It wasn't long ago the New Orleans Saints were talked about a team that could be in contention for the top overall pick. Fans wondered if Tyler Shough could show enough to not consider drafting a quarterback in the first round. Conversations of winning games versus draft position ran rampant over the fan base.
Those things feel silly now. Shough looks like a franchise quarterback, and draft position has transitioned from a debate to simply something to monitor. The conversations have now shifted to what if Shough would have started the whole year. Or better yet, how high in the division can the Saints finish?
Coming into the season, the top NFC South was viewed for the taking. Most analysts would have assumed it was the Falcons who could come for the crown. However, it's the Panthers who could knock the Buccaneers off the throne for the first time since 2020. If that happens, the Saints could finish second in the division. The Saints were a foregone conclusion to bring up the rear of the division preseason.
Saints defying all expectations in Kellen Moore's rookie year
The Saints finishing second in the division felt like such a longshot that it wasn't even considered until the Times-Picayune's Rod Walker pointed it out after the game. Not only is it not a longshot, it's a very possible scenario. All the Saints need to do is win against the Falcons and see the Panthers beat the Buccaneers in the season finale.
Regardless of if the Falcons surprisingly beat the Rams in the final game of the week, the Saints would have the NFC South's best divisional record with a win in the season finale. That would give them the tie breaker over Tampa Bay or in a 3-way tie with the Bucs and Falcons. A Buccaneers victory caps the Saints ceiling at third place, and the Saints cement themselves in last place no matter what happens.
Finishing second in the division would be a huge stamp on where the team is and hopefully will be moving forward. Kellen Moore has cultivated a culture that is evident along the win streak. The Saints have exceeded expectations, and their final placement in the division can't change that. The team hs looked better than expected. They've won more games than most people projected. The Saints have found their quarterback.
The Saints have flat out overachieved this year. Finishing second in the division would be the cherry on top and the stat that perfectly encapsulates how surprising the season has been. The Saints are only in their first year under Kellen Moore and already look ready to compete in the division.