Despite an ugly first half, the New Orleans Saints defeat the Chicago Bears 21-9 in the NFC Wild Card round. An ugly win is a win. The Saints (2) will now advance to the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5).
Initially, this game appeared like it could be a Chicago upset; Sean Payton and the Brees-led Saints quickly found their footing on offense. This was always New Orleans game to lose. As we learned through the Wild Card round, nothing is guaranteed in the playoffs — particularly in the NFC.