NFC South: Top 10 teams in division history

7) New Orleans Saints 2011

Dec 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43) carries the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The 2011 season for the New Orleans Saints went according to plan. Drew Brees broke Dan Marino’s single season passing yards record. Brees finished with 5,476 passing yard, which set an NFL record. New Orleans set several other records as well. They broke the record for offensive yards from scrimmage with 7,474 and Darren Sproles broke the record for all-purpose yards, with 2,696. The Saints finished second in scoring for total points with 547, and finished second for points per game with 34.2 points and sacks with 24.

The Saints finished the year at 13-3, good enough to win the NFC South division and hosted the Detroit Lions in the first round of the Playoffs. The Saints won the game, 45-28, but lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 36-32 on the road at Candlestick. The Saints sent five players to the pro bowl including Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham and three offensive lineman.