The New Orleans Saints had a much-needed bye week in Week 11 and will return to the field in Week 12 with another divisional matchup.
New Orleans faced off against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 and earned its second win of the season. The biggest story of the game was the performance of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who shined in his second career start in the National Football League.
The Saints are 2-8 on the season now and have a chance to climb out of last place in the NFC South in Week 12. New Orleans will welcome the Atlanta Falcons to town and they are not expected to be at full strength. Atlanta has lost five games in a row anyway. Now, the team is expected to be without starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
“Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a left-knee injury in Sunday’s game against Carolina,” the Falcons announced. “We are working through the medical process to determine the severity of the injury. He will be placed on the reserve/injured list and miss a minimum of four games.
Falcons wide receiver Drake London is also banged up and considered “week-to-week.”
“Drake London will be ‘week-to-week,” The Athletic’s Josh Kendall wrote.
On paper, this should be a matchup that the Saints should be able to win. The Falcons have lost five straight games and now are without their starting quarterback and potentially their top receiver. But, with that being said, New Orleans can’t take its eye off the fastball now. The Saints faced a San Francisco 49ers team that was extremely banged up early in the season, including quarterback Brock Purdy missing the game, and lost, 26-21.
Atlanta’s back-up quarterback is four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins, who has won plenty of games in this league.
New Orleans has a lot of momentum heading into this matchup, but that doesn’t determine wins in the NFL. The Saints should have the advantage. They will be at home against a struggling and injured roster. If New Orleans takes care of business, it can get itself out of the gutter in the division, but it can’t get ahead of itself now.
As the Minnesota Vikings push through a challenging 2025 season, J.J. McCarthy is standing tall, taking full responsibility for the ups and downs, and vowing that the best is yet to come. Despite facing setbacks and growing pains, McCarthy remains confident in the team’s ability to bounce back, lead by his unwavering belief in the squad’s potential. In an inspiring message to Vikings fans, McCarthy promised that the team will overcome the hurdles and reach the top, where they belong.
“We’ve faced setbacks, but I know how to bounce back. Every challenge is an opportunity, and I’m ready to lead this team to where we know we belong — at the top,”
McCarthy said, radiating confidence as he reflected on the season’s ups and downs.
The Vikings have had their share of struggles in 2025, with McCarthy himself experiencing the highs and lows of his first season as the starter. Yet despite the occasional misstep, McCarthy’s leadership on and off the field has been a driving force for the team.
McCarthy’s words reflect a mindset that has been essential to his growth and leadership in Minnesota. After all, his journey to becoming the Vikings’ starting quarterback was never linear. From entering the season with questions about his readiness to now facing the responsibility of leading a talented team, McCarthy’s ability to maintain a positive outlook is something the entire roster looks to.
“I know we’ve been through tough moments, but I’m not worried about the past,” McCarthy added. “What matters is how we respond. We’ve got a talented group here, and I believe in every guy in that locker room. We know what we’re capable of, and it’s all about executing together.”
For McCarthy, overcoming setbacks isn’t just about pushing through adversity but about using those moments to fuel improvement. He’s aware that the Vikings are still learning how to play at a championship level, but he’s confident that they have the pieces in place to get there.
McCarthy’s optimism isn’t just empty words — it’s backed by his preparation and work ethic. The quarterback has spent countless hours studying film, improving his timing with his receivers, and leading by example. His chemistry with
But McCarthy isn’t just focused on the offensive side of the ball. He’s also shown respect for the defensive unit led by
McCarthy’s leadership has been critical to keeping the Vikings motivated through tough times. He’s not the kind of player who shies away from taking responsibility, and he’s made it clear that accountability will be a cornerstone of the team’s growth. For McCarthy, this season is not just about individual success; it’s about getting the whole team to a level where they can consistently compete for championships.
“We’ve got everything we need to be great,” McCarthy said. “It’s about trusting the process and believing in each other. We know we can make a playoff push, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get there. We’ve just got to take it one game at a time.”
McCarthy’s confidence is contagious. His promise to lead the Vikings to the top is more than just words — it’s a declaration that the team has what it takes to rise above the setbacks and push forward toward their ultimate goal: winning a championship.
As the Vikings enter the second half of the season, McCarthy’s leadership will continue to be a guiding light. His growth as a player and leader will be essential in helping the Vikings navigate the challenges that lie ahead. The road to success won’t be easy, but with McCarthy at the helm, the Vikings are ready to prove that they have what it takes to reach the top.
“We’re going to overcome these setbacks and reach the top where we belong,” McCarthy concluded. “This is just the beginning — the best is yet to come.”