League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Saints face toughest fourth-quarter penalty statistics in the NFL

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 8:06 PM

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Saints face toughest fourth-quarter penalty statistics in the NFL

Summary

The New Orleans Saints have been assessed more judgment fouls in fourth quarters and overtime than any other NFL team. Data reveals they receive the fewest penalties called on opponents while being penalized more often than every team except the San Francisco 49ers. This trend has fueled longstanding disputes between Saints fans and NFL officiating, especially since controversial calls in critical playoff games. Discontent continues regarding the quality of officiating, with Saints supporters feeling their team experiences a unique disadvantage in close games.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Saints ranked worst in fourth-quarter penalty statistics since 2018.
•Team sees fewest opponent penalties per 100 snaps during critical game moments.
•San Francisco 49ers are the only team penalized more often than the Saints in similar contexts.
•Criticism of officiating standards persists within the fanbase.
•Historical playoff controversies contribute to ongoing frustrations.

Latest Updates

8:06 PMYahoo Sports — Saints are outliers among outliers in NFL fourth-quarter penalties

What they're saying

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When it comes to judgment fouls in the fourth quarter and overtime, the data shows no team has been dealt a worse hand than the New Orleans Saints.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New Orleans Saints San Francisco 49ers NFL Football