Despite somehow becoming the first team all season to allow consecutive on-side kick recoveries, the New Orleans Saints held on to clinch the NFC South on Thanksgiving night during a 26-18 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

By virtue of clinching the NFC South, the 10-2 Saints became the first NFL team to officially reach the playoffs.

Heading into Week 13, only the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots can clinch playoff spots.

The 49ers can get in with a win Sunday at Baltimore and a Rams loss or tie. Also, they can get in with a tie and Rams loss.

New England’s scenario to reach the playoffs is slightly more convoluted. They will get into the playoffs with a win and losses by either Oakland or Pittsburgh.

As for Saints, the real fun begins for them next week. New Orleans will host San Francisco on December 8 in a game that could very well decide who gets home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.

After last year’s debacle in the NFC Championship Game against the Rams, New Orleans is itching to get another chance on their turf to go to the Super Bowl.