Saints Once Again Control Their Destiny Late In Season

It has not been the rousing success many have hoped for when it comes to the New Orleans Saints, but the time to catch fire is now.

For the third season in a row, the New Orleans Saints are gridlock atop an underwhelming NFC South division. At 6-7 the Saints find themselves tied with both the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Because of tie-breakers, New Orleans sits at third within those rankings having loose head-to-head matchups against both teams. Their 2-2 division record plays a role as well. But despite sitting at No. 3 in the division, the Saints find themselves in control of their own destiny.

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen looks on against the Carolina Panthers / Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen looks on against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans could avoid extending its playoff drought to three seasons by winning at worst three of their remaining four games requiring they close out with two victories over the Buccaneers and Falcons. But their most immediate path will come with winning out. The Saints have not missed three consecutive postseasons since their disappointing 2014-16 run.

They would get some help if their division opponents stumble along the way. Tampa has games remaining against the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Saints and Carolina Panthers. The Packers and Jaguars both have wins over New Orleans, so success against the Bucs would go a long way.

The Falcons will face a presumably easier path with the Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and Saints left to go. New Orleans has two wins over Carolina and a win each against the Colts and Bears. Common opponent victories becomes fairly important in the right tie-breaker scenarios.

Saints' Chances To Win NFC South

In each of the last two seasons the Saints were a mere contest or division win away from first place. This year, an early loss to the Bucs, a blown 17-0 lead against the Packers and a touchdowless game against the Falcons loom. But if team can put those results behind them and get hot at the right time, they could waltz into hosting a playoff matchup in the wildcard round.

The Saints were a combined 6-2 over the last four games in 2021 and 2022 winning three of their final four in each year. At least replicating that success keeps them in the conversation. Improving upon it leaves no doubts.

Those that are understandably critical hope for the opposite with dreams of widespread change, the most drastic of which possibly would not take place anyway. A second consecutive losing season should not sit well, so the Saints are intent on competing right now. The thought process behind their drive is simple: get hot at the right time and ride the momentum into the playoffs. Perhaps the team ends up getting bounced in the first round by a top wildcard opponent like the Philadelphia Eagles or Dallas Cowboys, sure. But they stand no chance to advance if they miss the postseason altogether.