NFL Power Rankings: 49ers snatch top seed, Patriots lose footing entering playoffs

3. New Orleans Saints (3)

Just when it seemed like the New Orleans Saints were going to earn a first-round bye, the Seattle Seahawks came up short Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers by a few inches to settle for a Wild Card Weekend meeting with the Minnesota Vikings instead.

While the Saints had little trouble getting by in Week 17 after blowing out the Carolina Panthers on the road, New Orleans will see a completely different experience with the Vikings coming to town since the team will be looking to make a statement as a Wild Card team.

With Drew Brees continuing to play at a high level while receiving all sorts of support from Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas on offense, it’s easy to assume that New Orleans will finish on the winning end in this one to advance to the Divisional Round.

But since the Saints have been viewed as heavy Super Bowl favorites in each of the previous two seasons before suffering shocking losses, New Orleans needs to take a cautious approach heading into their first playoff game.

Missing out on a first-round by was crushing to see, but this shouldn’t stop the Saints from believing in their chances to make a legitimate run at the Super Bowl.