alexonfyre

Atlanta is the only team on that list that is actually a "lock" even colloquially speaking (since 8 wins isn't enough to guarantee a spot,) and plenty of other people have shown that we are fourth in line for the 6th spot. So, I would agree that there is only one LIKELY playoff spot available to us, there are 3 possible spots and while your projections are reasonable, I don't think they carry much value for discussion right now, since there are too many games left to play. Once we get to week 13 or 14, and we can put out some scenarios and actual mathematical locks, then we can have this conversation, but until then I don't even think it is valuable to comment past what the actual standings are.

TL;DR Let's chill on the playoff talk and focus on the Oakland game for now...

Mardigras9

What happens if we have the best record (hopefully 5-1) in our division even though Atlanta has the better over-all record?

Utah_Saint

Then Atlanta would win the division.

Vrillon82

If the Falcons werent so far ahead at 8 wins to our 4, and Tampas 5.

I say the Falcons would slip, they still could go 1-7 the rest of the way, they havent really beaten anyone convincingly except SD and you got to believe the 2nd half of the season gets tougher.

alexonfyre

they aren't going to go 1-7, 4-4 at worst I think.

whodat4life

I would rather Atlanta win the division so we can knock their overrated arses out the first round! Anywho, i dont see why some of you think this is such a hard schedule. Watching too much ESPN maybe?

wk 11. @ Oakland- Ok so the only thing that worries me about this game is that we always get too confident and end up losing (ex. Kansas City) but the Saints have always fared well in Oakland and I just dont see how the Raiders defense will be able to stop Brees. Should be no problem.

wk 12. San francisco- The Saints remember very well what could have been last year. This will be a very heated match with a lot of emotions. And even if Alex Smith does play, this is not the same defense it was last year IMO. Dome will be rocking and Saints should win.

wk 13. @ Atlanta- This will be tough because the Saints will have maybe 2 days of full practice. BUT it is the Falcons and the saints will know what they're playing for (7-5). Besides, the Falcons have been noteably worst at home this year. And Who Dat fans always make it their home anyways . Saints win in a more defensive battle.

wk. 14. @Giants- Seriously? Have you seen the Giants lately? They have went from one of the best teams in the league to one of the worst. Eli hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in like 3 games. And Giants are probably the worst team in the league at home. Saints should have no problem.

wk. 15. Tampa Bay- We should have beaten them worse at their place. But, Kroom was very conservative with his play calling and it almost cost us in the end. Yes, their offense has gotten better but so has our defense. And their defense is the same. Plus, this ones at home.

wk. 16. @ Dallas- This one probably worries me the most because Dallas has such good pass rushers. But their secondary really isn't all that great. How many games have they won at home this year? Like 1? If Brees gets good protection from his line, I see no reason why the Cowboys will beat us.

wk. 17. Carolina- Should have beaten them at their place. But our defense will be much improved and the Saints will actually have something to play for (unlike Carolina). The Saints could still probably lose another game and make the playoffs but I just don't see this being that loss. Division game or not, something has happened to the Panthers and they will have a lot of questions to answer after this season. Saints should win this one easily and have some momentum going into the playoffs!

That's just my opinion. Take it or leave it!

Vrillon82

not out of the question to win out.

We did about this time last year.

What really does concern me though is the Atl game.

I dont know if Atl will show up in that game or not, its actually too far ahead atm.