Schedule edit
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries edit
Week 1: vs. Houston Texans edit
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter Second quarter - HOU – Deshaun Watson 21-yard run (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 14:13. Texans 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 94 yards, 3:42.
- NO – Wil Lutz 32-yard field goal, 9:22. Texans 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 4:51.
- HOU – DeAndre Hopkins 2-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 1:47. Texans 14–3. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 7:35.
Third quarter - NO – Latavius Murray 30-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:51. Texans 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 83 yards, 2:09.
- HOU – DeAndre Hopkins 16-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 8:20. Texans 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:31.
- NO – Taysom Hill 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 2:39. Texans 21–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:41.
Fourth quarter - NO – Tre'Quan Smith 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 14:55. Saints 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 1:53.
- NO – Wil Lutz 47-yard field goal, 0:50. Saints 27–21. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 2:39.
- HOU – Kenny Stills 37-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 0:37. Texans 28–27. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:13.
- NO – Wil Lutz 58-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 30–28. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 0:37.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers |
|
The game was an offensive shootout. The Saints started slow and fell behind 14–3 at halftime. The Saints offense took off in the third quarter and they outscored the Texans 24–7 in the next 29 minutes of the game. With less than one minute to play, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson threw a go-ahead touchdown to wide receiver Kenny Stills; however, the Saints and Brees were able to move the ball down the field and kicker Wil Lutz kicked a 58–yard field goal to lead the team to victory. This was the first time the Saints won their season opener since the 2013 season.
Week 2: at Los Angeles Rams edit
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - LAR – Greg Zuerlein 24-yard field goal, 8:42. Rams 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:43.
Second quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 34-yard field goal, 11:06. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 3:15.
- LAR – Greg Zuerlein 22-yard field goal, 0:03. Rams 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:36.
Third quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 52-yard field goal, 9:49. Tied 6–6. Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards, 4:16.
- LAR – Todd Gurley 4-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 5:39. Rams 13–6. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:10.
- LAR – Brandin Cooks 2-yard pass from Jared Goff (Greg Zuerlein kick), 1:00. Rams 20–6. Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:37.
Fourth quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 42-yard field goal, 10:58. Rams 20–9. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 5:02.
- LAR – Jared Goff 1-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 8:37. Rams 27–9. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:21.
| Top passers Top rushers - NO – Alvin Kamara – 13 rushes, 45 yards
- LAR – Todd Gurley – 16 rushes, 63 yards, TD
Top receivers |
|
In a rematch of 2018's controversial NFC Championship game, Drew Brees collided with Aaron Donald while attempting to pass; the hit broke Brees' thumb, forcing him out of action for the next five weeks following surgery. In place of the injured Brees, Teddy Bridgewater was held to just 165 yards passing. On defense, Cam Jordan strip sacked Jared Goff and returned a fumble 87 yards for a touchdown, which was controversially overturned. Despite this; the Rams went on to blow them out 27-9.[1][2]
The loss dropped the Saints to 1–1. After the game, head coach Sean Payton agreed to a five-year contract extension. The Saints don't match up with the Rams until the 2022 season.
Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks edit
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter Second quarter - NO – Vonn Bell 33-yard fumble return (kick failed, wide left), 6:50. Saints 13–7.
- NO – Alvin Kamara 29-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 0:33. Saints 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 2:00.
Third quarter - NO – Michael Thomas 1-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 7:44. Saints 27–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:16.
Fourth quarter - SEA – Russell Wilson 2-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 11:51. Saints 27–14. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 3:09.
- NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (run failed), 4:19. Saints 33–14. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 5:22.
- SEA – Russell Wilson 8-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 2:48. Saints 33–21. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 1:31.
- SEA – Will Dissly 4-yard pass from Russell Wilson, 0:00. Saints 33–27. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 1:42.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers - NO – Alvin Kamara – 9 receptions, 92 yards, TD
- SEA – Tyler Lockett – 11 receptions, 154 yards, TD
|
|
In a surprising upset on the road against Seattle without starting quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints led 27–7 going into the fourth quarter thanks to two touchdown passes from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, in addition to touchdowns off a punt return and a fumble recovery. The Seahawks scored 20 points in the final period, but a short touchdown run from Alvin Kamara proved the difference between the two teams, to move the Saints to 2–1 on the season.
Week 4: vs. Dallas Cowboys edit
Week Four: Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Cowboys | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
| Saints | 0 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 12 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - DAL – Brett Maher 28-yard field goal, 5:08. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:34.
Second quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 40-yard field goal, 14:55. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 5:13.
- NO – Wil Lutz 42-yard field goal, 8:42. Saints 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 4:45.
- NO – Wil Lutz 19-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 9–3. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 1:30.
Third quarter - DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 1-yard run (Brett Maher kick), 7:47. Cowboys 10–9. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 5:44.
Fourth quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 26-yard field goal, 13:41. Saints 12–10. Drive: 15 plays, 67 yards, 9:06.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers |
|
The Saints found yet another way to win a game without star quarterback Drew Brees and with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm, as Wil Lutz kicked four field goals. It was the first Saints win since week 8 of the 1998 season to feature no touchdowns. The Saints would improve their overall record to 3-1.
Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers edit
Week Five: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Buccaneers | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
| Saints | 3 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter Second quarter - NO – Michael Thomas 14-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 10:13. Saints 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:57.
- TB – Matt Gay 42-yard field goal, 5:33. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 4:40.
- NO – Jared Cook 9-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 0:32. Saints 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:01.
Third quarter - NO – Ted Ginn Jr. 33-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 13:44. Saints 24–10. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:16.
- TB – Peyton Barber 2-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 5:03. Saints 24–17. Drive: 17 plays, 75 yards, 8:41.
Fourth quarter - NO – Michael Thomas 12-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 10:37. Saints 31–17. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 6:27.
- TB – Chris Godwin 26-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Matt Gay kick), 0:13. Saints 31–24. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 0:57.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers |
|
Bridgewater improved to 3–0 as a starter with a strong performance throwing for 314 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints defense sacked Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston six times in the win. Buccaneers' cornerback Carlton Davis committed a helmet-to-helmet hit on tight end Jared Cook, resulting in Davis being ejected from the game. After the Saints secured their win against Tampa Bay, they improve their overall record to 4-1.
Week 6: at Jacksonville Jaguars edit
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 47-yard field goal, 2:29. Saints 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 8 yards, 2:31.
Second quarter - JAX – Josh Lambo 22-yard field goal, 2:41. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 7:04.
Third quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 21-yard field goal, 8:40. Saints 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:49.
- JAX – Josh Lambo 32-yard field goal, 3:11. Tied 6–6. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:29.
Fourth quarter | Top passers Top rushers Top receivers |
|
In a defensive game, both offenses struggled to score as the game was tied 3–3 at halftime and 6–6 at the end of the third quarter. A touchdown pass from Bridgewater to Jared Cook proved to be the difference.
With the win, the Saints improved to 5–1 and Bridgewater improved to 4–0 as a starter. Cook and running back Alvin Kamara suffered injuries during the game.
Week 7: at Chicago Bears edit
Week Seven: New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Saints | 9 | 3 | 14 | 10 | 36 |
| Bears | 7 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 25 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter Second quarter - CHI – Eddy Piñeiro 46-yard field goal, 11:33. Bears 10–9. Drive: 11 plays, 39 yards, 4:48.
- NO – Wil Lutz 39-yard field goal, 6:31. Saints 12–10. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 5:02.
Third quarter - NO – Latavius Murray 3-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:00. Saints 19–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:00.
- NO – Taysom Hill 4-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 2:55. Saints 26–10. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:33.
Fourth quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 30-yard field goal, 12:45. Saints 29–10. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 3:59.
- NO – Latavius Murray 4-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 4:33. Saints 36–10. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 4:45.
- CHI – Allen Robinson 7-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky (Mitchell Trubisky–Adam Shaheen pass), 2:31. Saints 36–18. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 2:02.
- CHI – Javon Wims 6-yard pass from Mitchell Trubisky (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 0:48. Saints 36–25. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 1:43.
| Top passers - NO – Teddy Bridgewater – 23/38, 281 yards, 2 TD
- CHI – Mitchell Trubisky – 34/54, 251 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers - NO – Latavius Murray – 27 rushes, 119 yards, 2 TD
- CHI – Tarik Cohen – 3 rushes, 10 yards
Top receivers - NO – Michael Thomas – 9 receptions, 131 yards
- CHI – Allen Robinson – 10 receptions, 87 yards, TD
|
|
The Saints dominated the Bears with a strong performance on both sides of the football. Bridgewater threw for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back Latavius Murray, filling in for an injured Alvin Kamara, rushed for over 100 yards on the ground. The Saints stifled the Bears offense for the majority of the game before giving up two touchdowns in garbage time. The win improved the Saints to 6–1 and Bridgewater to 5–0, setting the stage for Drew Brees's comeback.
Week 8: vs. Arizona Cardinals edit
Week Eight: Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Cardinals | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| Saints | 0 | 10 | 7 | 14 | 31 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - ARI – Zane Gonzalez 31-yard field goal, 5:41. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 3:13.
Second quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 26-yard field goal, 14:13. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 6:28.
- NO – Latavius Murray 8-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 8:59. Saints 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 3:59.
- ARI – Zane Gonzalez 31-yard field goal, 5:18. Saints 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:41.
Third quarter - NO – Latavius Murray 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:25. Saints 17–6. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 2:07.
- ARI – Zane Gonzalez 50-yard field goal, 1:42. Saints 17–9. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 3:43.
Fourth quarter - NO – Taysom Hill 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 12:48. Saints 24–9. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:54.
- NO – Michael Thomas 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:18. Saints 31–9. Drive: 3 plays, 73 yards, 1:25.
| Top passers - ARI – Kyler Murray – 19/33, 220 yards
- NO – Drew Brees – 34/43, 373 yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers - ARI – Christian Kirk – 1 rush, 19 yards
- NO – Latavius Murray – 21 rushes, 102 yards, TD
Top receivers - ARI – Charles Clay – 3 receptions, 88 yards
- NO – Michael Thomas – 11 receptions, 112 yards, TD
|
|
With Alvin Kamara still sidelined, Drew Brees returned after missing five weeks following thumb surgery. He threw for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Saints dominated the Cardinals to improve to 7–1.
Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons edit
Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Falcons | 3 | 10 | 0 | 13 | 26 |
| Saints | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: November 10
- Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,283
- Referee: Brad Allen
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - ATL – Younghoe Koo 37-yard field goal, 9:27. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:33.
- NO – Wil Lutz 29-yard field goal, 4:09. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 5:18.
Second quarter - ATL – Austin Hooper 8-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 11:09. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 17 plays, 75 yards, 8:00.
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 36-yard field goal, 1:31. Falcons 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:17.
- NO – Wil Lutz 47-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 13–6. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 1:31.
Third quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 28-yard field goal, 6:05. Falcons 13–9. Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 3:19.
Fourth quarter - ATL – Brian Hill 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 14:53. Falcons 20–9. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:12.
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 48-yard field goal, 7:27. Falcons 23–9. Drive: 11 plays, 37 yards, 5:04.
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 30-yard field goal, 2:32. Falcons 26–9. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:01.
| Top passers - ATL – Matt Ryan – 20/35, 182 yards, 2 TD, INT
- NO – Drew Brees – 32/45, 287 yards
Top rushers - ATL – Brian Hill – 20 rushes, 61 yards
- NO – Alvin Kamara – 4 rushes, 24 yards
Top receivers |
|
In a shocking fashion, the Saints were defeated by the 1–7 Falcons. Drew Brees had a miserable day, being sacked six times by an inspired Falcons pass-rush; the Falcons had recorded just seven prior to this game.
The loss dropped them to 7–2. The Saints were flagged 10 times for 120 yards in the loss.
Week 11: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers edit
Week Eleven: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Saints | 13 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
| Buccaneers | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 17 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Date: November 17
- Game time: 12:00 pm. CST/1:00 pm. EST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 55 °F (13 °C)
- Game attendance: 54,333
- Referee: Brad Rogers
- TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Shannon Spake
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 44-yard field goal, 8:45. Saints 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 6:15.
- NO – Wil Lutz 26-yard field goal, 0:50. Saints 6–0. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 7:01.
- NO – Michael Thomas 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 0:00. Saints 13–0. Drive: 1 play, 16 yards, 0:03.
Second quarter - NO – Jared Cook 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:13. Saints 20–0. Drive: 13 plays, 51 yards, 6:42.
- TB – Peyton Barber 6-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Matt Gay kick), 2:42. Saints 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:31.
Third quarter - TB – Matt Gay 55-yard field goal, 11:08. Saints 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 3:52.
- NO – Ted Ginn Jr. 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:27. Saints 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:41.
- TB – Chris Godwin 30-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Matt Gay kick), 1:22. Saints 27–17. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:05.
Fourth quarter - NO – Marcus Williams 55-yard interception return (Wil Lutz kick), 5:07. Saints 34–17.
| Top passers - NO – Drew Brees – 28/35, 228 yards, 3 TD
- TB – Jameis Winston – 30/51, 313 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
Top rushers - NO – Alvin Kamara – 23 rushes, 75 yards
- TB – Jameis Winston – 2 rushes, 23 yards
Top receivers - NO – Michael Thomas – 8 receptions, 114 yards, TD
- TB – Cameron Brate – 10 receptions, 73 yards
|
|
Brees and the Saints bounced back from the previous week. He threw three touchdowns and 228 yards in the game. The Saints defense intercepted Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston four times, including a pick-six by safety Marcus Williams to ice the game in the fourth quarter. The win improved the Saints to 8–2, and they swept the Buccaneers for the first time since 2014.
Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers edit
Week Twelve: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Panthers | 6 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 31 |
| Saints | 14 | 3 | 14 | 3 | 34 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: November 24
- Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,068
- Referee: Alex Kemp
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - NO – Latavius Murray 26-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 10:39. Saints 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:21.
- NO – Tre'Quan Smith 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:12. Saints 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 1:30.
- CAR – D. J. Moore 51-yard pass from Kyle Allen (kick failed, wide right), 3:08. Saints 14–6. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:04.
Second quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 41-yard field goal, 13:34. Saints 17–6. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:34.
- CAR – Joey Slye 41-yard field goal, 8:09. Saints 17–9. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:25.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 1-yard pass from Kyle Allen (pass failed), 0:00. Saints 17–15. Drive: 17 plays, 68 yards, 6:30.
Third quarter - NO – Jared Cook 20-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 11:18. Saints 24–15. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 2:40.
- CAR – Joey Slye 52-yard field goal, 8:36. Saints 24–18. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:42.
- NO – Michael Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:09. Saints 31–18. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:27.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 4-yard run (kick failed, wide right), 1:28. Saints 31–24. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 3:41.
Fourth quarter - CAR – D. J. Moore 2-yard pass from Kyle Allen (Joey Slye kick), 9:23. Tied 31–31. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 3:03.
- NO – Wil Lutz 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 34–31. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 1:56.
| Top passers - CAR – Kyle Allen – 23/36, 256 yards, 3 TD
- NO – Drew Brees – 30/39, 311 yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers - CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 22 rushes, 64 yards, TD
- NO – Latavius Murray – 7 rushes, 64 yards, TD
Top receivers - CAR – D. J. Moore – 6 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD
- NO – Michael Thomas – 11 receptions, 101 yards, TD
|
|
The game was close all the way. Both Brees and Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen played well, with three touchdown passes each. After benefiting from a pass interference penalty, the Panthers were set up with a 1st-and-goal at the Saints' 5-yard line, but the Saints defense held strong, and kicker Joey Slye missed a short field goal. Brees quickly moved the Saints down the field and Wil Lutz made the game-winning field goal from 36 yards out.
With the win, the Saints improved to 9–2, ensuring a winning record for the third straight season.
Week 13: at Atlanta Falcons edit
Thanksgiving Day Games
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter Second quarter - ATL – Jaeden Graham 18-yard pass from Matt Ryan (kick failed), 12:35. Saints 7–6. Drive: 3 plays, 55 yards, 0:56.
- NO – Wil Lutz 22-yard field goal, 9:05. Saints 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:30.
- NO – Taysom Hill 30-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 1:53. Saints 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:04.
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 45-yard field goal, 0:03. Saints 17–9. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 1:50.
Third quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 47-yard field goal, 5:54. Saints 20–9. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:48.
Fourth quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 42-yard field goal, 10:14. Saints 23–9. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:31.
- NO – Wil Lutz 45-yard field goal, 6:27. Saints 26–9. Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 2:14.
- ATL – Russell Gage 13-yard pass from Matt Ryan (pass failed), 3:26. Saints 26–15. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:01.
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 43-yard field goal, 1:56. Saints 26–18. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 1:30.
| Top passers - ATL – Matt Ryan – 35/50, 312 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
- NO – Drew Brees – 18/30, 184 yards, TD
Top rushers - ATL – Devonta Freeman – 17 rushes, 51 yards
- NO – Alvin Kamara – 11 rushes, 61 yards
Top receivers |
|
The Saints played an excellent game and got revenge on their division rivals. The Saints defense played one of its best games of the season with 9 sacks of Matt Ryan and forced 3 takeaways. Taysom Hill blocked a punt early, caught a touchdown pass and ran one in from 30 yards out.
With the win, the Saints clinched the NFC South title for the third straight season. The Saints improved their record to 10-2.
Week 14: vs. San Francisco 49ers edit
Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| 49ers | 7 | 21 | 7 | 13 | 48 |
| Saints | 13 | 14 | 6 | 13 | 46 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: December 8
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,038
- Referee: John Hussey
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter Second quarter - NO – Josh Hill 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 14:57. Saints 20–7 Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 2:31.
- SF – Emmanuel Sanders 75-yard pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (Robbie Gould kick), 14:43. Saints 20–14 Drive: 1 plays, 75 yards, 0:14.
- NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 7:29. Saints 27–14 Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 7:14.
- SF – Raheem Mostert 35-yard pass from Emmanuel Sanders (Robbie Gould kick), 5:59. Saints 27–21 Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:30.
- SF – Raheem Mostert 10-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 0:42. 49ers 28–27 Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:34.
Third quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 55-yard field goal, 12:36. Saints 30–28 Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:54.
- SF – George Kittle 5-yard pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (Robbie Gould kick), 9:40. 49ers 35–30 Drive: 2 plays, 20 yards, 0:48.
- NO – Wil Lutz 48-yard field goal, 4:51. 49ers 35–33 Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 4:49.
Fourth quarter - SF – Kendrick Bourne 6-yard pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (Robbie Gould kick), 8:59. 49ers 42–33 Drive: 14 plays, 55 yards, 6:57.
- NO – Michael Thomas 21-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 6:06. 49ers 42–40 Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:53.
- SF – Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal, 2:23. 49ers 45–40 Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 3:43.
- NO – Tre'Quan Smith 18-yard pass from Drew Brees (pass failed), 0:53. Saints 46–45 Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 1:30.
- SF – Robbie Gould 30-yard field goal, 0:00. 49ers 48–46 Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 0:53.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers |
|
In the NFL's second-highest-scoring game of 2019,[3] Brees and 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw for a combined 698 yards and nine touchdowns as the two teams traded blows all game long. Brees played his best game of the season with his five touchdowns against one of the league's best pass defenses. Although Brees found Tre'Quan Smith late in the game to take a 46–45 lead, Garoppolo connected with tight end George Kittle who ran past several Saints defenders on one of the iconic plays of the season. This set up Robbie Gould's game winning 30-yard field goal as time expired.
With the loss, the Saints fell to 10–3.
Week 15: vs. Indianapolis Colts edit
Week Fifteen: Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Colts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Saints | 3 | 17 | 14 | 0 | 34 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date:
- Game time: 7:15 pm. CST
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,053
- Referee: Shawn Hochuli
- TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore, Booger McFarland and Lisa Salters
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 33-yard field goal, 7:28. Saints 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 3:35.
Second quarter - NO – Michael Thomas 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 12:37. Saints 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 6:17.
- NO – Tre'Quan Smith 21-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 6:11. Saints 17–0. Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 6:09.
- NO – Wil Lutz 26-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 20–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:02.
Third quarter - NO – Josh Hill 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 7:08. Saints 27–0. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:52.
- NO – Taysom Hill 28-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 0:35. Saints 34–0. Drive: 3 plays, 51 yards, 1:23.
Fourth quarter | Top passers - IND – Jacoby Brissett – 18/34, 165 yards
- NO – Drew Brees – 29/30, 307 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers Top receivers - IND – Zach Pascal – 4 receptions, 44 yards
- NO – Michael Thomas – 12 receptions, 128 yards
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Drew Brees threw four touchdown passes, passing Peyton Manning for most career touchdown passes. His completion percentage of 96.67% set a new record for single-game completion percentage (by a quarterback who attempted more than 10 passes in the game)[4] as the Saints demolished the Colts 34–7, improving to 11–3.
Week 16: at Tennessee Titans edit
Week Sixteen: New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Saints | 0 | 10 | 21 | 7 | 38 |
| Titans | 14 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
- Date: December 22
- Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 50 °F (10 °C)
- Game attendance: 66,756
- Referee: Jerome Boger
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Sara Walsh
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter Second quarter - NO – Wil Lutz 47-yard field goal, 13:36. Titans 14–3. Drive: 13 plays, 41 yards, 6:14.
- NO – Jared Cook 61-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 2:23. Titans 14–10. Drive: 1 play, 61 yards, 0:11.
Third quarter - NO – Alvin Kamara 40-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 14:00. Saints 17–14. Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards, 1:00.
- NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 7:08. Saints 24–14. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:00.
- TEN – Tajae Sharpe 34-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Greg Joseph kick), 4:25. Saints 24–21. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:43.
- NO – Jared Cook 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:18. Saints 31–21. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 3:07.
Fourth quarter - TEN – Tajae Sharpe 7-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Greg Joseph kick), 7:27. Saints 31–28. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 3:15.
- NO – Michael Thomas 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 2:10. Saints 38–28. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 1:56.
| Top passers - TEN – Ryan Tannehill – 17/27, 272 yards, 3 TD
- NO – Drew Brees – 27/38, 279 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers - TEN – Dion Lewis – 15 rushes, 68 yards
- NO – Alvin Kamara – 11 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers - TEN – Tajae Sharpe – 5 receptions, 69 yards, 2 TD
- NO – Michael Thomas – 12 receptions, 136 yards, TD
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|
The Saints started the game poorly, falling into an early 14–0 deficit. However, from there they scored 24 unanswered points to take the lead. With the Titans driving and only down 3, Kalif Raymond was tackled by C. J. Gardner-Johnson and lost a fumble; the hit was controversially not flagged.[citation needed]
The Saints improved to 12–3. Michael Thomas broke Marvin Harrison's 18-year record for most receptions in a single season with 145. Alvin Kamara rushed for two touchdowns, his first since Week 3 and bringing his season total to four. The Saints were the only NFC South team to defeat all four of their AFC South opponents in 2019.
Week 17: at Carolina Panthers edit
Week Seventeen: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|
| Saints | 14 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 42 |
| Panthers | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: December 29
- Game time: 12:00 pm. CST/1:00 pm. EST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 63 °F (17 °C)
- Game attendance: 72,203
- Referee: Ronald Torbert
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Lindsay Czarniak
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information |
|---|
| First quarter - NO – Alvin Kamara 15-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 10:54. Saints 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:12.
- NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 1:05. Saints 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 6:21.
Second quarter - NO – A. J. Klein 14-yard interception return (Wil Lutz Kick), 12:10. Saints 21–0.
- NO – Tre'Quan Smith 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 6:32. Saints 28–0. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:29
- NO – Jared Cook 21-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 2:17. Saints 35–0. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:56.
- CAR – Joey Slye 23-yard field goal, 0:36. Saints 35–3. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 1:39.
Third quarter - NO – Taysom Hill 45-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 4:36. Saints 42–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:52.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 1-yard run (Joey Slye kick), 0:37. Saints 42–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:52.
Fourth quarter | Top passers - CAR – Kyle Allen – 25/41, 295 yards, INT
- NO – Drew Brees – 19/30, 253 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers - CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 9 rushes, 26 yards
- NO – Latavius Murray – 17 rushes, 61 yards
Top receivers - CAR – Brandon Zylstra – 6 receptions, 96 yards
- NO – Tre'Quan Smith – 5 receptions, 56 yards, TD
|
|
The Saints dominated the Panthers to end their regular season. Kamara rushed for two more touchdowns and Brees threw three against a bad Panthers defense. Linebacker A. J. Klein intercepted an errant pass by Panthers quarterback Will Grier and returned it for a 14-yard pick-six.
The win improved the Saints to 13–3. However, they were unable to clinch a first-round bye as the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers also won.
Standings edit
Division edit
Conference edit
