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From the New York Times, October 31, p.D2.


Is a 3-4 team ever in a better position than a 4-3 team? Depends, according to the Web site Coolstandings.com. MLB Playoff Picture - coolstandings.com

Using a complex formula that simulates the remaining games of the season a million times, while taking into account strength of schedule among many other factors, the site shows the Saints (3-4) as having a 46.5 percent chance of making the postseason. The Panthers (4-3) are given a 34 percent chance.
The team listed with the greatest chance of postseason play (99.9 percent) is the New England Patriots. They were also given a 99.9 percent chance of winning their division. Bringing up the rear is St. Louis, which is listed as having less than a 0.05 percent chance of postseason play.

Saints Are Alive

Apparently all Drew Brees, No. 9 at right, and the Saints needed was a week off.

Brees, who had one touchdown pass and nine interceptions during New Orleans’s 0-4 start, has thrown eight touchdown passes and one interception since the Saints’ bye week.
He has completed 71 percent of his passes in the past three games, all victories, behind an improved offensive line that has not allowed a sack in four games.

What appeared to be a lost season for the Saints (3-4) may be looking up. They are a game behind first-place Carolina (4-3) in the N.F.C. South, and after a game against the Jaguars they play the Rams (0-8), Texans (3-5) and Panthers.

Calvin: "I wish I was a Tiger."
Hobbes: "Common lament."