Despite being 4-6 and dropping two straight games, the New Orleans Saints can still win the NFC South and make the playoffs for the second year in a row.
It’s been a rough journey, but thanks to a weak division this year, Drew Brees and company can easily win their division (possibly even with a losing record) and with all the talent they have on offense, could still figure out their flaws and make a run at the Super Bowl.
Of course, that run probably needs to start in week 12 when the Baltimore Ravens enter the Superdome. The Ravens are a solid 6-4 but are actually just as desperate as the Saints, as an insanely crowded and competitive AFC North could mean another loss brings them one step closer to missing out on the playoffs.
With this one carrying so much weight, it’s no surprise Saints tickets are coming in at a pretty high price with the average ticket costing $170.04 according to TiqIQ. The get-in price is presently $46. It’s not a steep price by any means (actually $20 below the season average), but it’s high enough to show Saints and Ravens fans that this game still has serious meaning.
This will be the first time the Ravens will return to New Orleans since they won the Super Bowl in 2013. Therefore, for many Ravens fans attending the game, they will already be familiar with the city. For the first-timers, they will find New Orleans to be an affordable cultural getaway with hotel rates available for as low as $95 according to Hipmunk.
Flying to New Orleans doesn’t need to be expensive either, with flights available from $400. You could fly in Saturday, stay Saturday night, and fly back home Sunday evening all for less than $500.
New Orleans has to be the favorite heading into Sunday’s clash, despite dropping both of their recent losses in their home stadium. While one was a close loss to an equally desperate 49ers team, last week’s blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals was a bit of an eyebrow raiser. In fact, that mark dropped the Saints to 0-2 against AFC North teams, with the Ravens and Steelers on the docket this week and in Week 13.
Naturally, the Saints can’t afford to fall under the AFC North’s spell again in Week 12 and will have to find a way past Joe Flacco and the Ravens. Despite their recent struggles at home, the Saints still have to like that this one is in the dome. Not only do the Saints normally play well indoors (specifically at home), but Baltimore hasn’t been amazing on the road, either (2-3).
The loss of Brandin Cooks hurts New Orleans on offense, but they should still have enough talent to put up points on a Baltimore defense that is giving up the 12th most passing yards per game. The Ravens have also given up 14 touchdowns through the air and have picked off a paltry sick passes.
Baltimore’s struggles against the pass could mean for a big day for Drew Brees, who struggled a week ago against the Bengals. Of course, the biggest key might be any success Mark Ingram can find against the Ravens’ fifth ranked run defense.
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