Are we starting to sound like a broken record? The New Orleans Saints are going into Week 17’s game with the Philadelphia Eagles with their season on the line. If they lose this matchup, they’ll be eliminated from playoff contention. They won’t have any shot at securing the NFC South division title and the playoff seed that comes with it. They’ll also be mathematically eliminated from the hunt for a wild-card seed. Week 18’s regular season finale with the Carolina Panthers suddenly becomes meaningless.
So what are their paths forward? Options are dwindling rapidly, but that’s what a 6-9 record will do for you. The Saints must defeat or tie the Eagles on Sunday to advance. Either result keeps them in the mix for both the division title and a playoff spot, but they’ll need some help to go the distance. And obviously a win in Philly would be the preference. Things get extremely dicey with a draw.
