Saints vs. Texans Statistical Comparison

A statistical overview of the Saints and Texans as the teams head towards their Week 6 matchup.

Week 6 of the NFL season sees the 3-2 New Orleans Saints playing at the 2-3 Houston Texans. This is just the sixth all-time meeting between the Saints and Texans, with New Orleans holding a 3-2 edge in the series. The Saints have never won in Houston, going 0-2 there with a 24-6 loss in 2015 and a 23-10 defeat in 2007.

Here is a statistical overview of both teams coming into this contest. 

Sep 9, 2019; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) dives over Houston Texans cornerback Bradley Roby (21). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY

Saints Offense 

• 19.2 points per game (rank = 22nd)

• 289 yards/game (25th)

• 3rd Downs = 37.3% (22nd)

• Red Zone % = 43.8% (26th)

• 6 turnovers 

Passing = 191.8 yards/game (24th)

• 17 sacks

Rushing = 97 yards/game (20th)

• 3.4 per carry (27th)

Texans Defense 

• 20 points/game (11th)

• 338.8 yards/game (18th)

• 3rd Downs = 47.1% (28th)

• Red Zone % = 58.8% (21st)

• 7 turnovers 

Passing = 226 yards/game (18th)

• 7 sacks

• 3 interceptions 

• 72.4% completion percentage 

Rushing = 112 yards/game (17th)

• 3.9 per carry (15th)

• 8 touchdowns (29th)

New Orleans is coming off their best point output since Week 7 of the 2022 season with a 34-0 win at New England. There are still issues with the Saints offense, but playmakers like RB Alvin Kamara and WRs Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed can make this team difficult to defend. 

Houston has allowed 21 or fewer points in their last three games, but gave up 14 points to blow a fourth quarter lead against Atlanta last week. The Texans have a young and fast defensive group, but have had a hard time getting off the field in key situations. 

Aug 27, 2023; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) calls for the ball against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Saints Defense 

• 15.2 points/game (4th)

• 274.6 yards/game (4th)

• 3rd Down = 31.5% (3rd)

• Red Zone % = 46.2% (7th)

• 9 turnovers 

Passing = 183 yards/game (4th)

• 57.1%

• 7 interceptions 

• 11 sacks

Rushing = 91 yards/game (8th)

• 3.9 per carry (14th)

• 1 touchdown (2nd)

Texans Offense 

• 23 points/game (12th)

• 357.4 yards/game (11th)

• 3rd Down = 45.5% (7th)

• Red Zone % = 35.3% (29th)

• 2 turnovers (2nd)

Passing = 274.8 yards/game (3rd)

• 11 sacks

• 8 touchdowns/0 interceptions 

Rushing = 82.6 yards/game (27th)

• 3.0 per carry (30th)

• 1 touchdown (29th)

The Saints have one of the league's top defensive units, especially against the pass. They're capable of constant disruption up front, but also have the coverage talent to contain even the league's most prolific attacks. 

Houston has had difficulty establishing offensive balance, but second overall pick C.J. Stroud looks like a franchise quarterback. The Texans have protected Stroud well up front, while a group of undervalued pass catchers have consistently made plays.