As if the New Orleans Saints weren’t in the spotlight enough the past few weeks, the release of the 2012-13 NFL schedule Tuesday afternoon unveiled four primetime television appearances for the Saints, including two home contests in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
New Orleans faces Sunday night bouts at home against the San Diego Chargers in Week 5 and against Denver in Week 8, as well as a Monday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles Week 13 in the Dome. The Saints travel to Atlanta for a Thursday night contest against the division-rival Falcons.
New Orleans’ schedule ranks as the No. 11 toughest in the NFL, according to ESPN.com. The rankings take into account combined opponents’ records from last season. Defending Super Bowl champions the New York Giants have the toughest schedule, while the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots – both playoff teams last year – hold the No. 31 and No. 32 toughest schedules, respectively.
New Orleans Saints 2012 Schedule:
Sept. 9 vs. Washington Redskins
Sept. 16 at Carolina Panthers
Sept. 23 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Sept. 30 at Green Bay Packers
Oct. 7 vs. San Diego Chargers
Oct. 21 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oct. 28 at Denver Broncos
Nov. 5 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Nov. 11 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Nov. 18 at Oakland Raiders
Nov. 25 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Nov. 29 at Atlanta Falcons
Dec. 9 at New York Giants
Dec. 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dec. 23 at Dallas Cowboys
Dec. 30 vs. Carolina Panthers
 
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