nocloning

Theoretically NO. There are some scenarios in which the Saints would be out:

1. a) Philadelphia wins the NFC East (record doesn\'t matter), Dallas is second with a 10-6 record
b) St. Louis wins the NFC West (record doesn\'t matter), Seattle is second with a 10-6 record
c) Dallas wins the tiebreaker (either common opponents or strength of victory) - it is unclear at the moment who owns the tiebreaker between Dallas and Seattle

Dallas would be the first wild card team, Seattle the second

2. a) Dallas wins the NFC East with the division record tie-breaker (and they would win that tie-breaker with PHI if both teams go 10-6)
b) St. Louis wins the NFC West (record doesn\'t matter), Seattle is second with a 10-6 record

Seattle and Philadelphia in the play-offs, Saints at home (head-to-head sweep).

There is another scenario in which Seattle wins the NFC West and St.Louis is second with a 10-6 record (8-4 conference). I think I\'ll wait for next weeks results cause that one\'s a little tricky.
Bottom line:
In all theoretical glory it actually helps the Saints if Seattle wins out (or ends the season at 11-5) or self destruct. A 10-6 record would be bad news.

[Edited on 2/12/2003 by nocloning]

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