Entering Week 16, the New Orleans Saints still had a mathematical chance of making the 2024 NFL playoffs. However, are they still alive after Week 16’s games?
Let’s examine New Orleans’ various playoff scenarios and whether they can still win the NFC South.
New Orleans Saints Playoff Scenarios | Week 16 Update
Entering this week, New Orleans’ chances of a playoff berth were slim. According to PFN’s Playoff Predictor, the Saints had just a 0.9% chance of making the playoffs.
Well, with the Atlanta Falcons’ Week 16 win over the New York Giants, the Saints have been eliminated from the NFC South race.
Even if New Orleans wins out, the Falcons would have the tiebreaker over the Saints, ending their postseason hopes.
The odds were always stacked against New Orleans, especially when factoring in the Falcons and Buccaneers’ remaining strengths of schedule, which are both among the easiest in the league.
While the Saints won’t be making the playoffs this year, they deserve credit for continuing to fight after a seven-game losing streak seemingly ended their season and got head coach Dennis Allen fired.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi deserves credit for keeping the Saints’ season alive as long as he did, especially after the team dealt with injuries to so many key players, including Derek Carr, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Taysom Hill, and Alvin Kamara.
This team looked much better in the second half of the season. Even when they have lost recently, the games have come down to the wire. Give this squad credit for continuing to battle during a really difficult season.
Head over to PFN’s free Mock Draft Simulator so you can start getting ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.
NFC Playoff Race | Week 16
1. Detroit Lions (13-2)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
6. Green Bay Packers (11-4)
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)
In The Hunt
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
9. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
Eliminated From Playoffs
10. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
11. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
13. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
14. Chicago Bears (4-11)
15. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
16. New York Giants (2-13)