The New Orleans Saints could wind up with the first, second or third seed in the playoffs.
It all depends on the outcomes of three games on the final Sunday of the NFL regular season.
NFL.com breaks down the scenarios...
New Orleans clinches the #2 seed and a first-round bye with:
1. NO win + GB loss or tie OR2. NO win + SF loss or tie OR3. NO tie + GB loss OR4. NO tie + SF loss OR5. SF loss + GB win or tie
New Orleans clinches the #1 seed and home field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with:
1. NO win + GB loss or tie + SF loss or tie OR2. NO tie + GB loss + SF loss
The Saints currently hold the #3 seed and would host a Wildcard game if they don't move up.
QB Drew Brees says because they have a shot at improving their position, it’s all hands on deck Sunday at Carolina with the Saints not resting starters.
“You always make those decisions based on where you are, and the need for rest, if you have the ability to. Bottom line is we have to win to position ourselves in the best way possible,” Brees explained.
Both the Saints and Packers play at Noon Sunday.
Saints 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 insisted.
The Panthers at 5-10 on the year, and fired longtime coach Ron Rivera.
The Saints are 13 point favorites.
The Packers play the 3-11-1 Lions and are 12.5 point favorites.
The Seahawks host the 49ers on Sunday Night Football.
Even if the Packers win, Brees knows a Seattle victory could give them much needed rest with a first round bye as the two seed.
“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. You would hate to lose somebody by having to play another game.”
