New Orleans Saints: Just how important is the No. 1 seed?

New Orleans Saints: Just how important is the No. 1 seed for New Orleans?

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after throwing a nine-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles #43 and breaks the single-season passing record in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 26, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

What This Means for the Saints and Their Road to Superbowl LIV

The Saints came up several times in the numbers above; clearly, they do not find much playoff success when they have to play in the Wildcard round.

When they found victory in Superbowl XLIV, they were the No. 1 playoff seed. It’s fair to point out last year’s playoff run (as much as it hurts) as well. All things considered, the Saints earned a spot in last year’s Super Bowl.

Unsurprisingly, they were the No. 1 seed.

The Saints can bounce back from a loss this upcoming Sunday.

What they can’t bounce back from is a slide out of the top-two playoff spots. Should they lose to San Francisco, they risk just that – they would then be tied with the Packers at 10-3 and would likely need to win out the entirety of the season.

They should expect that San Francisco will play lights out this weekend, as they stand to lose much more than New Orleans. That said, with its significance to a first-round bye, the Saints have just as much at stake on the road to a Miami sequel.

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Drew is certainly holding off Father Time, but this could potentially be his last chance at another Super Bowl title.