The New Orleans Saints are having yet another season under Sean Payton that has them positioned to be a playoff contender. The Saints have already clinched the NFC South, making it three consecutive seasons that they've been named the divisional winner.

Last week, New Orleans was involved in a shootout with the 10-2 San Francisco 49ers. The game ended with Robbie Gould delivering a game-winning field goal to give San Francisco a 48-46 win over the Saints.

Despite the narrow defeat, New Orleans still sits at 10-3 and has a chance at having a first-round bye in the postseason. The loss to the 49ers also showed that the Saints can compete with the other contenders in the NFC.

If it weren't for Payton deciding to go for two in the first quarter, there's a chance that New Orleans is winning the game in overtime. Regardless of the outcome of that game, the Saints should be considered as a team that can represent the NFC Conference in the Super Bowl.

Provided that, here are four reasons why New Orleans will win the Super Bowl this season.

4. The Saints have a dangerous rushing attack

By looking at the numbers, the Saints don't have one of the running games in the NFL. The offense averages only 108 rushing yards per game which is the 16th most in the NFL.

But upon a further look, the Saints actually have a dangerous rushing attack. Alvin Kamara has dealt with injuries this year and has been forced to miss a couple of games because of it.

Along with Kamara though, New Orleans also has a capable running back behind him in Latavius Murray. As much as the NFL is becoming a pass-oriented league, it is crucial to have an effective running game in the playoffs.

Luckily for the Saints, they have a backfield that can cause issues for opposing teams in the postseason and in the Super Bowl. In addition, the running game coupled with Michael Thomas is a recipe for success.

3. The defense is severely underrated

Along with a productive running game, it is also helpful to have a formidable defense in the postseason. The Saints have that this season despite their secondary faltering at certain moments.

New Orleans has the 20th ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing 244.1 passing yards per game. At the same time, the Saints have hindered their opponents to only 94.2 rushing yards per game (fifth-fewest in the NFL).

Even with the secondary having their flaws, they have the personnel to get into a groove defensively in the playoffs. It also helps to have a pass rush that has accumulated 43 sacks (tied for fourth-most in the NFL).

2. Drew Brees plays a clean brand of football

Earlier in the season, the Saints had to deal with a thumb injury for Drew Brees at quarterback. Since he's returned in Week 10, Brees has been playing at an extremely high level from under center.

The 40-year-old quarterback has combined for 1,359 yards, 12 touchdowns, and one interception in his last five starts. The ability for Brees to avoid turning the ball over will be vital to New Orleans winning the Super Bowl.

It's likely that the Saints would meet with the Baltimore Ravens or New England Patriots in the Super Bowl; both are teams who have forced 11 or more interceptions this year. Over his entire career, Brees has thrown for 33 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games in the postseason.

Being able to keep the ball away from guys like Lamar Jackson or Tom Brady will give the Saints an opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

1. The Saints have a Super Bowl pedigree

Many people have chosen the 49ers as the team to beat in the NFC. While they've had a remarkable season, they don't have many players on their roster who have experience in big-time games.

Albeit it came 2009, New Orleans has a Super Bowl pedigree with Brees and Payton still leading the way. Along with those two, the Saints also have plenty of players who were with the team last year when they participated in the NFC Championship Round.

In the event that there's a close game or a high-pressure situation, the Saints will have an edge over the inexperienced teams in the playoffs. The only team who is more accustomed to the heightened level of play in the playoffs is the Patriots.

With that being said, the Saints have the team that can defeat New England if that's who will face New Orleans in the Super Bowl.