The NFL Playoffs Picture for the NFC Week 16
By Dean Holden
New Orleans Saints
Dec 15, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks to pass as St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) defends during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Saints 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Current Record: 10-4
Current NFL Playoffs Position: No. 2 seed, winner of NFC South
If they win out:
There is no way the Saints can overtake the Seahawks for the No. 1 seed in the NFC now. The best they can do is tie the Seahawks record, and the Seahawks own the head-to-head tiebreaker. That said, the Saints still have the Panthers nipping at their heels, so winning their last two is still important to wrapping up that first-round bye.
If they lose out:
They have an important game next week against the Panthers that could either lock up the NFC South for them, or open the door for the Panthers. If the Panthers win, they lead the NFC South, and the Saints will slide into wildcard position. Worst case scenario, if they lose out, they could even be passed over in the wildcard race by the Arizona Cardinals.
Teams they’re rooting against:
Seattle, Carolina, Arizona