Saints Still In The Playoff Picture Entering Week 12

The Saints hold the fourth spot in the NFC Playoffs currently, but that can rapidly change if they don't take care of business in Atlanta on Sunday.

We're down to just seven weeks left in the NFL regular season, which means the margin of error for each team is extremely narrow. For the Saints, as tough as this season has been, the reality is that they have everything still in front of them as they hope to get back into the postseason after a two-year absence. Here's the latest NFC South playoff picture going into Week 12.

NFC Playoff Picture Going Into Week 12

Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

1. Eagles (9-1)
2. Lions (8-2)
3. 49ers (7-3)
4. Saints (5-5)
5. Cowboys (7-3)
6. Seahawks (6-4)
7. Vikings (6-5)

If the playoffs started today, the Saints would host the Cowboys for a Wild Card showdown in the Superdome. Given the teams in front of New Orleans, the fourth seed feels like it'll be the best they can get for the foreseeable future. On Monday, Dennis Allen preached the need for his team to take care of their own business and that nobody is going to help them. If they can't take win the division, then getting in as a Wild Card will be a bit tougher.

Saints Hoping Offense and Defense Can Complement Each Other Down the Stretch

In The Hunt

• Packers (4-6)
• Rams (4-6)
• Falcons (4-6)
• Buccaneers (4-6)
• Commanders (4-7)

Dallas, Seattle, and Minnesota have a big leg up here going into Week 12, and while no one is mathematically eliminated yet, things are in pretty clear focus right now. For these teams, they're hoping they can string together wins while teams in front of them lose. The Seahawks host the 49ers on Thanksgiving as the night game.

Needs A Ton of Help

• Giants (3-8)
• Bears (3-8)
• Cardinals (2-9)
• Panthers (1-9)

NFC South Focus

The main draw will be the Saints and Falcons on Sunday. A win for Atlanta will put them in the driver's seat for the division, while a win for New Orleans will help them maintain control. On the outside looking in, the Bucs travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts at the same time the Saints and Falcons are playing.