The New Orleans Saints have had an up and down season in 2023, but they’ve managed to hang around the playoff race. The Saints beat the Giants in Week 15 to improve to 7-7 and climb a little closer in the playoff race. They are on a two-game win streak and are in ninth place in the NFC playoff standings heading into Week 16.
New Orleans has a huge matchup to open this week when they travel to face the Rams on Thursday Night Football. The Saints, Rams, Vikings, Bucs, and Seahawks are all sitting at 7-7. Tampa Bay holds the NFC South tiebreaker over New Orleans with a win. Minnesota and LA both have the tiebreaker edge over them due to conference record.
A win over the Rams moves the Saints into a wild card berth pending weekend results. A loss drops them a half game back of the group and puts a big hole in their playoff chances. But whether the Saints win or lose on Thursday, they’ll be keeping an eye out on a variety of results on Sunday.
Thursday result: The Saints lost to the Rams and dropped to 7-8 and could drop a full game back of the Bucs if Tampa wins on Sunday.
Jaguars vs. Buccaneers
Result: The Buccaneers beat the Jaguars 30-12. This hurts, but with a head to head game against the Bucs next week, the Saints still have a sliver of hope for the division.
The Bucs beat the Saints earlier this year, but still have one game remaining. Even though New Orleans has a chance to catch them in the standings, any additional losses will help their playoff chances.
Jacksonville is a one-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Colts vs. Falcons
Result: The Falcons beat the Colts to move into a tie with the Saints. Atlanta has the tiebreaker with their Week 12 home win over the Saints.
The Falcons are a game back of the Saints and Bucs in the NFC South. Atlanta beat New Orleans at home in Week 12 and they face off again in the Big Easy in Week 18. A loss would give the Saints some breathing room.
Indianapolis is a 2.5-point favorite DraftKings Sportsbook.
Lions vs. Vikings
Result: The Vikings lost to drop to 7-8.
Minnesota has the conference record tiebreaker edge on New Orleans, and has a two-game lead in that one. The Saints will likely need to finish a full game clear of the Vikings, so they’ll be rooting for Detroit.
Detroit is a field goal favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Seahawks vs. Titans
Result: The Seahawks beat the Titans on a last minute touchdown. They improved to 8-7 and are a game up on the Saints.
Seattle has the conference record tiebreaker edge over New Orleans. They’re a full game up, but the Saints have two games in hand, so they have a chance to catch them. Regardless, if the Saints win and the Seahawks lose this week, New Orleans climbs ahead in the standings.
The Seahawks are a 2.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Packers vs. Panthers
Result: The Packers beat the Panthers on a last second field goal to move into a tie with the Saints. Green Bay gets the edge due to the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Green Bay is a game back of New Orleans, but has a head-to-head win. The Saints will just want to clear further space over the Packers, so it’s an easy rooting interest.
The Packers are a five-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook