NFL Playoffs: 5 reasons the New Orleans Saints will make the playoffs

Nov 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) talks to wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) after his fourth quarter touchdown catch against the Denver Broncos at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Broncos won, 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive back Reggie Nelson (27) pushes New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) out of bounds after a catch in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Michael Thomas

One thing that the New Orleans Saints did not have their 2015 7-9 team was a stud wide receiver like Michael Thomas. Thomas is only a rookie, but he has the physical attributes and all of the physical traits to be a top line wide receiver. He has lived up to it so far and is by far the best rookie wide receiver.

Thomas has 65 catches for 789 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He leads all rookies in targets, catches, touchdowns and yards, and leads all Saints in the same categories. Thomas, at 6-foot-3, and can high point and dominate with his physical size. He also has strong footwork and is as fleet and able to break tackles and extend runs after the catch. He also has exceptionally sure hands.

Brandin Cooks is a nice wide receiver, but he does have limitations in his skill set. To add a true number one threat beside Cooks really opens up the passing game as a whole. When this team already has Drew Brees, and they have recently discovered running game things are rolling. To add in that they now have a true number one hitting his strides next to a strong deep threat, and producer after the catch in Cooks, and this offense is truly firing on all cylinders. It really gives them a chance to win any game on their schedule.

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