Each NFL playoff contender's worst loss this season

Each NFL playoff contender’s worst loss this season

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 13: New York Jets Linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) tackles Dallas Cowboys Tight End Dalton Schultz (86) during the National Football League game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets on October 13, 2019 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 8: Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after sacking Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 8, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 49ers defeated the Saints 48-46. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: Week 14, vs. San Francisco 49ers

You thought we were going with the home loss to the Atlanta Falcons, right? Nope.

This contest could well be the difference in the race for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, and New Orleans lost it in the Superdome. Not only was this an alarming performance for the defense, which lost a game where Drew Brees put up six touchdowns, it also continued a trend of questionable play for the Saints.

There has been something off about New Orleans since Brees returned from his thumb surgery, but home cooking has been their bread-and-butter for years now. This loss would likely send the Saints to San Francisco if both teams got to the NFC title game, and that makes it extremely damaging.

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