WillSaints81

2002-2003-NFC South reps SB
2004-NFC East
2005-NFC West
2006-NFC North
2007-NFC East(south knocked out of rotation)
2008-NFC West
2009-NFC South(back in rotation)
2010-NFC North
2011-NFC East
2012-2014-NFC West
2015-NFC South

Note that if Atlanta does not go to sb(and if they get Dallas in divisional they very well could go), and we don't go this year then it's likely it's gonna be NFC East representing. Then next year it will be Seattle's turn, and they may take up another multiple set of years. By 2018 or 2019 season, NFC North might find themselves back in the rotation with Detroit, GB(if Rodgers gets his edge back), or Minnesota if they have a good qb. So basically we would need Brees to still be playing well for another five seasons.

Only hope is if Atlanta goes to the sb then we can go next year. But we badly need them to lose. But Atlanta gets to choose the uniforms this year, if they are playing. The last time a team chose the home uniforms with a inferior record was the cardinals in 2008(but they had two home games). If Atlanta's wearing white uniforms winning in the playoffs they will probably choose the them for sb. Ntm NE has a easy path to the sb. That is why we CAN'T let Atlanta go to the playoffs. We have the better conference record than Atlanta if we tie, we beat teams with stronger records than Carolina(Seattle>Arizona, Detroit>Washington, but SD<Oakland. If SD can beat Oakland or KC at home they can go 7-9, keeping within three games of Oakland. Seattle's margin over Arizona is likely three games and Detroit a game and a half.

So you ask what's the point of making playoffs at 8-8? EXPERIENCE.