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ESPN gives the Saints microscopic odds of reaching the Super Bowl

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is lifted into the air after the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL's Super Bowl XLIV football game in Miami, Florida, February 7, 2010.   REUTERS/Mike Segar (UNITED STATES)
The Vince Lombardi Trophy is lifted into the air after the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL's Super Bowl XLIV football game in Miami, Florida, February 7, 2010. REUTERS/Mike Segar (UNITED STATES)

This isn't where you want to be in Week 8. ESPN's Football Power Index gave the New Orleans Saints small odds of reaching the Super Bowl -- less than 1%. After a 2-5 start, they're long-shots to even make the playoffs by winning their own division.

Both the Atlanta Falcons (56% chance of winning the division) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (66%) are seen as more credible teams in the NFC South. The Saints (7%) are just barely keeping their heads above water, with the Carolina Panthers (less than 1%) already sinking.

It's easy to see why they're so down on the Saints. New Orleans hasn't done anything well in their five-game losing streak. The defense Dennis Allen gave up can't stop the run or keep points off the board, and their offense has run out of steam with so many starters and key contributors dealing with injuries.

Can they turn it around? It's still looking like a favorable schedule, but at some point the Saints must win a game (and then a couple more). Teams that gave them trouble last year like the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns have had their own issues. The Bucs and Falcons can be beaten. But can Allen string multiple wins together? We'll have to see it to believe it.

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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: ESPN gives the Saints microscopic odds of reaching the Super Bowl