The New Orleans Saints lost to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football to open Week 16 and their playoff hopes have taken a hit. Matthew Stafford impressed as the Rams took a 30-7 lead before cruising to a 30-22 victory.
The Saints dropped to 7-8 with the loss, which leaves them on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. They have now lost a critical tiebreaker to the Rams and Vikings, who currently hold the final two NFC wild card berths. Their best hope for a playoff chance is likely through the NFC South title.
New Orleans Saints current odds
DraftKings odds: To make the playoffs — Yes +235, No -300; NFC South +360
ESPN FPI: 24.2%
NY Times odds: 15%
Upcoming Schedule
Week 17: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 18: vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Saints best shot at a playoff berth is through the NFC South title, and they get two key matchups the final two weeks to boost their chances. I don’t think they’ll be able to sweep the final two games. If they were both at home I could see it, but I think they get a split at best.
Final record prediction: 8-9
Current NFC playoff standings
1. San Francisco 49ers, 11-3 — clinched playoff berth
2. Dallas Cowboys, 10-4 — clinched playoff berth
3. Detroit Lions, 10-4
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7-7
5. Philadelphia Eagles, 10-4 — clinched playoff berth
6. Los Angeles Rams, 8-7
7. Minnesota Vikings, 7-7
8. Seattle Seahawks, 7-7
9. New Orleans Saints, 7-8
10. Atlanta Falcons, 6-8
11. Green Bay Packers, 6-8
Verdict
New Orleans will come up short unless they can sweep the final two games. They won’t, and so they’re headed home in January.