A Rising Star in the Making
When the New Orleans Saints wrapped up the 2025 campaign, few could have predicted the spark that Tyler Shough would ignite. The rookie quarterback posted a 16.4‑point fantasy average after the break, a figure that placed him among the most efficient signal‑callers in the league during that stretch.
What made Shough’s emergence more than a flash in the pan was his dual‑threat skill set. He combined a crisp passing attack with a surprising rushing component, averaging 4.5 carries and roughly 20 rushing yards per game after week 10.
A High‑Tempo Offense
The Saints’ offensive philosophy, overseen by coordinator Kellen Moore, is built around a high volume of plays and relentless motion. That scheme not only maximizes the number of snaps but also creates constant mismatches, a recipe that has historically produced fantasy‑friendly outputs.
New Weapons on the Horizon
Adding to the equation are several new weapons. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson brings deep‑field speed, while running back Travis Etienne offers a third‑down threat that can swing momentum. Even the offensive line received a boost with veteran David Edwards, whose experience should help protect Shough’s pocket.
Draft Outlook and Waiver Value
All of this context has not been lost on fantasy analysts. Shough is currently slotted as the 19th quarterback off the board in average draft position, a spot that often translates to an undrafted status in 12‑team redraft leagues. That makes him an attractive waiver addition for owners looking to plug a gap at the position.
Favorable Schedule and Competition
The broader quarterback conversation includes names like Jayden Daniels, Brock Purdy, Drake Maye, Jaxson Dart and Spencer Rattler, all of whom could reshape the positional landscape. On the defensive side, stars such as Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams and Myles Garrett add extra intrigue to the Saints’ schedule, as their performances often influence game scripts and scoring opportunities. The Saints will face six divisional opponents and several matchups against teams that struggled defensively last season, a slate that could translate into a steady stream of high‑upside weeks for Shough.