The New Orleans Saints begin their 2019 season with a Monday night test at home against the defending AFC South champion Houston Texans. The Saints have won back-to-back NFC South titles themselves, and are one of the NFL's favorites to go to Super Bowl LIV. Most football fans know about the Saints offensive prowess, with Drew Brees at quarterback, Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara among the league's best offensive players, and coach Sean Payton's aggressive game plans. What has elevated New Orleans to a legitimate championship contender though, is a vastly improved defense than from earlier in the decade, one that seems poised to be one of the better defenses in the NFL.
Saints vs. Texans Matchups: New Orleans defense vs. Houston offense
