New Orleans Saints: Week 17 is a high-ceiling, low-floor scenario

The New Orleans Saints will take on the Carolina Panthers in North Carolina. The result of this game will matter, but a loss won’t kill Who Dat Nation.

After defeating the Panthers at home earlier this season, the New Orleans Saints will take on Carolina yet again, just on their home turf this time.

While this could’ve eventually been a meaningful game for the division, it’s nothing more than a test run for the postseason for the Black and Gold. The Saints have locked up the NFC South for weeks as all three other members have had relatively disappointing seasons.

That said, as we enter Week 17, the New Orleans Saints are in a high-ceiling, low-floor scenario.

Meaning, they can jump into the top seed in the NFC with a win and a few other things going their way, or with a loss, they’ll just 100% remain as the No. 3 seed. And, to be fair, even that, should be considered a success.

The Saints will take on the Panthers while the 49ers will take on the Seahawks, a clash of two top-five teams in the NFC, and the Packers will take on the Lions, a game the Packers are supposed to win with ease.

If what’s probably happens, the Saints will escape with a top-two seed considering they handle their own business in Carolina. However, without Eli Apple, Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams, it’ll be tough to slow down D.J. Moore and company.

But, if the Panthers continue with Will Grier, it may be significantly easier to come away with a win. Then, their eyes will turn to the other two matchups that decide their destiny, and in even a worst-case scenario, they’ll walk away with a top-three seed.

The Saints, entering Week 17, may jump up to No. 1 yet they can’t fall further than where they are. It’s truly a win-win scenario for the Saints even if they fail to get the dub in Carolina.