Lions vs. Saints: Why New Orleans Has Ultimate Playoff Home-Field Advantage

The New Orleans Saints host the Detroit Lions in the opening round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday in what will be a matchup of two dome teams. While the Lions might be comfortable with playing indoors, there isn't anything quite like facing the Saints at the Superdome.

New Orleans was 8-0 at home this season, and the Saints have won four straight playoff games in the Superdome. 

In addition to being comfortable in their home digs, the Saints also possess one of the best offenses in NFL history. In fact, this season the 13-3 Saints gained 7,474 yards, surpassing by 399 yards "The Greatest Show on Turf" St. Louis Rams from 2002. Clearly quarterback Drew Brees and company love playing at home in their weather-controlled, carpeted home dome. 

And I don't know what you've heard, but New Orleans also boasts some the craziest, loudest fans in the league. Since the team started its road to recovery by bringing Brees and head coach Sean Payton to town back in 2006, Saints fans have been nothing short of incredible. 

Since that time the team has responded, going 32-16 at home in regular-season games. As stated, they have won four in a row in front of the home fans.

This weekend the Detroit Lions will walk into what might be the most hostile environment in the NFL, and I'm certain Saints fans will live up to their reputation for volume and enthusiasm.