Important games Saints fans should keep an eye on during the bye week

The New Orleans Saints are getting a much-needed break in Week 12. After 11 games, a seven-game losing streak, a fired coach, and several injuries, the team has finally reached its bye week. At 4-7, everything is, surprisingly, still in reach for the Saints.

New Orleans is only two games behind the Atlanta Falcons, who are first place in the NFC South, and the Saints are also one of the many teams alive in a crowded wild card race. That means Week 12’s results will still have an impact on New Orleans’ season, even though the team isn’t playing.

With that in mind, there are a few important games Saints fans can keep an eye on. The Falcons are also on their bye week, so unfortunately, fans won’t be able to pray on their downfall.

Week 12 games that could affect Saints’ playoff hopes

Giants vs. Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at 4-6, are still ahead of New Orleans in the NFC South and in the playoff race. However, a Week 12 loss would give them the same record, then tiebreakers come into place. That won’t really be necessary yet, as the season isn’t over, and the Bucs still have to play New Orleans. However, a loss for Tampa Bay would help the Saints gain ground.

Panthers vs. Chiefs

The Carolina Panthers are on a two-game winning streak, but just about everyone believes that’ll end in Week 12 when they host the Kansas City Chiefs. New Orleans is hoping it ends as well, because another Carolina win would give both teams the same record. That would give the Panthers the opportunity to pass New Orleans up in the division and playoff race.

Bears vs. Vikings

The one game on this list that doesn’t involve an NFC South team is the Chicago Bears vs. the Minnesota Vikings. Currently, Chicago is 12th in the NFC Playoff race at 4-6 and the Saints are 13th. If New Orleans is going to creep up into a wild card spot, it needs the teams in front of it to lose. The Bears losing to Minnesota on Sunday is a step in the right direction.

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