Drew Brees has tied the record for most touchdown passes in an NFL game as the New Orleans Saints secured a narrow 52-49 win over the New York Giants at the Superdome.

The Giants were aggressive on offense from the start, staying out on fourth down to get the opening points on the board through a short touchdown pass from Eli Manning for Odell Beckham Jr.

The Saints were level just a couple of minutes later as Brees began his dominant passing display, firing a 34-yard pass to Willie Snead before connecting with Brandin Cooks on the following possession to give New Orleans the lead.

The visiting side were back on level terms early in the second quarter when Manning and Beckham teamed up again, but Brees continued to spot his receivers in space, firing the ball long to Marques Colston, who had plenty of room to walk into the endzone.

The Saints quarterback frustrated the Giants defense further with a fourth first-half touchdown, picking out Snead again, but New York were still in the game at half time as Shane Vereen ran a slant route to the corner.

Beckham had his third touchdown of the game shortly after the restart as Manning made a 50-yard pass for the wide receiver to haul in at the back of the endzone.

Brees showed no signs of slowing down though, taking less than three minutes to put New Orleans back in front with a long pass to Colston before Cooks got free for the touchdown.

Benjamin Watson got his name on the scoresheet at the end of the third quarter as the Saints tried to take the game away from the Giants, leaving them 14 points up going into the fourth quarter.

Manning responded though, sending Dwayne Harris across after Vereen and Beckham were unable to make the catch.

Beckham continued to find himself open, leaving him to haul in another long catch to get the Giants back in the Saints half, before Harris made his second touchdown reception in quick succession.

The Giants took the lead for the first time since the opening quarter as New Orleans pushed to restore their lead, resulting in a fumble which was recovered by Trumaine McBride, who ran it back for a touchdown from 63 yards.

The home side were level again inside the final minute as CJ Spiller got open to take a short pass from Brees, giving the quarterback his seventh touchdown of the game, equalling the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a game.

The Saints managed to get possession back in the final seconds, sending on Kai Forbath for a 50-yard field goal attempt - his first of the game - and the kicker split the uprights to seal the win for the hosts.

The win is the Saints' fourth of the season, leaving them 4-4 in 2015, while the Giants slip to 4-4, but remain top in the NFC East.