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NFC CONTENDERS' CORNER (Playoff Contenders' Info) Week 9

Bye Week for: 49’ers, Jets, Patriots, Rams

Thursday October 31st

Week 9, Game 1: Chiefs @ Chargers

N/A: AFC opponents

Sunday November 4th

Week 9, Game 2: Cardinals (4-4) @ Packers (5-3)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Both teams still have their eyes set on their respective division crowns, but the front-runners look strong right now. For the tiebreaker, the Packers have two (2) conference losses; Cardinals have three (3).

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Cardinals. Some may want the Packers to give the Cardinals another loss. But at this midway point, you should look to have the teams with the better record “slip & slide” at every opportunity. Right now (unbelievably), there are only two (2) non-division leaders that are AHEAD of the Saints in the Conference LOSS column: Vikings (2 conference losses) and Packers (2 conference losses). Yes, the Saints are near the bottom based on overall standings. However, when you narrow it down with tiebreakers, the first one (after head-to-head) is conference record. Again, pull for the Cardinals (…they should lose a few more later in the season; right now we need them to knock of the Packers, if they can).

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10


Week 9, Game 3: Lions (3-4) @ Jaguars (1-6)

a. Why it is important: Lions are an NFC rival.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Jaguars, despite their woeful record.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 3 out of 10


Week 9, Game 4: Bears (6-1) @ Titans (3-5)

a. Why it is important: Bears are an NFC rival, and are leading the NFC North.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Titans. This game is intriguing. There is an outside chance that the Bears may be looking ahead to the Texans (in Chicago next week). They also just won a surprisingly close game vs. the lowly Panthers. I’m certainly not calling an upset special, but it would be nice!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10


Week 9, Game 5: Broncos @ Bengals

N/A: AFC opponents


Week 9, Game 6: Panthers (1-6) @ Redskins (3-5)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Panthers. The Redskins currently own the tiebreaker with the Saints, and are also ahead in the standings. Yes, the Panthers are an NFC South rival, but if we are to make a playoff run, we need as many teams ahead of us… to lose. The Panthers are capable of pulling off a mild upset, but given the fact that they just lost a “heartbreaker” to the Bears, they may play flat. Let’s hope not.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10


Week 9, Game 7: Ravens @ Browns

N/A: AFC opponents


Week 9, Game 8: Dolphins @ Colts

N/A: AFC opponents


Week 9, Game 9: Bills @ Texans

N/A: AFC opponents


Week 9, Game 10: Vikings (5-3) @ Seahawks (4-4)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Seahawks. Right now (again, believe it or not), the Saints are ahead of the Seahawks in the NFC tiebreaker because Seattle has four (4) conference losses. The Vikings are 3-2 in the NFC, and we could use help in getting teams ahead of us knocked back a peg or two. The game is at Seattle, and that’s a tough venue for ANY team.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10


Week 9, Game 11: Bucs (3-4) @ Raiders (3-4)

a. Why it is important: Bucs are an NFC South rival.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Raiders. The Bucs already have four (4) NFC losses, and another loss in the overall column won’t hurt.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10


Week 9, Game 12: Steelers (4-3) @ Giants (6-2)

a. Why it is important: Giants are an NFC rival, and are atop the NFC East.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Steelers. Giants are looking strong, and have won 4 of their last 5 games.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10


Week 9, Game 13: Cowboys (3-4) @ Falcons (7-0)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Falcons are atop the NFC South.

b. Desired outcome: As much as I’m agonizing over this, I have to ask every WhoDat to “hold your nose” and pull for the Falcons. Technically, a loss by either team will “help” the Saints to varying degrees. However, if you look at reality, the Saints’ best shot will be via the Wildcard. That means we need the Cowboys to eat another LOSS.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6.5 out of 10


Monday, November 5th (Monday Night Football)


Week 9, Game 14: Eagles (3-4) @ Saints (2-5)

a. Why it is important: Eagles and the Saints are in desperate need of a win to remain in the playoff hunt. Both Saints & Eagles have three (3) NFC losses. Footnote: The Saints just celebrated their 45th anniversary on All Saints Day (November 1st). Let's hope this is a positive line in the sand for this season.

b. Desired outcome: Obviously, we are to pull for the Saints. This game will likely be the fork in the road for the Saints’ 2012 season. In other words, we will look back to our performance vs. the Eagles (at home on MNF), and we will hopefully see a performance where the defense finally turned it around, and our running game got back on track. If those two things take place for the Saints, the team is NOT out of the playoff hunt. But if the defense lays another egg (regardless of the outcome of the game), the season is probably over. Like many of you, I’m a diehard for the Black and Gold. I hope we git ‘er done!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10


News from Enemy Camps (Week 9):

Saints’ Opponent – Eagles: Philadelphia Eagles Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader: Falcons: Atlanta Falcons Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

NFC East Leader (Giants): New York Giants Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

NFC North Leader (Bears): Chicago Bears Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader: (49’ers): San Francisco 49ers Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

WhoDat!!!!!

UK_WhoDat

I hope we git ‘er done!

Vrillon82

I beginning to wonder if the Saints D ever will turn it around.

They havent shown the ability to stop a piss ant from crossing the ant hill yet.

Rugby Saint II

Some times it just feels wrong to follow this reasoning even though I understand it.