Fansided

NFL playoffs: How your team can make it

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
27 of 33
Next
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Drew Brees (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Drew Brees (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints. 2. player. 15. . NFC. South

What to make of the New Orleans Saints? On one hand, head coach Sean Payton is an offensive wizard and has a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Drew Brees at the controls. On the other hand, the defensive has proven to be a leaky sieve and the weapons around Brees are somewhat eroding throughout the year. So, can New Orleans make the playoffs? Absolutely.

The Saints have a great quarterback in a quarterback-driven league and most importantly, an upgraded offensive line with Max Unger coming over from the Seattle Seahawks. While general manager Mickey Loomis gave up All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham in the deal, Loomis was also able to grab an extra first-round pick in April’s NFL Draft, getting both offensive tackle Andrus Peat and inside linebacker Stephone Anthony.

New Orleans also has stable of young talent on offense around Brees. In the backfield, Mark Ingram came into his potential in 2014 and rushed for over 1,000 yards. On the outside, veteran Marques Colston and youngster Nick Toon and Brandin Cooks are both poised to have successful campaigns. An x-factor of sorts is back C.J. Spiller, who could be devastating on screens and tosses on the Superdome turf.

The Saints also play in the NFC South, which is a barren wasteland for good teams. Nine wins could absolutely have New Orleans not only in the playoffs, but hosting a postseason game. In the Superdome, you would have to like the Saints’ chances regardless of opponent. Brees is getting older and the roster is being churned, but New Orleans remains a threat.

Next: Atlanta Falcons

Home/NFL