NFL Saints Rooting Guide Week 15: Saints playoff picture looking murkier by the week

The Packers have already won this week, so it’s a relatively low-stress Sunday for Saints fans. With that being said, the Buccaneers and Seahawks are now squarely in the rear-view for the Saints, as they take on their toughest task this season against the juggernaut that is Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. They’re still in a decent position for the No. 2 seed in the NFC, but it’s not that clear-cut.

On top of that, there are a lot of variables and personal preference picks at play. The Vikings, Bears and Cardinals are all locked in a race for the 7th seed, while the Seahawks and Rams are making a run for the Saints at No. 2. It’s going to be a down to the wire race in all of these this year, so hold on tight.

Here is your rooting guide for Week 15 in New Orleans.

Early games

Atlanta Falcons (4-9) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)

The 10-3 Saints aren’t out of the woods with the Bucs yet, and nothing is set in stone until the division is clinched. Swallow your pride and root for the Falcons to beat Tom Brady and the Bucs. Think of it as rooting for the Falcons to get a worse draft pick.

Seattle Seahawks (9-4) vs. Washington Football Team (6-7)

Washington is a surprise this year at 6-7. The Saints have already dropped the No. 1 seed to the Packers. It would be a hard fall from grace to end up third in the NFC this year with the season they’ve had. Root for Washington, and hope that the Seahawks continue the roller coaster that has been their season.

Chicago Bears (6-7) vs. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)

There is a nonzero chance that the Saints could play one of these teams in the postseason. I don’t want to see the Vikings in the playoffs again. Do you?

Evening games

Philadelphia Eagles (4-8-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (7-6)

Again, this is all a matter of preference. The best-case scenario, in my opinion, is facing off against the Bears at home. The idea of DeAndre Hopkins vs. the Saints secondary is not a fun one. For that reason, go Eagles, if that does feel a little bitter to say.

New York Jets (0-13) vs. Los Angeles Rams (9-4)

It almost feels pointless to include this game, but go Jets is a Hail Mary.