New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders Combined For Epic in 2016

Published on September 1st, 2024 6:34 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


There have been some epic opening week games in the NFL over the years.

Who can forget the clash between the Saints and Texans in 2019?

Or how about the game between the Saints and Packers in 2011? Or the Steelers and Chiefs in 1981?

These would all be great chances, and the title of greatest opening week NFL game is obviously subjective.

It is hard, however, to top the 2016 contest between the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints.

The game, which was won 35-34 by the Raiders, featured 32 fourth quarter points and a number of impressive offensive performances.

With just 47 seconds left in the game, the Raiders were trailing by 7 points.

Derek Carr hit Seth Roberts for a 10-yard touchdown, seemingly tying the game.

The Raiders, however, thought differently, and decided to go for 2 points. The 2 point conversion was successful, with Carr hitting Michael Crabtree for the 2 points.

The Saints drove down the field, giving Will Lutz the chance to win the game with a 61-yard field goal. He missed wide left, and the Raiders won the game.

Drew Brees threw for 423 yards and 4 touchdowns in a losing effort, while Carr threw for 319 yards and 1 touchdown.

Neither quarterback threw an interception.

Amari Cooper of the Raiders caught 6 passes for 137 yards, while Crabtree added 7 catches for 87 yards, plus the crucial two-point conversion.

The Saints had two receivers top 100 yards in the game, with Willie Snead IV catching 9 receptions for 172 yards, and Brandin Cooks adding 6 catches for 143 yards.

There was only one turnover in the game, with Brees losing a fumble.

The game had everything - thrilling action at the end of the game, top-notch offensive play and generally mistake-free football.