I have a few different thoughts and/or opinions. Please hear me out. [You always have a platform here.]
I went against the basic rules of KWTPF in your Week 4 write up where you and I differed. I thought it best for the Saints that the 0-3 Panthers beat the 0-3 Vikings. They didn't. The Vikings have won 3 out of their last 4 to climb back into the race for the NFC North, and at a minimum, a Wildcard Playoff spot. They are now 3-4 and a direct threat to the Saints playoff chances. The Saints go on the road to face the Vikings in Week 10. That may shape up to be a Must Win for Both Teams. [Three weeks ago we were dealing with the 'here & now' of an early season. "Hindsight is 50/50."]
OK. Here's My Take. [You have the floor...]
The Panthers are now 0-6. They are already a Shoe-In for one of the top draft picks. Fortunately they don't own their 1st round pick but the Saints don't need them to have the 1st pick in the 2nd round. It would be best for them to win some games, in particular, their 2 remaining games against the Bucs, games against the Cowboys, the Packers, and the Falcons. [Without a first round pick it was easier to call for them to lose 3 weeks ago.]
We should want them to win more games than Denver, to insure the Saints get the highest 2nd round pick possible. Without a doubt, the Panthers will not be a Playoff team this year. [The evidence is clear that any chance they had is certainly gone.]
This we agree on, but, had Carolina beat the Vikings in Week 4 we may have thought differently. The Vikings remaining schedule includes the following 10 games: @Packers, @Falcons, Saints, @Broncos, Bears, @Raiders, @Bengals, Lions, Packers, @Lions. After beating the 49ers I doubt the Vikings fear anybody. [Perhaps we'll make a column about the importance of owning a crystal ball in the weeks to come.]
Now, pulling for the Packers to win moves them up to 3-4 and puts them in direct competition with the Saints while also owning the head to head tiebreaker. The Packers remaining schedule: Vikings, Rams, @Steelers, Chargers, @Lions, Chiefs, @Giants, Buccaneers, @Panthers, @Vikings, Bears. With what we think we know, Pull for the Pack. [I'm glad we agree here. Let's just hope the Packers don't become legit down the stretch.]
I can't go emotion here. I'm going with the math. The Eagles are one of the better if not the best team in the NFC. We have to accept the reality that they will be a playoff team this year, division winner or a wildcard team. The WFT is currently 3-4, already in direct competition with the Saints for a playoff spot. A win here keeps them on pace or could have them take a game lead over the Saints. Their remaining schedule: PHI, @NE, @SEA, NYG, @DAL, MIA, @LAR, @NYJ, SF, DAL. The Saints don't need the Commanders to win this week (KWTPF) but very well might need them to beat the Seahawks, the Rams, and the Cowboys down the line. [I pondered this very scenario. The WFT is a tough read. They are capable of beating anyone or losing to anyone. And as you noted their schedule makes them an interesting team to watch. Since the season is not yet halfway over, I don't want to automatically give the Eagles the postseason BYE before getting to Week 9 of the season. But your reasoning is why I admitted that my pick was an emotional one. No doubt our view of many teams will be adjusted as the reality of their standings becomes clearer.]
Just my thoughts and humble opinion. Thanks for inviting an alternative take. [But of course! Don't you feel better now?!?!? :grin: ]