New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals Match Series Analysis: 2025 NFL Season

The New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals share a tightly contested rivalry in the NFL, tied at 16-16 all-time including playoffs, with the Saints holding a home record of 8-5 in New Orleans (including the 2025 loss). This article provides a detailed examination of their historical series, highlighting key games, player statistics, and analytical insights, sourced from verified outlets. The teams launched the 2025 regular season with a Cardinals 20-13 victory on September 7 at the Caesars Superdome—marking Saints head coach Kellen Moore’s debut—we explore the full series, including the previous regular-season clash in 2022 and the memorable 2010 playoff rout. Below, we break down standout games, player stats, critical moments, and head-to-head trends.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Football
• League: NFL (National Football League)
• Matchup: New Orleans Saints vs Arizona Cardinals Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: January 16, 2010 (Postseason, Divisional Round)
  • Game 2: October 20, 2022 (Regular Season)
  • Game 3: September 7, 2025 (Regular Season)
• Series Result: Cardinals lead all-time 16-16 (including playoffs)

Series Overview: New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Saints and Cardinals (formerly St. Louis Cardinals) first met in 1967, with Arizona securing a 27-10 win in New Orleans’ inaugural NFL season. Across 32 total games (31 regular season, 1 postseason), the series is even at 16-16, with both teams closely matched in scoring. The Cardinals boast the largest margin of victory (40-7 in 1980), while New Orleans claims the playoff triumph (45-14 in 2010). Patterns include close contests and Saints’ Superdome strength (8-5 home record). The prior regular-season meeting was a 42-34 Cardinals win in 2022, and the 2010 playoff domination propelled New Orleans to Super Bowl XLIV. The 2025 opener (1:00 p.m. ET on CBS) snapped the Saints’ six-game season-opening win streak, maintaining the series tie. Here’s a summary of the highlighted games:

• Game 1 (January 16, 2010): New Orleans Saints 45, Arizona Cardinals 14
• Game 2 (October 20, 2022): Arizona Cardinals 42, New Orleans Saints 34
• Game 3 (September 7, 2025): Arizona Cardinals 20, New Orleans Saints 13

The Cardinals have won three of the last five regular-season games, often through explosive plays, while the Saints capitalize on home advantages in gritty battles.

Game 1: New Orleans Saints 45, Arizona Cardinals 14 (January 16, 2010)

Game Summary

In a commanding Divisional Round playoff display at the Louisiana Superdome, the Saints overwhelmed the Cardinals 45-14, advancing to the NFC Championship and their first Super Bowl victory. Drew Brees’ accurate passing and Tracy Porter’s pick-six dismantled Arizona, who struggled with turnovers and protection in their first home playoff game since 1998.

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Saints

• Drew Brees (QB): 22/35, 247 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 119.3 rating, 1 rush for 3 yards. Brees directed a precise, balanced offense.
• Marques Colston (WR): 7 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD (long: 26). Colston’s red-zone work ignited the scoring.
• Reggie Bush (RB): 15 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 29 yards. Bush’s speed fueled the ground attack.
• Pierre Thomas (RB): 12 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD. Thomas converted key short-yardage plays.
• Tracy Porter (CB): 1 INT (74-yard TD return). Porter’s second-quarter interception return swung the game.
• Garrett Hartley (K): 3/3 FG (31, 38, 44 yards). Hartley’s accuracy contributed 9 points.

Team Stats: 442 total yards (146 rushing, 296 passing), 9/15 on 3rd down (60.0%), 32:45 time of possession, 3 turnovers forced (2 INTs, 1 fumble), 21 points off turnovers, 4 penalties for 30 yards. New Orleans erupted for 31 second-quarter points, setting a franchise playoff record.

Key Player Stats: Arizona Cardinals

• Matt Leinart (QB): 12/20, 115 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 64.8 rating, sacked 3 times (-22 yards). Leinart’s throws lacked precision.
• Tim Hightower (RB): 11 carries, 46 yards; 2 receptions, 14 yards. Hightower offered flashes amid poor support.
• Larry Fitzgerald (WR): 4 receptions, 55 yards. Fitzgerald battled but couldn’t separate consistently.
• Anquan Boldin (WR): 3 receptions, 38 yards. Boldin’s physical style was contained at the line.
• Darnell Dockett (DT): 5 tackles, 1 sack. Dockett created early pressure but couldn’t disrupt Brees.

Team Stats: 260 total yards (84 rushing, 176 passing), 4/12 on 3rd down (33.3%), 27:15 time of possession, 3 turnovers lost, 8 penalties for 65 yards. Arizona failed 0-for-3 in the red zone, highlighting offensive inefficiencies.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (NO 14, ARI 0): Bush’s 1-yard TD run and Porter’s 74-yard INT return TD established control.
• Second Quarter (NO 45, ARI 0): A 31-0 halftime run, including Colston’s 8-yard TD and Hartley’s 38-yard FG, overwhelmed Arizona.
• Third Quarter (NO 45, ARI 7): Leinart’s 6-yard TD pass to Steve Breaston provided minor relief.
• Fourth Quarter (NO 45, ARI 14): Fitzgerald’s 3-yard TD catch served as a late consolation, with Saints reserves finishing strong.

Game 2: Arizona Cardinals 42, New Orleans Saints 34 (October 20, 2022)

Game Summary

A explosive Thursday night showdown at State Farm Stadium featured the Cardinals holding off the Saints 42-34, propelled by Kyler Murray’s multifaceted performance and Marquise Brown’s deep threats, despite a strong Saints response. New Orleans’ defense surrendered 28 second-half points in a coverage breakdown.

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Saints

• Andy Dalton (QB): 20/30, 361 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 140.4 rating, sacked 1 time (-5 yards). Dalton’s aerial assault drove a comeback effort.
• Chris Olave (WR): 6 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD (long: 50). Olave’s speed created big gains.
• Alvin Kamara (RB): 14 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD; 5 receptions, 39 yards, 1 TD. Kamara’s versatility maintained momentum.
• Jarvis Landry (WR): 4 receptions, 74 yards, 1 TD. Landry exploited slot opportunities.
• Marcus Williams (S): 6 tackles, 1 INT. Williams’ early pick disrupted Arizona’s flow.

Team Stats: 464 total yards (103 rushing, 361 passing), 7/13 on 3rd down (53.8%), 29:12 time of possession, 1 turnover forced, 28 second-half points allowed, 5 penalties for 45 yards.

Key Player Stats: Arizona Cardinals

• Kyler Murray (QB): 28/37, 380 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 127.3 rating, 9 carries for 54 yards, 1 TD. Murray’s 50-yard rushing TD energized the stadium.
• Marquise Brown (WR): 5 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TDs (long: 71). Brown’s quickness shredded the defense.
• Eno Benjamin (RB): 12 carries, 52 yards; 3 receptions, 28 yards. Benjamin supported Murray’s mobility.
• Zach Ertz (TE): 6 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD. Ertz owned red-zone targets.
• Marco Wilson (CB): 4 tackles, 1 INT. Wilson’s theft led to points.

Team Stats: 492 total yards (112 rushing, 380 passing), 8/14 on 3rd down (57.1%), 30:48 time of possession, 1 turnover lost, 5 penalties for 50 yards. Arizona’s 28-7 third-quarter burst overcame a halftime deficit.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (ARI 7, NO 0): Brown’s 71-yard TD reception sparked Arizona.
• Second Quarter (NO 17, ARI 14): Dalton’s 50-yard TD to Olave grabbed the lead, but Ertz tied it.
• Third Quarter (ARI 28, NO 24): Murray’s 50-yard run TD initiated a decisive 28-7 stretch.
• Fourth Quarter (ARI 42, NO 34): Brown’s second TD locked it; Kamara’s response fell short.

Game 3: Arizona Cardinals 20, New Orleans Saints 13 (September 7, 2025)

Game Summary

In the 2025 season opener at the Caesars Superdome, the Cardinals repelled a late Saints surge for a 20-13 win, buoyed by Kyler Murray’s two TD passes amid illness and five sacks, while New Orleans’ 13 penalties for 89 yards and a goal-line fumble derailed them in Moore’s first game.

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Saints

• Spencer Rattler (QB): 27/46, 214 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 78.2 rating, sacked 1 time (-8 yards). Rattler’s steady play nearly forced overtime.
• Juwan Johnson (TE): 8 receptions, 76 yards. Johnson’s goal-line fumble was decisive.
• Alvin Kamara (RB): 11 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD (18 yards). Kamara’s score was the Superdome’s 1,000th TD.
• Chris Olave (WR): 5 receptions, 62 yards. Olave’s overturned reception stalled the end.
• Carl Granderson (DE): 3 tackles, 1.5 sacks. Granderson hounded Murray.
• Cameron Jordan (DE): 2 tackles, 1.5 sacks (career: 123). Jordan tied Robert Mathis for 20th all-time.
• Blake Grupe (K): 2/3 FG (36, 28 yards; missed 37). Grupe’s field goals applied pressure.

Team Stats: 312 total yards (78 rushing, 234 passing), 5/14 on 3rd down (35.7%), 28:45 time of possession, 0 turnovers forced, 13 penalties for 89 yards, 1 lost fumble. The Saints’ final drive ended on fourth-and-10.

Key Player Stats: Arizona Cardinals

• Kyler Murray (QB): 21/29, 163 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 107.4 rating, 7 carries for 38 yards, sacked 5 times (-42 yards). Murray battled illness for the victory.
• Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR): 4 receptions, 71 yards, 1 TD (1 yard; long: 45). Harrison’s long catch set up points.
• Trey Benson (RB): 8 carries, 69 yards (long: 52). Benson’s run added balance.
• James Conner (RB): 12 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD (4 yards). Conner’s score built the lead.
• Trey McBride (TE): 6 receptions, 58 yards. McBride facilitated the middle.
• Baron Browning (LB): 4 tackles, 1 sack. Browning limited Rattler.

Team Stats: 298 total yards (112 rushing, 186 passing), 6/12 on 3rd down (50.0%), 31:15 time of possession, 1 turnover forced, 9 penalties for 54 yards, 1 blocked FG. Arizona’s forced fumble clinched it.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (ARI 3, NO 0): Chad Ryland’s 50-yard FG followed a 14-play drive.
• Second Quarter (ARI 17, NO 10): Harrison’s 45-yard reception led to his 1-yard TD; Kamara’s 18-yard run and Grupe’s 36-yarder replied.
• Third Quarter (ARI 20, NO 10): Benson’s 52-yard rush preceded Conner’s TD.
• Fourth Quarter (ARI 20, NO 13): Grupe’s 28-yarder narrowed it; Johnson’s fumble at the goal line, forced by Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson with 13 seconds left, sealed the win.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The 16-16 tie reflects tight battles, with three overtime games and a close average margin. Arizona leads regular-season play 16-15, but New Orleans holds the playoff win (+31 margin). Home teams win 65% (21-11), reinforcing Superdome edges. Both teams perform competitively against the spread. Cardinals excel in explosive rushes (e.g., Murray’s 50-yard TD in 2022), while Saints dominate possession (29+ minutes in 70% of wins). In 2025, Arizona’s road tenacity (1-0 early) countered New Orleans’ discipline issues.

Saints Strengths: Home production (28.5 PPG in Superdome wins), turnover edge (+0.8 in victories).

Cardinals Strengths: QB mobility (Murray’s series impact), red-zone success (75% TD rate in wins).

Series Standouts

New Orleans Saints

• Drew Brees (2010): 247 yards, 2 TDs—playoff architect in the blowout.
• Alvin Kamara: 110 rushing yards, 2 TDs in three games—dynamic all-purpose back (95.3 avg.).
• Chris Olave: 104 yards, 1 TD in 2022—rising deep threat.

Arizona Cardinals

• Kyler Murray (2022/2025): 543 yards, 5 TDs in two games—elusive dual-threat.
• Marvin Harrison Jr. (2025): 71 yards, 1 TD—rookie standout.
• Marquise Brown (2022): 124 yards, 2 TDs—speed demon.

Team Performance Context

New Orleans Saints (Projected 2025: 7-10, NFC South fringe): After a 5-12 2024, Moore’s system seeks revival via Rattler (0-7 starts) and Olave, but pass blocking lags (last in PFF). Projected 22 PPG offense, 24 allowed; San Francisco awaits next.

Arizona Cardinals (Projected 2025: 9-8, NFC West contenders): From 8-9 2024, Gannon enhances rush with Sweat/Campbell; Murray’s health vital. Projected 24 PPG offense, 22 allowed; 1-0 start aids playoff push.

Injury and Roster Notes

Historical: Cardinals missing linemen in 2010; Saints without Michael Thomas in 2022. 2025: Saints’ RT Taliese Fuaga (knee); Cardinals’ LB Cody Simon/S Joey Blount (concussions). Watch Rattler’s adaptation and Murray’s endurance.

Conclusion

The Saints-Cardinals rivalry remains tied at 16-16, spanning the 45-14 2010 playoff rout, 42-34 2022 thriller, and tight 20-13 Cardinals win in the 2025 opener. Arizona’s dynamism overcame New Orleans’ penalties and a late fumble, but the Saints’ home tenacity portends future clashes. As Moore rebuilds and Gannon contends, NFC fireworks await in potential rematches. For stats and recaps, visit ESPN, NFL.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com, or team sites.