If we end up 13 - 3 (1 Viewer)

[St. PJ]

In other words, the Saints could lose to Cincinnati or Baltimore, but if the Falcons lose to Tampa next week, and the Saints later, Saints can still win the division if both teams finish tied.

BIG Tampa fans next week.

yep. we'd have a better divisional record.

 

[RT3]

This is almost correct. Atlanta has to lose more than one game than the Saints do, or lose to one more NFC South opponent than the Saints do if they have the same record.

Common games comes before conference games in division tiebreaking. But Division games comes right after head to head.



http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures

TO BREAK A TIE WITHIN A DIVISION
If, at the end of the regular season, two or more clubs in the same division finish with identical won-lost-tied percentages, the following steps will be taken until a champion is determined.

Two Clubs
Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.

yep... i guess we're all assuming the Saints win out and the only Falcon loss the rest of the way is to the Saints which would make it split on head-to-head and both at 5-1 in division record

 

[CCL36]

A Bucs win would be great because the tie-breaker would follow our way then....and give us a game cushion...either way we will probably meet in the divisional round the only question is will it be in the Ga Dome or at home.

 

[wope]

this should be a sticky

also, lets not forget theres 5 weeks of football left. lots can happen (good and bad)

 

[Broad St. Saint]

In other words, the Saints could lose to Cincinnati or Baltimore, but if the Falcons lose to Tampa next week, and the Saints later, Saints can still win the division if both teams finish tied.

BIG Tampa fans next week.

Yes. And don't forget that Carolina is still technically an NFL team and a divisional opponent. And it's hard to beat a team twice in 4 weeks.

 

[nolafan33]

It would suck to see Atlanta take the division, but I'd be down for a wildcard. I'd also welcome going into the Superdome...er I mean the Georgia Dome and face the Falcons. Saints fans own that place.

 

[Darth Deuce]

Understandable, but theres plenty of blame to go around for the situation we're in.

Agreed. Even with the missed FG, if the defense stops Atlanta, we still might have a chance to win that game.

 

[Brad01]

If Atlanta wins the division, they will then be seen as chokers when they lose their first playoff game while Drew Brees will solidify his candidacy for the hall of fame and the Saints will solidify their dominance by repeating, despite having to do it all on the road in the playoffs.

They had to beat three hall of fame QBs last postseason, I don't see anyone in the league tougher, even if it's on the road, this year.

Still a long season though. 5 games is an eternity.

 

[rechargeable]

Yes. And don't forget that Carolina is still technically an NFL team and a divisional opponent. And it's hard to beat a team twice in 4 weeks.

With the division on the line, Falcons and Panthers could line up 10 weeks in a row, and the Clowns would win all 10.

I think Tampa Bay can do it next week. It's a good matchup for them at home.

 

[texasjefe]

I watch them once a month. Yep, still upset!

Fortunately, they have some wonderful prescription medications these days to help you let go.

 

[SaintsFan75]

Rewatch the NFL games of last January 24 and February 7, and then see if you still feel that way.

What have u done for me lately?

 

[0rion]

we need a thread title change here....may I suggest

WHEN we end up 13-3

 

[goboilers]

We will probably be at 12-4. Playing in Chicago or Philly will be a Witch.

 

[smchls23]

The chance of us winning 5 more in a row, to total 9 in a row and the falcons winning 9 in a row total to face us in that situation, allthough possible, would defy all adds of rational probability in a league where the average winning margin is around 3 points

And last year, two different teams started 13-0..

I don't think the NFL and "rational" go together.

 

[RT3]

if we do win out and are only a wild card... i can hear the national pundits now... the defending champs are the wild card no division champ wants to face in the playoffs