Holiday cheer could be in order in New Orleans, Carolina or Atlanta
Leading a slew of playoff implicating games this weekend are NFC South matchups between the Falcons and Saints, and the Buccaneers and Panthers.
“This is definitely a type of game that we’d love to win and roll on to the playoffs,” says defensive end Cam Jordan, one of the main reasons the Saints are in such a strong position. “It’s crazy to think that 10 wins doesn’t (necessarily) get you in. … But we’ve got our work cut out for us.”
So do the Falcons, who beat the Saints in Atlanta, but trail them and the Panthers by one game.
All three teams are accustomed to contending, particularly Carolina, which has won the division three of the last four years.
“It’s a big weekend in the NFC South. It feels like in the NFC South the last few weekends our playoffs have started,” tight end Greg Olsen said. “Every game has been critical for playoffs and seeding and alignment. It’s fun. This is the time of the year that you hope you are part of the discussion, and we are. We have a chance to make a move to get to 11 wins on Sunday and that is what our focus is on.”
Atlanta (9-5) at New Orleans (10-4)
Atlanta has won five of its last six this year, and also has won three straight vs. the Saints. It has been getting balanced performances on both sides of the ball, from star receiver Julio Jones to rookie defensive end Takkarist McKinley.
Ranked first in offense, the Saints are the only NFL team with three players who’ve each surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards: running back Mark Ingram has 1,420, rookie RB Alvin Kamara has 1,336, and receiver Michael Thomas has 1,085. Kamara leads NFL rookies with 12 TDs.
The winner clinches a playoff spot. New Orleans could own the division crown with a victory and a Panthers defeat.
Tampa Bay (4-10) at Carolina (10-4)
Carolina also moves into the postseason with a victory, though it can’t secure the NFC South title this weekend.
The Panthers are 6-1 in the last seven and have won four straight at home. Tampa Bay has lost its last four.
Cam Newton tears up the Bucs. He has 12 TDs (eight passing, four rushing) in the last four home games against Tampa Bay. Newton needs 31 yards rushing to move into third place all-time among NFL quarterbacks.
Newton unveiled a new target last week when Damiere Byrd had two TD catches.