The New Orleans Saints didn’t get everything they wanted. They weren’t able to claim the Nos. 1 or 2 seeds and, consequently, didn’t receive a bye week in the playoffs.

But the Saints (13-3) do have a home playoff game, as NFC South Division champions. And they have a chance to construct a road to the Super Bowl, beginning with Sunday’s Wild Card game against Minnesota (10-6) in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. And if any team has momentum entering the playoffs, it probably is one that finished the regular season on a three-game winning streak, by an average score of 38-15 (including two road wins by an average score of 40-19).

The Vikings likely will prove to be a stiffer test. Here are some methods that’ll help the Saints pass it.

1. When Drew Brees has time, the Saints usually win. That formula hasn’t deviated since Brees joined the Saints in 2006, and it remains true now. And it’ll especially be important against Minnesota, which has a pair of defensive ends, Danielle Hunter (14.5 sacks) and Everson Griffen (eight sacks), that are handfuls individually and can wreck an offensive gameplan collectively. The Saints have a good counter in two of the best offensive tackles in the league, Terron Armstead (left tackle) and Ryan Ramczyk (right/first-team All-Pro in 2019). New Orleans won’t hesitate to help if needed, but they rarely need it. And if they don’t need it, and Brees has time, let’s just say he has been on a heater since the beginning of December, completing 75 percent of his passes for 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns, with no interceptions, in the last four regular-season games. The NFC’s Offensive Player of the Month will be ready.

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Calm before the storm!! Tailgate today at the 5th floor Benson Tower with Bullseye Event Group Tailgate. Open premium bar and 5 food stations by Katie’s/Francesca , Scot Craig, (a great friend of the Who Dat Nation) and Food Network Chef Aaron May!! 9:00-noon!! Go to Bullseye Saints VIP tailgate for tickets

VIP Tailgate Features:

-Located NEXT TO Mercedes Benz Superdome @ the Benson Tower (5th floor, overlooking Champions Square)
-Home of WWL Radio Fans First Take live broadcast.
-Open, top-shelf cocktail bar
-Open beer and wine bars featuring bottled beer and bottled wine.
-Open three hours prior to kickoff
-Food Network Celebrity Chef Aaron May created premium buffet
-Each home game Food Network Celebrity Chef Aaron May will collaborate with Scot Craig of NOLA’s restaurant favorite Katies & —Francesca’s to collaborate an incredible food experience for your Saints game day experience.
-Menu to include your favorite New Orleans foods, Gumbo, Etouffee, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, Po Boy’s. Assorted hot sauce bar and hand tossed farmers market salads and passed entrees of gourmet cheeseburgers. Minor menu changes periodically.
-Refreshments from Coca-Cola.
-All ages are welcome.
-Visits from Saintsations and Saints Alumni.
-Climate controlled lounge seating with soft leather couches inside, outdoor patio overlooks Champions Square
-ESPN broadcasts of NFL Gameday.
-Live auction on amazing signed New Orleans Saints memorabilia.

The Saints finish off the regular season with a win against their division rivals, 42-10!

What are you doing for NYE?? Come join us for a rooftop celebration like no other to ring in 2020! Take a look at the city’s newest event venue the Pavilion for Tomorrow & your view of Nola’s riverfront fireworks! Cigar lounge, champagne toasts, party favors… all inclusive #NYE experience that will establish the Nancy Parker Memorial Scholarship. We miss our dear friend greatly… a woman who had such a huge impact on New Orleans. Help us help her legacy live on. #NYE2020#expecttheunexpected#nancyparker#nola#neworleansnye Tickets: www.nolanye2020.com.

NEW ORLEANS — It doesn’t seem right that the New Orleans Saints are still stuck in third place in the NFC after a performance like that.

But the Saints (11-3) still have a realistic path to the No. 1 or No. 2 seed. And no matter where they wind up, it obviously bodes well that they are capable of the kind of excellence they displayed in their 34-7 rout of the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night.

It was as close to perfect as it gets in the NFL. And quite frankly, it was the kind of complete performance New Orleans had been seeking all season.

Drew Brees was an absolute master on the night when he broke Peyton Manning’s career touchdowns record, completing an incredible 29 of 30 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Michael Thomas made another argument in his MVP candidacy with 12 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. And perhaps most importantly, the Saints’ defense responded in a huge way after last week’s 48-46 loss to the San Francisco 49ers — despite losing key defensive linemen Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins to season-ending injuries and starting safety Vonn Bell to a short-term injury.

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