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Cardinals, Saints look to reach .500

Dec 16, 2007 - 1:05 PM Arizona (6-7) at New Orleans (6-7) 1:00 pm EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) - The New Orleans Saints' season has resembled the stock market - down in the first quarter, up in the second and down again in the third.

Still, the Saints remain alive for a playoff spot and host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in what likely amounts to an elimination game.

The winner of Sunday's game climbs to 7-7, while the loser drops to 6-8 and will need plenty of help to make the playoffs.

New Orleans started the season 0-4, rebounded to win its next four games, then dropped three of four to fall to 5-7.

However, the Saints opened the final quarter of the season with a 34-14 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Monday.

Drew Brees passed for 328 yards and three touchdowns, the third time he has eclipsed 300 yards this season.

The Saints also featured an effective ground attack, rushing for a season-high 136 yards, highlighted by Aaron Stecker, who ran for 100 yards on 20 carries.

Although New Orleans is one game behind the Minnesota Vikings in the battle for the NFC's second wild card spot, the Saints are in good shape with the tiebreaker scenarios.

New Orleans has only four conference losses; Minnesota has five and Arizona six. If the Saints run the table, they would make the playoffs if they are tied with the Vikings.

The Cardinals need more help. They badly hurt their cause with last week's 42-21 loss at Seattle that enabled the Seahawks to clinch their fourth straight NFC West crown.

An Arizona loss, coupled with a Vikings' win over Chicago, would eliminate the Cardinals. They would be two games behind Minnesota and with seven conference losses, would not be able to win a tiebreaker with Minnesota.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner needs to rebound after throwing five interceptions last week.

Warner passed for 337 yards and three touchdowns but most of that total came after the Cardinals fell behind, 24-0, in the second quarter.

Arizona has made the playoffs only once in the last 25 years.