# 2021 New Orleans Saints season

The 2021 season was the New Orleans Saints' 55th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 46th playing home games at Caesars Superdome and the 15th and final season under head coach Sean Payton. After starting the season 5–2, the Saints fell into a five game losing streak after losing starting quarterback Jameis Winston to a torn ACL in Week 8 vs. Winston's former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also failed to improve on their 12–4 record from the previous season, as well as failing to win the division title for the first time since 2016. Despite winning four of their last five games, the Saints missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18. The Saints finished tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 7th seed in the NFC, but lost the tiebreaker based on the teams' Week 11 head-to-head meeting—won by the Eagles. The team started a record of 58 different players (due to injuries and COVID-19) and ranked in the bottom 5 in total offense.
This was the first season since 2005 without long-time quarterback Drew Brees on the roster. He announced his retirement on March 14, after playing 20 years in the league. A 13-time Pro Bowler, Brees broke several records during his tenure in New Orleans, led the franchise to its first and only Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XLIV and also retired as the league's all-time leader in passing yards, a record that would be broken by quarterback Tom Brady in Week 4 of the 2021 season against his former team, the New England Patriots. Brees was also the last remaining active player from the 2001 draft class.
Despite having three years left in his contract, this was also long-time head coach Sean Payton's final season with the Saints, as he announced his departure from the team on January 25, 2022, after 16 years of coaching the team. In his tenure, Payton led the Saints to nine playoff appearances and to the franchise's first and only Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLIV.

## Roster changes
### Free agency
#### Unrestricted

| Position | Player | 2021 team | Date signed | Contract |
| MLB | Alex Anzalone | Detroit Lions | March 24 | 1 year, $1.75 million |
| CB | Johnson Bademosi | | | |
| FB | Michael Burton | Kansas City Chiefs | April 1 | 1 year, $990k |
| CB | Ken Crawley | New Orleans Saints | May 17 | 1 year, $990k |
| WR | Bennie Fowler | San Francisco 49ers | May 21 | 1 year, $990k |
| CB | Justin Hardee | New York Jets | March 16 | 3 years, $6.75 million |
| DE | Trey Hendrickson | Cincinnati Bengals | March 15 | 4 years, $60 million |
| DT | Sheldon Rankins | New York Jets | March 21 | 2 years, $17 million |
| MLB | Craig Robertson | | | |
| FS | D. J. Swearinger | Indianapolis Colts (PS) | December 29 | 1 year, $28k |
| FS | Marcus Williams | New Orleans Saints | March 9 | 1 year franchise tag, $10.612 million |
| FS | P. J. Williams | New Orleans Saints | March 18 | 1 year, $2.3 million |

#### Restricted

| Position | Player | 2021 team | Date signed | Contract |
| C | Will Clapp | New Orleans Saints | April 20 | 1 year, $920k |

### Futures

| Position | Player | Date signed |
| LB | Andrew Dowell | January 19 |
| DT | Ryan Glasgow | January 19 |
| TE | Garrett Griffin | January 19 |
| CB | Grant Haley | January 19 |
| OLB | Chase Hansen | January 19 |
| WR | Lil'Jordan Humphrey | January 19 |
| RB | Tony Jones Jr. | January 19 |
| WR | Jake Lampman | January 19 |
| DT | Christian Ringo | January 19 |
| QB | Trevor Siemian | January 19 |
| T | Calvin Throckmorton | January 19 |
| DE | Marcus Willoughby | January 19 |
| TE | Ethan Wolf | January 19 |
| LB | Wynton McManis | January 20 |
| CB | Keith Washington Jr. | January 22 |

### Signings

| Position | Player | 2020 team | Date signed | Contract |
| FB | Alexander Armah | Carolina Panthers | March 16 | 1 year, $1.1275 million |
| TE | Nick Vannett | Denver Broncos | March 24 | 3 years, $8 million |
| DE | Tanoh Kpassagnon | Kansas City Chiefs | March 29 | 2 years, $4.5 million |
| WR | Jalen McCleskey | Atlanta Falcons | April 15 | 1 year, $660k |
| G | Christian Montano | Pittsburgh Steelers | April 20 | 1 year, $660k |
| DT | Albert Huggins | Detroit Lions | May 6 | 1 year, $780k |
| LB | Sutton Smith | Seattle Seahawks | May 6 | 1 year, $660k |
| WR | Easop Winston | Los Angeles Rams | May 6 | 1 year, $660k |
| OT | Kyle Murphy | Houston Texans | May 16 | 1 year, $850k |
| LB | Quentin Poling | Minnesota Vikings | May 16 | 1 year, $660k |
| CB | Brian Poole | New York Jets | July 25 | 1 year, $1.1275 million |
| DE | Kendall Donnerson | Carolina Panthers | July 26 | 1 year, $660k |
| WR | Chris Hogan | New York Jets | July 26 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| WR | Tommylee Lewis | New Orleans Saints | July 30 | 1 year, $990k |
| RB | Devonta Freeman | Buffalo Bills | July 31 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| CB | Prince Amukamara | Arizona Cardinals | August 1 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| CB | KeiVarae Russell | Green Bay Packers | August 1 | 1 year, $920k |
| G | J. R. Sweezy | Arizona Cardinals | August 2 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| CB | Adonis Alexander | San Francisco 49ers | August 4 | 1 year, $780k |
| TE | Josh Pederson | San Francisco 49ers | August 6 | 1 year, $660k |
| K | Brett Maher | Arizona Cardinals | August 9 | 1 year, $850k |
| DE | R. J. McIntosh | New York Giants | August 12 | 1 year, $920k |
| WR | Kevin White | San Francisco 49ers | August 17 | 1 year, $990k |
| T | Caleb Benenoch | Buffalo Bills | August 18 | 1 year, $990k |
| CB | Natrell Jamerson | Carolina Panthers | August 18 | 1 year, $920k |
| CB | Bryan Mills | Seattle Seahawks | August 18 | 1 year, $660k |
| T | Jordan Mills | Baltimore Ravens | August 18 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| S | Jeff Heath | Las Vegas Raiders | August 20 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| K | Aldrick Rosas | Jacksonville Jaguars | August 20 | 1 year, $990k |
| DT | Damion Square | Cleveland Browns | August 27 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| DT | Montravius Adams | New England Patriots | September 1 | 1 year, $990k |
| FB | Adam Prentice | Denver Broncos | September 1 | 3 years, $2.435 million |
| CB | Desmond Trufant | Chicago Bears | September 6 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| CB | Jordan Miller | Practice squad | September 11 | 1 year, $850k |
| DE | Jalyn Holmes | Practice squad | October 5 | 1 year, $920k |
| RB | Devine Ozigbo | Jacksonville Jaguars | October 5 | 1 year, $850k |
| K | Cody Parkey | Cleveland Browns | October 5 | 1 year, $990k |
| WR | Kenny Stills | Practice squad | October 9 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| K | Brian Johnson | Chicago Bears | October 12 | 1 year, $660k |
| G | James Carpenter | Practice squad | December 18 | 1 year, $1.075 million |

### Practice squad additions

| Position | Player | Last team | Date signed | Contract |
| CB | Ka'dar Hollman | Houston Texans | September 6 | TBC |
| DE | Jalyn Holmes | Minnesota Vikings | September 6 | 1 year, $224k |
| DT | Jaleel Johnson | Houston Texans | September 6 | 1 year, $240k |
| CB | Dylan Mabin | Minnesota Vikings | September 6 | 1 year, $27.6k |
| CB | Jordan Miller | Seattle Seahawks | September 6 | 1 year, $147.2k |
| WR | Kenny Stills | Buffalo Bills | September 13 | 1 year, $238k |
| C | Austin Reiter | Kansas City Chiefs | September 14 | 1 year, $238k |
| RB | Ryquell Armstead | New York Giants | October 6 | 1 year, $128k |
| G | Forrest Lamp | Buffalo Bills | October 19 | 1 year, $168k |
| RB | Lamar Miller | Washington Football Team | October 19 | 1 year, $168k |
| LB | Lakiem Williams | Seattle Seahawks | October 19 | 1 year, $110.4k |
| RB | Josh Adams | New York Jets | November 9 | 1 year, $126k |
| WR | Malcolm Perry | New England Patriots | November 23 | 1 year, $64k |
| LB | Sharif Finch | Tennessee Titans | November 29 | 1 year, $55.2k |
| G | James Carpenter | Baltimore Ravens | December 8 | 1 year, $70k |
| T | Jerald Hawkins | New England Patriots | December 8 | 1 year, $70k |
| DT | Braxton Hoyett | Baltimore Ravens | December 22 | 1 year, $27.6k |
| QB | Blake Bortles | Green Bay Packers | December 24 | 1 year, $40k |
| LB | Justin March | San Francisco 49ers | December 27 | 1 year, $28k |
| DT | Ethan Westbrooks | Las Vegas Raiders | December 27 | 1 year, $28k |
| C | Cohl Cabral | Minnesota Vikings | December 31 | 1 year, $18.4k |

### Released/Waived

| Position | Player | 2021 team | Date released |
| G | Nick Easton | | February 12 |
| TE | Jason Vander Laan | | February 12 |
| TE | Cole Wick | | February 12 |
| TE | Jared Cook | Los Angeles Chargers | March 3 |
| TE | Josh Hill | Detroit Lions | March 3 |
| P | Thomas Morstead | New York Jets | March 4 |
| CB | Janoris Jenkins | Tennessee Titans | March 11 |
| MLB | Kwon Alexander | New Orleans Saints | March 16 |
| WR | Emmanuel Sanders | Buffalo Bills | March 16 |
| S | Eric Burrell | New Orleans Saints | May 14 |
| CB | Trill Williams | Miami Dolphins | May 14 |
| DT | Lorenzo Neal Jr. | Denver Broncos | August 2 |
| CB | Lawrence Woods | New Orleans Saints | August 2 |
| DE | Kendall Donnerson | Carolina Panthers | August 5 |
| CB | Keith Washington Jr. | | August 13 |
| CB | Prince Amukamara | | August 15 |
| RB | Stevie Scott III | Denver Broncos | August 15 |
| DE | Noah Spence | Cincinnati Bengals | August 15 |
| WR | Jake Lampman | | August 18 |
| CB | Lawrence Woods | | August 18 |
| G | Mike Brown | | August 20 |
| TE | Josh Pederson | | August 20 |
| CB | Adonis Alexander | | August 21 |
| K | Brett Maher | New Orleans Saints | August 21 |
| WR | Jalen McCleskey | | August 21 |
| LB | Quentin Poling | | August 21 |
| WR | Tommylee Lewis | Miami Dolphins (PS) | August 23 |
| P | Nolan Cooney | | August 24 |
| OT | Kyle Murphy | Practice squad | August 25 |
| FB | Sutton Smith | Las Vegas Raiders (PS) | August 27 |
| S | Eric Burrell | | August 30 |
| CB | Natrell Jamerson | New York Jets (PS) | August 30 |
| G | Derrick Kelly II | Practice squad | August 30 |
| DE | R. J. McIntosh | Green Bay Packers (PS) | August 30 |
| LB | Shaq Smith | | August 30 |
| FB | Alexander Armah | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| WR | Kawaan Baker | Practice squad | August 31 |
| T | Caleb Benenoch | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| DT | Josiah Bronson | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| RB | Devonta Freeman | Baltimore Ravens (PS) | August 31 |
| CB | Grant Haley | Los Angeles Rams (PS) | August 31 |
| WR | Chris Hogan | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| DT | Albert Huggins | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| LB | Wynton McManis | Practice squad | August 31 |
| CB | Bryan Mills | Practice squad | August 31 |
| T | Jordan Mills | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| G | Christian Montano | | August 31 |
| CB | KeiVarae Russell | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| QB | Trevor Siemian | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| DT | Damion Square | Chicago Bears (PS) | August 31 |
| G | J. R. Sweezy | | August 31 |
| S | Deuce Wallace | | August 31 |
| WR | Kevin White | New Orleans Saints | August 31 |
| WR | Easop Winston | Practice squad | August 31 |
| TE | Ethan Wolf | Practice squad | August 31 |
| K | Aldrick Rosas | New Orleans Saints | September 1 |
| CB | Bryce Thompson | Practice squad | September 1 |
| DE | Marcus Willoughby | | September 1 |
| RB | Latavius Murray | Baltimore Ravens | September 7 |
| S | Jeff Heath | New Orleans Saints | September 10 |
| DT | Montravius Adams | New Orleans Saints | September 11 |
| CB | Jordan Miller | New Orleans Saints | September 13 |
| FB | Adam Prentice | New Orleans Saints | September 14 |
| MLB | Wynton McManis | Practice squad | September 20 |
| CB | Jordan Miller | Practice squad | September 20 |
| K | Aldrick Rosas | Detroit Lions (PS) | October 5 |
| DT | Christian Ringo | New Orleans Saints | October 9 |
| K | Cody Parkey | | October 12 |
| CB | Brian Poole | New England Patriots (PS) | October 12 |
| CB | Desmond Trufant | Las Vegas Raiders | October 12 |
| C | Will Clapp | New Orleans Saints | October 25 |
| DT | Albert Huggins | New Orleans Saints | October 25 |
| RB | Devine Ozigbo | Jacksonville Jaguars | October 30 |
| OLB | Chase Hansen | Practice squad | November 9 |
| DT | Christian Ringo | New Orleans Saints | November 13 |
| DT | Montravius Adams | Practice squad | November 16 |
| K | Brian Johnson | Chicago Bears (PS) | November 19 |
| CB | Ken Crawley | New Orleans Saints | November 20 |
| WR | Kevin White | New Orleans Saints | November 20 |
| CB | KeiVarae Russell | Practice squad | November 23 |
| FB | Alexander Armah | Washington Football Team (PS) | November 30 |
| WR | Kevin White | Practice squad | November 30 |
| WR | Kenny Stills | New Orleans Saints | December 7 |
| DT | Malcolm Roach | Practice squad | December 7 |
| C | Will Clapp | Practice squad | December 13 |
| DT | Josiah Bronson | Cleveland Browns | December 14 |

### Practice squad releases

| Position | Player | 2021 team | Date released |
| LB | Wynton McManis | New Orleans Saints | September 6 |
| CB | Bryan Mills | Cleveland Browns (PS) | September 6 |
| DT | Jaleel Johnson | Houston Texans | September 14 |
| CB | Ka'dar Hollman | New York Giants (PS) | September 28 |
| C | Austin Reiter | Miami Dolphins | October 5 |
| G | Derrick Kelly II | New York Giants (PS) | October 12 |
| LB | Wynton McManis | Miami Dolphins (PS) | October 12 |
| RB | Ryquell Armstead | Green Bay Packers (PS) | October 28 |
| LB | Lakiem Williams | Seattle Seahawks (PS) | October 28 |
| RB | Lamar Miller | | November 16 |
| DT | Montravius Adams | Pittsburgh Steelers | November 29 |
| CB | Dylan Mabin | Practice squad | December 14 |
| RB | Josh Adams | Practice squad | December 24 |
| DT | Braxton Hoyett | Practice squad | December 24 |
| DT | Braxton Hoyett | Practice squad | December 28 |
| LB | Justin March | Las Vegas Raiders | December 28 |
| T | Kyle Murphy | | December 28 |
| WR | Malcolm Perry | | December 28 |
| RB | Josh Adams | | January 4 |

### Contract extensions

| Position | Player | Date signed | Contract |
| DE | Noah Spence | March 2 | 1 year, $990k |
| SS | J. T. Gray | March 3 | 2 years, $4 million |
| RB | Ty Montgomery | March 6 | 1 year, $1.1275 million |
| RB | Dwayne Washington | March 9 | 1 year, $990k |
| QB | Taysom Hill | March 14 | 1 year, $12.159 million |
| T | James Hurst | March 15 | 3 years, $9 million |
| QB | Jameis Winston | March 15 | 1 year, $5.5 million |
| T | Ryan Ramczyk | June 30 | 5 years, $96 million |
| CB | Marshon Lattimore | September 12 | 5 years, $97.6 million |
| QB | Taysom Hill | November 22 | 4 years, $40 million |

### Retirements

| Position | Player | Date retired |
| QB | Drew Brees | March 14 |
| T | Alex Hoffman | May 17 |
| DT | Ryan Glasgow | August 7 |
| CB | Patrick Robinson | August 10 |
| WR | Chris Hogan | October 23 |

### Player trades

| Position | Player | From/to | Date traded | For |
| DT | Malcom Brown | Jacksonville Jaguars | March 16 | 2021 Seventh-round selection (pick 229) to Saints |
| CB | Bradley Roby | Houston Texans | September 8 | 2022 Third-round selection and 2023 Sixth-round selection to Texans |
| RB | Mark Ingram II | Houston Texans | October 27 | 2024 Seventh-round selection to Texans |

## Draft

2021 New Orleans Saints Draft :
| Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Notes |
| 1 | 28 | Payton Turner | DE | Houston | |
| 2 | 60 | Pete Werner | LB | Ohio State | |
| 3 | 76 | Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford | from Denver |
| 4 | 133 | Ian Book | QB | Notre Dame | |
| 6 | 206 | Landon Young | OT | Kentucky | from Indianapolis |
| 7 | 255 | Kawaan Baker | WR | South Alabama | |
Notes
* The Saints traded their third-round selection, along with a 2020 third-round selection, to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the Browns' 2020 third- and seventh-round selections.
* The Saints traded a conditional fifth-round selection and linebacker Kiko Alonso to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for linebacker Kwon Alexander.
* The Saints received third-round selections in 2021 and 2022 as compensation when its director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as general manager.
* The Saints traded their sixth-round selection to the Houston Texans for the Texan's 2020 seventh-round selection.
* The Saints originally forfeited their seventh-round selection as the punishment for repeated COVID-19 protocol violations during the 2020 season, but the punishment was amended to a $700,000 fine and forfeiture of their 2022 sixth-round selection.
* The Saints received a seventh-round selection from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for defensive tackle Malcom Brown.
* The Saints received a third-round selection (pick 76) from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a two third-round selections (picks 98 & 105).
* The Saints received a sixth-round selection (pick 206) from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a sixth-round selection (pick 218) and a seventh-round selection (pick 229).

### Undrafted free agent signings

| Position | Player | College | Date signed | Contract |
| DT | Josiah Bronson | Washington | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.45 million |
| OL | Mike Brown | West Virginia | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| S | Eric Burrell | Wisconsin | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| P | Nolan Cooney | Syracuse | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| OL | Alex Hoffman | Carroll College | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.426 million |
| RB | Stevie Scott III | Indiana | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| LB | Shaq Smith | Maryland | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| TE | Dylan Soehner | Iowa State | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.445 million |
| CB | Bryce Thompson | Tennessee | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| CB | Trill Williams | Syracuse | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| CB | Lawrence Woods | Truman State | May 2, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| S | Deuce Wallace | Louisiana | May 13, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |
| DT | Lorenzo Neal Jr. | Purdue | May 16, 2021 | 3 years, $2.425 million |

## Preseason

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | August 14 | at Baltimore Ravens | L 14–17 | 0–1 | M&T Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 23 | Jacksonville Jaguars | W 23–21 | 1–1 | Caesars Superdome | Recap |
| 3 | August 28 | Arizona Cardinals | Cancelled due to Hurricane Ida | Cancelled due to Hurricane Ida | Cancelled due to Hurricane Ida | Cancelled due to Hurricane Ida |

## Regular season
### Schedule

The Saints' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | September 12 | Green Bay Packers | W 38–3 | 1–0 | TIAA Bank Field | Recap |
| 2 | September 19 | at Carolina Panthers | L 7–26 | 1–1 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 26 | at New England Patriots | W 28–13 | 2–1 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | October 3 | New York Giants | L 21–27 (OT) | 2–2 | Caesars Superdome | Recap |
| 5 | October 10 | at Washington Football Team | W 33–22 | 3–2 | FedExField | Recap |
| 6 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 7 | October 25 | at Seattle Seahawks | W 13–10 | 4–2 | Lumen Field | Recap |
| 8 | October 31 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 36–27 | 5–2 | Caesars Superdome | Recap |
| 9 | November 7 | Atlanta Falcons | L 25–27 | 5–3 | Caesars Superdome | Recap |
| 10 | November 14 | at Tennessee Titans | L 21–23 | 5–4 | Nissan Stadium | Recap |
| 11 | November 21 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 29–40 | 5–5 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
| 12 | November 25 | Buffalo Bills | L 6–31 | 5–6 | Caesars Superdome | Recap |
| 13 | December 2 | Dallas Cowboys | L 17–27 | 5–7 | Caesars Superdome | Recap |
| 14 | December 12 | at New York Jets | W 30–9 | 6–7 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 15 | December 19 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 9–0 | 7–7 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
| 16 | December 27 | Miami Dolphins | L 3–20 | 7–8 | Caesars Superdome | Recap |
| 17 | January 2 | Carolina Panthers | W 18–10 | 8–8 | Caesars Superdome | Recap |
| 18 | January 9 | at Atlanta Falcons | W 30–20 | 9–8 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Saints | 10 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 38 |
at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: September 12
* Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT/3:25 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 83 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 35,242
* Referee: Carl Cheffers
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NO – Aldrick Rosas 44-yard field goal, 11:00. Saints 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:00.
Second quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 3-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 14:18. Saints 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 7:51.
NO – Juwan Johnson 1-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 1:07. Saints 17–0. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 10:00.
GB – Mason Crosby 39-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 1:07.
Third quarter
NO – Chris Hogan 10-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 3:07. Saints 24–3. Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:26.
Fourth quarter
NO – Juwan Johnson 8-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 14:54. Saints 31–3. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 1:41.
NO – Deonte Harris 55-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 10:46. Saints 38–3. Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 2:14.
Top passers
GB – Aaron Rodgers – 15/28, 133 yards, 2 INT
NO – Jameis Winston – 14/20, 148 yards, 5 TD
Top rushers
GB – A. J. Dillon – 4 rushes, 19 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 20 rushes, 83 yards
Top receivers
GB – Davante Adams – 5 receptions, 56 yards
NO – Juwan Johnson – 3 receptions, 21 yards, 2 TD :
Despite being in Jacksonville due to the impacts of Hurricane Ida, the Saints still started their regular season 1–0 with the victory against Green Bay. Jameis Winston notched his first win as a Saints quarterback and set an odd record for least yards thrown (148) in a 5 passing TD game since 1948. This was also the Saints first victory over the Packers since the 2017 season.

#### Week 2: at Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Panthers | 7 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 26 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
* Date: September 19
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 82 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 70,675
* Referee: Ronald Torbert
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
CAR – Brandon Zylstra 20-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Zane Gonzalez kick), 12:00. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 3:00.
Second quarter
CAR – Zane Gonzalez 20-yard field goal, 11:11. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 64 yards, 8:57.
CAR – D. J. Moore 2-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Zane Gonzalez kick), 1:55. Panthers 17–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 5:30.
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
NO – Jameis Winston 8-yard run (Aldrick Rosas kick), 14:37. Panthers 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:57.
CAR – Christian McCaffrey 11-yard run (kick failed), 5:53. Panthers 23–7. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 2:49.
CAR – Zane Gonzalez 42-yard field goal, 3:21. Panthers 26–7. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:07.
Top passers
NO – Jameis Winston – 11/22, 111 yards, 2 INT
CAR – Sam Darnold – 26/38, 305 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
NO – Jameis Winston – 3 rushes, 19 yards, TD
CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 24 rushes, 72 yards, TD
Top receivers
NO – Lil'Jordan Humphrey – 1 reception, 27 yards
CAR – D. J. Moore – 8 receptions, 79 yards, TD :
With Sam Darnold as the Panthers starting quarterback, the Saints struggled with turnovers and scoring. With the loss, their record fell to 1–1. This was the Saints first loss against the Panthers since the 2018 season.

#### Week 3: at New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
| Patriots | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: September 26
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 70 °F (21 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
* Preview, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 11-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 7:35. Saints 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:58.
Second quarter
NO – Marquez Callaway 7-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 1:44. Saints 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:00.
NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 0:34. Saints 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:10.
Third quarter
NO – Malcolm Jenkins 34-yard interception return (Aldrick Rosas kick), 14:51. Saints 21–3.
NE – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, 1:32. Saints 21–6. Drive: 16 plays, 72 yards, 9:05.
Fourth quarter
NE – Kendrick Bourne 22-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 9:22. Saints 21–13. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:06.
NO – Taysom Hill 4-yard run (Aldrick Rosas kick), 2:37. Saints 28–13. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:45.
Top passers
NO – Jameis Winston – 13/21, 128 yards, 2 TD
NE – Mac Jones – 30/51, 270 yards, TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 24 rushes, 89 yards
NE – Mac Jones – 6 rushes, 28 yards
Top receivers
NO – Marquez Callaway – 4 receptions, 41 yards, TD
NE – Kendrick Bourne – 6 receptions, 96 yards, TD :
For the first time since the 2009 season, the Saints beat the Patriots. This also marked the Saints' first road game victory against New England. This victory improved their record to 2–1.

#### Week 4: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Giants | 0 | 7 | 3 | 11 | 6 | 27 |
| Saints | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: October 3
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 69,170
* Referee: Brad Rogers
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Sara Walsh
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays
Second quarter
NYG – John Ross 52-yard pass from Daniel Jones (Graham Gano kick), 8:51. Giants 7–0. Drive: 1 plays, 52 yards, 0:08.
NO – Juwan Johnson 15-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 0:23. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 8:28.
Third quarter
NO – Taysom Hill 8-yard run (Aldrick Rosas kick), 13:24. Saints 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:36.
NYG – Graham Gano 23-yard field goal, 8:46. Saints 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 4:48.
Fourth quarter
NO – Taysom Hill 8-yard run (Aldrick Rosas kick), 12:09. Saints 21–10. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 6:14.
NYG – Saquon Barkley 54-yard pass from Daniel Jones (Daniel Jones run), 6:52. Saints 21–18. Drive: 1 play, 54 yards, 0:09.
NYG – Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 0:31. Tied 21–21. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 2:30.
Overtime
NYG – Saquon Barkley 6-yard run, 4:54. Giants 27–21. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:06.
Top passers
NYG – Daniel Jones – 28/40, 402 yards, 2 TD, INT
NO – Jameis Winston – 17/23, 226 yards, TD
Top rushers
NYG – Saquon Barkley – 13 rushes, 52 yards, TD
NO – Alvin Kamara – 26 rushes, 120 yards
Top receivers
NYG – Kenny Golladay – 6 receptions, 116 yards
NO – Marquez Callaway – 2 receptions, 74 yards :
The Saints returned to the Superdome shortly after repairs from the hurricane and fire from a pressure washer mishap, but ultimately lost to the Giants in overtime due to Aldrick Rosas missing field goals. Suffering their first loss to the Giants since 2016, it also dropped their record to 2–2 and prompted the team to cut Rosas for a replacement kicker.

#### Week 5: at Washington Football Team

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 7 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 33 |
| Washington | 6 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 22 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
* Date: October 10
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Cloudy, 68 °F (20 °C)
* Game attendance: 50,137
* Referee: Shawn Smith
* TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Jay Feely
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 45-yard field goal, 12:27. Football Team 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:52.
NO – Deonte Harris 72-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Cody Parkey kick), 11:13. Saints 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:14.
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 23-yard field goal, 4:55. Saints 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:18.
Second quarter
WAS – Antonio Gibson 5-yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick), 14:16. Football Team 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 4:11.
NO – Alvin Kamara 23-yard run (kick failed), 10:58. Tied 13–13. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:18.
NO – Marquez Callaway 49-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Cody Parkey kick), 0:00. Saints 20–13. Drive: 1 plays, 49 yards, 0:08.
Third quarter
WAS – Dustin Hopkins 24-yard field goal, 1:53. Saints 20–16. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 7:20.
Fourth quarter
NO – Marquez Callaway 12-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Cody Parkey kick), 12:12. Saints 27–16. Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 1:32.
WAS – Antonio Gibson 1-yard run (pass failed), 7:51. Saints 27–22. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:21.
NO – Alvin Kamara 19-yard pass from Jameis Winston (kick failed), 3:15. Saints 33–22. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:36.
Top passers
NO – Jameis Winston – 15/30, 279 yards, 4 TD, INT
WAS – Taylor Heinicke – 20/41, 248 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 16 rushes, 71 yards, TD
WAS – Antonio Gibson – 20 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
NO – Marquez Callaway – 4 receptions, 85 yards, 2 TD
WAS – Adam Humphries – 3 receptions, 73 yards :
The Saints match up with Washington for the first time since the 2018 season, but face quarterback Taylor Heinicke due to Ryan Fitzpatrick's injury in Week 1. The Saints also brought in Cody Parkey, who missed a few field goals or PAT's. With the win, they improve to 3–2.

#### Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
| Seahawks | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
* Date: October 25
* Game time: 7:15 p.m. CDT/5:15 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: Rain, 55 °F (13 °C)
* Game attendance: 68,563
* Referee: Shawn Hochuli
* TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters and John Parry
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
SEA – DK Metcalf 84-yard pass from Geno Smith (Jason Myers kick), 10:08. Seahawks 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 84 yards, 0:51.
Second quarter
NO – Brian Johnson 21-yard field goal, 4:23. Seahawks 7–3. Drive: 19 plays, 86 yards, 10:16.
NO – Alvin Kamara 13-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Brian Johnson kick), 0:40. Saints 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 1:46.
Third quarter
SEA – Jason Myers 50-yard field goal, 0:14. Tied 10–10. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:20.
Fourth quarter
NO – Brian Johnson 33-yard field goal, 1:56. Saints 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 42 yards, 4:48.
Top passers
NO – Jameis Winston – 19/35, 222 yards, TD
SEA – Geno Smith – 12/22, 167 yards, TD
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 20 rushes, 51 yards
SEA – Alex Collins – 16 rushes, 35 yards
Top receivers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 10 receptions, 128 yards, TD
SEA – DK Metcalf – 2 receptions, 96 yards, TD :
For the first time since the 2013 season, the Saints play the Seahawks on a Monday Night game. It's also their 3-point victory. They also replaced Cody Parkey with rookie kicker, Brian Johnson. They also bump their record to 4–2.

#### Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 7 | 0 | 14 | 6 | 27 |
| Saints | 7 | 9 | 7 | 13 | 36 |
at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: October 31
* Game time: 3:25 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 69,170
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Chris Godwin 12-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 8:28. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:26.
NO – Tre'Quan Smith 16-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Brian Johnson kick), 2:39. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:49.
Second quarter
NO – Brian Johnson 23-yard field goal, 2:20. Saints 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:16.
NO – Alex Armah 1-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (kick failed), 0:27. Saints 16–7. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:21.
Third quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Brian Johnson kick), 9:01. Saints 23–7. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:59.
TB – Giovani Bernard 7-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 5:33. Saints 23–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:28.
TB – Mike Evans 41-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 1:15. Saints 23–21. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 3:11.
Fourth quarter
NO – Brian Johnson 35-yard field goal, 8:31. Saints 26–21. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:37.
TB – Cyril Grayson 50-yard pass from Tom Brady (run failed), 5:44. Buccaneers 27–26. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:47.
NO – Brian Johnson 23-yard field goal, 1:41. Saints 29–27. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 4:03.
NO – P. J. Williams 40-yard interception return (Brian Johnson kick), 1:24. Saints 36–27.
Top passers
TB – Tom Brady – 28/40, 375 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
NO – Trevor Siemian – 16/29, 159 yards, TD
Top rushers
TB – Giovani Bernard – 2 rushes, 30 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 19 rushes, 61 yards, TD
Top receivers
TB – Chris Godwin – 8 receptions, 140 yards, TD
NO – Kevin White – 1 reception, 38 yards :
They meet Tom Brady again for the first time since the Divisional Round. Jameis Winston was hurt after a horse-collar tackle slammed him to the ground, prompting Trevor Siemian to start for the rest of the game and beyond. The Buccaneers were stunned after P.J. Williams scored a pick six. With the victory, they improve to 5–2.

#### Week 9: vs. Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Falcons | 3 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
| Saints | 0 | 0 | 3 | 22 | 25 |
at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: November 7
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 69,170
* Referee: Alex Kemp
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Sara Walsh
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 32-yard field goal, 4:26. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:45.
Second quarter
ATL – Olamide Zaccheaus 3-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 0:06. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 92 yards, 5:30.
Third quarter
NO – Brian Johnson 35-yard field goal, 9:36. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 5:24.
ATL – Matt Ryan 1-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 5:13. Falcons 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 4:23.
Fourth quarter
NO – Brian Johnson 52-yard field goal, 14:49. Falcons 17–6. Drive: 11 plays, 45 yards, 5:24.
ATL – Olamide Zaccheaus 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 10:39. Falcons 24–6. Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, 0:07.
NO – Marquez Callaway 5-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (Brian Johnson kick), 7:57. Falcons 24–13. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 2:42.
NO – Alvin Kamara 2-yard run (pass failed), 4:35. Falcons 24–19. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 0:51.
NO – Kenny Stills 8-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (run failed), 1:01. Saints 25–24. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:45.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 27–25. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:01.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 23/30, 343 yards, 2 TD
NO – Trevor Siemian – 25/41, 249 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
ATL – Mike Davis – 9 rushes, 13 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 13 rushes, 50 yards, TD
Top receivers
ATL – Cordarrelle Patterson – 6 receptions, 126 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 4 receptions, 54 yards :
The Saints were defeated by the Falcons for the first time since the 2019 season. It was also the first struggle of the season to gain victories. They drop to 5–3.

#### Week 10: at Tennessee Titans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 0 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 21 |
| Titans | 3 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 23 |
at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
* Date: November 14
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 55 °F (13 °C)
* Game attendance: 69,414
* Referee: Jerome Boger
* TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
* Recap, GameBook
Game information :
First quarter
TEN – Randy Bullock 28-yard field goal, 0:52. Titans 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:38.
Second quarter
NO – Tre'Quan Smith 11-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (kick failed), 12:59. Saints 6–3. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:53.
TEN – Randy Bullock 36-yard field goal, 7:44. Tied 6–6. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:15.
TEN – Ryan Tannehill 1-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 1:38. Titans 13–6. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:23.
Third quarter
TEN – MyCole Pruitt 2-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Randy Bullock kick), 12:02. Titans 20–6. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:51.
NO – Mark Ingram II 13-yard run (kick failed), 3:54. Titans 20–12. Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 5:11.
Fourth quarter
TEN – Randy Bullock 36-yard field goal, 10:01. Titans 23–12. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 6:23.
NO – Brian Johnson 20-yard field goal, 5:33. Titans 23–15. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:28.
NO – Marquez Callaway 15-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (pass failed), 1:16. Titans 23–21. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 2:18.
Top passers
NO – Trevor Siemian – 19/34, 298 yards, 2 TD
TEN – Ryan Tannehill – 19/27, 213 yards, TD
Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram II – 14 rushes, 47 yards, TD
TEN – D'Onta Foreman – 11 rushes, 30 yards
Top receivers
NO – Deonte Harris – 3 receptions, 84 yards
TEN – Marcus Johnson – 5 receptions, 100 yards :
The Saints lose to the Titans for the first time six seasons ago. Their kicker, Brian Johnson also struggled to kick PAT's. Their record drops to 5–4.

#### Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 0 | 7 | 0 | 22 | 29 |
| Eagles | 14 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 40 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Date: November 21
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 52 °F (11 °C)
* Game attendance: 69,796
* Referee: Scott Novak
* TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
PHI – Jalen Hurts 1-yard run (Jake Elliott kick), 7:17. Eagles 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 2:20.
PHI – Jalen Hurts 3-yard run (Jake Elliott kick), 2:02. Eagles 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:52.
Second quarter
NO – Adam Trautman 18-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (Brett Maher kick), 13:01. Eagles 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 6 yards, 0:59.
PHI – Jake Elliott 50-yard field goal, 9:27. Eagles 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:34.
PHI – Jake Elliott 37-yard field goal, 4:20. Eagles 20–7. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 4:13.
PHI – Darius Slay 51-yard interception return (Jake Elliott kick), 0:24. Eagles 27–7.
Third quarter
PHI – Jake Elliott 33-yard field goal, 5:57. Eagles 30–7. Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 4:51.
PHI – Jake Elliott 47-yard field goal, 2:38. Eagles 33–7. Drive: 5 plays, 12 yards, 2:42.
Fourth quarter
NO – Marquez Callaway 26-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (pass failed), 14:49. Eagles 33–13. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:49.
NO – Trevor Siemian 17-yard run (kick failed), 12:33. Eagles 33–19. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:12.
NO – Brett Maher 28-yard field goal, 7:14. Eagles 33–22. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:38.
PHI – Jalen Hurts 24-yard run (Jake Elliott kick), 3:59. Eagles 40–22. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 3:15.
NO – Lil'Jordan Humphrey 4-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (Brett Maher kick), 0:45. Eagles 40–29. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:14.
Top passers
NO – Trevor Siemian – 22/40, 214 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
PHI – Jalen Hurts – 13/24, 147 yards
Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram II – 16 rushes, 88 yards
PHI – Miles Sanders – 16 rushes, 94 yards
Top receivers
NO – Tre'Quan Smith – 5 receptions, 64 yards
PHI – Dallas Goedert – 5 receptions, 62 yards :
Although the Saints got kicker Brett Maher from the Cowboys, the Saints still lost and downgraded their record to 5–5.

#### Week 12: vs. Buffalo Bills

Thanksgiving Day games
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills | 7 | 3 | 14 | 7 | 31 |
| Saints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: November 25
* Game time: 7:20 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 69,170
* Referee: Brad Allen
* TV announcers (NBC): Mike Tirico, Drew Brees, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
BUF – Dawson Knox 7-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 7:09. Bills 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:54.
Second quarter
BUF – Tyler Bass 34-yard field goal, 8:46. Bills 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 4:00.
Third quarter
BUF – Stefon Diggs 5-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 8:48. Bills 17–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:12.
BUF – Dawson Knox 24-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 4:19. Bills 24–0. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 2:51.
Fourth quarter
NO – Nick Vannett 11-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (pass failed), 14:54. Bills 24–6. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:25.
BUF – Matt Breida 23-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 8:17. Bills 31–6. Drive: 4 plays, 51 yards, 2:25.
Top passers
BUF – Josh Allen – 23/28, 260 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
NO – Trevor Siemian – 17/29, 163 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
BUF – Devin Singletary – 15 rushes, 44 yards
NO – Tony Jones Jr. – 16 rushes, 27 yards
Top receivers
BUF – Stefon Diggs – 7 receptions, 74 yards, TD
NO – Lil'Jordan Humphrey – 3 receptions, 47 yards :
The Saints host the Bills in the Superdome. This was also Drew Brees' return to New Orleans as a broadcast partner for NBC. The Saints unfortunately gave up to the Bills and went down to 5–6. This was also their first loss to Buffalo since the 1998 season.

#### Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cowboys | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 27 |
| Saints | 0 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 17 |
at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: December 2
* Game time: 7:20 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 69,170
* Referee: Brad Rogers
* TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Prime Video): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
DAL – Michael Gallup 1-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Greg Zuerlein kick), 0:59. Cowboys 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:16.
Second quarter
NO – Lil'Jordan Humphrey 24-yard pass from Taysom Hill (Brett Maher kick), 12:54. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:05.
DAL – Greg Zuerlein 55-yard field goal, 9:04. Cowboys 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:50.
DAL – Greg Zuerlein 34-yard field goal, 0:00. Cowboys 13–7. Drive: 12 plays, 79 yards, 2:19.
Third quarter
NO – Brett Maher 42-yard field goal, 8:26. Cowboys 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:03.
DAL – Tony Pollard 58-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 3:55. Cowboys 20–10. Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:03.
Fourth quarter
DAL – Carlos Watkins 29-yard interception return (Greg Zuerlein kick), 2:52. Cowboys 27–10.
NO – Deonte Harris 70-yard pass from Taysom Hill (Brett Maher kick), 2:32. Cowboys 27–17. Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:20.
Top passers
DAL – Dak Prescott – 26/40, 238 yards, TD, INT
NO – Taysom Hill – 19/41, 264 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
Top rushers
DAL – Tony Pollard – 7 rushes, 71 yards, TD
NO – Taysom Hill – 11 rushes, 101 yards
Top receivers
DAL – CeeDee Lamb – 7 receptions, 89 yards
NO – Deonte Harris – 4 receptions, 96 yards, TD :
After Trevor Siemian struggled to win those games, Taysom Hill was placed as a starter. They would lose to the Cowboys for the first time since the 2018 season, which brought their record down to 5–7.

#### Week 14: at New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 3 | 7 | 3 | 17 | 30 |
| Jets | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: December 12
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Sunny, 48 °F (9 °C)
* Game attendance: 69,129
* Referee: Land Clark
* TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NO – Brett Maher 23-yard field goal, 6:37. Saints 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 7:24.
Second quarter
NYJ – Eddy Piñeiro 36-yard field goal, 10:01. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 3:10.
NO – Alvin Kamara 16-yard run (Brett Maher kick), 3:42. Saints 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 3:13.
NYJ – Eddy Piñeiro 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 3:42.
Third quarter
NO – Brett Maher 31-yard field goal, 0:58. Saints 13–6. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 9:01.
Fourth quarter
NO – Brett Maher 37-yard field goal, 12:22. Saints 16–6. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 2:38.
NO – Taysom Hill 2-yard run (Brett Maher kick), 5:28. Saints 23–6. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 4:46.
NYJ – Eddy Piñeiro 36-yard field goal, 3:29. Saints 23–9. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 1:59.
NO – Taysom Hill 44-yard run (Brett Maher kick), 1:07. Saints 30–9. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 1:32.
Top passers
NO – Taysom Hill – 15/21, 175 yards
NYJ – Zach Wilson – 19/42, 202 yards
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 27 rushes, 120 yards, TD
NYJ – Zach Wilson – 4 rushes, 33 yards
Top receivers
NO – Nick Vannett – 3 receptions, 44 yards
NYJ – Braxton Berrios – 6 receptions, 52 yards :
The Saints break the five-game loss streak with the victory against the Jets. They improve to 6–7.

#### Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
| Buccaneers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
* Date: December 19
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/7:20 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 75 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,744
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (NBC): Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NO – Brett Maher 39-yard field goal, 5:44. Saints 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:22.
Second quarter
NO – Brett Maher 35-yard field goal, 14:55. Saints 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 3:53.
Third quarter
No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
NO – Brett Maher 42-yard field goal, 7:28. Saints 9–0. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 4:33.
Top passers
NO – Taysom Hill – 13/27, 154 yards
TB – Tom Brady – 26/48, 214 yards, INT
Top rushers
NO – Taysom Hill – 11 rushes, 33 yards
TB – Ronald Jones II – 8 rushes, 63 yards
Top receivers
NO – Marquez Callaway – 6 receptions, 112 yards
TB – Chris Godwin – 6 receptions, 49 yards :
Despite the Buccaneers being the defending Super Bowl champions from last season, the Saints still swept them. With a rare shutout victory, they improve to 7–7.

#### Week 16: vs. Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Dolphins | 10 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
| Saints | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: December 27
* Game time: 7:15 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 69,170
* Referee: Adrian Hill
* TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Laura Rutledge, and John Parry
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIA – Nik Needham 28-yard interception return (Jason Sanders kick), 10:25. Dolphins 7–0.
MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 2:09. Dolphins 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 39 yards, 6:42.
Second quarter
NO – Brett Maher 38-yard field goal, 2:45. Dolphins 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:39.
Third quarter
MIA – Jaylen Waddle 1-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 5:10. Dolphins 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:30.
Fourth quarter
MIA – Jason Sanders 34-yard field goal, 12:05. Dolphins 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:12.
Top passers
MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 19/26, 198 yards, TD, INT
NO – Ian Book – 12/20, 135 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
MIA – Duke Johnson – 13 rushes, 39 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 13 rushes, 52 yards
Top receivers
MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 10 receptions, 92 yards, TD
NO – Lil'Jordan Humphrey – 3 receptions, 70 yards :
For the first time since the 2005 season, the Saints lost to the Dolphins. This was due, in part, to at least 20 players being on the COVID-19 reserve list. This dropped them to 7–8.

#### Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Saints | 3 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 18 |
at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Date: January 2
* Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
* Game attendance: 69,170
* Referee: Jerome Boger
* TV announcers (Fox): Brandon Gaudin, Matt Millen, and Sarah Kustok
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
CAR – Lirim Hajrullahu 32-yard field goal, 8:05. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:55.
NO – Brett Maher 41-yard field goal, 4:05. Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:00.
Second quarter
CAR – Chuba Hubbard 21-yard run (Lirim Hajrullahu kick), 13:09. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 5:56.
NO – Brett Maher 27-yard field goal, 8:41. Panthers 10–6. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:25.
NO – Brett Maher 41-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 10–9. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 1:53.
Third quarter
NO – Brett Maher 33-yard field goal, 2:07. Saints 12–10. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:10.
Fourth quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 12-yard pass from Taysom Hill (kick failed, hit right upright), 7:49. Saints 18–10. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 4:15.
Top passers
CAR – Sam Darnold – 17/26, 132 yards, INT
NO – Taysom Hill – 17/28, 222 yards, TD
Top rushers
CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 17 rushes, 55 yards, TD
NO – Taysom Hill – 12 rushes, 45 yards
Top receivers
CAR – Ian Thomas – 3 receptions, 33 yards
NO – Marquez Callaway – 6 receptions, 97 yards :
Meeting the Panthers again from a 26-7 loss in Week 2, the Saints defeat the Panthers under Taysom Hill. They improve to 8–8.

#### Week 18: at Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 7 | 17 | 0 | 6 | 30 |
| Falcons | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
* Date: January 9
* Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
* Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 68,336
* Referee: Craig Wrolstad
* TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez and Laura Okmin
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NO – Adam Trautman 18-yard pass from Taysom Hill (Brett Maher kick), 8:29. Saints 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 6:31.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 48-yard field goal, 3:15. Saints 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:14.
Second quarter
ATL – Younghoe Koo 54-yard field goal, 10:31. Saints 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 2:58.
NO – Tre'Quan Smith 13-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (Brett Maher kick), 5:47. Saints 14–6. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:44.
NO – Brett Maher 37-yard field goal, 1:03. Saints 17–6. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 4:26.
NO – Juwan Johnson 5-yard pass from Trevor Siemian (Brett Maher kick), 0:02. Saints 24–6. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 0:50.
Third quarter
ATL – Qadree Ollison 19-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 2:49. Saints 24–13. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:09.
Fourth quarter
NO – Brett Maher 27-yard field goal, 10:55. Saints 27–13. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 6:54.
NO – Brett Maher 33-yard field goal, 7:36. Saints 30–13. Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 3:06.
ATL – Russell Gage 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 0:21. Saints 30–20. Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 3:56.
Top passers
NO – Taysom Hill – 7/9, 107 yards, TD
ATL – Matt Ryan – 20/33, 216 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 30 rushes, 146 yards
ATL – Mike Davis – 6 rushes, 30 yards
Top receivers
NO – Tre'Quan Smith – 5 receptions, 76 yards, TD
ATL – Russell Gage – 9 receptions, 126 yards, TD :
Previously, the Saints lost to the Falcons by two points in Week 9. Despite winning the game, the team was eliminated from the playoffs when the 49ers defeated the Rams, claiming the final playoff spot. They finish with a 9–8 record and maintained a winning season, despite not making the playoffs. Taysom Hill also got hurt, prompting Trevor Siemian to start for the remainder of the game. Paulson Adebo stuns the Falcons with a one-handed interception.

### Standings
#### Division

NFC South :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(2)}$ Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 13 | 4 | 0 | .765 | 4–2 | 8–4 | 511 | 353 | W3 |
| New Orleans Saints | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 364 | 335 | W2 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | 2–4 | 4–8 | 313 | 459 | L2 |
| Carolina Panthers | 5 | 12 | 0 | .294 | 2–4 | 3–9 | 304 | 404 | L7 |

#### Conference

NFCvte :
| # | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
| Division winners ||||||||||||
| 1 | Green Bay Packers | North | 13 | 4 | 0 | .765 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .479 | .480 | L1 |
| 2 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 13 | 4 | 0 | .765 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .467 | .443 | W3 |
| 3 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 12 | 5 | 0 | .706 | 6–0 | 10–2 | .488 | .431 | W1 |
| 4 | Los Angeles Rams | West | 12 | 5 | 0 | .706 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .483 | .409 | L1 |
| Wild cards ||||||||||||
| 5 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .490 | .492 | L1 |
| 6 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 2–4 | 7–5 | .500 | .438 | W2 |
| 7 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .469 | .350 | L1 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason ||||||||||||
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | South | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .512 | .516 | W2 |
| 9 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .507 | .434 | W1 |
| 10 | Washington Football Team | East | 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .529 | .420 | W1 |
| 11 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | 3–3 | 4–8 | .519 | .424 | W2 |
| 12 | Atlanta Falcons | South | 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .472 | .315 | L2 |
| 13 | Chicago Bears | North | 6 | 11 | 0 | .353 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .524 | .373 | L1 |
| 14 | Carolina Panthers | South | 5 | 12 | 0 | .294 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .509 | .412 | L7 |
| 15 | New York Giants | East | 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .536 | .485 | L6 |
| 16 | Detroit Lions | North | 3 | 13 | 1 | .206 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .528 | .627 | W1 |
| Tiebreakers ||||||||||||
| 1 2 Green Bay finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on conference record (9–3 vs. 8–4), claiming the No. 1 seed. 1 2 Dallas claimed the No. 3 seed over LA Rams based on conference record (10–2 vs. 8–4). 1 2 Philadelphia finished ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory, claiming the 7th and final playoff spot. 1 2 3 Washington finished ahead of Atlanta and Seattle based on head-to-head victories. 1 2 Seattle finished ahead of Atlanta based on win percentage in common games (4–2 vs. 3–3 against: San Francisco, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Washington, and Detroit). ↑ 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. ||||||||||||