In a tightly contested matchup, the Oakland Thunderbirds narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints 24-20 in Week 3 of the 2026 season. Both teams entered the game looking to solidify their positions early in the season, but it was the Thunderbirds who emerged victorious in a thrilling finish. On the offensive side, Joe Milton was the standout for Oakland, throwing for two touchdowns and leading his team to victory. Ashton Jeanty also made a significant impact on the ground, rushing for 104 yards and keeping the Saints' defense on their toes. Meanwhile, Tyler Shough put up impressive numbers for New Orleans, throwing for 273 yards, with Jordyn Tyson being his favorite target, racking up 120 receiving yards. Defensively, Jermod McCoy was a force for the Thunderbirds, contributing 11 total tackles to help stifle the Saints' offense. The game's turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Oakland's defense held firm, forcing a crucial turnover that allowed them to maintain their lead. With both teams showcasing their strengths, it was Oakland's defense that ultimately secured the win in this hard-fought battle.