The Saints had more than a Merry Christmas, clinching the NFC South on the back of Alvin Kamara’s NFL record-tying six rushing touchdowns. The New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 52-33, thus eliminating the Vikings from playoff connection and exorcising a few ghosts of Christmas’ Past.
Heading into Sunday, the Saints don’t “need” anything, per se, but they definitely have a list of wants. Here’s who you should be rooting for in Week 16.
Early games
Chicago Bears (7-7) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-13)
Inverse to Rams Jets last week, the Bears winning this game would actually be welcome. The Bears are not a great wild card opponent, but they would be preferable to watching the Saints try to contain Kyler Murray after watching how Jalen Hurts ran all over them.
Late afternoon games
Los Angeles Rams (9-5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (10-4)
The Los Rams and the Seahawks could be playing for the NFC West on Sunday, but the Seahawks could threaten the Saints’ No. 2 seed. The Saints have clinched over the Rams already, so root for the Rams if the No. 2 seed matters to you — and it should. Whoever comes out on top of the Bears Cardinals kerfuffle would still be preferable to one of these two teams.
Primetime
Green Bay Packers (11-3) vs. Tennessee Titans (10-4)
So you’re telling me there’s a chance. The Saints getting the No. 1 bye at this point is a longshot, but stranger things have happened. Root for the Titans with all your heart, and if the Packers end up winning just root for no injuries in Week 17.
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