Saints And The Playoff Picture Entering Week 14

The Saints aren't out of the playoff hunt until they're eliminated, but don't expect much movement even if they win in Week 14.
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There's five weeks left in the NFL regular season, and that means there's really no room for errors for any team, especially the Saints. New Orleans lost their division lead to the Falcons the other week and lost some more ground after the Lions beat them on Sunday. Here's what things look like in the NFC going into Week 14.

NFC Playoff Picture Going Into Week 14

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Dec 3, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen looks on against the Detroit Lions during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
  1. Eagles (10-2)
  2. 49ers (9-3)
  3. Lions (9-3)
  4. Falcons (6-6)
  5. Cowboys (9-3)
  6. Vikings (6-6)
  7. Packers (6-6)

The Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys can all clinch a playoff spot this weekend. There's multiple ways to do it, so be sure to check it out here.

In The Hunt

  • Rams (6-6)
  • Seahawks (6-6)
  • Bucs (5-7)
  • Saints (5-7)

Here's where things get hairy for New Orleans. The Vikings and Packers beat them, so getting into a Wild Card scenario tie is going to be a nightmare. The best outlook for the Saints is to win out, but that's going to be easier said than done. They're not out until they're out.

Needs A Ton of Help

  • Giants (4-8)
  • Bears (4-8)
  • Cardinals (3-10)

Eliminated

  • Panthers (1-11)

NFC South Focus

The Falcons host the Bucs at the same time the Saints and Panthers play in the Superdome. That game is rather meaningful for the division outlook. If Tampa wins, they'll be on top. New Orleans can't move much with a win and others losing.


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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