NFL Power Rankings: October Edition finds LA Rams rising

14. New Orleans Saints

At 2-2, the New Orleans Saints are certainly getting a slower start than expected. This team defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before losing to the Las Vegas Raiders and Green Bay Packers.  They did manage to squeak out a win against the Detroit Lions

2020 Summary

After four games, the Saints are just two wins and two losses. But the true contest is where they finish the season relative to the Buccaneers. While the entire NFL anointed the NFC South division to the Bucs, the opening victory claimed by the Saints truly changes everything. As long as the Saints maintain an advantage in the division, and the NFC West dominates, the Buccaneers face a poor seeding in the NFL Playoffs.

2020 Outlook

The Saints play a tough schedule, and at 2-2, many may underestimate this team. The Saints will likely finish no worse than 10-6 and will be in place for a playoff spot.  Like many other seasons, this team rides the arm of venerable quarterback Drew Brees to wins.  Of course, Brees is truly depending upon running back Alvin Kamara this year.  WR Michael Thomas is nursing an ankle injury.

Thomas should return and when he does, the Saints offense will return to full swing. Until then, they are beatable if teams can limit Kamara’s impact on the game. That is always easier said than done.