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Tyler Shough
QB · NO

Tyler Shough

Position QB
Team NO
Bye Week 8
PPR Rank #121

Tyler Shough

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: NO.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: NO (New Orleans Saints)
  • Bye week (2026): 8
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 121

2026 Outlook

Returns to New Orleans as the presumed starter under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Shough "wins more with structure and efficiency than rushing production," which lowers his fantasy ceiling slightly compared to mobile QB prospects but may create a more stable weekly floor. Unlike Malik Willis, Shough's value comes from scheme stability rather than legs. He has immersed himself in New Orleans' culture and working to develop as both leader and player (per 12 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks (2026), Morning Break: Saints must-watch matchups).

Year 2 expectations are elevated after showing competence as a rookie. Shough enters 2026 as a potential breakout candidate in deeper leagues, with a favorable path if the Saints continue to build around him (per New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants: Who holds the series lead?). Early OTA reports show strong leadership and improved command — Shough's detail-oriented approach and continuity with his receiving corps is shaping up well (per Saints head coach Kellen Moore speaks ahead of first off-season practice).

Week 2 validation of breakout potential (Sep 21): Through Weeks 1-2 (vs Lions and Ravens), Shough has posted elite efficiency: 67-of-86 (77.9% completion), 727 yards, 8.5 yards per attempt, 5 passing TDs, zero interceptions, plus one rushing TD. This continues his late-season 2025 trajectory (67.6% completion, 2,256 yards, 10 TDs across 9 games) and validates the breakout narrative entering 2026. Kellen Moore's RPO-heavy scheme is unlocking Shough's efficiency through structure rather than reliance on rushing production. If this Week 1-2 efficiency (77.9% completion, 8.5 YPA, 5 TDs in 2 games) extrapolates across a full 16-game season, Shough finishes in QB6-10 range—far above his preseason QB20+ ADP. ESPN analyst consensus: Shough is one of the most undervalued QBs in 2026 redraft formats given his combination of scheme optimization, improved receiving weapons (Jordyn Tyson, Chris Olave), and late-season validation of his capability (per Week 2 impact on the NFC: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels hurt).

Fantasy sleeper at QB20 or worse ADP despite legitimate QB8-12 range upside. Shough finished as QB12 in fantasy points per game after taking over in Week 9 of 2025, posting 17.1+ points in each of his final six starts. The second-round rookie threw for 2,256 yards, 10 TDs, and 3 rushing scores while completing 67.6% of passes across nine starts. The Saints' offensive additions (WR Jordyn Tyson at #8 overall, RB Travis Etienne Jr. via free agency) plus HC Kellen Moore's QB-friendly scheme mean if Shough extrapolates his late-season numbers across a full 2026 season, he lands in QB8-12 range at an ADP that costs "nothing for fantasy managers." (per Fantasy football sleepers: 4 undervalued quarterbacks flying under the radar in 2026)

Week 1 matchup vs. Detroit Lions poses a major challenge: Shough must handle crowd noise at Ford Field and manage Aidan Hutchinson's elite pass rush (4-year, $180M extension). Performance in the season opener will set tone for 2026 fantasy value. (per 2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing season opener vs. Lions)

The organization's confidence in Shough is underscored by their openness to trading Derek Carr if he unretires—the Saints are comfortable moving on from their veteran backup rather than keeping him as insurance (per Saints' Derek Carr era may be nearing its end for a second time).

FOX Sports ranks Shough as the #1 second-year QB breakout candidate for 2026, citing his ideal situation: continuity with head coach Kellen Moore's scheme (the only QB on their list staying in same system), dual #1-caliber receivers (Jordyn Tyson at #8 overall and Chris Olave), elite running back addition (Travis Etienne Jr. via free agency as Pro Bowl-caliber back), and aggressive offensive weapons investment (four of top five draft picks spent on offense). As Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2025 (2,384 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs in 11 appearances), Shough's 67.6% completion rate was the highest on FOX's breakout list, indicating early efficiency in Kellen Moore's system. Additional impressive metrics: led all first-year QBs in yards per attempt (7.3) and committed the fewest turnover-worthy throws (8) per Pro Football Focus. Set Saints' franchise record for rookie QB wins and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for Dec/Jan performances. With scheme continuity and star weapons arriving, Shough is positioned for a significant Year 2 leap. (per Year 2 Leap: Ranking The Top 5 Second-Year Quarterback Breakout Candidates and The Top 3 QBs From the 2025 NFL Draft Hit the Landing Spot Jackpot For 2026)

The Saints are viewed as having a realistic path to end a Super Bowl drought in 2026. CBS Sports ranks them as a potential surprise team, with betting odds favoring an over 7.5 wins. The offense has been bolstered with star receivers (Olave coming off career year, Tyson as first-round pick) and elite RB Travis Etienne, creating a strong supporting cast around Shough's second-year growth (per Details on the death of Aldon Smith, plus NFL teams most likely to end their Super Bowl drought).

Late June/early July momentum: Yahoo Sports' offseason power rankings position Shough as a success story—a second-round QB pick (passed on by multiple teams) who proved himself as a rookie Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up, finishing 5-3 down the stretch against winning teams' schedules. Despite starting 1-8, Shough finished strong and is now entrusted as the Saints' long-term QB solution heading into 2026. Kellen Moore is viewed as a keeper HC—he avoided losing the locker room despite inheriting a dire 1-8 record and kept the team competitive. The second-half turnaround gives the Saints realistic hope for sustained success, especially with the addition of star skill-position talent (Jordyn Tyson, Travis Etienne Jr., and Chris Olave returning). Moore's offensive scheme continuity—Shough is the only QB on FOX Sports' breakout list staying in the same system—is a key advantage for Shough's Year 2 leap (per NFL offseason power rankings: No. 24 New Orleans Saints seemingly found a coach and QB last offseason - Yahoo Sports).

Saints exploring veteran WR depth by pursuing free-agent Keenan Allen (32), who was released by Miami after ACL injury. Allen's prior connection to Kellen Moore (who was Allen's OC with the Chargers in 2023 when Allen had career-high 108 catches, 1,243 yards, 7 TDs) makes a fit plausible. Allen would slot in as a chain-moving veteran option rather than a featured target, providing Shough with additional timing options and complementing the younger explosive weapons (per Bleacher Report names Saints as potential Keenan Allen landing spot).

June 17 minicamp update: Shough impressed at mandatory minicamp, showcasing arm talent with clips of his throws drawing attention on social media and generating enthusiasm from Saints fans. Off-field development has included working with Saints legend Drew Brees at Brees' home in San Diego during the offseason, providing elite QB mentorship. This combination of competitive showcases and hall-of-famer guidance positions Shough to build on his OROTY runner-up season with tangible confidence and mechanical refinement heading into Year 2 (per Oregon Quarterbacks Surprise At NFL Minicamp With Injury, Coach Updates).

Saints offensive line development (July 12): The Athletic's Ted Nguyen projects the Saints among five offenses poised to break out in 2026, citing Shough's continued development paired with upgraded offensive line protection. The Saints added veteran guard David Edwards (free agency's top guard), joining 2026 first-round LT Kelvin Banks Jr. and 2024 first-round RT Taliese Fuaga to form an elite-caliber line. Shough's 2025 rookie performance included 41st-ranked pressure-to-sack rate (29th in pass-block win rate) despite minimal protection. With improved pocket stability from Edwards' addition and Banks/Fuaga's Year 2 development, Shough has a realistic path to tier-2 QB production if the offensive line delivers the hoped-for jump. Nguyen noted: "If the Saints can protect Shough, he has a chance to produce like a tier 2 quarterback." (per The Athletic picks Saints as one of five offenses about to break out)

Role / Depth Chart

Presumed starter for Saints in 2026.

Injury Status

Oct 7 Week 5 — left hand injury, limited practice, will play Sunday: Shough had his left hand hit in Monday night's loss to Atlanta. He participated in limited practice Wednesday with his hand wrapped, but downplayed the injury as minor bumps and bruises. Shough confirmed he will play Sunday against Minnesota despite the shorter week. (per Tyler Shough limited in practice with left hand injury - NBC Sports).

The Saints' complete roster projection shows a team committed to building around Shough with stable depth. Backup quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler compete for the QB2 role, with Wilson's talent edge favoring him to stay on the 53-man roster. This depth chart clarity and front office commitment to the supporting cast (four of top five draft picks spent on offense) underscore Shough as the unquestioned franchise centerpiece heading into Year 2 (per 2026 NFL Roster Projection: New Orleans Saints).

Aug 29 — PrizePicks sleeper evaluation: Listed as fantasy sleeper at QB20 ADP with legitimate QB8-12 range upside if he extrapolates late-2025 performance across full season. Shough finished as QB12 in fantasy points per game after taking over in Week 9, posting 17.1+ points in each of his final six starts. Completed 67.6% of passes, threw for 2,256 yards, 10 TDs, and 3 rushing scores across nine starts as a rookie. Saints' offensive additions (WR Jordyn Tyson at #8 overall, RB Travis Etienne Jr. via free agency) plus head coach Kellen Moore's QB-friendly scheme offer upside, though Shough must overcome rookie experience and manage Week 1 challenge vs. Detroit Lions' elite pass rush. Behind an improved offensive line with veteran guard David Edwards and young tackles Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga, Shough has stable pocket conditions if the line develops as planned. (per 10 Fantasy Football Sleepers to Draft in 2026, According to NFL Experts - PrizePicks)

Aug 22 — Critical weapon loss: Jordyn Tyson hamstring injury: The Saints' #8 overall pick and Shough's primary new downfield weapon is sidelined for months with hamstring injury expected to keep him out well into 2026 season. Major setback for Shough's breakout potential, as Tyson was designed to be his top target alongside Chris Olave. Additionally, Alvin Kamara also dealing with injury concerns. These weapon losses force Shough to prove himself with diminished supporting cast (per Pressure Is Mounting Fast For Sophomore QBs Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough As...).

Week 1 waiver wire evaluation (Aug 31): Roto Street Journal identifies Shough as a free stab at fantasy QB with exceptional week-winning potential. Article highlights his late-2025 production surge and improved efficiency: "through weeks 12-18 in 2025, Shough was the QB6 in fantasy while averaging 25 yards per game on the ground." Despite averaging only a 3.1% TD rate in 2025 (below league average 4.5-4.7%), Shough ranked 12th in yards per attempt and 9th in hero throw rate per FantasyPoints data. With Travis Etienne now in the backfield and rookie WR Jordyn Tyson (when healthy) expected to develop, Shough projects to have more TD opportunities in 2026. Rated as "free stab at a weekly starting QB" with week-winning upside that can develop into league-winner down the stretch. At 22.3% ownership, positions Shough as undervalued depth in the Week 1 waiver wire market (per Fantasy Football Week 1 Waiver Wire: Potential Post-Draft League-Winners to Put on Your Radar).

Late-game poise and clutch gene (Sep 9): Saints veteran center Erik McCoy, who played alongside Drew Brees for two seasons, sees a parallel in Shough's ability to keep teammates believing in comeback situations. McCoy explicitly stated: "There's just something in the fourth quarter where it clicks," describing Shough's similar composure to Hall of Famer Brees. The article notes Shough led New Orleans to a 5-4 record in his nine starts during 2025, showing late-season execution that contributed to the team's historic 5-game winning streak. This clutch factor provides fantasy upside in close playoff scenarios where Shough's poise could translate to key late-game drives (per Erik McCoy sees one crucial Drew Brees trait in Saints QB Tyler Shough).

Week 2 win vs. Ravens (Sept 21): Shough threw for 252 yards and a touchdown on 27-34 passing in the Saints' thrilling road victory over Baltimore. This marks back-to-back strong performances (he dismantled the Lions in Week 1, nearly leading a comeback despite falling short in OT). CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco declared: "If you're the New Orleans Saints, you have to feel really good about where you are with Tyler Shough … I don't think we've seen the best of him yet." The Saints improve to a surprising 2-0 start and Shough validates his breakout potential, proving his late-season 2025 surge was no fluke (per Saints news: Is Tyler Shough a franchise QB? 1 NFL analyst thinks so).

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Tyler's role

Kellen MooreHead CoachDoug NussmeierOffensive CoordinatorTerry JosephDefensive Pass Game CoordinatorBrendan NugentOffensive Line CoachScott TolzienQuarterbacks CoachTobijah HughleyAssistant Offensive Line Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

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