Saints Success Without Brees Shapes Early NFC Playoff Picture
The 2019 NFL Season will officially reach its midway point following this upcoming weekend's slate of scheduled games, and among some things which have stood out thus far is how the early Playoff picture within the National Football Conference is taking shape; especially with the continued success of the New Orleans Saints without their starting QB Drew Brees.
The Black and Gold have won five consecutive games without Brees, and will seek their sixth straight win at home over visiting NFC rival Arizona this weekend. Brees — who nearly is healed from surgery for a torn thumb ligament he suffered initially back in Week 2 — could play vs. the Cardinals, but most likely will remain out with New Orleans going on their Bye Week after Sunday’s contest.
The Saints' early success has unexpectedly mesmerized many of the alleged and so-called football experts, as they have continued to win games without their future Hall of Famer. Most of the credit belongs to the leadership of head coach Sean Payton, the effective play of back-up QB Teddy Bridgewater, and a powerfully aggressive defensive unit that routinely is “shutting down” opponents.
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo, USA TODAY Sports
Because of their (6-1) record, the Saints would be #2 in the NFC Playoff seeding if the post-season were to start today. Under the current scenario, the Saints would have a 1st Round Bye and then face the highest-seeded Wild Card team in the Divisional Round of the playoffs at the Superdome, on the weekend of January 11-12th.
With that in mind, here is a quick rundown of how the NFC Playoffs would look once the 2019 NFL regular season reaches its conclusion on the first weekend of January.
#1 SEED (1st Round Bye): SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
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The NFC West Division-leading 49ers are the only remaining undefeated team (6-0) within the NFC, and have been able to accomplish that feat thanks largely in part to their opportunistic defense, which is currently ranked 2nd overall in the League.
But San Francisco has struggled on the offensive side of the football in a few games. This could be the one major weakness their opponents will try to expose as the season enters the 2nd half (and definitely once the Playoffs arrive).
#2 SEED (1st Round Bye): NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo, USA TODAY Sports
The naysayers and the doubters had predicted that (6-1) and NFC South Division leader New Orleans would be fortunate to withstand the loss of Brees after his injury in a Week 2 loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. But to the surprise of many, the Saints not only could sustain success without the 19th year veteran but have thrived in his absence.
As a result, many now believe that it’s a testament to just how talented the Saints roster is on both sides of the football, from top to bottom; and one that possibly makes it the NFL’s best perhaps with the notable exception of the reigning Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. It’s an abundance of talent which ultimately could allow the Black and Gold to advance deep into the post-season.
One thing for Who Dats to keep in mind: The Saints and Niners will meet later this season at the Superdome, on December 8th.
#3 SEED: GREEN BAY PACKERS
Mandatory Credit; Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports
The current leaders of the NFC North Division, the (6-1) Packers too are enjoying a “turnaround” this season so far in a manner very similar to San Francisco, which is because of their very obvious improvement on the defensive side of the football. But what makes the Packers dangerous is the guidance of their high-powered offensive attack led by All-Pro QB Aaron Rodgers.
Under implementing a new offensive scheme by 1st year head coach Matt LaFleur, Rodgers is just now finally starting to grow comfortable within the new scheme. Once he masters it completely, it could make Green Bay the one team that no one will want to face once the post-season gets underway.
#4 SEED: DALLAS COWBOYS
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman
The (4-3) Cowboys broke their recent 3-game losing streak this past Sunday in a dominant win at home against their division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles, which has since put them in sole possession of 1st place in the NFC East Division.
But the Cowboys have run both “hot and cold” on both sides of the ball in most of their games up to this point; and it’s that lack of consistency that figures to be a huge detriment to any advancement that they will hope to accomplish, when the opening round of the Playoffs arrive in the 2nd week of January.
#5 SEED: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig, USA TODAY Sports
(5-2) Seattle is the top Wild Card team at the moment, and they are in 2nd place in the NFC West Division behind undefeated San Francisco. Seattle remains a dangerous team thanks to the MVP-type caliber performance of veteran QB Russell Wilson.
Behind Wilson’s guidance, the Seattle offense has found a good balance between running and throwing the football, but it’s ultimately the play of their slightly above average defensive unit (ranked 16th overall in the NFL) and how well they’ll be able to play away from the comfort of their home stadium; that ultimately could determine just how deep they’ll be able to advance.
#6 SEED: MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports
The 2nd and final Wild Card team in the NFC as of this moment, the Vikings along with the 49ers, Saints, and the Packers, might be the "hottest team" in the entire conference right now. The Vikings are also (5-2), but while they've always been known for a stout defense, it's their offense that has made them a team that no one wants to play.
Much-maligned and often criticized starting QB Kirk Cousins has led Minnesota to three straight victories, and he has thrown 8 TD passes in the past two games alone (both "blow-out" victories). Aided by the dynamic performance of former Florida State University star running back, Dalvin Cook, the Vikings are a team to be wary of during the NFL Playoffs. Although any success they will have will have to come on the road as the conference's lowest-seeded Playoff team.
