These five NFL teams are desperate for a win down the stretch of the season. We’ll see if they can pick up a crucial win in Week 13.
As we approach the month of December, desperation is settling in for many NFL teams. The playoff picture has still yet to be decided in both conferences. With five weeks left, a lot can still happen and wins are more important now than ever before.
Here are five NFL teams that have to win this week, there’s no other option.
5. New Orleans Saints
It’s rare the Saints made this list with the way they’ve played this season. After a 2-0 start, Sean Payton’s team reeled off eight straight wins before meeting their match last week. The streak ended with a crushing 26-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Now heading back home, they host the 8-3 Panthers in a crucial NFC South matchup. It’s a must-win on Sunday for one of the best teams in the conference.
This is a must-win game for the Saints solely based on the division race. Barring any meltdown in the final five games, they’ve secured a playoff spot. But, getting into the playoffs isn’t good enough, the Saints want to make sure they can make a deep run this season. That’ll come with home-field advantage.
As it stands, the Saints are the projected fourth seed in the NFC playoff picture. If the season ended today they’d host a wild-card game against the Panthers. With how good the NFC has been this season, that’s why having home-field as long as possible in the postseason is extremely important.
The Saints are an extremely talented team but also play in a dome. Once it gets to January football, it’s going to be cold in many places. Traveling to Philadelphia and other NFC locations might not be the most pleasant time for Drew Brees. A win Sunday will give the Saints a sole lead in the division as they look for their first crown since 2011.