NFL Power Rankings: Playoff blues reign following Week 17

<p>It wasn’t the prettiest year for the New Orleans Saints by any means, but in Week 17 on Sunday they got one final win over the Atlanta Falcons to finish their regular season at 7-9. They might not be heading off to the playoffs, but that was a nice little victory to end the year if anything.</p> <p>Now, though, with the season all in the books this team has some serious work to do. This just was not really the same Saints team that we all expected coming into the season, and there are now a lot of holes to fill.</p> <p>Of course, when you talk about holes to fill on this Saints team, you have to immediately turn your attention to the defensive side of the ball. No, Drew Brees and the offense didn’t consistently light the world on fire, but the defense really did nothing to help them out for the most part. Remember that Big 12-like shootout against the New York Giants? Yeah, that’s all you really need to know there.</p> <p>Then, there are the rumblings that there could be a coaching change, as Sunday might have been the last game for Sean Payton on the sidelines. It might be a risk getting rid of Payton, but it might be one worth taking.</p> <p>One thing we know for sure is that this will be one interesting off-season to watch with the New Orleans Saints.</p>. (7-9). Previous: . New Orleans Saints. 17. team. 15