What Is 2019 New Orleans Saints season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 New Orleans Saints season was their 53rd in the NFL, finishing with a 13-3 record, winning the NFC South, and advancing to the Divisional Round before losing to the Vikings 26-20 in overtime. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 2,992 yards and 15 touchdowns in 11 games before injury.

Key Facts

Finished regular season with a 13-3 record, best in the NFC
Won the NFC South division title
Defeated the Vikings 26-20 in the Wild Card Round
Drew Brees played only 11 games due to injury
Lost 27-10 to the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round

Overview

The 2019 New Orleans Saints season marked the franchise's 53rd year in the National Football League (NFL) and their 50th as a member of the NFC South. Under head coach Sean Payton, the team posted a 13-3 regular-season record, the best in the NFC, earning them the second seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.

Despite high expectations and a strong defense, the Saints' postseason run ended in the Divisional Round with a 27-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Drew Brees played only 11 games due to a thumb injury, with Teddy Bridgewater stepping in for four games and maintaining the team's momentum.

Regular-season record: The Saints finished 13-3, the best win percentage in the NFC and second overall behind only the 14-2 Baltimore Ravens.
Division title: They won the NFC South for the third consecutive year, finishing three games ahead of the second-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Home dominance: The Saints went a perfect 8-0 at home during the regular season, showcasing their strength at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Drew Brees' injury: Brees suffered a thumb injury in Week 2, requiring surgery and sidelining him until Week 10, disrupting offensive rhythm.
Playoff performance: After a bye, the Saints defeated the Vikings 26-20 in overtime in the Wild Card Round but lost 27-10 to the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round.

Performance & Season Structure

The 2019 season followed the NFL's standard 17-week schedule, with the Saints competing in 16 regular-season games and two playoff contests. Their schedule included tough matchups against NFC contenders and interconference rivals, testing their depth and adaptability.

Regular season: The Saints played 16 games from September to December, winning 13, including a 7-1 record on the road.
Week 1 start: They opened the season on September 9, 2019, with a 35-28 win over the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football.
Playoff format: As the NFC's second seed, they earned a first-round bye and hosted a Divisional Round game.
Defensive strength: The defense ranked 5th in points allowed per game, surrendering only 17.7 points on average.
Offensive stats: New Orleans averaged 27.8 points per game, ranking 6th in the league despite Brees' limited availability.
Turnover margin: The team finished with a +10 turnover margin, a key factor in their consistent success.

Comparison at a Glance

How did the 2019 Saints stack up against recent seasons? The table below compares key metrics from the 2017, 2018, and 2019 campaigns.

Season	Record	Playoff Result	Points For	Points Against
2017	11-5	Lost NFC Divisional Round	448	317
2018	13-3	Lost NFC Championship	507	320
2019	13-3	Lost Divisional Round	445	283
2020	12-4	Lost Wild Card Round	468	316
2021	9-8	Did not qualify	389	343

The 2019 Saints matched their 2018 win total but fell short in the playoffs, failing to reach the NFC Championship Game. While their defense improved, the offense was less explosive than the previous year, partly due to Brees' injury. Still, their 13 wins tied for the second-most in franchise history at the time.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was pivotal in shaping the Saints' trajectory as they navigated life with an aging core and increasing injury concerns. It highlighted both the team's resilience and the challenges of sustaining elite performance in a competitive division.

Leadership transition: The season foreshadowed a shift as Brees and coach Sean Payton neared the end of their tenures in New Orleans.
Defensive reliance: With Brees injured, the defense carried the team, proving it could win without elite offensive firepower.
Playoff shortcomings: The loss to the Vikings exposed vulnerabilities in high-pressure games, especially in overtime scenarios.
Team depth: Bridgewater's performance showed the value of reliable backups, influencing future roster decisions.
Coaching strategy: Payton's aggressive play-calling remained a hallmark, though some late-game decisions drew criticism.
Legacy impact: The season reinforced the Saints as a consistent contender, even if they fell short of a Super Bowl run.

The 2019 campaign ultimately served as a bridge between eras, balancing immediate competitiveness with looming questions about the future. It remains a testament to the team's organizational strength and adaptability in the face of adversity.