Playoff Scenario

My understanding is that the Falcons clinch the #1 seed with a win at home over the Panthers, regardless of MNF.

They'd be 13-3 and neither Philly (10-4) nor Chicago (11-3) can get to 13 wins.

So it behooves the Saints to get off to a fast offensive start and to make it defensively physical early against the Falcons.

If the Saints go out to 3 or 4 score lead, Mike Smith may pull Ryan, especially if he's taking Warner/Favre caliber hits.