Salary cap is astonished at the turn around that the New Orleans Saints have done this year.  With New Orleans ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in late August 2005, the Saints became nomads that year, winding up 3-13 under Jim Haslett.  Payton, an assistant coach in Dallas, was hired to revive one of the NFL’s historically unsuccessful franchises.  Payton and his team gave the city – indeed, the entire Gulf Coast – something it desperately needed: a reason to smile.

Now, the fairy tale is about to come to an end.  The Philadelphia Eagles are going to crush their little fantasy world on Saturday.  For the turnaround “term” could be said for the Philadelphia Eagles, though their season continues on a high while their NFC East brethren were sent packing this weekend. One day after a botched 19-yard field goal attempt kept the Cowboys from advancing in the playoffs, a well-executed 38-yard field goal by the Eagles’ David Akers as time ran out sent Philadelphia to the next round.

Salary Cap’s prediction is this:  Philly 38, New Orleans 24.