The Seattle Seahawks turned a fumble recovory for a touchdown into a 14-13 halftime lead over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Saints running back Mark Ingram was stripped of the ball by Seattle's Cliff Avril and safety Earl Thomas returned it 34 yards for the score in the first quarter. Seattle added a 2-yard touchdown run by Christine Michael that was set up by a 43-yard pass from receiver Tanner McEvoy to C.J. Prosise.

The Saints dominated time of possession, finishing with 21:21, and ended the half with a 1-yard touchdown dive by quarterback Drew Brees. Earlier in the half they scored on two Wil Lutz field goals, a 22-yarder and a 53-yarder. The Saints, a week after being penalized 10 times, played a penalty-free half and were 7 of 11 on third down

Saints stat leaders

QB Drew Brees, 16 of 21 for 129 yards

RB Tim Hightower, 13 carries for 40 yards

WR Willie Snead IV, four catches for 35 yards

Seahawks stat leaders

Wilson, 10 of 12 for 120 yards with one interception

RB Christine Michael, three carries for three yards and one touchdown

RB C.J. Prosise, two catches for 58 yards