The New Orleans Saints might be out of the playoff picture, but they’re not going quietly. Their recent win over the division-leading Carolina Panthers didn’t just shake up the NFC South standings - it sent a message: this team isn’t playing for draft position, they’re playing for pride. And maybe, just maybe, they’re starting to see something in rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
With three games left on the schedule, the Saints are officially eliminated from postseason contention. But that doesn’t mean these final weeks are meaningless.
In fact, they might be some of the most important games the franchise plays this season. It’s all about evaluation now - of the roster, of the coaching staff, and most importantly, of Shough.
The rookie is getting valuable reps under center, and each snap gives the Saints a clearer picture of what they might have in him going forward.
Meanwhile, the rest of the NFC South is still trying to find its footing - and none of them are even sniffing the top tier of Super Bowl contenders. Let’s take a look at where the Saints and their division rivals stand in relation to the current top 10 Super Bowl odds heading into Week 16, according to FanDuel Sportsbook:
T-32. New Orleans Saints - ELIMINATED
There’s no sugarcoating it - the Saints are officially out. But they’re still out there grinding, and that win over Carolina shows there's no quit in this team.
The focus now shifts to development and future building blocks, with Shough at the center of that conversation.
Super Bowl Contenders: Week 16 Odds Snapshot
1. Los Angeles Rams: +360 (Last week: +390)
Still holding strong at the top. The Rams are playing like a team that knows exactly who they are - balanced, explosive, and dangerous on both sides of the ball.
2. Seattle Seahawks: +750 (Last week: +800)
Seattle keeps climbing. Their defense has tightened up, and the offense continues to find ways to win.
They’re built for January football.
3. Buffalo Bills: +850 (Last week: +850)
No movement in the odds, but the Bills remain a serious threat. Josh Allen’s playing with urgency, and this team has the talent to make a deep run.
T-4. Denver Broncos: +900 (Last week: +1000)
The Broncos are surging at the right time. Their defense is flying around, and the offense is doing just enough to keep them in the mix.
T-4. Philadelphia Eagles: +900 (Last week: +1100)
A big jump for Philly. They’ve weathered some ups and downs, but when they’re locked in, they’re as physical and balanced as anyone in the league.
T-6. New England Patriots: +1200 (Last week: +1000)
A slight dip in the odds, but the Patriots are still hanging around. Their defense gives them a puncher’s chance, even if the offense has been inconsistent.
T-6. Green Bay Packers: +1200 (Last week: +800)
Green Bay takes a hit in the odds after a shaky showing. Still, with their quarterback and offensive weapons, they can’t be counted out just yet.
8. Houston Texans: +1400 (Last week: +1600)
The Texans are quietly putting together a solid season. They’re not flashy, but they’re efficient - and that can be dangerous in the playoffs.
T-9. Jacksonville Jaguars: +2000 (Last week: +2000)
No change here. The Jags are still a bit of a wild card, but they’ve shown flashes of being a tough out when everything clicks.
T-9. San Francisco 49ers: +2000 (Last week: +2200)
A slight bump for the Niners. They’ve been inconsistent, but their ceiling remains high.
If they can string together a few clean games, they’re back in the conversation.
NFC South Outlook
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +4000 (Last week: +4000)
The Bucs are technically still alive, but they’re a long shot. The offense hasn’t found a rhythm, and the defense has been hit-or-miss.
They’ll need a lot to go right to sneak into the postseason.
17. Carolina Panthers: +20000 (Last week: +22500)
That loss to the Saints hurt - badly. The Panthers were in the driver’s seat in the South, but now they’re scrambling.
The odds reflect it. They’ve got talent, but consistency has been elusive.
So while the Saints won’t be part of the playoff drama, they’re still shaping it. That win over Carolina didn’t just knock their rivals down a peg - it gave New Orleans a spark. And with Tyler Shough getting his shot, these next three games become a proving ground for the future.
The NFC South may not have a true Super Bowl contender this year, but it’s far from settled. And if the Saints keep playing spoiler, they’ll have a say in how this division finishes - even if their own postseason dreams are already in the rearview.