Playoff scenario???
 

Ok, one of the radio announcers for the game Sunday, made the statement, that "even if the Saints win out every game, the rest of the season, UNLESS Atlanta loses to an NFC opponent, the best we can hope for is a wild card." Is this true? Could someone explain it a little more detailed for me?

Atlanta has Green Bay this weekend, and then at Tampa.... The division could come down, to the Monday night game in Atlanta. I think I might make the drive... WHO'S WITH ME???

It is way too early to do those calculations. But right now Atlanta has record, matchup, division and conf record leads over the Saints. Besides that...

Atlanta has all NFC teams the rest of the way but only two of those teams have a good chance of beating them; Saints and Green Bay. Green Bay has to win. That game is the key for the Saints. If Green Bay loses we are looking at a wild card no matter what the Saints do.

Wow! What a difference to last season. We were 10-0 this time last year I think?

Now we are hoping we can get a wildcard spot.

7-3 is still good though.

Its strange how things pan out in the league. We beat the Seahawks and I think I am right in saying that after that game they were 5-5 and STILL topped their division?

WHO DAT!

I wouldn't put it past Seattle beating the Falturds at Seattle. And they also have the game left against Tampa Bay.

I remember back in the day pulling some 13-3 or 12-4 win season only to have San Fran win the division and not getting a wildcard. This might be one of those seasons where we can win out and still not get in with a 13-3 record. Need to get prepared for that.

Feel free to correct me but this is one scenario how the Saints could win the division:

Saints lose 1 AFC game finish 12-4

Atlanta loses 2 more games, one being the Saints and finish 12-4

1st rule head to head: Tie

2nd rule is NFC record: Saints


Again, it won't matter if the Saints win out. Atlanta has to lose 2 games.

I remember those days too. I also remember that was the height of San Fran cheating on the cap. They robbed a lot of fans of glory. I wish someone would write a book about it, mainly Montana. He was one of the main culprits.

I believe the Saints will make the playoffs as a wild card but find themselves beat up and fall short unlike last season where they got needed rest down the stretch.

TO BREAK A TIE WITHIN A DIVISION
If, at the end of the regular season, two or more clubs in the same division finish with identical won-lost-tied percentages, the following steps will be taken until a champion is determined.

Two Clubs
Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Strength of victory.
Strength of schedule.
Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best net points in common games.
Best net points in all games.
Best net touchdowns in all games.
Coin toss
Three or More Clubs
(Note: If two clubs remain tied after third or other clubs are eliminated during any step, tie breaker reverts to step 1 of the two-club format).

Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Strength of victory.
Strength of schedule.
Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best net points in common games.
Best net points in all games.
Best net touchdowns in all games.
Coin toss

NFL Tie-Breaking Procedures

Easiest way to win NFC South?

1) Beat ATL
2) Beat TB
3) ATL lose to GB, SEA or TB
4) Match Bucs and Falcons in wins on other games