The Saints had nothing to gain in 2018 when they played the Panthers in the last regular season game of the year. With the No. 1 seed in the NFC already secured, Sean Payton rested Drew Brees and a few other key players. Led by backup quarterback Kyle Allen in his first career start, Carolina pulled off an upset, winning 33-14 at the Superdome. Don’t expect a repeat this time around.
When Payton was asked about potentially resting his starters this week against the Panthers, he was unequivocal. Payton said no several times, followed by an “absolutely no,” according to Mike Triplett at ESPN.
Sean Payton on whether Saints may consider resting starters: “No, no, no, no, no, no. Absolutely no. We’re still playing for 1, 2 or 3 seed.” Payton expressed regret for playing starters in long-shot scenario in 2010. But “I don’t think this is a long shot what we need this week”
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) December 25, 2019
The Saints are currently in line for the NFC’s No. 3 seed but they can rise as high as No. 1 depending on how things play out with the 49ers, Seahawks and Packers.
Brees has often had to carry New Orleans during his run in the NFC South, but this is a well-balanced team as they have been for three seasons now. Heading into Week 17, they are ranked No. 4 in offensive DVOA and No. 12 on defense.
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