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The Saints have a 7% chance of making the playoffs

By Dean Mullen

Nov 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fans after a game-winning extra point was blocked by the Denver Broncos late in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Broncos won, 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fans after a game-winning extra point was blocked by the Denver Broncos late in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Broncos won, 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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So you’re saying there’s a chance? That is what the evidence says yes.

According to profootballreference.com, the Saints have a 7% chance of making the playoffs in 2016. 

The numbers have been gathered from 1990 to 2013 which is a lot of research. The simple fact of the matter,  that teams that have been in the Saints position have not fared very well to make the postseason.  And the proof is there just looking at the past three years. Each time the Saints were 4-6 the last couple of years, the Saints have ended up 7-9 and missing the playoffs.

On the other hand, there are always exceptions of course in every sport. A few years back the Boston Red Sox sat at an 0-3 deficit in the ALCS against the Yankees. No team at the time has EVER come back to win a series coming back from an 0-3 deficit. The Red Sox came back and took that series and went on to win the World Series.

Furthermore, just recently in October, the Cubs came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Cleveland Indians in a dramatic game 7. There were only 6 of 44 teams that have come back and won the last three games not having home field advantage. The odds of that happening were right around 13%.

Studying numbers and statistics isn’t exactly a pure science. The sifting through years of outcomes only give a sample of what happens when certain factors are presented. So what does this all mean for the Saints? All things considered, fans have reason to be hopeful. However, the reality is that Who Dat Nation will not be watching the Black and Gold much in January. The only exception is the last game of the season against Atlanta, which ironically falls on New Years Day.

Whatever you do don’t tell Sean Payton that. Surely, there would be a scowl returned to you as quick as a snap of the finger. The only sure thing is that time will eventually resolve everything. First things first, the Saints must beat the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday. Then the only sure way to make the playoffs is to win out. The Saints have a somewhat favorable schedule. The only issue is the last 3 of 4 games will be on the road. That will likely be the biggest test.

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