Can a late-blooming rookie quarterback outshine the No. 1 overall pick in a meaningless December matchup? Tyler Shough and the New Orleans Saints did just that, overcoming an early 13-point deficit for a 34-26 victory over Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans on December 28, 2025, at Nissan Stadium. This NFL Week 17 interconference battle featured explosive plays, turnovers, and a second-half surge from New Orleans, highlighting emerging talent on both sides in the National Football League.
Score Summary
The Titans dominated early with field goals and touchdowns, but the Saints exploded for 24 points in the second half while holding Tennessee to just nine. New Orleans outgained the Titans 423-336 in total yards. Final score: New Orleans Saints 34, Tennessee Titans 26.
| Quarter | Saints | Titans | Key Scoring Plays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0 | 6 | Two Titans FGs |
| 2nd | 10 | 14 | Chase Young 33-yard strip-sack TD return; Charlie Smyth FG; Two Titans TDs (including late-half score) |
| 3rd | 10 | 3 | Chris Olave 19-yard TD pass from Shough; Smyth FG; Titans FG |
| 4th | 14 | 3 | Kevin Austin Jr. 10-yard TD pass from Shough (go-ahead); Audric Estimé 32-yard rushing TD; Titans FG |
The Saints capitalized on big plays and defensive stops late, scoring the final 14 points.
Turning Points
This back-and-forth NFL Week 17 clash swung on big defensive plays and red-zone execution:
- Early Titans Dominance: Tennessee built a 13-0 lead in the second quarter with efficient drives and a touchdown pass.
- Chase Young’s Spark: The Saints’ defensive end strip-sacked Cam Ward and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown, keeping New Orleans within striking distance at halftime (trailing 20-10).
- Costly Fumble: Dante Pettis’ red-zone fumble into the end zone (touchback) denied the Saints points and preserved Tennessee’s lead.
- Fourth-Quarter Comeback: Shough’s 10-yard TD to Kevin Austin Jr. (his first career score) gave New Orleans its first lead at 27-26 with 6:22 left, followed by Estimé’s 32-yard scamper to seal it. The defense forced late punts and stops in Titans territory.
These shifts showcased the Saints’ resilience and second-half adjustments against a sputtering Titans offense.
Standout Performances
Rookie quarterbacks stole the show in this entertaining NFL Week 17 matchup:
- Tyler Shough (Saints QB): The late-round rookie was masterful, completing 22 of 27 passes for 333 yards and two TDs (no INTs), leading multiple scoring drives and earning praise for Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.
- Chris Olave (Saints WR): Secured his first 100-catch season with 8 receptions for 119 yards and a 19-yard TD.
- Audric Estimé (Saints RB): Broke out in the second half with a 32-yard TD run, providing crucial ground support.
- Chase Young (Saints DE): Game-changing strip-sack TD return (33 yards), anchoring the defense’s turnaround.
- Kevin Austin Jr. (Saints WR): First career TD on a 10-yard back-shoulder catch.
- Cam Ward (Titans QB): The top pick threw for 251 yards and two TDs but suffered a costly sack-fumble; showed flashes in his development.
- Titans Defense: Early pressure but faded late against Shough’s precision.
The Saints’ offense clicked under coordinator Kellen Moore, while Tennessee’s unit showed promise despite the loss.
What the Result Means for Playoff Chances
With the 2025 NFL regular season nearing its end, neither team remains in postseason contention, but the outcome impacts draft positioning and momentum:
- For the Saints (now 6-10), the fourth straight win provides a positive finish to a turbulent year, boosting confidence for young players like Shough (now 5-3 as starter) and building toward 2026. They close at Atlanta, focusing on evaluation and potential free agency moves.
- The Titans (3-13) fell deeper into the top draft pick conversation, likely securing a high selection in the 2026 NFL Draft order despite Ward’s growth. They host Jacksonville in Week 18, shifting attention to offseason rebuild questions around coaching and roster.
In the broader NFC South and AFC South pictures, this result has no direct playoff ripple but underscores rookie quarterback development in a season defined by youth movement. NFL fans tracking mock drafts, free agency buzz, and 2026 projections will note Shough’s rise and Ward’s flashes as key storylines.
