. . . things are not as bleak for the Saints' playoff chances as some are thinking.
Obviously, they have to start winning. All the tiebreakers and trends in the world can't overcome too many losses. If, however, they can muster up three more victories, it's hard to imagine New Orleans not returning to the postseason for the first time since 2000.
This is the big picture in the NFC. Chicago is in at 9-1. That leaves eight teams at 5-5 or better battling it out for five remaining playoff spots.
With a win today in Atlanta, none of those teams will have a better record than New Orleans.