The New Orleans Saints pulled off a badly-needed win on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but where do the y rank in the updated NFC playoff standings? They’re still on the outside looking in for the postseason tournament, but another win next week (combined with some big help from other games) could clinch a playoff berth for New Orleans.
Here’s how the layoff picture looks after Week 17:
1
San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
Nov 23, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) walks to the locker room following a 31-13 victory against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
2
Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
Oct 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
3
Detroit Lions (11-5)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 03: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with fans after beating New Orleans Saints 33-28 at the Caesars Superdome on December 03, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8)
Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers Todd Bowles against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
5
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94) reacts to his sack during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
6
Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the filed prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
7
Green Bay Packers (8-8)
Green Bay Packers tight end Ben Sims (89). celebrates a first quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during their football game Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
8
Seattle Seahawks (8-8)
Oct 22, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6) and safety Jamal Adams (33) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrate after the defense made a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
9
New Orleans Saints (8-8)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Johnathan Abram #24 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
10
Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
Dec 16, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
11
Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
Nov 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Albert Huggins (94) linebacker Nate Landman (53) and safety Jessie Bates III (3) go after a fumble by New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) (not shown) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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