Playoff outlook for the Saints: Assessing New Orleans’ updated probability of securing a spot in the 2023 NFL playoffs as of Week 16.
After successfully handling their opponents in consecutive weeks, the Saints now face a new set of challenges. Victories against the Panthers and Giants, with a cumulative score of 52-12, have allowed New Orleans to recover from a challenging stretch of three consecutive losses.
These crucial wins have helped the Saints maintain their position in a competitive NFC South race and stay in the mix for a spot in the NFC wild-card playoff picture.
As Week 16 unfolds, the stakes intensify for the Saints. They are set to take on the Rams, another 7-7 NFC team vying for a wild-card spot, in a crucial “Thursday Night Football” matchup.
The culmination of the year includes two consecutive NFC South games against formidable contenders, the Buccaneers and Falcons.
In terms of playoff implications, this upcoming game holds significant weight for both teams, with particular importance for the Saints, who still harbor hopes of clinching the division title.
To gauge New Orleans’ standing in the playoff race leading up to Thursday’s game, here’s the essential information you need to know.
Heading into Thursday’s game, the Saints find themselves outside the current playoff standings. Due to tiebreakers, they currently occupy the ninth position, trailing four other 7-7 teams.
Among these teams, the Buccaneers currently lead the NFC South division. The upcoming game holds significant importance for the Saints as they aim to improve their playoff standing and contend for a postseason spot.
| Seed | Team | Record |
| 1 | 49ers | 11-3 |
| 2 | Cowboys | 10-4 |
| 3 | Lions | 10-4 |
| 4 | Buccaneers | 7-7 |
| 5 | Eagles | 10-4 |
| 6 | Vikings | 7-7 |
| 7 | Rams | 7-7 |
| 8 | Seahawks | 7-7 |
| 9 | Saints | 7-7 |
The Saints have ample opportunity to enhance their playoff position. Currently, their 4-5 conference record places them behind the Vikings, Rams, and Seahawks. However, with three consecutive NFC games to conclude the season, the Saints have a chance to improve this standing.
In the NFC South, the pivotal factor that differentiates the Saints from the division-leading Buccaneers is their loss in the first meeting. To potentially claim the top spot, the Saints will face the Buccaneers again in Week 17 with the opportunity to even the score.
Yet, to secure a favorable position in divisional record tiebreakers, the Saints would still require assistance, as Tampa Bay currently holds a 3-1 record within the division, while the Saints are at 2-2.
