TiqIQ Breaks Down Saints Tickets Against Division Rivals

November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) calls signals from the line against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints withstood a barrage of criticisms and player suspensions in 2012, yet still finished the season a respectable 7-9. That doesn’t sound too good at first glance or if you’re a Saints fan, especially when the Saints are usually in the playoffs and have Super Bowl talent. However, considering New Orleans had head coach Sean Payton as a suspension casualty (for the entire season, mind you) and they dug themselves an early 0-4 hole, that 7-9 record starts looking a lot more impressive.

It was a season of controversy and obstacles, but the Saints ultimately wouldn’t back down. Entering 2013, they get Payton back, and with that same “never give in” mentality, should be a much better, more consistent team.

Here’s a look at all of the NFC South games for the Saints in 2013, as we compare prices and prepare for the new NFL season:

Home Games

• (9/8) vs. Atlanta Falcons | Avg: $309 | Get-in: $130 

Saints fans get a treat for the season/home opener, as they welcome the Falcons to the dome. This one is understandably pricier than the norm, as it actually comes in at 20% more expensive than the average Saints’ home contest. There’s really no telling who will win this one, but there’s no doubt the Saints will be roaring for a win in Sean Payton’s first game back in over a year.

• (12/8) vs. Carolina Panthers | Avg: $198 | Get-in: $54

New Orleans’s second most expensive home game inside the division comes against the Panthers, who somehow swept them in 2012. The Saints will be out to return the favor in this, the second meeting between the two in 2013. It comes at a deal, too, at 23% under the home average.

• (12/29) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Avg: $195 | Get-in: $46 

The Saints welcome the Buccaneers to town, which is a nice sight after New Orleans swept Tampa Bay in 2012. The Saints should be the heavy favorites here, while fans get a considerable discount at 24% below the home game season average.

Road Games

• (9/15) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Avg: $142 | Get-in: $12

The first meeting with the Buccaneers comes in week two, when the Saints travel to Tampa Bay. New Orleans won both meetings last year, so you can bet they’ll get a tough fight from the Buccaneers this time around, especially with it being in Tampa.

• (11/21) @ Atlanta Falcons | Avg: $182 | Get-in: $52

Round two with last year’s NFC South division champs is much cheaper in Atlanta, try over $100 cheaper. It’s still the same explosive, tight battle, though, albeit a little tougher with it being on the road. The Falcons typically take care of business on the road, but at this price, Saints fans will hit the highway to see their team try to pull off the upset.

• (12/22) @ Carolina Panthers | Avg: $156 | Get-in: $39 

Last, but certainly not least is the Panthers in late December. Carolina will be revving up for a huge season finale, and they won’t want to end the season with two straight losses inside the division. New Orleans has the same idea, though, so this one figures to be a fight to the finish, while also being a fairly nice bargain.