Saints Outscore Lions, 31-17

The New Orleans Saints ran their 2011 home record to a perfect 6-0 on Sunday night, defeating the Detroit Lions, 31-17, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, in New Orleans, La.

The was the fourth-consecutive victory for the Saints, and their fifth in their last six games.

New Orleans controlled the first half, and took a 24-7 lead into the locker room at halftime, thanks in part, to two touchdowns passes by quarterback Drew Brees.

Detroit was able to get back in the game, outscoring the Saints 10-0 in the third quarter, to cut the lead to 24-17, as the teams went into the final quarter.

The Saints scored a big touchdown at the 9:44 mark of the fourth quarter, when Brees threw his third touchdown pass of the game, a 6-yarder to Darren Sproles, to make it 31-17.

From there, the Saints hung on for the 14-point win.

The Lions were actually able to outgain the Saints in terms of total offense, 466-438, but Detroit kicker Jason Hanson missed two field goals, and the Lions were penalized 11 times, for 109 yards.

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was outstanding once again, completing 25-of-35 passes, for 333 yards, and three touchdowns, extending his streak of consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass to 39.

The all-time record for consecutive game with at least one touchdown pass is 47, set by Johhny Unitas.

Receiver Robert Meachem had three receptions for 119 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown catch.

In a losing cause for Detroit, quarterback Matthew Stafford went 31-of-44 threw the air, for 408 yards, with one touchdown, and one interception.

With the win, the Saints move to 9-3 on the year, and now have a two-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South, while the Lions fall to 7-5.

The Saints return to action this Sunday, as they travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to take on the Tennessee Titans.

Wide receiver Lance Moore #16 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with offensive guard Carl Nicks #77 after scoring in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Associated Press, courtesy of CBSSports.com, has the game story.