Saints Thursday Night History

The Saints will need to overcome recent struggles at home and under the prime time lights to get their season back on track.

The 3-3 New Orleans Saints host the 4-2 Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 7 of the NFL season. It's a critical game for the Saints. They've lost 3 of their last 4 outings, including a 20-13 defeat at the Houston Texans last Sunday. 

This is the eighth all-time meeting between the Saints and Jaguars. New Orleans holds a 5-2 lead in the series, including 3-0 at home. These teams last met during Week 6 of the 2019 season, a 13-6 Saints victory in Jacksonville. Their last meeting in New Orleans was Week 16 of the 2015 campaign, resulting in a 38-27 Saints victory. 

No More Dome Field Advantage 

At one time the Saints were nearly unbeatable at home. Those days feel like a lifetime ago. Since 2021, New Orleans is just 8-9 when playing in the Superdome. They are 5-5 in their building since Dennis Allen took over as head coach last season. Allen has an 11-13 overall record as New Orleans head coach. 

The Saints also used to be a power in prime time matchups. Again, this feels like a chapter in an ancient history book. New Orleans is 3-6 on Thursday, Sunday, or Monday nights since 2021. Under Allen, they are 1-3, getting outscored 86-63 in prime time games last season but defeating the Carolina Panthers, 20-17, on Monday night in Week 2.

Thursday Night Record 

New Orleans has an 8-10 all-time record in Thursday games, counting Thanksgiving. They have lost their last three and four of the last five games they've played on a Thursday, including once with Allen as head coach. 

The Saints have a 4-2 record at home when playing on Thursday night. However, they've lost their last two in the Superdome -- both during the 2021 season by a combined score of 58-23.

Sep 18, 2023; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars have a 6-9 all-time record on Thursday nights. Jacksonville is 1-4 when playing on the road in Thursday games. This is the first game Jacksonville is playing in prime time this season. They were 3-0 in night games last season.

Saints QB Derek Carr is 13-14 as a prime time starter and 5-4 on Thursday nights through his nine-year career (1-0 with New Orleans). He is 1-2 in his career against the Jaguars, completing 60.5% of his throws for 726 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Carr has averaged 207 yards passing with seven touchdowns and three interceptions on Thursday Night Football.

With an abysmal offense this season, the Saints will likely need to rely on their fifth-ranked defense. New Orleans has surpassed 21 points just once in their last 12 games. If the Saints are to get their season back on track, they'll have to flash that home dominance and prime time performance that feels so long ago.