Most Receiving Yards in a Single Game by a New Orleans Saints Player
The Saints have long been known for explosive passing attacks — and this list is all the proof you need. Michael Thomas headlines the chart with multiple appearances, including the #1 spot from his elite 2018 season. From speedsters like Brandin Cooks to all-time greats like Wes Chandler and Jimmy Graham, New Orleans has never been short on receiving firepower.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Brandin Cooks – 173 Yards (2016)
Cooks finishes the list with his second appearance — always a vertical threat, this game was a classic “take the top off” showcase.
9. Floyd Turner – 179 Yards (1991)
Turner may not be a household name, but this 179-yard day in ’91 remains one of the most under-the-radar WR games in Saints history.
8. Jimmy Graham – 179 Yards (2013)
Yes, even a tight end makes the list. Graham was basically a WR in a TE body, and this 179-yard effort showed just that.
7. Joe Horn – 180 Yards (2000)
One of the most passionate players in Saints history, Horn made defenders pay all game long in this 200-yard explosion.
6. Michael Thomas – 180 Yards (2018)
Thomas appears again, proving why he was nearly uncoverable when healthy. This was physicality + polish on display.
5. Michael Thomas – 182 Yards (2019)
MT followed up his record-setting year with another clinic. His 2019 game here helped seal his place in Saints WR history.
4. Brandin Cooks – 186 Yards (2016)
Cooks torched secondaries with deep routes and fearless grabs across the middle. This was one of his biggest career games.
3. Torrance Small – 200 Yards (1994)
Small dropped a surprise 200-yard day back in ’94, showing up big when the Saints needed a playmaker the most.
2. Wes Chandler – 205 Yards (1979)
An elite receiver in his time, Chandler was dominant in this 205-yard gem that has aged like fine wine.
1. Michael Thomas – 211 Yards (2018)
The king of the list. Thomas hauled in 211 yards during his unstoppable 2018 season, cementing himself as one of the best in the league.
Ranking the 10 best single-game receiving yard performances in Saints history
Top 50 Single-Game Receiving Performances in Saints History
From 1967 to 2024, these are the 50 most electric receiving days in New Orleans Saints history. Download the full table or scroll through below.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Thomas | 211 | 1 | 11/4/2018 |
| 2 | Wes Chandler | 205 | 1 | 9/2/1979 |
| 3 | Torrance Small | 200 | 2 | 12/24/1994 |
| 4 | Brandin Cooks | 186 | 2 | 12/18/2016 |
| 5 | Michael Thomas | 182 | 2 | 10/6/2019 |
| 6 | Michael Thomas | 180 | 1 | 9/9/2018 |
| 7 | Joe Horn | 180 | 1 | 11/5/2000 |
| 8 | Jimmy Graham | 179 | 1 | 9/15/2013 |
| 9 | Floyd Turner | 179 | 2 | 10/27/1991 |
| 10 | Brandin Cooks | 173 | 1 | 10/16/2016 |
| 11 | Willie Snead | 172 | 1 | 9/11/2016 |
| 12 | Joe Horn | 170 | 0 | 12/3/2000 |
| 13 | Devery Henderson | 169 | 0 | 11/19/2006 |
| 14 | Marques Colston | 169 | 0 | 11/12/2006 |
| 15 | Joe Horn | 167 | 1 | 11/14/2004 |
| 16 | Willie Jackson | 167 | 0 | 11/11/2001 |
| 17 | Marques Colston | 166 | 1 | 10/18/2009 |
| 18 | Danny Abramowicz | 165 | 0 | 11/29/1970 |
| 19 | Eric Martin | 164 | 1 | 9/14/1986 |
| 20 | Marques Colston | 163 | 2 | 10/29/2006 |
| 21 | Kenny Stills | 162 | 1 | 11/30/2014 |
| 22 | Joe Horn | 160 | 2 | 12/5/2004 |
| 23 | Marques Colston | 159 | 0 | 11/4/2007 |
| 24 | Larry Burton | 159 | 1 | 11/2/1975 |
| 25 | Devery Henderson | 158 | 1 | 11/26/2006 |
| 26 | Tre’Quan Smith | 157 | 1 | 11/18/2018 |
| 27 | Michael Thomas | 156 | 1 | 1/1/2017 |
| 28 | Willie Jackson | 156 | 1 | 12/17/2001 |
| 29 | Michael Haynes | 156 | 0 | 9/15/1996 |
| 30 | Danny Abramowicz | 156 | 0 | 10/29/1967 |
| 31 | Keith Poole | 154 | 2 | 10/18/1998 |
| 32 | Rashid Shaheed | 153 | 1 | 10/29/2023 |
| 33 | Marques Colston | 153 | 0 | 12/23/2012 |
| 34 | Marques Colston | 153 | 1 | 9/30/2012 |
| 35 | Eric Martin | 153 | 1 | 10/14/1990 |
| 36 | Michael Thomas | 152 | 0 | 11/10/2019 |
| 37 | Eric Martin | 151 | 1 | 10/18/1992 |
| 38 | Joe Horn | 150 | 1 | 12/2/2001 |
| 39 | Quinn Early | 150 | 2 | 11/19/1995 |
| 40 | Lance Moore | 149 | 2 | 9/26/2010 |
| 41 | Joe Horn | 148 | 0 | 11/18/2001 |
| 42 | Sean Dawkins | 148 | 0 | 11/22/1998 |
| 43 | Chris Olave | 147 | 0 | 9/25/2022 |
| 44 | Benjamin Watson | 147 | 1 | 11/1/2015 |
| 45 | Jimmy Graham | 146 | 2 | 11/11/2012 |
| 46 | Eric Martin | 146 | 1 | 11/6/1988 |
| 47 | Marques Colston | 145 | 2 | 1/1/2012 |
| 48 | Al Dodd | 145 | 0 | 11/2/1969 |
| 49 | Henry Childs | 144 | 1 | 12/7/1980 |
| 50 | Danny Abramowicz | 144 | 2 | 12/17/1967 |
Michael Thomas didn’t just show up — he dominated this list, appearing three times and topping it with his 211-yard performance. Brandin Cooks also earns double honors, while Saints history spans from 1979 legends like Wes Chandler to early 2000s stars like Joe Horn. When the Saints go off through the air, they go big.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Saints record for most receiving yards in a game?
Michael Thomas holds the record with 211 receiving yards in 2018.
How many times is Michael Thomas on this list?
Michael Thomas appears three times, showing elite consistency from 2018 to 2019.
Are any tight ends included?
Yes — Jimmy Graham recorded 179 receiving yards in 2013.
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