New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Stealthman NFC Contenders' Corner (Playoff Contenders Info) Week 13

NO MORE BYE TEAMS NFL Flex Schedule Now In Effect

Thursday November 29th

Week 13, Game 1: Saints (5-6) @ Falcons (10-1)
a. Why it is important: Just a few weeks ago some (actually –MANY) had written-off the Saints’ possibility of making the postseason. Yes, their most recent loss to the 49’ers at home was very heartbreaking. But despite that, the Saints are still realistically in the mix for the #6 Wildcard. However, it will not be easy. The first step is for the Saints to take care of business in THIS GAME! Should the Saints win, and the Vikings, Seahawks and Redskins LOSE… the Saints would control their destiny for the remainder of the season. I didn’t mention the Cowboys or Bucs because the Saints play them head-to-head in a few weeks. And even thought the Vikings and Seahawks would still be 6-6 with a loss, it would also give them five (5) Conference losses, with the Saints having only 4 losses in the NFC.
b. Desired outcome: Obviously, pull for the Saints. The confidence level of the team has been coming up in each of the past several weeks. Costly turnovers in the 49’ers game were like a punch in the gut. But the team has come through adversity before, and they should be able to come through again. It starts with one-game-at—time, and that is this Thursday night in the Georgia Dome. It should come down to the wire, with the team that has the fewest turnovers coming out on top.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

Sunday December 2nd

Week 13, Game 2: Texans (10-1) @ Titans (4-7)
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 13, Game 3: Colts (7-4) @ Lions (4-7)
a. Why it is important: Lions are an NFC rival.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Colts. Lions are 3-5 in the NFC.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

Week 13, Game 4: Jaguars (2-9) @ Bills (4-7)
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 13, Game 5: Seahawks (6-5) @ Bears (8-3)
a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Bears. The Saints need to pull even with the Seahawks this week. Seattle is not a good road team, and the Bears are VERY GOOD at home… especially when the weather starts getting colder. See remarks on the Saints’ game (above) to better understand why this game is important.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10

Week 13, Game 6: 49’ers (8-2-1) @ Rams (4-6-1)
Why it is important: With our hoping that the Saints get the #6 seed in the playoffs, we actually want the 49’ers to NOT get the #1 seed in the NFC. We would rather have the Falcons get that one (think about it).
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams (who are pretty decent at home). With the 49’ers coming off a short week, and the Rams having played them to a tie in overtime just a few weeks ago, this game may have a surprising outcome.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10

Week 13, Game 7: Vikings (6-5) @ Packers (7-4)
a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Packers were embarrassed by the Giants, and the Vikings suffered a beatdown at the hands of the Bears last week. Both teams are wanting to turn it around.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Packers. Should the Vikings lose this one, and the Saints beat the Falcons, the Saints would have the tiebreaker should they run the table. Packers should play an inspired game in front of their home crowd at Lambeau Field.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10

Week 13, Game 8: Panthers (3-8) @ Chiefs (1-10)
a. Why it is important: Panthers are an NFC (and NFC South) rival.
b. Desired outcome: A loss by the Panthers mathematically eliminates them from the playoff picture. Chiefs are due for a good game, and the Panthers just played a good game on MNF, and are due for a letdown on the road.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6.5 out of 10.

Week 13, Game 9: Patriots (8-3) @ Dolphins (5-6)
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 13, Game 10: Cardinals (4-7) @ Jets (4-7)
a. Why it is important: Cardinals are an NFC rival.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Jets. Cardinals are 2-6 in the NFC.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10

Week 13, Game 11: Buccaneers (6-5) @ Broncos (8-3)
a. Why it is important: Buccaneers are a division and conference rival. The Bucs are currently ahead of the Saints in the standings. The Bucs’ confidence is rising, and this will be an intriguing game. If the Bucs have a balanced attack, with no turnovers, they may sneak out with a “W.”
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Broncos.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

Week 13, Game 12: Browns (3-8) @ Raiders (3-8)
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 13, Game 13: Bengals (6-5) @ Chargers (4-7)
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 13, Game 14: Steelers (9-2) @ Ravens (6-5)
N/A: AFC opponents

(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)
Week 13, Game 15: Eagles (3-8) @ Cowboys (5-6)
a.. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals, but Cowboys are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.
b.. Desired outcome: Pull for the Eagles. A Cowboys’ loss improves the Saints’ chances for a playoff berth. Eagles usually match up well with the Cowboys, and will be looking to play “spoiler” vs. Dallas. Andy Reid will probably throw in several wrinkles to frustrate the Cowboys.
c.. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10

Monday, December 3rd (Monday Night Football)
Week 13, Game 16: Giants (7-4) @ Redskins (5-6)
a.. Why is it important: Both teams are NFC rivals. The Giants are in a more commanding position for a playoff berth, but the Redskins are still very much in the Wildcard hunt, and even have a mathematical shot at the NFC East crown.
b.. Desired outcome: Again, the Redskins own the tiebreaker with the Saints, and have the same (5-6) record in the overall standings. We need the Redskins to slide backwards. With the Giants’ convincing win vs. the Packers last week, look for them to pull out a win.
c.. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10

News from Enemy Camps (Week12):
NFC South Leader (Falcons): Atlanta Falcons Rumors: Pro Sports Daily
NFC East Leader (Giants): New York Giants Rumors: Pro Sports Daily
NFC North Leader (Packers): Green Bay Packers Rumors: Pro Sports Daily
NFC West Leader: (49’ers): San Francisco 49ers Rumors: Pro Sports Daily