Paris will host an NFL showdown Sunday morning when the Saints and Steelers meet at Stade de France. New Orleans arrives with fresh energy after its 34-27 win over the Giants, while Pittsburgh brings a 4-2 record and two straight victories. For Tyler Shough and the Saints, this game is a chance to prove last week’s spark can light a longer run.

Shough was the center of New Orleans’ comeback story late last season, and he has kept growing this fall. He has thrown 12 touchdown passes in six games, using quick decisions and the ability to run when a play breaks down. Against New York, he threw three scoring passes and ran for another touchdown. That kind of all-around play gives the Saints a path against a Pittsburgh defense that allows fewer yards than New Orleans does.

Chris Olave is Shough’s biggest weapon. His 43 catches and 580 receiving yards show how often he gets open and keeps drives moving. Olave can turn a short throw into a long gain with his smooth routes, but the Saints need help around him. Rookie Jordyn Tyson and tight end Juwan Johnson could face important chances, especially with Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve and Alvin Kamara listed as questionable. New Orleans also may be without key linemen, which makes protecting Shough an even bigger job.

That protection matters because Pittsburgh has game-changing defenders. T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward can storm toward the quarterback, while Jalen Ramsey made two sacks in last week’s overtime win over Tampa Bay. A sack happens when a defender tackles the quarterback behind the line before a pass is thrown. Pittsburgh’s defense has allowed 21.3 points per game, a sturdy mark that has helped it win close contests.

On offense, the Steelers can lean on Jaylen Warren. He runs with force, slips through small openings, and catches passes when needed. His 460 rushing yards already show he can carry a heavy load. If Pittsburgh controls the ground game, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers can use quick throws to tight end Pat Freiermuth and big chances downfield to DK Metcalf. Metcalf’s size and speed make him a difficult target to cover, even as Pittsburgh deals with Michael Pittman Jr.’s injury absence.

The Saints can make this game dangerous if their pass rush repeats its work from the Giants game. Chase Young and Cameron Jordan give New Orleans the power to disrupt Rodgers, and the Saints must also protect the football after losing more takeaways than they have created this season. Their 25.3 points per game show the offense can strike, but their defense has allowed nearly 30 points per game. That gap has been the team’s biggest problem.

New Orleans has the playmakers to keep Paris roaring, but Pittsburgh has been steadier on both sides of the ball and has handled tight games well during its winning streak. The Steelers should win, with Warren’s tough running and their defense giving Rodgers enough room to guide the finish.

Tyler Shough Takes the Saints’ Spark to Paris