If Seattle doesn't beat ATL and the Saints do, it could very well result in the Saints having nothing to play for Week 17 (Except the very remote possibility of Carolina beating Atlanta in the Georgia Dome)

So, with the 5 seed wrapped up but a slim chance at the 1 seed what do you do?

And a side note, the Saints could also give Tampa a playoff spot by losing week 17 and letting them in as the 6 seed.

I'd prefer 3 NFC South playoff teams if the Saints have nothing to gain Week 17.

You'd HAVE to play for it all in week 17. Who would have thought the Bucs would beat us at home last year?

LOL I love it !!!

Because of what I have seen happen in the past when Teams "rest" in the final weeks because they have wrapped things up. I Hope we do not rest one bit..

I know I should not care about other teams..... But to see another teams Play Off hopes crushed because someone laid down and gave a team a win really sucks... The scenario when teams need someone else to win or loose to get in.

Didn't the Texans loose a Play Off birth last year because the Colts laid down for the Jets? If the Colts had won I may have never had to see the Jets on HBO.... In my life time.. And that would have been a good thing.

but, using your reasoning the Colts and Saints rested and both made it to the Super Bowl

Our resting did not do anything to anyone elses Play Off chances.

Not to sound like a smart donkey or being rude in anyway, but who gives a crap about other teams playoff chances. I say do what's best for the team and our playoff chances.

Karma.

Three weeks left and nothings in the pot except the water and the seasoning. Too much forward thinking CAN be dangerous, especially when it causes loss of focus on the task at hand. We have to keep winning in hopes that the Falcons stumble. We could just drop that bird in the water and bring it to a boil. If by chance week 17 turns out to insignificant, decisions should be made at that time about our health going forward. Ravens first...then the Falcons...then the Bucs...in that order.

Wild Card all but wrapped? Yes If we win 2 of three like you said ScottF. Actually I think we will be at the post season party because there will be help elsewhere.