The Saints should be greatly improved on the defensive side of the ball with several key additions, including Jarius Byrd and Champ Bailey, and the return of key players inujured prior to the past season (Patrick Robinson and Victor Butler). The entire defense should be improved as a whole with another year under Rob Ryan's system.

The Saints offense should also benefit from the addition of Brandin Cooks, the subtraction of center de la Puenta and the first full season of left tackle Terron Armstead. The exit of Darren Sproles and Lance Moore should be another case of addition by subtraction as both players had by far their worst season in the black and gold in 2013.

As for Seattle and SF, I see both squads taking a small step back with their personnel losses and the emergence of both Arizona and St. Louis as formidable opponents. The Saints will be facing a FAR easier schedule and has a better shot of getting that top NFC seed and that important home field advantage.