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NFC Playoff Picture: New Orleans Saints cling to a Christmas Miracle

Week 15 is in the books, and the Saints are down to hopes and prayers to think about playing in the postseason.

By John J. Hendrix
NFL: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints are still mathematically alive in the Wild Card race, but it’s going to take a miracle for them to keep in it as they don’t even remotely control their own destiny. At best, the Saints can only get the No. 6 seed in the NFC. Dallas is in the driver’s seat to host throughout the playoffs, and the Seahawks have clinched a spot by winning the NFC West. You can find the full NFL Playoff Picture here.

NFC Playoffs - At a Glance

  1. Cowboys (12-2)
  2. Seahawks (9-4-1)
  3. Falcons (9-5)
  4. Lions (9-5)
  5. Giants (10-4)
  6. Packers (8-6)
  7. Buccaneers (8-6)
  8. Redskins (7-6-1)
  9. Vikings (7-7)
  10. Saints (6-8)
  11. Panthers (6-8)
  12. Cardinals (5-8-1)
  13. Eagles (5-9)
  14. Rams (4-10)
  15. Bears (3-11)
  16. 49ers (1-13)

How the Saints stay alive in Week 16

  • Vikings beat the Packers (in Green Bay, Saturday noon kickoff)
  • Bears beat the Redskins (in Chicago, Saturday noon kickoff)
  • Win at home against the Buccaneers

Without these three scenarios happening, the Saints will be eliminated from the playoffs. By the time they hit their late kickoff, they’ll know if they’re still in the mix or not.

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