Saints' playoff chances jump after Week 15 win
The New Orleans Saints have arrived back at .500 at 7-7. Their 24-6 Week 15 victory over the New York Giants was a clean one, and there's some confidence building. That being said, there's only one way that New Orleans can guarantee themselves a playoff spot. The Saint must win out (go 3-0) to finish […]
The New Orleans Saints have arrived back at .500 at 7-7. Their 24-6 Week 15 victory over the New York Giants was a clean one, and there's some confidence building. That being said, there's only one way that New Orleans can guarantee themselves a playoff spot.
The Saint must win out (go 3-0) to finish the season in order to have a 100% chance to make the postseason, according to the New York Times.
Don't confuse it, though. New Orleans can make the postseason if they don't go undefeated to finish the year, but it would be more difficult. The Saints currently hold a 45% chance to make the postseason and a 30% chance to win their division, overall.
If the Saints go 2-1, their chances vary from 88% to 99% to make the postseason. So, win two games, and you feel pretty solid about your chances if you're the black and gold.
Going 3-0 will lock up the NFC South, though. Rewind three weeks, and you'd be shocked to believe that they have a chance to take the division. They absolutely do, but they'll need to prove that they can beat Tampa Bay and Atlanta. They have not done that this season.
If New Orleans goes 1-2 over the final three weeks of the season, their chances to make the playoffs are quite low.
New Orleans needs to have more performances like this past Sunday in order to get into the postseason. Do all fans want a playoff berth? Probably not. Some are already focused on the offseason.
Regardless, Dennis Allen and co. are coaching for their jobs over the final three weeks of play.
