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The NFL offseason is long, and it’s ripe for making predictions. The truth is, that’s not easy to do. The unexpected happens every season — who had the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots in the Super Bowl this time a year ago? So, if even reasonable projections go awry, let’s throw a little caution to the wind. Let’s get bold with some predictions for this year’s New Orleans Saints season. On an episode of the Saints Insider podcast this week, our Times-Picyaune beat writers, columnists and editors got together to make their spiciest takes for the 2026 Saints. If you think some of these are outlandish, that’s because they’re supposed to be outlandish. None of them are likely to happen. Having said that, we did hit on one bold prediction from last year: It was yours truly, when I predicted that Tyler Shough — then a backup to Spencer Rattler, of course — would get votes in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. He ultimately finished second, of course, making me look like a mad genius. So as we prepare for a new NFL season, let’s kick off this year’s bold Saints predictions with another involving Shough. Tyler Shough makes the Pro Bowl Bold prediction from: Jeff Duncan, columnist The reasoning: On the surface, this might not seem terribly spicy, but keep in mind the NFL did away with the actual Pro Bowl game this season, meaning that while Pro Bowlers will be named, there will be no parade of replacements and no silliness like Shedeur Sanders being given the honor. What’s more, the NFC has a roster of talented and experienced QBs, from Super Bowl winners Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold and Jalen Hurts to stat king Dak Prescott to stars on the rise like Jordan Love, Caleb Williams, Brock Purdy and more. For Shough to be one of the three NFC Pro Bowlers at QB, he’ll have to come up with a really good season — think at least 3,500 yards, 25 touchdowns, minimal interceptions, etc. Spicy rating: 30,000 Scovilles. Spicy, but not shocking. Both a 3-game winning streak AND 3-game losing streak Bold prediction from: Zach Ewing, editor The reasoning: Most figure the Saints will show growth this season, but growth is rarely linear. It very well could come in fits and starts. The schedule backs up this idea, too, with several difficult stretches (at Bears, at Bengals, vs. Packers) and some nice pockets for possible winning streaks (three straight home games from Weeks 3-5, then a Giants-Steelers-Browns-Panthers stretch with a bye week in between). Chances are, a younger team with a younger coach and still inexperienced quarterback means both ups and downs. Spicy rating: 500 Scovilles. Gonna need to add salt. Travis Etienne turns in a top-5 rushing season in Saints history Bold prediction from: Luke Johnson, beat writer The reasoning: To accomplish this, Etienne would need to supplant Dalton Hilliard, whose 1,262 yards in 1989 ranks fifth among single seasons in New Orleans history (George Rogers is first with 1,674 in 1981, followed by two Deuce McAllister seasons and Rueben Mayes in 1986). Etienne should get ample opportunity, especially with Alvin Kamara injured to start the season, and Kellen Moore has mentioned an increased emphasis on the running game. But this would be a career high for Etienne by more than 100 yards, and the Saints haven’t had even a 1,000-yard rusher in nine seasons. Spicy rating: 100,000 Scovilles. This take is on fire. Chase Young will have 15 or more sacks Bold prediction from: Rod Walker, columnist The reasoning: Rod has made this claim each of the past two seasons, so it’s become a tradition. But it’s also not crazy this year. Young hit another gear last year, tallying 10 sacks despite missing the first five games of the year with a calf injury. If he stays healthy and continues the form he’s flashed throughout training camp, Young could finally fulfill his promise as the No. 2 overall pick in 2020 and become one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. Make no mistake, though: Young would have to be that good to make this come true, as only three players recorded 15 sacks a year ago. Spicy rating: 50,000 Scovilles. Need a glass of milk. Saints will have two games flexed into prime time Bold prediction from: Matthew Paras, beat writer The reasoning: If the Saints get into the playoff hunt, they’ll play some big games down the stretch, and NFL rules permit Amazon Prime (Thursday Night Football), NBC (Sunday Night Football) and ESPN (Monday Night Football) to choose different games for their prime-time slots starting as early as Week 5. In addition, the Week 18 schedule isn’t set until the week before, and the Saints’ finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers feels like it could be one of those win-and-in games that TV loves. Having said that, getting flexed twice feels a little outlandish — just the way we like it. Spicy rating: 60,000 Scovilles. It’s getting hot in here. Barion Brown or Bryce Lance gets Rookie of the Year votes Bold prediction from: Zach Ewing, editor The reasoning: As last year’s winner, I get an extra take, and I’m going back to the Offensive Rookie of the Year well. With Jordyn Tyson on injured reserve to start the season, both Brown and Lance are going to get run, and both flashed potential during the preseason. Lance probably will get more targets in the passing game, but Brown could also make the type of big impact awards voters are looking for on kick and punt returns. Still, it would be wild for a fourth- or sixth-round receiver to win this award. Only two players drafted that low have ever won OROY: Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (fourth round in 2016) and Broncos running back Mike Anderson (sixth round in 2000). Spicy rating: 1,000,000 Scovilles. A ghost pepper.