re: Is this year the easiest path for us to get to super bowl?

This season doesn't count though

(Long Post Incoming)

I think our worst match up is with the Rams. Last year against the Vikings, one large problem was the play of our interior offensive line, especially at Guard. And with Drew you really need great guard play especially when he comes back from injury. And imagining a Ruiz/Easton matchup against Aaron Donald scares me.

It matters if the Rams offense can move the ball. But with McVay and Goff (if he limits turnovers) plus two veteran WRs in that system in Reynolds and Kupp. The Rams have less stars than the Saints, Bucs, Packers, and Seahawks, but that's a great team with an offensive minded coach and a defensive star combo that's scary.

Also the Packers just because of Aaron Rodgers. Cause when he's on and the players around him don't make mistakes, very hard to beat.

But I do agree with the statement that the Saints at full strength are the best team in the NFC.

Offense:
Veteran coach and veteran QB. Two elite playmakers (Kamara and Thomas). Veteran secondary playmakers (Sanders, Muarry, Cook). A solid offensive line, elite at tackle, good in the middle. Top three offensive line in the league.

Defense
Excellent against the run. Great Pass rush. Veterans at all levels of the defense. Jordan and Davis, and I think Malcolm Jenkins will make his biggest difference in the post season where our DBs have had some heartbreak especially Williams. Putting a veteran safety next to him helping his mental is huge. Good young players.

Wildcards
Wlidcards are players that can make a big play in a big game. Something extra on top of your stars. The Saints have two. Taysom Hill and Ceedy Deuce. CJGJ defensive playmaker that gives the Saints an edge, he's fiesty, sometimes too much, but he brings a lot to this defense. And if Taysom continues to play well with Drew out, it gives opponents so much to think about come postseason.

Special Teams
Lutz is an elite kicker, which you need. Good kickers make a difference. Bad kickers could make a good team bad. Thomas Morestead has actually been bad for the Saints this year. We are LAST in punt average. He doesn't flip the field as well as he use to. Saints have good punt return defense which softens the blow. Deonte Harris is one of the best returners in football. He can change a game for the Saints.

Other teams in the NFC have some glaring weakness. Rams have a questionable kicking game and turn the ball over a decent amount. Seattle has a bad offensive line and a bad defense thats about to get a boost from playing the Eagles, Giants, Jets, And WFT. Green Bay run defense is questionable. Tampa can't run the ball and has questionable offensive line play. Arizona is too inexperienced and dependent on their second year QB. Also questionable coaching.

Getting the bye and HFA isn't necessary, but would surely make things dramatically easier since it means Green Bay did not get it. I think it comes down to consistency. If the Saints play their best, they are the best team in the NFC. However if the defense starts slipping and the interior line struggles, its gonna be tough.

Let's stay healthy and continue to improve. You can argue that the Saints have had the best team in the NFL the last 3 years. Let's finish the job this year. Leave no doubt.