The Saints appear to be the only team in the NFC that could end the Green Bay Packers run at a repeat.  I know the San Francisco 49ers are having an outstanding year, and they are getting it done with solid defense and running the football. However, the Saints are the team that is best suited to go on the road to Lambeau field and beat Green Bay.   The Packers appear primed to lock down the top seed in the NFC, making the road to Super Bowl 46 go through Title Town. 

To beat the Packers you have to score points.  The Saints average 32 points per game (2nd in the NFL), while the Packers average 34 points per game (1st in the NFL).  The closest team in the NFC in scoring offense is the Philadelphia Eagles, who might not even get in the post-season.  Furthermore, the Saints have the running game to get it done in cold weather they would likely face in late January in Green Bay.  New Orleans is 8th in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 125 per contest.  The Black and Gold have the top ranked passing offense and number one ranked overall offense in the league. 

The Saints recent three game winning streak has some analyst comparing the 2011 Saints team to the 2009 Super Bowl championship team.  Saints offensive lineman Carl Nicks says they may be even more dangerous. "We could be better than that team," he insisted.  In 2009, the Saints had their usual list of "A" list weapons.  The 2011 Saints team added Darren Sproles, and Mark Ingram to the mix, and oh by the way a better playmaking tight end in Jimmy Graham.  "I think in the play offs we could be dominant and shock some people, and hopefully we get another chance at Green Bay, Nicks said.  "Before that we have to play Detroit."

The Saints have five games remaining on the regular season schedule.  They have the look of a team that is peaking at the right time.  Of the five games remaining, three of those contests are at home where New Orleans is 5 and 0 this season.  The Lions are up next in the Superdome for the Saints this Sunday night, followed by two straight road games against Tennessee and Minnesota.  The all important December 26th Monday night game against Atlanta looms large, as it could prove to be the only major stumbling block left on the Saints' schedule.  The Black and Gold wrap up the regular season at home on New Year's Day against Carolina. 

Watch out Green Bay! The Saints want to have a say about who's the best in the NFC.  Is a return to trip to Lambeau in the cards for the Saints?  It's looking more and more likely.  Clearly New Orleans and Green Bay are the two best teams in the NFC.