During the Saints’ bye week, PFF’s mock draft simulator outlines a bold seven‑round plan for New Orleans’ 2027 NFL Draft. The model gives New Orleans the No. 6 overall pick to grab EDGE Dylan Stewart (South Carolina), praised for his explosive first step and bend. In Round 2, the Saints snag DL A’Mauri Washington (Oregon) – a projected first‑round talent at pick 37. The third round features WR Deuce Alexander (Ole Miss), a speedster likened to Jameson Williams. OT Trevor Lauck (Iowa) appears at pick 105 with notable athleticism and pass‑protection IQ. The fifth‑round pick targets CB Chris Peal (Syracuse) for his prototypical size. The mock highlights how these prospects could address the Saints’ defensive woes as they sit tied for last in the NFC South.
New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is in the midst of an extended absence due to a […]
Strong safety DeShon Elliott says he’s ready to log 80 defensive snaps against the Cleveland Browns after a limited 19-snap return versus the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 13. The Steelers’ star recovered from a torn hamstring injury sustained against Green Bay last October and feels healthy, though coaches may favor rookie Robert Spears-Jennings, who out‑snapped Elliott 27‑19 on Sunday. Elliott praised the seventh‑round rookie’s work ethic but remains a team‑first player, leaving his exact role to the coaching staff for the upcoming Sunday matchup.
Facing a receiver injury crisis, the Steelers sign former wideout Marquez Valdes‑Scantling to the practice squad before Sunday’s game in Paris against the Saints. Coach Mike McCarthy explains that while Valdes‑Scantling didn’t dress for the matchup—opting instead for depth players Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson—he can earn playing time by mastering the playbook and contributing on special teams. McCarthy praises the veteran’s work ethic, noting that a solid performance could see him elevated for the upcoming schedule.
Week 7 roundup highlights the Vikings as the NFL’s lone unbeaten team after a 16-10 win over the Colts, capped by T.J. Hockenson’s 5‑yard touchdown on National Tight End Day. After five seasons on practice squads, Brandon Smith finally records his first NFL catches—two for 24 yards—in Pittsburgh’s 16-10 victory over New Orleans. Noah Fant adds two receptions as the Saints slip to 2‑5. The Lions edge Green Bay 20-17, with Sam LaPorta limited to one catch and Jack Campbell leading Detroit with 11 tackles. George Kittle posts six catches for 88 yards, but the 49ers fall 29-20 to Atlanta. Tyler Goodson contributes 10 carries and a blocked kickoff return for Dallas, while Erick All suffers a season‑ending ACL tear after a three‑catch, 26‑yard effort in Cincinnati’s win.
The Falcons host the Buccaneers in Week 8, a clash that could push Atlanta to a 4‑4 record while sinking Tampa Bay to 2‑6. Both teams sit near the bottom of the NFC South, but the Bucs have sparked a defensive resurgence and a strong ground game under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, despite a collapsing passing attack led by an injured Baker Mayfield. Atlanta’s balanced offense—league‑average passing and effective rushing—has been inconsistent, yet recent wins over the 49ers, Saints and Panthers show potential. The game hinges on Tampa’s ability to generate turnovers and run the ball, and whether the Falcons can string together another quality performance.
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano lashes out at Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for claiming the NFL once discussed an “international week” where all 32 teams would play abroad in exchange for an extra bye. Graziano says none of the 2020 CBA negotiators recall such talks, calling Rodgers’ remarks “utter nonsense.” The dispute surfaces as Pittsburgh, fresh from a 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, prepares for a crucial Week 8 rematch with the Cleveland Browns—both teams sitting 5‑2 in the AFC North. The article outlines the alleged proposal, the insider’s rebuttal, and the upcoming division showdown on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Entering the bye week at 2‑5, the New Orleans Saints face a stark reality in the NFC South. Head coach Kellen Moore cites glaring flaws: an anemic run game—Tyler Shough’s leading 7‑yard rush—and a defense that struggles to stop opponents on the ground, highlighted by Aaron Rodgers’ dominance. Despite occasional passing fireworks and a solid secondary that keeps teams out of the end zone, missed field goals and a costly interception against Pittsburgh cost a winnable game. With rivals Carolina, Tampa Bay and Atlanta pressing, the Saints must revamp their rushing attack and tighten execution to stay playoff‑alive.
ESPN veteran Jeremy Fowler says Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Warren is now the Steelers’ most dynamic offensive weapon and predicts his role will only grow. In the past five games Warren has racked up 472 rushing yards on 81 carries (5.8 avg) and 233 receiving yards on 17 catches, putting him on a 2,000‑yard scrimmage pace and tying Kenneth Walker for the league’s most 125‑yard games. The team has shifted to jumbo packages, even fielding six linemen against the Saints, to give Warren more blockers. While durability concerns linger, coaches from other teams say he should see the ball as often as possible.
Cornerback Doneiko Slaughter misses Wednesday practice with a hamstring strain suffered while covering a punt in the Steelers' 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris. Slaughter, a special‑teams staple who has played all seven games this season, joins a secondary already hit by injuries: Jalen Ramsey plays through a fractured wrist, Jamel Dean missed a week with an ankle issue, and DeShon Elliott just returned from a 2025 hamstring tear. The team added depth with veteran Sean Murphy‑Bunting and has yet to activate Terell Smith or practice‑squad Darius Rush. Slaughter hopes to return before the Week 8 matchup with Cleveland.
The Steelers find themselves on the trade radar as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler lists linebacker Patrick Queen as a 20% trade candidate, noting Dallas Cowboys interest. Despite being a 2027 free agent, the 5‑2 Pittsburgh team likely retains him. Queen, a 2024 Pro Bowl selection, posted a team‑high 10 tackles in the 16‑10 win over the Saints and currently totals 48 tackles and one interception this season. The article also references other Steelers trade chatter and recent power‑ranking success.
After a 3‑0 start, the Las Vegas Raiders have dropped four straight, falling to Kansas City, New England, Buffalo and Los Angeles. Defensive end Maxx Crosby blames the run‑defense collapse on a lack of attitude and energy, urging teammates to “whoop a‑**” and improve second‑half effort. He says the Raiders must study film and revive the aggression that fueled early wins. The Raiders aim to snap the skid against the New York Jets on Sunday before a daunting stretch that includes the 49ers, Seahawks, Broncos and Browns.
In Week 7 of the AFC North, the Cincinnati Bengals rallied from a 0-13 halftime hole to crush the Baltimore Ravens 35-13, pushing Baltimore into last place (4-3). Joe Burrow threw for 292 yards and four touchdowns, with Tee Higgins hauling 148 yards. The Steelers beat the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Paris, while the Browns held onto first with a 27-24 win over the Titans. Key performances included Aaron Rodgers’ 212-yard, one‑TD effort for Pittsburgh and Deshaun Watson’s clutch 36‑yard pass for Cleveland. Both the Ravens and Titans saw their run games stifled, and the Bengals’ second‑half defense recorded multiple sacks to seal the victory.
Owner Gayle Benson breaks her silence after the Saints’ loss in Paris, issuing a heartfelt letter of gratitude rather than the tough criticism fans expected. Her earlier remarks warned staff—including GM Mickey Loomis and coach Kellen Moore—about accountability after a rough season start, sparking speculation about possible roster moves ahead of the trade deadline. The article also notes the Saints have logged the most practice time in the league (4:46:10) and raises the question of a potential fire‑sale, while NFL week‑8 quarterback rankings shift.
After a week of criticism, Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen delivers a breakout performance, leading Pittsburgh with the most tackles, racking up a sack on the Saints' final drive, and flirting with an interception. The surge boosts his stock value to "up" in the Steelers Depot’s 2026 player watch, though analysts note the scrutiny will likely continue.
After the Steelers' 16-10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, Aaron Rodgers says the flight home was the most fun he’s ever had in his 22‑year NFL career. The team turned the long trip into a party with music, ice cream and a photo of Rodgers sporting sunglasses and gold chains alongside Cam Heyward, snapped by backup QB Mason Rudolph. Coaches and teammates praised the camaraderie, noting Rodgers’ youthful spirit. The victory lifts Pittsburgh to 5‑2, extending their three‑game streak, with Rodgers throwing for 212 yards and a TD while Jaylen Warren rushes for 101 yards. The story highlights the unique post‑game celebration on the return flight.
Derek Carr says he would have signed a waiver to forfeit his injury guarantees just to play the Raiders' final two games of the 2022 season. After coach Josh McDaniels benched Carr in favor of Jarrett Stidham, Carr explained on the Get Got Pod that he’d have done anything to finish the year, even risk his $32.9 million 2023 salary and $7.5 million of 2024. The move protected the franchise from a $40.4 million guarantee if Carr were injured. Carr finished the season 6‑9, with 3,522 yards, 24 TDs, 14 INTs, and a Pro Bowl nod, then was released in February 2023, later signing with the Saints before retiring in 2025.
Hall of Famer Kurt Warner doubts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff odds despite their 5‑2 start, warning on The Rich Eisen Show that the team lacks consistent scoring. Warner points to low red‑zone efficiency – only one of four against the Saints – and a reliance on occasional big plays from running back Jaylen Warren. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers echoed the concerns, citing poor offensive execution, penalties and fatigue after a short travel window. With the Steelers needing more explosive touchdowns to stay competitive, Warner predicts they won’t go very far.
The Steelers pull off a gritty 16-10 win over the Saints in Paris, keeping their strong record in one‑score games alive at 4-1 under new head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy praises the team’s poise in close situations, noting the travel stress and limited offensive production—ranked 20th in scoring—due to injuries at receiver. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham highlights the secondary’s challenges, with key starters out and a low‑blitz rate that’s still yielding effective pressure. The win boosts confidence on the road while the offense must improve to sustain long‑term success.
The New York Giants, sitting 4-2-1 atop the NFC East heading into Week 8, are reportedly targeting both a defensive tackle and a running back before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Insider Jordan Schultz cites five realistic options: DT A’Shawn Robinson (Buccaneers) and veteran Daron Payne (Commanders) to fill the void left by Dexter Lawrence, plus RBs Alvin Kamara (Saints), Tony Pollard (Titans) and DT Vita Vea (Buccaneers). Kamara and Pollard could give quarterback Daniel Skattebo a dynamic backfield, while the DTs would bolster the interior line cost‑effectively.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has vaulted to No. 3 in Pro Football Focus rankings after a rocky start, highlighted by Zach Frazier’s fifth consecutive 70‑plus grade and a possible first‑team All‑Pro nod. Interior duo Frazier and left guard Mason McCormick anchor a unit with only right guard Brock Hoffman falling below a 65 pass‑blocking grade. The line helped the Steelers post 148 rushing yards (4.9 yd/carry) in a 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, with Jaylen Warren rushing 101 yards and Rico Dowdle adding 41. Coach James Campen earns high praise from Mike McCarthy, while former center A.Q. Shipley calls Frazier the league’s best center on The Pat McAfee Show.
Rookie Kevin Joby Jr. becomes the ninth Steelers rookie to see game action in 2026, joining eight fellow first‑year players who helped Pittsburgh beat the New Orleans Saints 16‑10 in Paris. The win lifts the Steelers to a 5‑2 record in Week 7. The report also highlights other newcomers like quarterback Drew Allar, offensive guard Gennings Dunker (now on IR), and running back Eli Heidenreich.
Week 8 fantasy advice from Gridiron Experts warns that the recent roller‑coaster of high scores is over and urges managers to chase upside. With Houston, New Orleans, Giants and 49ers on bye, the focus is on quarterbacks and flex spots. Jacoby Brissett (Texans vs. Cowboys) is a top‑12 superflex pick against a soft Dallas secondary, while Geno Smith (Jets vs. Raiders) is a solid streamer despite a strong Raiders pass rush. Miami’s Ollie Gordon II sees heavy red‑zone carries, offering a safe RB2 floor. Blake Corum (Rams) and Rachaad White (Washington) provide flex upside in favorable run‑heavy matchups. Expect the unexpected through Halloween week.
New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson issues a heartfelt letter thanking fans, partners and officials after the franchise’s historic first game in France. Though the Saints fell short on the field at the Stade de France on Oct. 25, the event highlighted the team's international push, deepened Louisiana‑France cultural ties and sparked business and tourism opportunities. Benson applauds the support of fans, corporate partners, government leaders, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for making the Paris showcase a success beyond the scoreboard.
Trade deadline chatter heats up across the NFC. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler flags Buccaneers rookie OLB YaYa Diaby and Saints guard Cesar Ruiz as likely trade chips, while Washington’s Daron Payne could be on the move if the Commanders decide to sell. The Eagles are a wild card: cornerback Riq Woolen and possibly RB Saquon Barkley are mentioned, though Barkley’s health remains a factor, and tension with G Landon Dickerson hints at front‑office drama. Meanwhile, the Giants are scouting for a running back and defensive tackle, and the 2‑5 Saints may look to offload pieces. These rumors could reshape several NFC rosters before the October 28 deadline.