Saints jump in playoffs probability % with today's win against the Bucs

Rattler screwed us this year. Shough would have dramatically increased our playoff percentage odds.

Apparently somebody's algorithm needs some review or debugging.

ESPN had us mathematically eliminated last week, even if we divide by zero, use imaginary numbers, or whatever other glitchy thing that was.

What’s more important to you? Getting a higher pick, knowing that our roster needs upgrades in a major way, or better play down the stretch knowing that roster change will happen no matter what? I for one, enjoy watching this team seeing potential. So for me, I want to win, even though it means a lower draft pick. Good win today.

We are eliminated.

Only path prior to last week was winning the division at 8-9

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They still have .4 of 1% chance of making the playoffs so we are not officially eliminated yet. We still have a chance even Archie Manning said there is still hope this afternoon.

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ESPN: NFL Standings.

Sorry, dude. They were out last week.

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Rattler screwed us this year. Shough would have dramatically increased our playoff percentage odds.

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Shough might not have been ready for prime time yet.

Saints were eliminated last week. Try again.

Grok says Saints are still in the playoff hunt. Here's a comprehensive list, from semi-plausible to speculative possibilities:

1. Mass Disqualifications of Teams: If 2-3 NFC teams above them (e.g., Panthers, Buccaneers, Vikings) get disqualified for major violations—like a league-wide PED scandal, salary cap fraud, or revived BountyGate-level bounties—their seasons could be voided. The NFL might then shrink the playoff field or invite the next-best eligible teams (including the Saints at 6-11) to fill spots. If gruesome: This could stem from investigations revealing criminal activity, leading to arrests or team shutdowns.

2. Widespread Forfeits Adjusting Records: If multiple teams forfeit remaining games (or past ones are retroactively forfeited) due to strikes, ownership disputes, or scandals, it could reduce their win totals. For example, if the Panthers and Bucs forfeit their last two (dropping to 8-9 but with forfeits counting as losses beyond that), and wildcard teams like the Packers forfeit enough to fall to 8-9 or worse, the Saints could tie or pass via adjusted tiebreakers. Gruesome twist: A team-wide illness outbreak (e.g., a virulent flu or food poisoning epidemic) forces forfeits, or worse, player fatalities from accidents/injuries lead to incomplete seasons and record recalculations.

3. League Rule Changes or Expansion: The NFL commissioner could unilaterally expand the playoffs to 8-10 teams per conference mid-season (e.g., due to fan pressure or a lockout resolution), opening spots for sub-.500 teams like the Saints. Outlandish: A court ruling forces this after lawsuits over "unfair" eliminations. Gruesome: If a terrorist attack or natural disaster (e.g., hurricane hitting multiple stadiums) disrupts the season, the league shortens it and admits all remaining viable teams, including New Orleans.

4. Catastrophic Events Impacting Rivals: A massive disaster—earthquake in California affecting the 49ers/Rams, or a plane crash involving multiple NFC teams—could lead to suspended seasons for those squads, with the NFL awarding playoff berths to survivors like the Saints by default. Even more gruesome: Widespread violence, such as fan riots or targeted attacks on players/coaches, causing teams to withdraw or be banned, thinning the field enough for 6-11 to qualify.

5. Supernatural or Apocalyptic Scenarios: Aliens invade and abduct key players from contending teams, forcing forfeits. Or a zombie apocalypse wipes out rosters league-wide except in Louisiana (Who Dat resilience?). Time travel alters past game outcomes, retroactively giving the Saints wins.

I’m with Archie Manning on this it’s not over until the names are officially called and the teams are lined up on the field. #Believe