The New Orleans Saints haven't always had the most success during their history, but in the last decade-plus, they have been one of the best teams in football.

Let's take a close look at the Saints' history by breaking down their five best teams in franchise history.

5. 1992

The 1992 Saints team looked like they were destined for a Super Bowl, but they couldn't finish the job. New Orleans finished the regular season with a 12-4 record, and all four losses were against playoff teams.

The strength of this particular team was the defense that gave up only 202 points the entire season. The one big issue during the regular season was being in the same conference as the San Francisco 49ers, who only had two losses.

Finishing second in the division meant the Saints had to play during wild card weekend. It didn't go well as the defense let them down big time giving up 36 points, which might have cost them a chance at their first Super Bowl.

4. 2006

The 2006 season was the first look at the new-look team, and they didn't disappoint. The Saints brought in Sean Payton and Drew Brees before the season and also drafted Reggie Bush, Roman Harper, and Marques Colston, three guys who made a big impact right away.

The Saints played the first home game at the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina during Week 3, and they didn't disappoint. New Orleans got out to a fast start by scoring 14 points in the first quarter. The Saints knocked off the Atlanta Falcons 23-3, and it was clear from that point it was going to be a special season.

New Orleans finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, and after a bye during Wild Card weekend, knocked off the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round. The next game in the NFC Championship, the Saints lost to the Chicago Bears. Even though they didn't win it all, it was clear the future was going to be special.

3. 2011

The 2011 team was all about the offense and they still hold the NFL record for most yards gained. Drew Brees also set the NFL record passing for 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns. The Saints finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, and there dreams of another Super Bowl.

In the Wild Card Round, Brees led the Saints offense and put up 45 points in the process, which led to an easy victory. In the Divisional Round, the offense was good again in putting up 32 points, but the defense let them down by giving up 36 points.

2. 2018

The 2018 Saints team, led by Drew Brees and Michael Thomas, finished with a 13-3 record. From Week 2 to Week 12, New Orleans won 10 games in a row. This offense wasn't as elite as some of the previous Saints teams, but they were still strong. Three weeks in a row, New Orleans scored at least 45 points.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

The Saints beat the Philadelphia Eagles in their first playoff game. In the NFC Championship Game, New Orleans had all kinds of opportunities to beat the Los Angeles Rams, but instead, was knocked out in overtime.

1. 2009

The 2009 season was the best season in franchise history because the Saints won the Super Bowl. The offense was elite and ranked first in overall scoring. The defense wasn't great in terms of scoring, but when a big play was needed, it seemed they always got it done.

The Saints won their first 13 games of the regular season before losing their final three. That led to a first-round bye before a 45-14 blowout win against the Arizona Cardinals. In the NFC Championship Game, they knocked off Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

In the Super Bowl, the Indianapolis Colts defense had no answers, as the Saints came away with a 31-17 victory.