SmashMouth

Last week, the Chicago Bears did the New Orleans Saints a favor by winning against the Los Angeles Rams.

This week, the Saints could be helped by the Bears if they do something different — lose.

The Saints and Rams both have 11-2 records, and both teams have a two-game lead on the Bears (9-4) for a first-round bye. With three games to play, the NFC South champion Saints are in prime position to take another step in securing the best possible position for the playoffs.

This week, that would be for the Saints to clinch a first-round playoff bye. For that to happen this week, the Saints need the 5-1/2-point favored Bears to lose at home Sunday against the Green Bay Packers (5-7-1). If that happens, the seven-point favored Saints can secure themselves a first-round bye if they win or tie Monday night against the Carolina Panthers (6-7).

Then, the focus can turn toward earning the No. 1 seed.

Whichever team gets the No. 1 seed will be assured of playing only home games in the playoffs — at least until the Super Bowl. As most Saints fans know, that game will be played in Atlanta.

The chance to play a Super Bowl in the Falcons' home stadium is something Saints fans have thought about since just after last season’s playoff loss in Minnesota. The Saints also are aware of that potential. Their focus, however, is limited to this upcoming game.

What happens if the Bears win Sunday and the Saints lose Monday?

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