How the New Orleans Saints will start their 60th year

The big picture: It's a big year for the Saints no matter which way you slice it.

• The team's second home game of its 60th season — a Monday Night Football engagement with the Atlanta Falcons — is around the 20th anniversary of the Saints' post-Katrina "Domecoming."
• The Saints were also picked to play in the NFL's first-ever game in Paris in late October.
• Plus, the Saints enter this season knowing Tyler Shough will be in at quarterback, a welcome change after last year's split-duty between Shough and Spencer Rattler.

Zoom in: Fans can start the 60th season with an official watch party on Sunday at Manning's. The Saints Cheer Krewe, Sir Saint and former player Tyrann Mathieu will be there. Details.

• Expect to see anniversary signage, merch and more watch parties throughout the year, the team says.

Dig in: Inside the stadium, fans can score $6 concessions in honor of the big anniversary.

• The discounted menu includes draft beer, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos and Dasani water, the team says.
• And yes, we saw Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with its famously affordable food, was making fun of the so-called discounts. Just let us live, Atlanta!

Anyway, on the field, expectations are running pretty high, even despite some injuries already sidelining players during preseason.

• The Saints haven't made it to the postseason since January 2021, but The Times-Picayune's beat reporters think there's a decent chance of breaking that streak this year.
• New players like Travis Etienne, draft pick Jordyn Tyson and Kaden Elliss can bring some heat while Shough has a chance to really make the Saints worth talking about.

Worthy of your time: Even if you don't care for football, this Times-Picayune profile on Shough proves that he's trying to be a part of the city, not just the team.

• And it's hard not to love a guy who loves the city we love.

What's next: The Saints play the Detroit Lions on Sunday at noon. Watch on Fox. More viewing options.