NFL team season
The 2018 season was the New Orleans Saints ' 52nd in the National Football League , their 43rd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their 12th under head coach Sean Payton .
This season was the first since 1984 without owner Tom Benson , who died in March. In Week 11, the Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles to reach their first nine-game winning streak since their Super Bowl winning season in 2009 , ensuring they clinched their second consecutive winning season for the first time since 2010 –2011 . They swept their division rivals , the Atlanta Falcons , after a 31–17 victory on Thanksgiving night for the first time since 2015 while extending their second longest winning streak in franchise history to 10 games,[2] which came to an end when the Saints lost to the Dallas Cowboys 13–10, on November 29. On December 9, the Saints clinched their second straight NFC South division championship when they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , their first back-to-back division titles in franchise history. On December 17, after beating the Carolina Panthers , the Saints improved on their 11–5 record from 2017 . After a Week 16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers , the Saints clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs for the first time since 2009. The Saints finished the season with a 13–3 record, tied for the most wins in a season in franchise history.
In the playoffs, the Saints defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 20–14 in the Divisional Round. However, the Saints' season came to an end in a 26–23 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game in controversial fashion, which ended their hopes of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl XLIV . Additionally, it marked the first time since 1992 that the Saints lost a postseason game at home.
Draft [ ]
Notes
The Saints traded their 2018 first-round selection (27th overall ), along with their 2019 first-round selection to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for the 14th overall selection.
The Saints received a 2018 sixth-round selection (189th overall ) from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for running back Adrian Peterson .
Staff [ ]
2018 New Orleans Saints staff
Front office
Owner – Gayle Benson
President –
Executive vice president/general manager – Mickey Loomis
Asst general manager/college scouting director – Jeff Ireland
Vice president of football administration –
Director of operations –
Director of pro scouting – Terry Fontenot
Head coaches
Head coach – Sean Payton
Assistant head coach/tight ends – Dan Campbell
Assistant to the head coach –
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
Defensive coordinator – Dennis Allen
Defensive line – Ryan Nielsen
Linebackers – Mike Nolan
Secondary – Aaron Glenn
Senior defensive assistant – Peter Giunta
Defensive assistant/linebackers – Michael Hodges
Defensive assistant – Leigh Torrence
Pass rush specialist – Brian Young
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
Head strength and conditioning –
Assistant strength and conditioning –
Assistant strength and conditioning –
Final roster [ ]
2018 New Orleans Saints final roster
Quarterbacks
9 Drew Brees
5 Teddy Bridgewater
7 Taysom Hill KR
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
Reserve lists
Practice squad
Rookies in italics
53 active, 11 inactive, 10 practice squad
Preseason [ ]
Week
Date
Opponent
Result
Record
Game site
NFL.com recap
1
at Jacksonville Jaguars
W 24–20
1–0
TIAA Bank Field
Recap
2
Arizona Cardinals
L 15–20
1–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
3
at Los Angeles Chargers
W 36–7
2–1
StubHub Center
Recap
4
Los Angeles Rams
W 28–0
3–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
Regular season [ ]
Schedule [ ]
The Saints' 2018 schedule was released on April 19.
Week
Date
Opponent
Result
Record
Game site
NFL.com recap
1
September 9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
L 40–48
0–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
2
September 16
Cleveland Browns
W 21–18
1–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
3
September 23
at Atlanta Falcons
W 43–37 (OT)
2–1
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Recap
4
September 30
at New York Giants
W 33–18
3–1
MetLife Stadium
Recap
5
Washington Redskins
W 43–19
4–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
6
Bye
7
October 21
at Baltimore Ravens
W 24–23
5–1
M&T Bank Stadium
Recap
8
October 28
at Minnesota Vikings
W 30–20
6–1
U.S. Bank Stadium
Recap
9
November 4
Los Angeles Rams
W 45–35
7–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
10
November 11
at Cincinnati Bengals
W 51–14
8–1
Paul Brown Stadium
Recap
11
November 18
Philadelphia Eagles
W 48–7
9–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
12
November 22
Atlanta Falcons
W 31–17
10–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
13
at Dallas Cowboys
L 10–13
10–2
AT&T Stadium
Recap
14
December 9
at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
W 28–14
11–2
Raymond James Stadium
Recap
15
at Carolina Panthers
W 12–9
12–2
Bank of America Stadium
Recap
16
December 23
Pittsburgh Steelers
W 31–28
13–2
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
17
December 30
Carolina Panthers
L 14–33
13–3
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries [ ]
Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers [ ]
Week One: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Buccaneers
14
17
10 7 48
Saints
10
14
0 16 40
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome , New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : September 9Game time : 12:00 p.m. CDT Game weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,038Referee : John Parry TV announcers (Fox ) : Chris Myers , Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 5-yard run (Lutz kick) Saints 7-0 Drive 6 plays, 71 yards, 3:19.
TB – DeSean Jackson 58-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Catanzaro kick) Tied 7–7 Drive 4 plays, 58 yards, 2:00.
NO – Wil Lutz 36-yard field goal Saints 10-7 Drive 11 plays, 58 yards, 5:16.
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick 3-yard run (Catanzaro kick) Buccaneers 14-10 Drive 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:27.
Second quarter
NO – Ted Ginn 28-yard pass from Drew Brees (Lutz kick) Saints 17-14 Drive 4 plays, 74 yards, 2:04.
TB – Chandler Catanzaro 33-yard field goal Tied 17-17 Drive 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:42.
TB – Chris Godwin 9-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Catanzaro kick) Buccaneers 24-17 Drive 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:00.
TB – Justin Evans 34-yard fumble return (Catanzaro kick) Buccaneers 31-17
NO – Michael Thomas 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Lutz kick) Buccaneers 31-24 Drive 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:32.
Third quarter
TB – Chandler Catanzaro 36-yard field goal Buccaneers 34-24 Drive 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:36.
TB – Mike Evans 50-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Catanzaro kick) Buccaneers 41-24 Drive 4 plays, 74 yards, 2:10.
Fourth quarter
TB – DeSean Jackson 36-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Catanzaro kick) Buccaneers 48-24 Drive 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:07.
NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Kamara run) Buccaneers 48-32 Drive 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:25.
NO – Alvin Kamara 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Ginn pass from Brees) Buccaneers 48-40 Drive 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:21.
Top passers
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 21/28, 417 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT
NO – Drew Brees – 37/45, 439 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Top rushers
TB – Peyton Barber – 19 carries, 69 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 9 carries, 29 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
TB – Mike Evans – 7 receptions, 147 yards, 1 TD
NO – Michael Thomas – 16 receptions, 180 yards, 1 TD
Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns [ ]
Week Two: Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Browns
3
3
6 6 18
Saints
3
0
0 18 21
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : September 16Game time : 12:00 pm. CDTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,086Referee : Ronald Torbert TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura OkminRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
CLE – Zane Gonzalez 39-yard field goal, 8:29. Browns 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 3:02.
NO – Wil Lutz 31-yard field goal, 2:47. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:42.
Second quarter
CLE – Zane Gonzalez 39-yard field goal, 1:55. Browns 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:21.
Third quarter
CLE – Carlos Hyde 1-yard run (PAT no good), 6:43. Browns 12–3. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 6:27.
Fourth quarter
NO – Michael Thomas 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 8:41. Browns 12–10. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 5:35.
NO – Michael Thomas 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Alvin Kamara run for two-point conversion), 2:40. Saints 18–12. Drive: 4 plays, 18 yards, 2:17.
CLE – Antonio Callaway 47-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (PAT no good), 1:16. Tied 18–18. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:24.
NO – Wil Lutz 44-yard field goal, 0:21. Saints 21–18. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 0:55.
Top passers
CLE – Tyrod Taylor – 22/30, 246 yards, TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 28/35, 243 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
CLE – Carlos Hyde – 16 carries, 43 yards, TD
NO – Alvin Kamara – 13 carries, 46 yards
Top receivers
CLE – Antonio Callaway – 3 receptions, 81 yards, TD
NO – Michael Thomas – 12 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD
Week 3: at Atlanta Falcons [ ]
Week Three: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Saints
7
9
7 14 6 43
Falcons
7
7
7 16 0 37
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium , Atlanta, Georgia
Date : September 23Game time : 1:00 p.m. EDT /12:00 pm. CDTGame weather : Played indoors (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 74,457Referee : Walt Anderson TV announcers (Fox) : Sam Rosen , Cris Carter and Sara Walsh Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Ted Ginn Jr. 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 11:45. Saints 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:15.
ATL – Calvin Ridley 18-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 2:45. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 6:06.
Second quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 49-yard field goal, 9:37. Saints 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 2:21.
NO – Wil Lutz 21-yard field goal, 3:06. Saints 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:46.
ATL – Calvin Ridley 75-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 2:12. Falcons 14–13. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:54.
NO – Wil Lutz 45-yard field goal, 0:06. Saints 16–14. Drive: 3 plays, 31 yards, 0:34.
Third quarter
ATL – Calvin Ridley 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 12:00. Falcons 21–16. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:00.
Fourth quarter
NO – Cameron Meredith 11-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 6:07. Saints 23–21. Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 2:29.
ATL – Tevin Coleman 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan-Austin Hooper pass), 14:11. Falcons 29–23. Drive: 12 plays, 82 yards, 6:56.
NO – Zach Line 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 9:59. Saints 30–29. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:12.
ATL – Mohamed Sanu 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan-Mohamed Sanu pass), 6:56. Falcons 37–30. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 3:01.
NO – Drew Brees 7-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 1:15. Tied 37–37. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:43.
Overtime
NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run, 2:55. Saints 43–37. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 7:05.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 39/49, 396 yards, 3 TD
ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/35, 374 yards, 5 TD
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 16 carries, 66 yards
ATL – Tevin Coleman – 15 carries, 33 yards
Top receivers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 15 receptions, 124 yards
ATL – Calvin Ridley – 7 receptions, 146 yards, 3 TD
Week 4: at New York Giants [ ]
Week Four: New Orleans Saints at New York Giants – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
12
7 14 33
Giants
7
0
3 8 18
at MetLife Stadium , East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date : September 30Game time : 4:25 pm. EDT/3:25 pm. CDTGame weather : 71 °F (22 °C), partly cloudyGame attendance : 78,213Referee : Pete Morelli TV announcers (CBS ) : Jim Nantz , Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NYG – Sterling Shepard 2-yard TD pass from Eli Manning . (Aldrick Rosas kick), 8:42. Giants 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:59.
Second quarter
NO – Wil Lutz – 42-yard field goal, 14:55. Giants 7–3 . Drive: 15 plays, 51 yards, 8:29.
NO – Wil Lutz – 34 yard field goal, 7:18. Giants 7–6 Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 3:31.
NO – Wil Lutz – 37 yard field goal, 3:36. Saints 9–7 Drive: 4 plays, -8 yards, 0:57.
NO – Wil Lutz – 26 yard field goal, 0:11. Saints 12–7 Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 2:21.
Third quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara – 9-yard TD run. (Wil Lutz kick), 7:16. Saints 19–7 . Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:17.
NYG – Aldrick Rosas – 33 yard field goal, 2:02. Saints 19–10 . Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:14.
Fourth quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara – 4 yard TD run. (Wil Lutz kick), 6:47. Saints 26–10 . Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 6:39.
NYG – Saquon Barkley – 1 yard TD run. (Eli Manning pass to Sterling Shepard for two-point conversion), 3:44. Saints 26–18 . Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:03.
NO – Alvin Kamara – 49 yard TD run. (Wil Lutz kick), 2:06. Saints 33–18 . Drive: 6 plays, 97 yards, 1:38.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 18/32, 217 yards
NYG – Eli Manning – 31/41, 255 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 19 rushes, 134 yards, 3 TD
NYG – Saquon Barkley – 10 rushes, 44 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
NO – Josh Hill – 3 receptions, 63 yards
NYG – Sterling Shepard – 10 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD
Week 5: vs. Washington Redskins [ ]
Week Five: Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Redskins
3
10
0 6 19
Saints
6
20
14 3 43
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : Game time : 7:15 pm. CDTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,028Referee : Carl Cheffers TV announcers (ESPN /WDSU ) : Joe Tessitore , Jason Witten , Booger McFarland and Lisa Salters Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. 2-yard run (kick failed), 10:41. Saints 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 3:13.
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 37-yard field goal, 2:37. Saints 6–3. Drive: 15 plays, 56 yards, 8:04.
Second quarter
NO – Josh Hill 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 10:38. Saints 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:59.
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 53-yard field goal, 8:36. Saints 13–6. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:02.
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 3:43. Saints 20–6. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:53.
NO – Tre'Quan Smith 62-yard pass from Drew Brees (run failed), 2:36. Saints 26–6. Drive: 1 plays, 62 yards, 0:10.
WAS – Alex Smith 4-yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick), 0:26. Saints 26–13. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 0:56.
Third quarter
NO – Tre'Quan Smith 35-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 12:23. Saints 33–13. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 2:37.
NO – Taysom Hill 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 6:43. Saints 40–13. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 1:00.
Fourth quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 44-yard field goal, 14:10. Saints 43–13. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 3:09.
WAS – Kapri Bibbs 1-yard run (pass failed), 10:25. Saints 43–19. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:42.
Top passers
WAS – Alex Smith – 23/39, 275 yards, 1 INT
NO – Drew Brees – 26/29, 363 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
WAS – Chris Thompson – 8 carries, 17 yards
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. – 16 carries, 53 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
WAS – Chris Thompson – 6 receptions, 45 yards
NO – Cameron Meredith – 5 receptions, 71 yards
This game was one year removed from last season, where the Saints overcame a 15-point deficit against the Redskins at home with three minutes remaining. This time, the Saints dominated the entire game. This game marked Drew Brees passing Brett Favre and Peyton Manning on most passing yards. The win improved the Saints to 4-1.
Week 7: at Baltimore Ravens [ ]
Week Seven: New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
7
0 17 24
Ravens
0
10
7 6 23
at M&T Bank Stadium , Baltimore, Maryland
Date : October 21Game time : 4:05 pm. EDT/3:05 pm. CDTGame weather : 54 °F (12 °C), partly sunnyGame attendance : 70,639Referee : John ParryTV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura OkminRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
BAL – Justin Tucker 31-yard field goal, 6:04. Ravens 3–0. Drive: 17 plays, 63 yards, 7:23.
NO – Benjamin Watson 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:53. Saints 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:11.
BAL – Lamar Jackson 1-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 0:04. Ravens 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:49.
Third quarter
BAL – Mark Andrews 8-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 3:30. Ravens 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 4:02.
Fourth quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 2-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:32. Ravens 17–14. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:58.
NO – Michael Thomas 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 4:58. Saints 21–17. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:18.
NO – Wil Lutz 39-yard field goal, 2:07. Saints 24–17. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 1:12.
BAL – John Brown 14-yard pass from Joe Flacco (kick failed), 0:24. Saints 24–23. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 1:43.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 22/30, 212 yards, 2 TD
BAL – Joe Flacco – 23/39, 279 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 17 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD
BAL – Alex Collins – 11 carries, 38 yards
Top receivers
NO – Michael Thomas – 7 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD
BAL – John Brown – 7 receptions, 134 yards, 1 TD
Drew Brees would throw his 500th touchdown pass against Baltimore, and becoming the third quarterback in modern NFL history to defeat all 32 teams playing in the 2018 season – after Peyton Manning and Brett Favre . In doing so, he improved his record against the Ravens to 1-4.
Week 8: at Minnesota Vikings [ ]
Week Eight: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
7
10
10 3 30
Vikings
7
6
0 7 20
at U.S. Bank Stadium , Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : October 28Game time : 7:20 pm. CDTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 66,801Referee : Craig Wrolstad TV announcers (NBC ) : Al Michaels , Cris Collinsworth , Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 10:33. Saints 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 4:27.
MIN – Stefon Diggs 1-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 3:16. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 7:17.
Second quarter
MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 11:57. Vikings 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:05.
NO – Wil Lutz 52-yard field goal, 7:27. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 4:30.
NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 0:30. Saints 17–13. Drive: 2 plays, 18 yards, 0:27.
Third quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 42-yard field goal, 8:19. Saints 20–13. Drive: 9 plays, 21 yards, 4:09.
NO – P. J. Williams 45-yard interception return (Wil Lutz kick), 5:58. Saints 27–13.
Fourth quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 42-yard field goal, 9:35. Saints 30–13. Drive: 15 plays, 60 yards, 8:15.
MIN – Adam Thielen 1-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Bailey kick), 4:26. Saints 30–20. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:09.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 18/23, 120 yards, TD, INT
MIN – Kirk Cousins – 31/41, 359 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. – 13 rushes, 63 yards
MIN – Latavius Murray – 13 rushes, 56 yards, TD
Top receivers
NO – Michael Thomas – 5 receptions, 81 yards
MIN – Stefon Diggs – 10 receptions, 119 yards, TD
The Saints travelled to Minnesota for the first time since the 2017 Divisional round; during which safety Marcus Williams missed a tackle on the game's final play that allowed a 61-yard game-winning touchdown reception by Stefon Diggs . In this divisional round rematch, despite a good offensive showing from Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs, and Drew Brees who was held to just 120 passing yards, New Orleans still won the game 30-20 to go to 6-1 and avenge their aforementioned playoff loss.
Week 9: vs. Los Angeles Rams [ ]
Week Nine: Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Rams
7
10
10 8 35
Saints
14
21
0 10 45
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : November 4Game time : 3:25 pm. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,086Referee : Bill Vinovich TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck , Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Preview , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 11-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 9:25. Saints 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:35.
LAR – Todd Gurley 8-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 6:04. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 3:21.
NO – Alvin Kamara 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:40. Saints 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:24.
Second quarter
LAR – Brandin Cooks 4-yard pass from Jared Goff (Greg Zuerlein kick), 14:12. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:28.
NO – Tre'Quan Smith 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 7:35. Saints 21–14. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 5:31.
NO – Benjamin Watson 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:06. Saints 28–14. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:24.
NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 0:26. Saints 35–14. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 0:33.
LAR – Greg Zuerlein 56-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 35–17. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 0:26.
Third quarter
LAR – Malcolm Brown 18-yard pass from Jared Goff (Greg Zuerlein kick), 9:38. Saints 35–24. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:22.
LAR – Greg Zuerlein 34-yard field goal, 1:30. Saints 35–27. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 3:56.
Fourth quarter
LAR – Cooper Kupp 41-yard pass from Jared Goff (Jared Goff-Gerald Everett pass), 9:48. Tied 35–35. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 3:39.
NO – Wil Lutz 54-yard field goal, 6:23. Saints 38–35. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 3:23.
NO – Michael Thomas 72-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 3:52. Saints 45–35. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:58.
Top passers
LAR – Jared Goff – 28/40, 391 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
NO – Drew Brees – 25/36, 346 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
LAR – Todd Gurley – 13 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD
NO – Alvin Kamara – 19 carries, 82 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
LAR – Brandin Cooks – 6 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD
NO – Michael Thomas – 12 receptions, 211 yards, 1 TD
With the victory, the Saints extended their winning streak to 7 games (Starting from week 2) and ended the previously 8-0 Rams' chances at completing a perfect season . Also, star wide receiver Michael Thomas, after scoring on his 12th reception, paid homage to former Saints wide receiver Joe Horn by pulling out a cell phone from underneath the goalpost pretending to make a call. This celebration drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals [ ]
Week Ten: New Orleans Saints at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
7
28
10 6 51
Bengals
7
0
0 7 14
at Paul Brown Stadium , Cincinnati, Ohio
Date : November 11Game time : 12:00 pm. CST/1:00 pm. ESTGame weather : 39 °F (4 °C), mostly sunnyGame attendance : 52,492Referee : Tony Corrente TV announcers (Fox) : Kevin Burkhardt , Charles Davis and Pam Oliver Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Michael Thomas 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 6:30. Saints 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 8:30.
CIN – John Ross 2-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Randy Bullock kick), 1:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:34.
Second quarter
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. 28-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 13:33. Saints 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:23.
NO – Alvin Kamara 4-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 5:34. Saints 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 4:54.
NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 1:22. Saints 28–7. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 2:40.
NO – Michael Thomas 17-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 0:02. Saints 35–7. Drive: 1 plays, 17 yards, 0:06.
Third quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 29-yard field goal, 9:04. Saints 38–7. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:08.
NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 2:25. Saints 45–7. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:56.
Fourth quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 42-yard field goal, 10:41. Saints 48–7. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 5:52.
NO – Wil Lutz 41-yard field goal, 7:17. Saints 51–7. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:35.
CIN – Jeff Driskel 27-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 4:42. Saints 51–14. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:35.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 22/25, 265 yards, 3 TD
CIN – Andy Dalton – 12/20, 153 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. – 13 carries, 104 yards
CIN – Joe Mixon – 11 carries, 61 yards
Top receivers
NO – Michael Thomas – 8 receptions, 70 yards, 2 TD
CIN – Tyler Boyd – 3 receptions, 65 yards
After losing the newly acquired Dez Bryant for the year with an Achilles' tear in practice, several players, including Michael Thomas , and running backs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara paid tribute by throwing up Bryant's signature 'X' celebration each time they scored. Safety Marcus Williams returned a long interception to end the first half with the Saints leading 35-7. New Orleans would eventually stun the Bengals in a 51-14 victory and their streak continued, going 8-1.
Week 11: vs. Philadelphia Eagles [ ]
Week Eleven: Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Eagles
0
7
0 0 7
Saints
10
14
14 10 48
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : November 18Game time : 3:25 pm. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,042Referee : Carl Cheffers TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin AndrewsRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 38-yard field goal, 9:10. Saints 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 4:14.
NO – Austin Carr 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 3:12. Saints 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 4:52.
Second quarter
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. 14-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 12:07. Saints 17–0. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 5:32.
PHI – Josh Adams 28-yard rush (Jake Elliott kick), 8:42. Saints 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:25.
NO – Tre'Quan Smith 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 0:39. Saints 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 2:40.
Third quarter
NO – Michael Thomas 23-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 11:20. Saints 31–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:40.
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. 1-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 5:34. Saints 38–7. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 4:22.
Fourth quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 37-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 13:15. Saints 45–7. Drive: 7 plays, 87 yards, 3:18.
NO – Wil Lutz 19-yard field goal, 6:46. Saints 48–7. Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 5:02.
Top passers
PHI – Carson Wentz - 19/33, 156 yards, 3 INT
NO – Drew Brees - 22/30, 363 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
PHI – Josh Adams - 7 rushes, 53 yards, 1 TD
NO – Mark Ingram - 16 rushes, 103 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
After head coach Sean Payton lost a golf bet to Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, the Saints, despite being the home team, wore their white color rush uniforms. It was the first time the Saints used the uniforms at home.
Week 12: vs. Atlanta Falcons [ ]
NFL on Thanksgiving Day
Week Twelve: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons
3
0
7 7 17
Saints
7
10
7 7 31
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : Game time : 7:20 pm. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,017Referee : John Hussey TV announcers (NBC) : Mike Tirico , Tony Dungy , Rodney Harrison , Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulayRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Tommylee Lewis 28-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 11:11. Saints 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:49.
ATL – Matt Bryant 32-yard field goal, 2:35. Saints 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 3:03.
Second quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 22-yard field goal, 9:09. Saints 10–3. Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 8:26.
NO – Austin Carr 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 3:20. Saints 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 4:10.
Third quarter
NO – Dan Arnold 25-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:59. Saints 24–3. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:18.
ATL – Calvin Ridley 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:22. Saints 24–10. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 5:37.
Fourth quarter
NO – Keith Kirkwood 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 9:27. Saints 31–10. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 3:00.
ATL – Tevin Coleman 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 1:51. Saints 31–17. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 1:48.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 35/47, 377 yards, 2 TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 15/22, 171 yards, 4 TD, INT
Top rushers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 2 carries, 16 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 14 carries, 89 yards
Top receivers
ATL – Julio Jones – 11 receptions, 147 yards
NO – Dan Arnold – 4 receptions, 48 yards, TD
Week 13: at Dallas Cowboys [ ]
Week Thirteen: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
0
10 0 10
Cowboys
10
3
0 0 13
at AT&T Stadium , Arlington, Texas
Date : Game time : 7:20 pm. CSTGame weather : 70 °F (21 °C), clear – retractable roof openGame attendance : 93,004Referee : Walt AndersonTV announcers (Fox/NFLN ) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina PinkRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
DAL – Brett Maher 26-yard field goal, 9:27. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 5:36.
DAL – Ezekiel Elliott 16-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Brett Maher kick), 0:57. Cowboys 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 4:10.
Second quarter
DAL – Brett Maher 46-yard field goal, 0:55. Cowboys 13–0. Drive: 16 plays, 70 yards, 9:09.
Third quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 33-yard field goal, 10:03. Cowboys 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:00.
NO – Keith Kirkwood 30-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:08. Cowboys 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 4:39.
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 18/28, 127 yards, TD, INT
DAL – Dak Prescott – 24/28, 248 yards, TD
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 11 carries, 36 yards
DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 23 carries, 76 yards
Top receivers
NO – Michael Thomas – 5 receptions, 40 yards
DAL – Michael Gallup – 5 receptions, 76 yards
Michael Thomas recorded his 90th catch of the season, joining Odell Beckham Jr. as the only players in NFL history to record at least 90 receptions in their first three seasons.[3] However, Drew Brees would lose the game for the Saints by throwing an interception to Jourdan Lewis, thus snapping the Saints' 10-game win streak and dropping them to 10–2.
Week 14: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers [ ]
Week Fourteen: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
3
8 17 28
Buccaneers
7
7
0 0 14
at Raymond James Stadium , Tampa, Florida
Date : December 9Game time : 12:00 pm. CST/1:00 pm. ESTGame weather : 71 °F (22 °C), cloudyGame attendance : 53,495Referee : Jerome Boger TV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert , Ronde Barber and Sara Walsh Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
TB – Cameron Brate 11-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Cairo Santos kick), 12:19. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:41.
Second quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 30-yard field goal, 7:06. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:11.
TB – Cameron Brate 1-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Cairo Santos kick), 0:26. Buccaneers 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 1:56.
Third quarter
NO – Zach Line 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Alvin Kamara rush), 4:43. Buccaneers 14–11. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 2:35.
Fourth quarter
NO – Drew Brees 1-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 11:46. Saints 18–14. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 5:35.
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. 17-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 7:26. Saints 25–14. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:08.
NO – Wil Lutz 36-yard field goal, 1:12. Saints 28–14. Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, 4:20.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 24/31, 201 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
TB – Jameis Winston – 18/38, 213 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. – 13 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD
TB – Jameis Winston – 5 carries, 47 yards
Top receivers
The New Orleans Saints trailed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14-3 halfway through the 3rd quarter when Taysom Hill sparked a rally by blocking a punt and setting up New Orleans inside Tampa Bay territory. The Saints would go on to win in a comeback 28-14 and clinching a playoff berth in the process.
Week 15: at Carolina Panthers [ ]
Week Fifteen: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
3
3
0 6 12
Panthers
7
0
0 2 9
at Bank of America Stadium , Charlotte, North Carolina
Date : Game time : 7:15 pm. CST/8:15 pm. ESTGame weather : 48 °F (9 °C), clear skiesGame attendance : 74,188Referee : Tony CorrenteTV announcers (ESPN) : Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Booger McFarland and Lisa SaltersRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 24-yard field goal, 10:00. Panthers 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:50.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 16-yard rush (pass failed), 12:12. Saints 12–7. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 6:13.
CAR – Donte Jackson New Orleans two-point conversion attempt interception return: 2 points Carolina. Saints 12–9.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 23/35, 203 yards, INT
CAR – Cam Newton – 16/29, 131 yards, INT
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 14 carries, 67 yards, TD
CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 15 carries, 53 yards
Top receivers
NO – Michael Thomas – 7 receptions, 49 yards
CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 8 receptions, 67 yards
Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers [ ]
Week Sixteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Steelers
3
11
14 0 28
Saints
7
10
7 7 31
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : December 23Game time : 3:25 pm. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,086Referee : Craig WrolstadTV announcers (CBS) : Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy WolfsonRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
PIT – Chris Boswell 49-yard field goal, 5:32. Steelers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 4:46.
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. 1-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 2:57. Saints 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:35.
Second quarter
PIT – Chris Boswell 30-yard field goal, 14:05. Saints 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:52.
NO – Alvin Kamara 8-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 10:22. Saints 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:43.
PIT – Jaylen Samuels 3-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Ben Roethlisberger-Eli Rogers pass), 0:40. Tied 14–14. Drive: 15 plays, 97 yards, 6:04.
NO – Wil Lutz 43-yard field goal, 0:02. Saints 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 0:38.
Third quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 9:13. Saints 24–14. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:47.
PIT – Antonio Brown 3-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 4:48. Saints 24–21. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:25.
PIT – Antonio Brown 20-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 1:02. Steelers 28–24. Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 1:36.
Fourth quarter
NO – Michael Thomas 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:25. Saints 31–28. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 2:41.
Top passers
PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 33/50, 380 yards, 3 TD
NO – Drew Brees – 27/39, 326 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
PIT – Jaylen Samuels – 12 carries, 53 yards
NO – Mark Ingram Jr. – 11 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
PIT – Antonio Brown – 14 receptions, 185 yards, 2 TD
NO – Michael Thomas – 11 receptions, 109 yards, 1 TD
With the win, the Saints clinched home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Mark Ingram recorded his 50th touchdown, surpassing Deuce McAllister for the Saints franchise record for rushing touchdowns.[4] The Saints were the only NFC South team to defeat all four of their AFC North opponents in 2018.
Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers [ ]
Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Panthers
13
10
7 3 33
Saints
0
0
0 14 14
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : December 30Game time : 12:00 pm. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,028Referee : Bill VinovichTV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Kristina PinkRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
CAR – Ian Thomas 8-yard pass from Kyle Allen (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 2:00. Panthers 20–0. Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 7:45.
CAR – Chandler Catanzaro 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 23–0. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 1:28.
Third quarter
CAR – Curtis Samuel 53-yard pass from Kyle Allen (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 3:46. Panthers 30–0. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:34.
Fourth quarter
NO – Tre'Quan Smith 9-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 13:28. Panthers 30–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:18.
CAR – Chandler Catanzaro 51-yard field goal, 8:17. Panthers 33–7. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 5:11.
NO – Taysom Hill 9-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 3:47. Panthers 33–14. Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 1:23.
Top passers
CAR – Kyle Allen – 16/27, 228 yards, 2 TD
NO – Teddy Bridgewater – 14/22, 118 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
CAR – Cameron Artis-Payne – 16 carries, 56 yards
NO – Dwayne Washington – 11 carries, 108 yards
Top receivers
CAR – D.J. Moore – 4 receptions, 81 yards
NO – Tre'Quan Smith – 3 receptions, 30 yards
Teddy Bridgewater started in this game. With the loss, the Saints finish the season 13-3.
Standings [ ]
Division [ ]
NFC South
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
PF
PA
STK
(1) New Orleans Saints
13
3
0
.813
4–2
9–3
504
353
L1
Atlanta Falcons
7
9
0
.438
4–2
7–5
414
423
W3
Carolina Panthers
7
9
0
.438
2–4
5–7
376
382
W1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5
11
0
.313
2–4
4–8
396
464
L4
Conference [ ]
#
Team
Division
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
SOS
SOV
STK
Division leaders
1[a]
New Orleans Saints
South
13
3
0
.813
4–2
9–3
.482
.488
L1
2[a]
Los Angeles Rams
West
13
3
0
.813
6–0
9–3
.480
.428
W2
3
Chicago Bears
North
12
4
0
.750
5–1
10–2
.430
.419
W4
4
Dallas Cowboys
East
10
6
0
.625
5–1
9–3
.488
.444
W2
Wild Cards
5
Seattle Seahawks
West
10
6
0
.625
3–3
8–4
.484
.400
W2
6
Philadelphia Eagles
East
9
7
0
.563
4–2
6–6
.518
.486
W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7
Minnesota Vikings
North
8
7
1
.531
3–2–1
6–5–1
.504
.355
L1
8[b]
Atlanta Falcons
South
7
9
0
.438
4–2
7–5
.482
.348
W3
9[b]
Washington Redskins
East
7
9
0
.438
2–4
6–6
.486
.371
L2
10[b]
Carolina Panthers
South
7
9
0
.438
2–4
5–7
.508
.518
W1
11
Green Bay Packers
North
6
9
1
.406
1–4–1
3–8–1
.488
.417
L1
12
Detroit Lions
North
6
10
0
.375
2–4
4–8
.504
.427
W1
13[c]
New York Giants
East
5
11
0
.313
1–5
4–8
.527
.487
L3
14[c]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
South
5
11
0
.313
2–4
4–8
.523
.506
L4
15
San Francisco 49ers
West
4
12
0
.250
1–5
2–10
.504
.406
L2
16
Arizona Cardinals
West
3
13
0
.188
2–4
3–9
.527
.302
L4
Tiebreakers [d]
^ a b New Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory.
^ a b c Atlanta finished ahead of Washington based on head-to-head victory. Atlanta finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head victory.
^ a b NY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory.
^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
Single player milestone [ ]
Late in the first half of the Week 5, Monday Night game against the Washington Redskins, Quarterback Drew Brees surpassed Brett Favre (71,838) and Peyton Manning (71,940) for the most career passing yards. Brees surpassed Favre on a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Josh Hill , and later he surpassed Manning with a 62-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith , giving him the NFL's All-Time Career pass yardage record.[5] Brees also threw his 500th touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens , with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Benjamin Watson .
Postseason [ ]
Playoff round
Date
Opponent (seed)
Result
Record
Game site
NFL.com recap
Wild Card
First-round bye
Divisional
January 13, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles (6)
W 20–14
1–0
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
NFC Championship
January 20, 2019
Los Angeles Rams (2)
L 23–26 (OT)
1–1
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Recap
NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (6) Philadelphia Eagles [ ]
NFC Divisional Playoffs: (6) Philadelphia Eagles at (1) New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Eagles
14
0
0 0 14
Saints
0
10
7 3 20
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome , New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : January 13, 2019Game time : 3:40 p.m. CST Game weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,027Referee : Carl Cheffers TV announcers (Fox ) : Kevin Burkhardt , Charles Davis , Pam Oliver and Peter Schrager Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
PHI – Jordan Matthews 37-yard pass from Nick Foles (Jake Elliott kick), 10:41. Eagles 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 4:05.
PHI – Nick Foles 1-yard rush (Jake Elliott kick), 4:37. Eagles 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:14.
Second quarter
NO – Keith Kirkwood 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 7:23. Eagles 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 6:12.
NO – Wil Lutz 45-yard field goal, 0:06. Eagles 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 1:12.
Third quarter
NO – Michael Thomas 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:40. Saints 17–14. Drive: 18 plays, 92 yards, 11:29.
Fourth quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 39-yard field goal, 10:28. Saints 20–14. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:31.
Top passers
PHI – Nick Foles – 18/31, 201 yards, TD, 2 INT
NO – Drew Brees – 28/38, 301 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
PHI – Wendell Smallwood – 10 carries, 33 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 16 carries, 71 yards
Top receivers
PHI – Alshon Jeffery – 5 receptions, 63 yards
NO – Michael Thomas – 12 receptions, 171 yards, TD
NFC Championship: vs. (2) Los Angeles Rams [ ]
Further information: 2018 NFC Championship Game
NFC Championship: (2) Los Angeles Rams at (1) New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Rams
0
10
7 6 3 26
Saints
13
0
7 3 0 23
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : January 20, 2019Game time : 2:05 pm. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,028Referee : Bill VinovichTV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris MyersRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
NO – Wil Lutz 37-yard field goal, 10:04. Saints 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 4:56.
NO – Wil Lutz 29-yard field goal, 7:06. Saints 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:29.
NO – Garrett Griffin 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:35. Saints 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:51.
Second quarter
LAR – Greg Zuerlein 36-yard field goal, 9:45. Saints 13–3. Drive: 14 plays, 57 yards, 6:50.
LAR – Todd Gurley 6-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 0:23. Saints 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 1:29.
Third quarter
NO – Taysom Hill 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 8:34. Saints 20–10. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 5:31.
LAR – Tyler Higbee 1-yard pass from Jared Goff (Greg Zuerlein kick), 3:06. Saints 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:28.
Fourth quarter
LAR �� Greg Zuerlein 24-yard field goal, 5:03. Tied 20–20. Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 5:52.
NO – Wil Lutz 31-yard field goal, 1:41. Saints 23–20. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:22.
LAR – Greg Zuerlein 48-yard field goal, 0:15. Tied 23–23. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 1:26.
Overtime
LAR - Greg Zuerlein 57-yard field goal, 11:47. Rams 26–23. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 2:12.
Top passers
LAR – Jared Goff – 25/40, 297 yards, TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 26/40, 249 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
LAR – C. J. Anderson – 16 rushes, 44 yards
NO – Mark Ingram – 9 rushes, 31 yards
Top receivers
LAR – Brandin Cooks – 7 receptions, 107 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 11 receptions, 96 yards
The game was marred with controversy after the referees missed a pass interference call of Nickell Robey-Coleman 's hit on Tommylee Lewis on 3rd-and-10 with 1:45 remaining in the 4th quarter.[6] [7]
Some fans, players, and analysts believe the missed call is among the worst in NFL history.[6]
The NFL admitted to missing the call soon after the game was over,[8] but did not apologize for the situation until a week and a half later.[9] The fallout from the missed call was a factor in the NFL's decision to expand instant replay, making pass interference (including non-calls) reviewable.[10]
References [ ]
External links [ ]
New Orleans Saints
Franchise Stadiums
Tulane Stadium
Caesars Superdome
Temporary home venues in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina : Alamodome
Giants Stadium
Tiger Stadium
Culture Lore Rivalries Wild card berths (5) Division championships (9) Conference championships (1) League championships (1) Retired numbers Ring of Honor
Andersen
Benson
Jackson
Manning
Mills
Roaf
Smith
Current league affiliations
Bold indicates Super Bowl victory