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Saints could clinch first division title since 2000

Dec 17, 2006 - 3:14 PM Washington (4-9) at New Orleans (9-4) Sunday 1:00 pm ESTNEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Saints could march theirway back into the playoffs with a victory over the WashingtonRedskins on Sunday. With a victory over the Redskins, the Saints would win the NFC South title for the first time since 2000, the only time in their history they won a playoff game. New Orleans holds a two-game lead over Atlanta with three to play.It has been an amazing turnaround for the Saints, who went just3-13 last season when they were displaced by Hurricane Katrinaand played their home games in San Antonio and on the campus ofLousiana State University.Under first-year coach Sean Payton, the Saints have the NFL'stop-ranked offense, averaging 410.6 yards per game.Drew Brees is the ringleader of the Saints' offense. He leadsthe NFL in passing yards with 4,033, putting him within reach ofDan Marino's league record of 5,084 yards in 1984. Marino had3,870 passing yards through 13 games in his record season.Brees was at his best last Sunday night, completing 26-of-38passes for 384 yards and matching a career high with fivetouchdowns in a 42-17 destruction at Dallas.Rookie running back Reggie Bush also is starting to become theoffensive weapon the Saints envisioned he would be when theydrafted him second in April's draft. Bush has five touchdownsin the last two games, including a 61-yard score on a screenpass in the win over Dallas.A season after making the playoffs and winning a wild-card game,the Redskins already have clinched a last-place finish in theNFC East.Ladell Betts, who has taken over as the featured back withClinton Portis out for the season, has three straight 100-yardgames for the Redskins. He rushed for a career-high 171 yardsin last Sunday's 21-19 loss to Philadelphia.Washington is just 1-5 on the road.