WR David Patten

Notes: Grabbing Sixth Playoff Seed Worth Keeping Hopes Alive
Final wildcard spot within reach for Saints

posted December 9, 2007 - print me!
updated December 10, 2007
neworleansprofootball.com

This season may not have turned out the way the Saints hoped, but it isn't quite dead yet.

In the four NFC divisions Dallas (12-1), Green Bay (11-2), Seattle (9-4) and Tampa (8-5) all have their divisions pretty much wrapped up. Assuming they claim divisional titles, that means that the Giants (9-4) are currently two games ahead of the pack for the fifth playoff seed.

That leaves, with three games left for everyone else and four left for the Saints, a sixth playoff seed up for the taking.

Arizona (6-7), Minnesota (7-6), Detroit (6-7), Washington (6-7) are all ahead of the Saints, though the Saints have not played any of those teams. Three more teams are at 5-8, Carolina, Philadelphia and Chicago. Between two teams from different divisions for playoff seeding, the tie breakers are head-to-head, then conference record, then common-game record. The Saints play Arizona next week, then finish with Philadelphia and Chicago.

A four-game season ending win streak would put the Saints at a favorable 9-7, and with head-to-head wins over Arizona, Philadelphia, Chicago. At 9-7 the Saints would have an 8-4 conference record, and Minnesota, Detroit and Washington already have five or more losses in the NFC.

Minnesota is in the driver's seat after they thumped San Francisco today, but at 9-7, the Saints could easily make the playoffs should the Vikings stumble against Chicago, Washington or Denver.

Needless to say, only a four-game season-ending win streak will allow the Saints a shot. The Saints essentially begin a four-game playoff season Monday night in Atlanta. One loss, and they are done.

Bush Out Monday

Reggie Bush will be out Monday, but the Saints have yet to rule him out for the season. Bush will go to Birmingham to see Dr. James Andrews, and despite earlier reports made the trip to be with the Saints in Atlanta.

Bush's injury will reportedly not require surgery.

Aaron Stecker is expected to start but get help with the workload from Pierre Thomas.

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