Saints Open Against Redskins

Drew Brees

The New Orleans Saints begin their 2012 regular season schedule on Sunday afternoon when they play host to the Washignton Redskins at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La.

The Saints, who have made the playoffs for three consecutive season, and four of the last six, finished 13-3 last year, before beating Detroit 45-28 in the wild-card round and suffering a last-second 36-32 divisional-round loss at San Francisco.

The Redskins began 2011 with a 3-1 record, before losing 10 of their last 12 games, to finish at 5-11.

Washington's last playoff appearance was back in 2007.

The saints are led by quarterback Drew Brees, who threw for 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns last year, while rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, and second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft paces the Redskins attack.

Kick-off time on Sunday is set for 12 noon.