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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take on the New Orleans Saints in their Week 7 international matchup, and they are expected to come out on top. The game will be played in Paris, France, as the Steelers aim for their fifth win of the 2026 season.
To achieve that victory, Pittsburgh must deliver a stronger performance than in Week 6, when they allowed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to stay competitive for three quarters before finally securing the win in the fourth. Such a lapse cannot happen again against a Saints team that should not be underestimated, especially in front of a French crowd. Fortunately, the Steelers are in a much better position heading into Week 7.
Here are three reasons why Pittsburgh will leave Stade de France with their fifth win of the season.
Jaylen Warren Faces Ideal Opponent
Running back Jaylen Warren is coming off a disappointing outing compared to his previous three dominant performances, but he is primed for a rebound against the Saints. The primary reason is New Orleans' struggling run defense in 2026. Through their first six games, the Saints are allowing 138 rushing yards per game, the third-worst mark in the NFL. The Saints' defense has been one of the league's weakest overall, and they are particularly vulnerable on the ground. This sets up perfectly for Warren to return to his 100-yard rushing form and potentially exceed it. Additionally, the health of Rico Dowdle, who is questionable with a knee injury, could force the Steelers to rely heavily on Warren if Dowdle is not at full strength.
Nick Herbig's Explosive Potential
After outside linebacker Nick Herbig exploded in Week 6 with two sacks in the win, the Steelers are expecting another game-wrecking performance in Paris. Herbig lived up to his big contract extension against the Buccaneers, and the team is counting on him to deliver similarly against the Saints. This is not only because he has momentum but also because both T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are dealing with minor injuries ahead of the matchup. Herbig is healthy and ready to go, which spells trouble for Saints quarterback Tyler Shough.
Return of DeShon Elliott
DeShon Elliott is back on the Steelers' active roster after nearly a year away due to a major knee injury. The star defender has been sorely missed by Pittsburgh's defense, and his return comes at an ideal time. The Steelers' defense has been solid but imperfect in 2026, starting strong but showing exploitable issues in recent weeks. One such blemish was the safety position. The team released veteran Rayshawn Jenkins after two weeks of minimal snaps, leaving Jaquan Brisker, Robert Spears-Jennings, and Jalen Ramsey as the only safeties on the active roster. With Elliott back, the safety position transforms from a concern to a tone-setting unit on defense. The Saints will experience that first-hand.