Let’s be clear right up front: the Saints are officially eliminated from playoff contention.
No scenarios. No scoreboard watching. That part is done.
But that doesn’t mean the NFC South isn’t worth talking about — because it’s still one of the tightest, most underwhelming divisions in football.
Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta are all still mathematically alive, and none of them look like a team that owns this division. No runaway leader. No dominant roster. Just teams trying not to trip over themselves in December.
That’s the frustrating part as a Saints fan.
Because while New Orleans is out, the gap between the Saints and the teams still alive isn’t some massive talent difference. It’s execution. Mistakes. Games that slipped away earlier in the season that can’t be taken back now.
Who’s out:
-
Saints — eliminated
Who’s still alive: - Panthers
- Buccaneers
- Falcons
And here’s the reality: none of those teams scare you.
That’s why these late-season Saints wins still matter. Not for this year — but for next year. You’re watching which players compete when there’s nothing on the line, who finishes, who shows leadership, and who belongs in the long-term plans.
The NFC South isn’t being won by excellence this season. It’s being won by survival.
The Saints missed their window earlier in the year — and that’s on them. But if they finish strong, build confidence, and clean up the mistakes, there’s no reason they can’t be right back in the mix next season.
Because this division?
Nobody owns it.
Who Dat.
— Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank