There are reports Saints Coach Sean Payton could leave after a third consecutive 7-and-9 season, but Payton declined to answer questions about those reports today. Payton said it would be silly to respond to such speculation every time it comes up. The NFL Network has said there’s a mutual interest between Payton and the Los Angeles Rams. Payton signed a five-year contract that pays him over 9-million dollars a season last year.

It will also be interesting to see if defensive tackle Nick Fairley returns. He’s coming off a career best season and NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Saints defense needs as many impact players that it can get…
cut 13 (13) “…huge question mark”

The Saints finished 2016 27th in total defense.
Tonight at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, it’s 17th ranked Auburn versus seventh ranked oklahoma in the AllState Sugarbowl. The key match-up in this one, is the Sooners explosive offense led by quarterback Baker Mayfield against an Auburn defense that’s only allowing 16 points a game. Chief Operating Officer for the SugarBowl, Jeff Hundley, says they are thrilled to have two college powerhouses competing in the 2016 Sugar Bowl…
cut 11 (09) “….to watch”
Kick-off is at 7:30.

The Pelicans take on the World Champs tonight, the Cleveland Cavaliers. New Orleans is coming off a 4-and-1 homestand that put them back into the playoff picture in the Western Conference. New Orleans is now one of four teams within one game of the eighth and final playoff spot. The Cavaliers are the top team in the East and they are 17-2 at home.