What Is 2017 New Orleans Saints football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 New Orleans Saints finished the NFL season with an 11-5 record, securing a Wild Card spot. They defeated the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round before losing to the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional round.

Key Facts

11-5 regular season record in 2017
Won NFC South division title
Defeated Carolina Panthers 31-26 in Wild Card round
Lost to Minnesota Vikings 29-24 in Divisional round
Drew an average of 70,001 fans per home game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome

Overview

The 2017 New Orleans Saints season marked a significant turnaround for the franchise, finishing with an 11-5 record and capturing the NFC South division title. Under head coach Sean Payton and led by quarterback Drew Brees, the team returned to playoff contention after missing the postseason in 2016.

The Saints showcased one of the league’s most explosive offenses, ranking in the top five for total yards and points scored. Their strong regular season performance earned them the 6th seed in the NFC playoffs, giving them home-field advantage in the Wild Card round.

11-5 record: The Saints improved from a 7-9 record in 2016 to 11-5, marking their best win total since 2013.
NFC South champions: They won the division outright, finishing one game ahead of the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.
Drew Brees: Threw for 4,334 yards and 23 touchdowns with only 8 interceptions during the regular season.
Offensive strength: Ranked 2nd in the NFL in total offense, averaging 378.8 yards per game.
Defensive improvement: Allowed only 20.5 points per game, a notable upgrade from 23.9 in 2016.

Playoff Run & Performance

The Saints’ 2017 postseason journey began with a dramatic Wild Card victory, reigniting fan enthusiasm and showcasing their resilience under pressure. Their playoff run ended in heartbreak, but the team demonstrated championship-caliber potential.

Wild Card win: Defeated the Carolina Panthers 31-26 at home, with Alvin Kamara scoring a crucial touchdown.
Divisional round loss: Lost 29-24 to the Minnesota Vikings in the 'Minneapolis Miracle' game, where Stefon Diggs caught a game-winning 61-yard touchdown on the final play.
Home playoff game: Their first home playoff game since 2013, drawing a sellout crowd of 73,025 fans.
Sean Payton’s leadership: Earned Coach of the Year consideration after guiding the team to an 8-game improvement from 2016.
Michael Thomas: Led the team with 104 receptions for 1,245 yards, establishing himself as a top-tier wide receiver.
Alvin Kamara’s rookie impact: Rushed for 728 yards and 8 touchdowns while adding 826 receiving yards, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Saints compared to their 2016 and 2018 seasons across key performance metrics:

Season	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
2016	7-9	339	342	Did not qualify
2017	11-5	414	327	Divisional round loss
2018	13-3	437	289	NFC Championship loss
2015	7-9	304	328	Did not qualify
2019	13-3	458	326	Divisional round loss

This comparison highlights the 2017 season as a pivotal year in the Saints’ resurgence. After years of missing the playoffs, the team’s 11-win season laid the foundation for deeper runs in subsequent years, including a near-Super Bowl appearance in 2018.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a turning point that reestablished the Saints as a consistent playoff contender and revitalized fan support in New Orleans. It also set performance benchmarks for key players and the coaching staff.

Franchise momentum: The 11-5 record marked the start of four consecutive playoff appearances from 2017 to 2020.
Drew Brees’ legacy: His efficient play reinforced his status among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, nearing retirement milestones.
Alvin Kamara’s emergence: His rookie success reshaped the Saints’ offensive strategy, emphasizing dual-threat backs.
Minneapolis Miracle: The heartbreaking loss became one of the most iconic moments in NFL playoff history, widely replayed and analyzed.
Sean Payton’s reputation: His game management and offensive design earned renewed acclaim across the league.
Stadium attendance: Average home crowds exceeded 70,000, reflecting strong local support during the team’s revival.

Ultimately, the 2017 New Orleans Saints season served as a bridge between rebuilding years and championship contention, proving the team could compete at the highest level with the right mix of leadership, talent, and resilience.