NFL Playoffs 2012: Why Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints Look Unstoppable

After dispatching the Detroit Lions 45-28 in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs on Saturday, the New Orleans Saints have now ripped off nine wins in a row and are playing as good as anyone in the NFL.

The Saints are, of course, led by quarterback Drew Brees, who has been absolutely phenomenal this season. After leading the NFL in completions (468), completion percentage (71.2), yards (5,476) and touchdown passes (46) during the regular season, Brees threw for 466 yards and three more touchdowns against the Lions on Saturday.

New Orleans finished the regular season with the NFL-leading offense, averaging a ridiculous 467.1 yards per game. The Saints were also first in passing offense (334.2 yards per game), sixth in rushing offense (132.9 yards per game) and second in scoring (34.2 points per game). So, yeah, I'd say they're pretty good at moving the football.

Right now there is no unit in the NFL doing things better and more consistently than New Orleans' offense. Brees has been as good as any player in the NFL this year with the exception of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

In fact, if not for the Packers, I'd say the Saints looked absolutely unbeatable. Other than Green Bay, I don't think there is a team out there who could even compete with New Orleans.

Judging by how they have played over the past two months, the Saints have to be considered co-favorites with the Packers right now.

If both teams win this weekend, they will meet for the NFC title in Green Bay in two weeks, in what will be a rematch of the opening of the season. The Packers won 42-34 on the last play of the game that night, but don't think the Saints and Brees couldn't reverse that decision this time.