The New Orleans Saints were one of the preseason favorites to win the NFC following their 11-5 record last season and trip to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. However, a struggling defense and the trade of Darren Sproles has brought the Saints back down to earth as they currently sit with a 5-7 record.

In a stroke of luck, however, they happen to be in one of the worst divisions in the NFL and are still tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the division lead with four games remaining. If the Saints want to make the postseason for the second straight season, their path is clear — with their record, they are unlikely to win a wild card spot, even if they win their final four games, so they need to win the NFC South.

Despite their disappointing record and the fact that the Falcons currently hold the tiebreaker between the teams, it would seem the Saints are in the driver’s seat. This week, they play a very winnable game at home against the Carolina Panthers while the Falcons have to go on the road on Monday night and play one of the hottest teams in the league in the Green Bay Packers. The following week, the Saints have to go on the road to play the Chicago Bears while the Falcons get to play at home against a very tough Pittsburgh Steelers squad. These games are important for the Saints as well because they already own victories over the Packers and Steelers, and if both teams were to end the season tied in both overall and divisional records, this would give the Saints the division title because of their better record against common opponents.

As a result, it’s a very real possibility the Saints could have a two-game lead on the Falcons heading into their Week 16 battle in New Orleans. If not, it’s imperative they defeat the Falcons on their home turf because the Falcons have a 4-0 division record and already defeated the Saints in the opening weekend of the season.

Both teams close out the season against division foes; the Saints are on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Falcons at home against the Panthers. Both teams figure to win these games, so if the Saints want to make the playoffs they need to take advantage of their next two games and build a lead on the Falcons to ensure they win their first NFC South title since 2011.

Phillip Jacques is a Pac-12 Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google