Saints News Network

Saints and the NFC Playoff Picture: Week 13

The Saints can clinch a playoff berth after this weekend, but must take care of their own business against the Falcons first.

John Hendrix

We're already in Week 13 across the NFL, as it seems like this season has blown by, even with COVID-19. The Saints are sitting high and mighty atop the conference and division with just five games left to play. Here's a glimpse at the latest NFC Playoff picture.

If the NFC Playoffs started today...

  1. Saints (9-2)
  2. Seahawks (8-3)
  3. Packers (8-3)
  4. Giants (4-7)
  5. Rams (7-4)
  6. Bucs (7-5)
  7. Cardinals (6-5)

In the Hunt

  • Vikings (5-6)
  • Bears (5-6)
  • 49ers (5-6)
  • Lions (4-7)
  • Washington Football Team (4-7)
  • Falcons (4-7)
  • Panthers (4-8)
  • Eagles (3-7-1)
  • Cowboys (3-8)

The Saints are still in the driver's seat after a big victory over the Broncos. They travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in a noon kickoff, and look to keep their lead in the NFC. The Bucs and Panthers are on their bye week.

Matchups to watch: The Packers host the Eagles in a late kickoff on Sunday, while the Seahawks host the Giants just 20 minutes before that game. Those are the matchups that most directly affect the Saints, but it's worth keeping an eye on what happens with the Rams (at Cardinals in late kick). 

How the Saints can clinch a playoff spot

  1. NO win + CHI loss or tie 
  2. NO tie + CHI loss + MIN loss + SF loss or tie 
  3. NO tie + CHI loss + MIN loss + ARI loss or tie
Published
John Hendrix
JOHN HENDRIX

I officially started covering the New Orleans Saints & other NFL topics in 2011. My work has been featured on various outlets over the years. I worked closely with Skyhorse Publishing in Fall 2018 to update the book, Tales From the New Orleans Saints Sidelines, which filled in all Saints material from the 2013-2017 seasons. Prior to joining Saints News Network, I served as the Managing Editor of SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles for 3.5 years, and before that with FanSided's Who Dat Dish as the Managing Editor for several years. I have also had experiences of being a freelance Saints reporter for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, MS and a contributing writer for WDSU, a local NBC TV station in New Orleans. I have appeared on a vast amount of TV and Radio shows, both nationally and locally. For tips, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at johnhendrix@saintsnews.net