The New Orleans Saints have crossed the midway point of the season with a 5-4 record. It hasn’t been pretty for most of the season, but they have a winning record. In a weak division and conference that’s not much stronger, the playoffs are well in sight for the Saints.
With one more game before their bye week, the second half of the season will be important to New Orleans. It will determine if New Orleans is able to win the division and/or make the playoffs. The overall record is important, and each game is important.
These, however, are the five biggest games remaining on the schedule:
1
Week 10 vs. Minnesota Vikings
The important games start this week. The Saints game vs. the Vikings could have playoff implications. The easiest path to the playoffs would be winning the division, but New Orleans could also be in contention for a wild card. Time will tell if Minnesota is able to sustain their success or if New Orleans will even be fighting for a wild card spot. This game would be important as a head to head tiebreaker if these teams are fighting for the 7th seed.
2
Weeks 12 and 18 against Atlanta Falcons
New Orleans currently leads the NFC South by one game. Right behind them are the Atlanta Falcons. The clearest path to the playoffs for each team is to win the division. A season sweep of the rivalry could easily turn the tide in favor of the victor. The Saints don’t even have the advantage of an easy schedule. Atlanta is the only team in the NFL with an easier remaining schedule than New Orleans. This game is arguably the most important games left on the schedule
3
Week 13 vs. Detroit Lions
This is the one chance New Orleans has to prove they can compete with a contender. There isn’t another team on the Saints schedule that commands any sort of respect. This is a chance for New Orleans to gain some respect of their own.
Despite the Saints being his “favorite opp,” C.J. Gardner Johnson will miss his opportunity for revenge for the second year in a row. Coach Dan Campbell will return to New Orleans, however, alongside Alex Anzalone.
4
Week 17 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers walked out of the Caesar’s Superdome with a victory. It’s imperative the Saints return the favor by getting a road win in Tampa Bay. By this point in the season, wins and losses will be crucial. The outcome of this game could decide which of these teams have something to play for in the season finale. Better yet, this game could allow a team to clinch the division. An extra benefit is avoiding being swept by a divisional opponent.
