Cardinals-Saints final score: Drew Brees throws 3 TDs as New Orleans moves to 3-0

The Saints started last season 0-4, but they're looking to do the polar opposite of that in 2013. With head coach Sean Payton back in charge after spending 2012 on suspension, the Saints improved to 3-0 after a 31-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

The Cardinals struck first, with Alfonso Smith running in a 3-yard touchdown to give Arizona a 7-0 lead, but it was all New Orleans after that.

Drew Brees scored the next four touchdowns, and the Saints came away with the easy victory.

Brees fell 14 yards shy of the all-time Saints pass yards record vs the Cardinals. Whatever. 31-7 win.

— Canal St. Chronicles (@SaintsCSC) September 22, 2013

Like we said before, last time the Saints started 3-0, we won the Superbowl. Obviously still early, but we've looked great this week.

— Canal St. Chronicles (@SaintsCSC) September 22, 2013

Fantasy studs and duds

Brees threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, one interception, and ran one touchdown in on the ground.

Not doing much on the ground are Saints running backs, with Khiry Robinson leading the team in rushing: 38 yards on four carries. Mark Ingram was inactive, and Pierre Thomas had just 28 yards on 11 carries.

Larry Fitzgerald was active but had just 64 yards.

Jimmy Graham had 134 yards and two touchdowns.

Injury report

Cardinals OLB Lorenzo Alexander left the game with a foot injury and safety Rashad Johnson left with a finger injury.

Did they cover?

The Saints were 7.5-point favorites, according to OddsShark.com.

What's next?

9/29 1 p.m. ET: Arizona Cardinals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

9:30 8:40 p.m. ET: Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints, Monday Night Football

This recap appeared on SBNation.com.