, and a knack for finding the open space within the defense. Germie Bernard checks all of those boxes for New Orleans—the 6’1”, 204lb. Wideout has made a few stops on his collegiate football trail. After beginning with Michigan State, he found himself playing first for the Washington Huskies and then wrapping up his playing time with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Bernard gathered over 2,200 receiving yards through college on 155 receptions. He is a smart, sure-handed playmaker that I am sure Kellen Moore would love to have in his offense.

Round 3, Pick 73- Hezekiah Masses, CB, California

Hezekiah Masses is a 6’1” senior cornerback from the California Golden Bears. After playing for three seasons as a Panther at Florida International, Masses went cross-country to play at CAL. There, he burst onto the scene and secured five interceptions in his senior season. The CB is active on the field and has a nose for the football. Masses had 24 pass breakups throughout his four college seasons, including 12 of them in 2025. One of the quickest-rising defenders in the upcoming draft class could find a home within Brandon Staley’s top-ten defense next season and serve a large role as a rookie.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/nfl-draft/105728/watsons-saints-3-round-mock-nfl-draft

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Fleur-de-Links, January 15: Saints great set to be inducted in CFB HOF

Former Alabama and Saints RB Mark Ingram to be inducted into the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class​

Very well deserved.

Michael Thomas Confirms Wild Sean Payton Story About Super Bowl Trophy in Saints Locker Room​

Another reason the Saints should have won a Super Bowl from 2017 to 2019.

[URL='https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/onsi/saints-news/dante-moore-staying-at-oregon-negatively-impacts-saints-pat3']Dante Moore Staying At Oregon Negatively Impacts Saints[/URL]​

Not the best news for the Saints’ 8th overall selection.

RT for a chance to win a Tyler Shough autographed football!

Vote Shough for Rookie of the Year: https://t.co/0YipLG9k0S#Saints | Rules: https://t.co/a7SWIYCPTO pic.twitter.com/rR9ck0alto

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 13, 2026

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...15-saints-great-set-to-be-inducted-in-cfb-hof

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Former Saints RB is on his way to the UFL

When the New Orleans Saints faced 53-man roster cuts, one of the hardest positions to predict was the RB room. The Saints had a decent group throughout training camp, and with some talent sprinkled throughout, the deeper part of the group was going to be a tight battle.

In the end, the Saints went with Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, and Velus Jones Jr. On the outside was UDFA Marcus Yarns. After that, Yarns landed on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ practice squad in the CFL, but that lasted until October. Now, the former Saints UDFA will have another chance, this time in the UFL.

If he's even, he's leavin'

Welcome WR Marcus Yarns to H-Town!#UFLDraft pic.twitter.com/GLIcJDQmbJ

— Houston Gamblers (@UFLGamblers) January 15, 2026

When the Saints brought in Yarns as a UDFA, many, including myself, believed he could be an excellent weapon for the offense. He had home run ability, which is something HC Kellen Moore talked about all season, and was excellent as a pass catcher.

Sometimes, a player making a roster is less about talent and more about fit. The Saints had a great RB group going into the season, and there was just little space for Yarns. Hopefully, the young RB can have a great season with the Houston Gamblers and make his way back to the league.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...780/former-saints-rb-is-on-his-way-to-the-ufl

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Fleur-de-Links, January 17: A former Saint finds a new home

A former Saints WR is headed to the UFL​

Marcus Yarns has joined the Houston Gamblers.

Who were your defense standouts for the Saints in 2025?​

Some familiar names really stepped up this year.

Could Spencer Rattler be headed elsewhere?​

5 teams that could be interested in trading for the Saints backup QB.

Chase Young is beast mood. pic.twitter.com/L6xAutPSf9

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 17, 2026

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ks-january-17-a-former-saint-finds-a-new-home

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Seahawks vs. 49ers: Divisional Playoff Open Thread

Tonight, the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers in the second of two Divisional Playoff games. Seattle comes into the game as the NFC’s top seed and should be well-rested off of their bye, while the Niners come in off a thrilling Wild Card win in Philly last week. Seattle is the favorite here, but San Francisco may be every bit the equal of their division rivals. This should be a great way to conclude the first day of the 2026 Divisional Playoff weekend!

NFC Divisional Playoff​

#6 San Francisco 49ers at #1 Seattle Seahawks​

Lumen Field – Seattle, Washington​

Kickoff – 5:00pm PST / 7:00pm CST / 8:00pm EST​

Network – FOX​

Odds – Seahawks -7, O/U 44.5​

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...hawks-vs-49ers-divisional-playoff-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Broncos vs. Bills: Divisional Playoff Open Thread

Today, the Denver Broncos host the Buffalo Bills in the first of two Divisional Playoff games. Buffalo is coming off an exciting win in Jacksonville last weekend, while Denver is fresh off a bye week and rested up for this game. Josh Allen against the Denver defense will be the story of this game, and it will be fun to see which of these teams punches their ticket to Championship Sunday. This should be a great way to start the first day of the 2026 Divisional Round!

AFC Divisional Playoff​

#5 Buffalo Bills at #1 Denver Broncos​

Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colorado​

Kickoff – 1:30pm PST / 3:30pm CST / 4:30pm EST​

Network – CBS​

Odds – Broncos -1.5, O/U 46.5​

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105790/broncos-vs-bills-divisional-playoff-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Bears vs. Rams: Divisional Playoff Open Thread

Today, the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams in the second of two Divisional Playoff games. Los Angeles is coming off a shootout win in Carolina last week, while Chicago is coming off a remarkable comeback win against Green Bay. It will be fun to see which of these teams punches their ticket to Championship Sunday. This will be a fantastic way to end the 2026 Divisional Round!

NFC Divisional Playoff​

#3 Los Angeles Rams at #2 Chicago Bears​

Soldier Field – Chicago, Illinois​

Kickoff – 3:30pm PST / 5:30pm CST / 6:30pm EST​

Network – NBC​

Odds – Rams -3.5, O/U 48.5​

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105821/bears-vs-rams-divisional-playoff-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Fleur-de-Links, January 19: Tyler Shough continues getting praised

Canal Street Chronicles: NFL Playoffs Bold Predictions​

Check out if the CSC staff’s bold predictions were correct.

Tyler Shough Gets Stamp Of Approval From Saints Legend​

Could Shough make this player return?

Morning Break: Tyler Shough to work with Drew Brees, Joel Thomas named Senior Bowl head coach​

The correct move going into next season.

Reggie Bush in the Divisional Round 16 years ago:

217 all-purpose yards
2 TDs
12 touches pic.twitter.com/m2WV7EtynQ

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 17, 2026

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ary-19-tyler-shough-continues-getting-praised

 

[New Orleans Saints]

2026 CFP National Championship Game Open Thread

Tonight, the #10 Miami Hurricanes (13-2) face the #1 Indiana Hoosiers (15-0) in the CFP National Championship Game presented by AT&T. The success of these schools may come as a shock to some, but should not be considered a surprise to fans that have payed attention to these programs over the last couple of years. Miami looks to win their first national title since 2001, while Indiana looks to win their first ever national title. No matter the result tonight, we will see a champion we haven’t seen in at least a quarter-century.

2026 CFP National Championship Game​

#10 Miami Hurricanes vs. #1 Indiana Hoosiers​

Location: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida​

Game Time: 4:30pm PST / 6:30pm CST / 7:30pm EST ​

Network: ESPN​

Odds – Indiana -7.5, O/U 48.5​

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105579/2026-cfp-national-championship-game-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Updated 2026 NFL Draft order: Current 1st-round picks after the Divisonal Round

After another slate of exciting playoff games (except 49ers vs. Seahawks), more draft positions have been solidified.

Here is the new first-round draft order.

Updated 2026 NFL Draft order​

1. Las Vegas Raiders
2. New York Jets
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Washington Commanders
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Kansas City Chiefs
10. Cincinnati Bengals
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Los Angeles Rams (previously owned by Atlanta Falcons)
14. Baltimore Ravens
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. New York Jets (previously owned by the Indianapolis Colts)
17. Detroit Lions
18. Minnesota Vikings
19. Carolina Panthers
20. Dallas Cowboys (previously owned by the Green Bay Packers)
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
22. Los Angeles Chargers
23. Philadelphia Eagles
24. Cleveland Browns (previously owned by the Jacksonville Jaguars)
25. Chicago Bears
26. Buffalo Bills
27. San Francisco 49ers
28. Houston Texans
29. Los Angeles Rams
30. New England Patriots
31. Denver Broncos
32. Seattle Seahawks

What the Saints can do at #8​

I have been focusing on defensive prospects recently, but let’s get back to the offense. The Saints need to do everything in their power to avoid a sophomore slump from Tyler Shough. We have seen what it can do to someones confidents with what happened to Texans QB C.J. Stroud. He has taken a massive step back from his rookie year, and the Saints can’t afford something like that to happen to them.

With that in mind, this roster needs another WR. Chris Olave is the top guy; Devaugn Vele is what the Saints have been missing in their WR room. The depth is good, but that #2 option still must be found. That could be done in free agency, but with Olave’s extension going to be expensive, going for the cheap option in the draft may be the best decision. In the first round, three WRs (Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon) are all excellent options for the Saints. Today, let’s talk about Makai Lemon.

The USC WR is a dynamic player after the catch who can maneuver past defenders and change the outcome of a game. He is not the most athletic, fast, or tall (listed at 5-foot-11), but man, he is a great WR. Primarily in the slot, Lemon is always open, and his height is not an issue. Somehow, Lemon can play like he is 6-foot-4 in contested situations. His catch radius is not great, and there are times in games where the throw is off, and while other WRs may be able reach for it, Lemon can’t. Like with every other WR in this class, there are some drawbacks, but Lemon would be the perfect complement to Olave and Vele, while also becoming a top option for Shough.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ent-1st-round-picks-after-the-divisonal-round

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints have their first contract extension of the season

The offseason is underway, and the New Orleans Saints are not wasting time. Since the end of the season, some small moves were made, such as some reserve/future signings, but that’s all. Well, today, that changed. The Saints officially announced that they have signed SAF Julian Blackmon to a 1-year contract extension.

The #Saints have signed S Julian Blackmon to a one-year contract extension.

— Tina Howell (@TinaM_Howell) January 20, 2026

Although this may still look like a minor move, it’s quite the opposite. In the small sample size, Blackmon was healthy, he played very well, and the idea that rookie Jonas Sanker could play over him was inconceivable. Obviously, as I mentioned, that did not last long, only playing the first game of the season, but he looked like the best Saints DB on the field. Is that sustainable? Doubtfully. But now, Blackmon’s role with the Saints will be as depth, coming in throughout games.

With Blackmon coming back for one more year, this is a win-win situation for both sides. For New Orleans, the safety room is now complete. A group of Justin Reid, Sanker, and Blackmon is extremely good. Looking at this from Blackmon’s perspective, the veteran can now try to make an impact throughout the season, build up his value again, and get a bigger contract in 2027.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-their-first-contract-extension-of-the-season

 

[New Orleans Saints]

PFF reveals Saints rookie snap counts and grades

As the 2025 season winds down, it’s time to start player evaluations and PFF has already broken down all the rookie’s production from 32 teams by total snaps played to date using PFF Grades and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Their rankings have been complied among those players who have played at least 100 snaps this season. So, let’s take a look at how the New Orleans Saints rookie class fared this season.

• Kelvin Banks Jr. played the most snaps, with 1066.
• Kelvin Banks Jr. led the team’s rookie class in PFF grade at 76.4.
• Tyler Shough led the team’s rookie class in WAR at 1.132.
• Tyler Shough ranked 1st among rookie quarterbacks in PFF grade at 74.6.
• Danny Stutsman ranked 3rd among rookie linebackers in PFF grade at 71.5.

Banks and Shough’s productivity have been noticed leaguewide as both just were named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. Shough was also named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Month for December/January 2025 and is nominated for NFL Rookie of the Year, which fans can vote on at Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year | NFL.com from now until January 30th.

You can check out PFF’s grades for all 32 team’s rookies at Rookie grades and snaps for all 32 teams

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...als-saints-2025-rookie-snap-counts-and-grades

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints season ticket prices to remain the same for 2026 season

On Wednesday, the New Orleans Saints notified their season ticket holders that they will not see an increase on ticket prices for the 2026-27 season from the previous season’s pricing.

Saints’ season tickets have been sold out every season since 2006, which was their first year back in the dome after Hurricane Katrina. That season the team also sign Sean Payton and Drew Brees, who led them to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history.

The Saints are currently scheduled to play 9 regular season home games barring an announcement from the NFL of the team playing an international game. They will take on the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers in Caesars Superdome next season.

They will hit the road to face the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and New York Giants.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ices-to-remain-the-same-price-for-2026-season

 

[New Orleans Saints]

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Kiper predicts Saints add offensive weapon

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first official mock draft ahead of April’s 2026 NFL Draft. In the article, Kiper Jr. made his predictions for all 32 first-round picks, including the New Orleans Saints selecting Arizona State University wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at eighth-overall.

The pass catching prospect is listed as 6’2”, 200 lbs., and would immediately provide New Orleans with some much needed size within the offense. Tyson finished his Junior year at ASU with 711 yards on 61 receptions while securing eight touchdowns.

Kiper Jr. had this to say when explaining why the Saints would make this pick in his prediction: “After rumors swirled about Chris Olave being on the trade market ahead of the deadline this season, it looks as if New Orleans is hanging onto its star wideout. However, Olave is under contract for only one more year, and even if the Saints extend him, they still need more pass-catching options for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Consider that Rashid Shaheed was the only other Saints wide receiver with over 300 receiving yards this season, and he was dealt at the deadline. Tyson could immediately be a red zone target for Shough thanks to his strength and ability on contested catches”.

Tyson was predicted as the second WR off the board in this mock draft behind the New York Giants’ pick of Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. Two players who have been consistently linked to New Orleans, Rueben Bain Jr. and Jeremiah Love, were selected at picks seven and nine, respectively.

What do you think of Mel Kiper’s first-round mock selection for the Saints? Do you agree with the pick or think New Orleans should look elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ft-kiper-predicts-saints-add-offensive-weapon

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Should the Saints bring back Luke Fortner?

The interior of the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line was a weakness all season, but even after Erik McCoy went down with a season-ending torn bicep in Week 7, the center position was stabilized by pending free agent Luke Fortner.

New Orleans acquired Fortner in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for DT Khalen Saunders prior to the start of the 2025 season—a move that paid off as injuries depleted the offensive line. While replacing McCoy’s impact is nearly impossible, the 27-year-old former third-round pick filled in seamlessly and established himself as a reliable depth option.

In 12 games and 10 starts, Fortner allowed just three sacks and 11 pressures on 442 pass-blocking snaps while committing only three penalties. He earned a 72.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in his first season with the black and gold.

Fortner becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and with McCoy struggling to stay healthy over the past two seasons, maintaining reliable depth at center should be a priority for New Orleans.

Are you on board with the Saints bringing back Luke Fortner?

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...887/should-the-saints-bring-back-luke-fortner

 

[New Orleans Saints]

NFL Playoff Picks 2026: Conference Championships

NFL Conference Championship Sunday has been long regarded as the most exciting weekend in sports and that should continue with these two fantastic matchups with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line in both games. As the road to the Super Bowl comes near its end, let’s take a look at the matchups ahead.

The NFL’s final four take the stage to determine who moves on to Super Bowl LX. The AFC title matchup features the two of the NFL’s best defenses, while the NFC title matchup features two of the NFL’s most exciting offenses and dominant defenses. These games should be quite entertaining!

Last week, I went 3-1

I told you so: Rams over Bears!

What do I know: 49ers over Seahawks?

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS​

#2 New England Patriots at #1 Denver Broncos​

Sunday, January 25th – 2:00pm CST – CBS

From 2012-2019, the New England Patriots played in eight-consecutive AFC Championship Games, an unprecedented run that many believed couldn’t be duplicated, until the Kansas City Chiefs reached seven-consecutive AFC Championship Games, from 2019-2025. Kansas City saw their run come to an abrupt end a year short of New England’s mark, just in time for the Patriots to make their way back to their familiar spot atop the AFC mountain top.

Bo Nix’s successful second season came to a sudden crashing end in overtime in the Divisional round against Buffalo, and in the young quarterback’s place comes journeyman veteran quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, who has only started four-career hames in his seven-year career, with a 1-3 record in stints with Las Vegas and Denver, lat making a start in the 2023 regular season. Now, in the biggest game of his life, Stidham faces the team that drafted him back in 2019, to potentially follow Tom Brady, no pressure.

Denver gets a lot of credit for their defense, but New England’s defense has been the most dominant in the AFC field this year, and the Pats defense will have Jarred Stidham wishing he was holding a clipboard and gathering some Juicy Fruit gum for Sean Payton. Potential NFL MVP Drake Maye will lead his team to victory by avoiding mistakes in what is clearly the biggest game of his life as well. The Chiefs may be gone for now, but the Patriots are going back in the Super Bowl again. At least Tom Brady won’t be there.

Pick: Patriots

Final Score: 24-16

***

#5 Los Angeles Rams at #1 Seattle Seahawks​

Sunday, January 25th – 5:30pm CST – FOX

This is not just another NFC Championship game. This is not just a showdown of division rivals, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. This is a rematch of the Game of the Year this past regular season. A game that put this title match in Seattle instead of Los Angeles. The last time these bitter NFC West rivals faced each other, the Rams opened a huge lead, but the Seahawks proved a lot to the league as well as themselves by coming all the way back and ultimately defeating the Rams, albeit controversially, in overtime.

Sam Darnold has done a lot to prove his doubters wrong down the stretch to end the season, as well as his team’s performance in the Divisional round. To no one’s surprise, Matthew Stafford has risen to the occasion for the Rams in these playoffs, and the potential NFL MVP will need to be at his absolute best against the NFC’s top-rated defense. Seattle’s dominant defense reminded people who they are last week against San Francisco, but the Rams are a much different beast than the Niners.

Seattle has proven themselves to be the NFC’s best, but the Rams are the very last team they wanted to face. They beat the last time around, sure, but the Rams match up better with the Seahawks than any team in the league, and this will be another exciting, nail-biting showdown that may ultimately eclipse every game in these playoffs, including the Super Bowl itself. It takes overtime once again, but this time the Rams hit a 50-yard field goal to send Los Angeles to the Super Bowl.

Pick: Rams

Final Score: 29-26

***

Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen, your potential conference champions. Even without the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs, we definitely have some coaches, players and story lines to root for and against this weekend. Leave us your picks, insight, and comments below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105860/nfl-playoff-picks-2026-conference-championships

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Julian Blackmon’s contract with the Saints revealed

Earlier this week, the New Orleans Saints signed S Julian Blackmon to a contract extension. This may not have been an expected move, but it was well-received by most when the deal was revealed. Bringing back Blackmon made too much sense given how he played before his injury and where the Saints’ SAF room currently is. Justin Reid and Jonas Sanker will be the starters, but Blackmon provides great depth.

Although the extension was announced, it was unclear what the money would look. Today, those numbers were revealed, and per Katherine Terrell, the Saints signed Blackmon to a league minimum 1-year, $1.25 million contract with a signing bonus and guaranteed money.

Julian Blackmon signed a new one-year deal with the Saints recently.

Base: $1.25 million (league minimum)
Cap: $1.515 million
Signing Bonus: $300,000
Guaranteed Money: $1 million ($700K of base is guaranteed)

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) January 23, 2026

After the deal was announced, a contract like this was expected, but getting Blackmon for league minimum is excellent. Removing injuries from the conversation, Blackmon is a starting safety in this league, not at the league minimum. Adding the injuries back in makes sense of why he did not get more. It’s too much of a risk to give him more because you don’t know how many games he is going to play.

Still, this was a great move to start next season.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...n-blackmons-contract-with-the-saints-revealed

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Canal Street Chronicles: AFC and NFC Championship Bold Predictions

We’re now down to the final four teams for this weekend’s AFC and NFC Championship Games with the Broncos and Patriots (AFC) and Seahawks and Rams (NFC) playing for the opportunity to represent their conferences in two weeks in Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.

So, let’s jump right in and take a look at some of the Canal Street Chronicles staff’s predictions for Championship Weekend.

NIC:

• Rashid Shaheed has another special teams touchdown
• Puka Nacua records 10+ catches and over 100 receiving yards
• The Patriots win by 20+ points

HAYDEN:

• Stidham throws 3 INTs and the Patriots win easily
• Rams and Seahawks combine for 80+ points
• Rams win after a missed Seahawks field goal

CALEB:

• Jarret Stidham leads the broncos to a win
• The Rams fall short to their division rival Seahawks
• Kenneth Walker runs for 200 yards

JASON:

• Stidham shocks the world leading the Broncos to the Super Bowl over thr Patriots
• Rams defense gets after Sam Darnold and has four sacks
• Seahawks earn come from behind victory to advance from NFCCG

KYLE:

• Broncos win with both teams failing to reach 20 points
• Rashid Shaheed is the X factor in Seahawks vs. Rams
• All four quarterbacks throw an interception

What do you think about the CSC staff’s predictions? What are your bold predictions Championship Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...les-afc-and-nfc-championship-bold-predictions