What Is 2018 New Orleans Saints football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 New Orleans Saints finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, securing the NFC's top seed, and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in controversial fashion on January 20, 2019.

Key Facts

13-3 regular season record in 2018
Finished as NFC's #1 seed
Lost NFC Championship Game 26-23 in OT to Rams
Drew 10.1 million viewers for the 'Minneapolis Miracle' rematch
Coached by Sean Payton, with Drew Brees at quarterback

Overview

The 2018 New Orleans Saints season marked one of the most dominant and emotionally charged campaigns in franchise history. Under head coach Sean Payton and led by quarterback Drew Brees, the team posted a 13-3 regular-season record, the best in the NFC, earning them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Saints' journey was defined by resilience, high-powered offense, and a controversial playoff exit. Despite widespread expectations of a Super Bowl run, their season ended in heartbreak during the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, a game later infamous for a missed pass interference call.

13-3 record was the best in the NFC and secured the Saints the conference’s top playoff seed, a critical advantage in postseason positioning.
Sean Payton, in his 12th season as head coach, orchestrated one of the most efficient offensive schemes in NFL history, emphasizing balance and timing.
Drew Brees threw for 3,992 yards and 32 touchdowns, maintaining elite efficiency with a 115.7 passer rating at age 39.
The defense, led by Cam Jordan and rookie Marcus Davenport, improved dramatically, recording 45 sacks and forcing 26 turnovers.
The team played home games at the Merkle Dome in New Orleans, averaging over 73,000 fans per game, one of the NFL’s highest attendance rates.

How It Works

The 2018 Saints combined veteran leadership, strategic coaching, and defensive resurgence to build a championship-caliber team. Their success stemmed from a well-integrated system that maximized player strengths and minimized weaknesses through disciplined game planning.

Offensive Scheme: The Saints ran a West Coast-based passing attack with RPO elements, allowing Brees to make quick decisions and exploit defensive gaps. This system emphasized short, high-percentage throws and play-action to open deep opportunities.
Quarterback Leadership:Drew Brees managed games with precision, throwing only 5 interceptions all season and completing 74.4% of his passes, a career-high mark.
Defensive Turnaround: After years of inconsistency, the 2018 defense allowed just 19.4 points per game, down from 23.8 in 2017, thanks to improved secondary play and pressure from the front line.
Special Teams: Kicker Wil Lutz made 29 of 32 field goals, including 6 from 50+ yards, providing crucial scoring in tight games throughout the season.
Playoff Structure: As the #1 seed, the Saints received a first-round bye and hosted both playoff games at home, maximizing fan support and minimizing travel strain.
Coaching Strategy: Sean Payton’s aggressive fourth-down decisions and innovative play-calling kept opponents off balance, exemplified by a 45-point outburst against the Redskins in Week 14.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 Saints compared favorably with other top NFL teams in both regular-season performance and playoff aspirations, though their postseason run fell short of expectations.

Team	Regular-Season Record	Playoff Result	Points Scored	Points Allowed
New Orleans Saints	13-3	NFC Championship Loss	429	297
Los Angeles Rams	13-3	NFC Champions	431	306
Chicago Bears	12-4	Wild Card Exit	421	283
New England Patriots	11-5	Super Bowl LIII Champions	436	304
Kansas City Chiefs	12-4	AFC Championship Loss	565	393

While the Saints matched the Rams in record, their defensive performance was slightly weaker, and the controversial non-call in the NFC Championship Game overshadowed their accomplishments. Despite outgaining the Rams 455-373 in that game, the Saints were unable to capitalize due to officiating errors later acknowledged by the NFL.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Saints season remains a pivotal chapter in NFL history due to its blend of excellence, controversy, and cultural impact in New Orleans and beyond.

The 'No PI' call in the NFC Championship sparked nationwide debate, leading to increased calls for expanded replay and officiating reform in the NFL.
Fan outrage was so intense that the Saints received over 100,000 petition signatures supporting a rule change for pass interference reviews.
The season highlighted Drew Brees’ legacy as one of the most consistent quarterbacks in NFL history, furthering his Hall of Fame case.
Sean Payton’s coaching was widely praised, earning him multiple Coach of the Year votes despite not winning the award.
The team’s performance boosted local economy in New Orleans, with playoff games generating over $25 million in tourism revenue.
The emotional aftermath influenced future NFL policy, with the league briefly implementing a replay review for pass interference in 2019.

The 2018 Saints may not have won a Super Bowl, but their impact on football strategy, officiating standards, and fan engagement ensures their place in NFL lore.