What Is 2019 New Orleans Saints football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 New Orleans Saints finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, securing the NFC South title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. They advanced to the Divisional Round before losing 20-27 to the Minnesota Vikings in a controversial finish.

Key Facts

Finished regular season with a 13-3 win-loss record
Secured the NFC South title and No. 1 seed in NFC
Coached by Sean Payton, in his 13th season with the team
Drew Brees threw for 3,418 yards and 27 touchdowns in 11 games
Lost 20-27 to the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round

Overview

The 2019 New Orleans Saints were one of the most dominant teams in the NFL during the regular season, finishing with a 13-3 record. They won the NFC South division and earned the top seed in the NFC playoffs, giving them home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

Under head coach Sean Payton and led by quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints showcased a balanced and efficient offense. Despite high expectations, their playoff run ended in the Divisional Round due to a controversial no-call on a pass interference penalty.

Regular season record: The Saints finished 13-3, their best win total since the 2011 season, and secured home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Division title: They clinched the NFC South in Week 15 with a win over the Tennessee Titans, marking their third division title in four years.
Quarterback performance: Drew Brees played only 11 games due to injury but threw for 3,418 yards and 27 touchdowns with a 115.7 passer rating.
Defensive strength: The defense ranked 8th in points allowed per game (19.4) and featured standout performances from Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore.
Playoff exit: The Saints lost 20-27 to the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round after a missed pass interference call sparked widespread controversy.

How It Works

The Saints' success in 2019 stemmed from a combination of strategic coaching, offensive firepower, and defensive resilience. Each component played a vital role in their dominance during the regular season and their deep playoff run.

Offensive scheme: The Saints utilized a West Coast offense with heavy use of play-action, allowing Drew Brees to exploit defenses with short, high-percentage throws.
Running back rotation: Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray combined for 1,454 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, providing balance and versatility in the backfield.
Defensive coordination: Under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the unit relied on zone coverage and aggressive pass rushing, recording 46 sacks during the season.
Special teams: Wil Lutz made 27 of 30 field goals, including 5 from 50+ yards, while Thomas Morstead averaged 46.7 yards per punt.
Injury management: The team effectively managed Brees’ thumb injury, allowing him to return in time for the playoffs after missing nine games.
Coaching leadership: Sean Payton’s strategic decisions, including clock management and fourth-down conversions, were key to maintaining a 13-3 record.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 Saints compare to other top NFC teams from that season:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
New Orleans Saints	13-3	458	328	Divisional Round
Green Bay Packers	13-3	400	301	NFC Championship
San Francisco 49ers	13-3	442	288	Super Bowl LIV
Seattle Seahawks	11-5	424	312	Wild Card Round
Minnesota Vikings	10-6	426	309	Divisional Round

The Saints ranked among the league’s elite in both offense and defense, but their playoff loss highlighted the fine margins in postseason football. Despite outscoring opponents by 130 points, a single missed call overshadowed their season.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Saints season remains a pivotal moment in NFL history, not just for their performance but for the aftermath of a controversial officiating decision. The team’s success reflected years of consistent development under Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis.

Legacy of Sean Payton: His leadership solidified his status as one of the NFL’s top coaches, with a 121-73 record through the 2019 season.
Drew Brees’ final peak: The season marked one of Brees’ most efficient campaigns before retiring after the 2020 season.
Impact of officiating: The missed pass interference call led to widespread calls for rule changes and expanded replay review.
Team continuity: The Saints maintained a core of veteran players and coaching staff, contributing to sustained success over a decade.
Playoff implications: Their early exit underscored the unpredictability of the NFL postseason, even for top-seeded teams.
Fan engagement: The controversy galvanized fan support and intensified debates about fairness in professional sports.

The 2019 Saints exemplified excellence during the regular season but also highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in the playoffs. Their story remains a cautionary tale about the fine line between triumph and heartbreak in the NFL.