For the Saints to win home-field advantage in the playoffs, they are going to need a few things to go right on Sunday. It all begins with a Saints win at Carolina, along with losses for the 49ers and Packers.
The Black and Gold had the luxury of resting starters last year but no dice this season. QB Drew Brees says even though it’s a long shot, there’s still a chance of home field, so it’s all hands on deck Sunday.
“You always make those decisions based on where you are, and the need for rest, if you have the ability to," Brees said. "Bottom line is we have to win to position ourselves in the best way possible.
The Panthers at 5-10 on the year, and fired longtime coach Ron Rivera, who coached the team when the Saints won a squeaker earlier this year 34-31.
Both the Saints and Packers play at 12 p.m. on FOX, so unless you have Sunday Ticket you’ll have to track the game on your phone. Tight end Jared Cook says the players can’t let the Packers game distract them.
“It depends on help from some other people, but you have to do everything in this league yourself, so we are going to focus on this last game and let the chips fall where they may,” Cook said.
The Packers play the 3-11-1 Lions and are 12.5 point favorites.
The Saints best chance of at least securing a bye-week is the Sunday Night matchup between the Seahawks and 49ers. Even if the Packers win, Brees knows a Seattle victory could give them much needed rest.
“We understand the importance of it because of home-field advantage, and you don’t have to play an additional game and then have the exposure from that," Bress said. "You would hate to lose somebody by having to play another game.”
The 49ers are 3 point favorites, but the game is being played in Seattle.