Playing spoiler: The Saints can still affect the NFC South, but there's also more at stake

The New Orleans Saints have long been out of the running for the NFC South.

But they still have a chance to impact the race.

Heck, they already are.

New Orleans’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend threw a wrench into what has surprisingly been a competitive division. The loss initially moved Tampa Bay into a tie for first with the Carolina Panthers, who just so happen to be the team the Saints host Sunday at the Caesars Superdome.

But after the Atlanta Falcons pulled off an upset over Tampa Bay on “Thursday Night Football,” the Panthers now lead the division outright, increasing the stakes of Sunday’s game even further. New Orleans, too, beat Carolina earlier this season.

When eliminated from the playoffs, almost every team embraces the opportunity to play spoiler. But f