–The Saints are playing their fifth prime-time game of the season and third in the last four. They have generally been successful in such games, both this season and since Sean Payton became head coach in 2006. The Saints are 3-1 in prime time this season having beaten Washington at home (Oct. 8), Minnesota on the road (Oct. 28) and Atlanta at home (Nov. 22) before losing at Dallas (Nov. 29). New Orleans is 13-7 on Monday Night Football under Payton, including a 4-2 record on the road.
–The Saints’ offensive efficiency has been one of the keys to their success this season. They rank seventh in total yards, but that has translated into the second-highest scoring average. Only one touchdown has come from the defense and the special teams so the offense has done an exceptional job of turning yards into points. Part of that is due to them having just 11 turnovers.
BY THE NUMBERS: 674 – That’s the number of penalty yards enforced against New Orleans, the same number as Carolina has had enforced against it. The Saints and Panthers are tied for the eighth-fewest penalty yards in the NFL.
