NEW ORLEANS — Through their performance in Charlotte, Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints demonstrated how they've earned a chance to be the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The Saints beat the Panthers 42–10 Sunday in their last season game, so the next time the Saints will play will be a playoff game.
The questions are when, where and against whom will the Saints play, but that won't be clear until the after the 49ers play the Seahawks in Seattle, Sunday night.
Until then, here is what some sportswriters from across the country wrote about the Saints victory against the Panthers
Saints win, 42-10, as Panthers keep digging for rock bottom in eighth straight loss - Scott Fowler, The Charlotte Observer
What we learned, what's trending and final thoughts as Saints wrap up 13-3 regular season - Luke Johnson, Nola.com
Saints do their part vs. Panthers, eye help from Seahawks to earn 1st-round bye - Jason Owens, Yahoo Sports
NFL playoff picture as Week 17 unfolds: Patriots fumble first-round bye to Chiefs - Nate Davis, USA Today
RELATED: Saints bury Panthers; hope for help
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