voodooido

This week will define our year. It's a should win and a must win. Denver has major qb problems and we are getting some defensive leaders back.

SaintFanInATLHELL

Of the 8 games the Saints has left, Denver is the game that has the least actual impact on the playoff race. So while I agree it is a should win, if it's a must win then your expectation must be the Saints will go 8-0 down the stretch.

Here's my breakdown:

1. The 4 remaining division games (Carolina, TB (2), Atlanta) are must wins.

2. Detroit is crucial because currently they are ahead of the Saints in the wild card race. A head-to-head win goes a long way coupled with the division must-wins above.

3. The three remaining games: Denver, LA, and Arizona are games that the Saints will likely be favored. Each win here is helpful, but losses in this group are less damaging than losses in the other group.

Essentially 5 wins from groups 1 and 2 coupled with any wins from group 3 puts the Saints in good position.

A loss to Detroit can be offset by additional wins from group 3.

Every loss from group 1 is devastating. Each of those 4 games are must wins. With even a single loss out of that group pretty much means the Saints would need to win all 4 games from groups 2 and 3 to remain competitive.

I believe expecting to go 8-0 down the stretch is unrealistic. There are simply not 8 must win games down the stretch. Better to think of 4 must win games (4 division games) coupled with every other win from the other groups that we can get.

5 wins with 2 division losses and a loss in the NFL West may not cut it. 5 wins with all 5 from groups 1 and 2 probably will.

SFIAH

Super Bowl Championships: New Orleans Saints:1, Carolina:0, Atlanta Chokers: STILL ZERO

Only Atlanta choked in an unchokable situation... Life is definitely good.