WhoDat!656

8. Rob Ryan won't perform any miracles with his new 3-4 defense in New Orleans, but with Drew Brees and the firepower of the Saints' offense, he doesn't have to. A legit middle-of-the-pack showing by the Saints' defense will lead to three more wins in New Orleans, and a return to the NFC playoff field after the debacle of last year's bounty saga. With a vastly improved secondary that draws on the energy and aggressiveness of fly-around rookie strong safety Kenny Vaccaro, and the well-honed coverage skills of veteran free-agent cornerback Keenan Lewis, the Saints' defense has its attitude back.

11. Last year there were only four new playoff teams in the 2012 postseason field, snapping the league's streak of having at least five newcomers in the Super Bowl tournament every year since 1996. Only the Colts, Vikings, Redskins and Seahawks held that distinction last season.

And this season, the status quo will again dominate, with nine holdovers making the playoff field and only three new faces getting an invitation: Dallas and New Orleans in the NFC, and Kansas City in the AFC. Who said everybody has a chance to win every year in the NFL?

Read More: Tony Romo poised to win playoff game, more NFL bold predictions - NFL - Don Banks - SI.com

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