Showing posts with label New Orleans Saints. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Orleans Saints. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

EDSFootball.com Updates for August 26, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football projections for several teams on EDSFootball.com.

2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Projected fantasy points are based on half-PPR scoring.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

Denver Broncos 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Denver Broncos.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Bo Nix513.9344.33545.924.9210.2885.2383.43.62281.02
Jarrett Stidham32.820.3232.91.341.234.611.50.0513.67
QB Totals546.7364.63778.826.2611.5189.8394.93.67294.69

Bo Nix: Nix started slowly (didn't throw first touchdown until Week 4), but he was one of the most productive fantasy quarterbacks from Week 5 through the end of the season. During that span, he completed 68.3% of his pass attempts for 3,115 yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions while rushing 69 times for 320 yards and two scores. He was fantasy's QB5 (QB6 on per-game basis) from Week 5-18. The Broncos added Evan Engram in free agency and used a pair of top-75 picks on playmakers — R.J. Harvey (No. 60) and Pat Bryant (No. 74) — in the 2025 NFL Draft. Denver's defense is arguably the best in the NFL, however, which could potentially limit the ceiling of the offense (i.e., fewer shootouts needed).

MORE: Continue reading our Denver Broncos 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Detroit Lions 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Detroit Lions.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Jared Goff542.9363.74071.827.1510.8632.151.40.64258.73
Kyle Allen28.618.2197.31.060.864.9110.1212.23
QB Totals571.5381.94269.128.2111.723762.40.76270.96

Jared Goff: The main concern with Goff is losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but new offensive coordinator John Morton was a senior offensive assistant when Johnson became OC in 2022. Another concern is the loss of center Frank Ragnow (retirement) and Kevin Zeitler (free agency), but the Lions have a very talented group of pass catchers — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, etc.. Goff has finished as fantasy's QB10, QB7, and QB6, respectively, over the past three seasons.

MORE: Continue reading our Detroit Lions 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Las Vegas Raiders 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Las Vegas Raiders.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Geno Smith545.4373.63981.422.6312.8248.1226.11.83257.73
Aidan O'Connell23.214.6155.40.810.443.16.20.099.74
Kenny Pickett11.67.276.60.350.232.15.30.064.89
QB Totals580.2395.44213.423.7913.4953.3237.61.98272.36

Geno Smith: It's obvious that Smith is an upgrade over the trio of Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder, all of whom made starts in 2024, and a more competent passing attack with benefit Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, and the team's pass catchers. While Smith's best fantasy season (2022, QB5 — eighth on a PPG basis) was his first in Seattle with Pete Carroll, he's been a mid-tier QB2 (or worse) the past two seasons. Less useful in single-QB redraft formats, Smith has upside in two-QB or super flex and best ball formats.

MORE: Continue reading our Las Vegas Raiders 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

New Orleans Saints 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the New Orleans Saints.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Spencer Rattler344.8210.32379.112.767.2438.21911.53160
Tyler Shough229.8142.51597.18.735.1730.4121.61.22107.94
QB Totals574.6352.83976.221.4912.4168.6312.62.75267.94

Spencer Rattler: Kellen Moore has named Rattler the starter for Week 1. It's unlikely that he maintains that role for the full season, especially given that the Saints used a top-40 pick on Tyler Shough and will likely be in the mix for one of the top quarterbacks in 2026. (In fact, I have them drafting one early in my 2026 NFL Mock Draft.) Rattler is only relevant in 2-QB and Super Flex formats (as are all starting quarterbacks).

Tyler Shough: As noted with Rattler, Shough will start the year as the backup and should have an opportunity to make starts, but both quarterbacks are off the fantasy radar in standard single-QB leagues.

MORE: Continue reading our New Orleans Saints 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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Friday, May 17, 2024

New Orleans Saints 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 18 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 24

Most improved: Cornerback

This answer could change if the Saints trade Marshon Lattimore this summer, but the addition of second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry is a solid addition to a group that includes Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor. New Orleans didn't improve in a lot of areas this offseason, but McKinstry could either be in the rotation right away or be trained as Lattimore's replacement. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 25

To me, the Saints' draft hinges on their top three guys: OT Taliese Fuaga, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry and QB Spencer Rattler, in that order for now. The massive Fuaga fills a huge hole, assuming he can handle speed rushers early. Kool-Aid doesn't need to play a lot of snaps immediately but could be Paulson Adebo's replacement in 2025. And then there's Rattler. Look, he was a fifth-round pick for a reason, but I'm lightly buying stock on him. Derek Carr's future hangs in the balance, and I know Jake Haener was a higher pick (No. 127 overall) than Rattler (No. 150) just a year ago, but there's something about the South Carolina QB I can't quit. He might have landed in the perfect spot. Or, for all we know, he might be the Saints' latest Day 3 dart throw that misses the mark. But if Rattler gets a chance down the road, he could really make this class shine in a few years.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 27

They will have a new-look offense with a new coordinator in Klint Kubiak, but are they any better on that side of the ball when it comes to talent? Age has also crept in on defense.

USA Today -- Rank: 27

Unless new OC Klint Kubiak radically rejuvenates this offense, just feels like this krewe is steadily losing ground — or at least entrenched at mediocre — in a division that's incrementally advancing beyond average. The top draft picks (OT Taliese Fuaga, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry) are good players, but ones unlikely to change this team's trajectory for the better in the near term.

The Athletic -- Rank: 30

The Saints might have stumbled into their next starting quarterback ... or into a quarterback controversy. New Orleans drafted South Carolina's Spencer Rattler with the 150th pick. Given current starter Derek Carr's sometimes shaky hold on the job and Rattler's NFL arm, Saints fans might be calling for a change by midseason.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 25

I really think the Saints could be a solid team with better offensive line play. Is it realistic to think they'll get that in 2024? Hard to say. First-round pick Taliese Fuaga looks like a badass, but what does the future hold for Ryan Ramczyk? Tough to feel good about Derek Carr's prospects without knowing more about the guys up front.

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Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Way-too-early New Orleans Saints 2025 NFL mock draft roundup

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will update our New Orleans Saints Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New Orleans Saints from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Saints:

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (5/3)

10. Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State

Only one running back was selected in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft (Carolina took Texas' Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall) and that vacuum could be filled next spring with several quality options. Gordon was the Big 12's Offensive Player of the Year and the Doak Walker Award winner as the nation's top back, leading the country with 1,732 rushing yards and finishing second with 21 rushing touchdowns.

ESPN - Jordan Reid (5/2)

9. Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Defensive end was one position the Saints didn't address in the 2024 draft, and they need to find an heir apparent to Cameron Jordan, who will be 35 years old this season. Carter is moving from middle linebacker into an edge rusher role this year, and he could thrive there thanks to his length and suddenness. Despite limited edge rush opportunities, Carter had 22 pressures and 4.5 sacks last season. His skill set leads to Micah Parsons flashbacks for Penn State fans, and he could make a big impact for New Orleans.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

San Diego Union-Tribune - Eddie Brown (5/2)

11. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Landing Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round was one of the better picks on Day 2 of the draft, but the Saints could still trade Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore after June 1, when the cap hit would significantly decrease. Hunter is likely to spend most of his NFL career at cornerback, but he's such a dynamic weapon on offense, I could see a team manufacturing a number of touches each game for him.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (4/30)

9. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Cornerback or wide receiver? Hunter is at his most dangerous with the ball in his hands, so there is a good chance we see him drafted for offense. He routinely turns short catches into long gains.

PFF - Max Chadwick (4/29)

11. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

The Saints were the second-worst team in the league this past season in yards after the catch per reception (4.5 yards). Burden would help fix that immediately. His 725 yards after the catch were the third most among FBS receivers this past season. While many after-the-catch receivers get unfairly compared to Deebo Samuel, Burden may deserve it.

The 33rd Team - Marcus Mosher (4/29)

10. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Kelvin Banks Jr. is viewed as the top offensive tackle in this class and allowed only a handful of pressures last year. Banks has fantastic size and excels as a pass blocker. If he can improve his power in the run game, he could end up being a top-six selection in next year's draft.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (4/28)

19. JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

Coming back to Columbus could help the massively talented 6-4, 270-pound defensive lineman find more consistency after he posted one of last season's most dominant defensive performances against Penn State (two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and fumble recovery and one touchdown). Chase Young is only signed in New Orleans for one season, meaning he'll either disappoint or price his way out of the Saints' spending range. And a replacement eventually will be needed for franchise great Cameron Jordan, who turns 35 in July.

CBS Sports - Ryan Wilson (4/28)

9. Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

Ward would've likely been a top-100 pick had he declared for the 2024 draft; a strong showing for the U could catapult him into the Round 1 conversation.

More roundups: NFL Teams | NFL Draft Prospects

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Saturday, November 11, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 10 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Non-QB MVP: TE/QB Taysom Hill

Hill started the season listed as a TE, and is a quarterback sometimes -- but not enough for him to be disqualified here. He has been the best thing going the past three games as the Saints have started to come together on offense. Hill has helped fix the Saints' red zone issues with three rushing touchdowns, a receiving touchdown and a passing touchdown in the past three games. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

The Saints continued one impressive streak and ended one bad one in Sunday's victory. Thanks to five Bears turnovers (three in the fourth quarter), New Orleans has now forced at least one turnover in each game this season. The Saints also ended a three-game turnover skid on offense, logging a clean sheet vs. Chicago. There just seems to be something missing with this team, given that it won the turnover battle 5-0 (5-1, if you count turnovers on downs) and still had to hang on late to win. The run defense struggled for a second week in a row and now faces swashbuckling Joshua Dobbs at Minnesota before the bye. Offensively, the Saints still seem to lack a true identity, but they've leaned in harder on the Taysom Hill package lately. Is this enough to take the NFC South? Maybe, but they still feel middling.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

They lead the NFC South after beating the Bears on Sunday. But they haven't come close to playing to their potential yet.

USA Today -- Rank: 22

Taysom Hill's 5.2 yards per rush are nearly 50% better than any of New Orleans' other regular ball carriers.

The Athletic -- Rank: 14

Report card: B

The Saints lead the NFC South, but that still doesn't equate to more than a B because of the state of the NFC South. All of New Orleans' wins have come against teams with losing records, and it was outgained by the Bears on Sunday (368 to 301). After Paulson Adebo's two interceptions against the Bears, the Saints lead the league in that category (12).

FOX -- Rank: 17

You'd like to think it'd be less stressful when you win the turnover battle 5-0. The Saints' offense still leaves a lot to be desired. And don't let the takeaways distract from the fact that the Bears moved the ball very well in New Orleans. Still, they're the only team in the NFC South that won in Week 9, and they're on top of their division.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 14

The Saints remain a strange team. With all the talent on hand, should Taysom Hill lead the team in carries and rushing yards in a too-close game against the Bears? Probably not. The Saints have as much blue-chip talent as anyone but never seem to put it all together. But with their weak remaining schedule and the continuing failures of the Falcons, the NFC South is there for the taking.

PFT -- Rank: 17

Taysom Hill keeps earning more touches.

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Saturday, November 4, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

Derek Carr has put together what is perhaps his best six quarters of the season, going back to the Thursday night game against the Jaguars last week. Carr and the offense struggled to find their footing in the first part of the season, and he had one of his worst performances against the Buccaneers in Week 4 (127 passing yards, no touchdowns) following a Week 3 shoulder injury. He was much more efficient against the Colts on Sunday, passing for 310 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, possibly showing positive momentum going forward. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

The offense had its most complete game in Sunday's win over the Colts, looking nothing like the stop-start unit we've seen much of the season. The Taysom Hill package was expanded a bit and was as effective as it's been in 2023. Rashid Shaheed cashed in on three deep balls. The Saints allowed one sack and one turnover, and they happened on the same play. Derek Carr was pretty darned dialed in, and the run game -- often going right up the gut -- was effective. Who are these guys? It was on the road, and the Colts aren't terrible defensively most weeks. Even as the offense took two steps forward, though, the Saints' run defense took (at least) one step backward in that unit's worst showing. But at 4-4, New Orleans is just as much a contender in the NFC South race as anyone else.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

The [sic] got Derek Carr back going good against the Colts. They needed that to turn their season back around.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

After averaging 51 yards on three catches Sunday, WR Rashid Shaheed now leads the NFL with 20.8 yards per reception. RB Alvin Kamara owns 18 career regular-season games with both 50 yards rushing and receiving after managing it again in Sunday's win at Indianapolis.

The Athletic -- Rank: 19

Something scary (for others): Taysom Hill

Like the horror movie villain who seems to move very slowly but constantly gains ground on his prey, Hill just keeps coming and coming. He had 44 yards passing and led the Saints in rushing (nine carries, 63 yards) on Sunday. In his seventh season, Hill has the highest rushing success rate (65.5 percent) of his career. On top of that, Alvin Kamara showed some flashes of being the Alvin Kamara of old Sunday.

FOX -- Rank: 21

The Colts were in the top half of the league in defensive DVOA heading into the weekend, so it feels significant that the Saints offense was able to bully them. The 38-27 win was New Orleans' first 500-yard game since 2020, which is the type of performance that makes you daydream. None of their next three opponents has a winning record, so it's an opportunity to show if this is sustainable.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 15

The Saints put up 511 yards and 38 points and while that says a lot about the Colts' defense, it's a reflection of the talent New Orleans has on offense. Maybe it's starting to come together. One thing that's clear: Big-play receiver Rashid Shaheed needs to be more involved. He's an impact playmaker.

PFT -- Rank: 19

If they can find some consistency, they can win the division.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 7 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

Lesson learned: The Saints didn't fix the offense in the offseason.

All of the things the Saints did in the offseason (signing Derek Carr, keeping Michael Thomas) have not solved any of the issues from last season. The Saints are averaging only 18.2 points per game, which ranks 24th in the league and is worse than last season's average of 19.4, and there doesn't seem to be a solution on the horizon. That means offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will continue to be scrutinized until the team improves. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

The Saints appear incapable of having all three units play well, or evenly passably, in the same game. The offense was strong in Week 5 but highly inconsistent on Sunday. The defense was pushed around early by the Texans. NFC Special Teams Player of the Week Blake Grupe missed two big kicks in the loss. Whatever Saints fans might think of offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., there are only so many fancy play calls that can overcome an underachieving offensive line and an erratic Derek Carr. The Saints have scored 20 fourth-quarter points in six games. Ten of those were in a blowout of the Patriots. Zero came in two brutal losses on the road, at Green Bay and at Houston. This is a decidedly average team until further notice.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 17

That was not a good look in losing to the Texans on the road. The offense moved the ball, but just couldn't score enough.

USA Today -- Rank: 18

Here's a crazy factoid: Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, Walter Payton is the only player to have more games (25) with a pass attempt, carry and catch than New Orleans' Taysom Hill (20).

The Athletic -- Rank: 19

The Saints' wins have come against teams with a combined record of 3-13, and they only beat the Titans by one. New Orleans is averaging 4.6 yards per play, which ranks 26th in the league, and 15.8 offensive points per game, which ranks 28th. Alvin Kamara's return from suspension hasn't provided the offensive boost the Saints had hoped for. He is averaging 3.8 yards per play, which ranks 33rd in the league.

FOX -- Rank: 22

It's hard to ignore the fact that the Saints' only good offensive performance of the season came against a Patriots team that's sinking deeper into the abyss by the week. Whether you're most frustrated by offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Derek Carr or the offensive line, you have a compelling point.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 19

The Saints have had multiple games this season in which they've put up a ton of yards and not many points. On Sunday they had 430 yards but scored just 13 points in a loss to Houston. You have to assume the scoring will catch up to the yards, but perhaps the inability to finish drives will be the Saints' downfall this season.

PFT -- Rank: 23

They need some consistency to have a chance to win the division.

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Saturday, October 14, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Fantasy surprise: TE Juwan Johnson

Johnson seemed like he was on the verge of a breakout fantasy season after finishing 15th in points in ESPN leagues for his position. His rapport with Derek Carr in training camp certainly indicated he could be a big part of the offense, but so far he has only seven receptions for 61 yards and has missed the last two games with an injury. He hasn't been a "go-to" option for this team with Michael Thomas, Rashid Shaheed, Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave taking the majority of the targets. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

Well, that fixed the Saints' offensive problems, right? OK, so that might be a stretch, but it was good to see them stretch things out a bit early -- and for Derek Carr to hold up a week after he didn't look quite right -- against a supposedly quality Patriots defense. They went back to a more conservative approach after a while, but who can blame them? New England had basically given up by that point. When you have a defense capable of blanking (and frankly humiliating) an opponent in its home stadium, you can accept less-than-perfect play on the other side of the ball. This really was a good win, with myriad contributors on both sides.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 12

They dominated the Patriots with an impressive defensive shutout. That side of the ball has been good all season long.

USA Today -- Rank: 15

Great sidebar to Sunday's 34-0 runaway in New England. TE Foster Moreau, a New Orleans native, scored his first TD with the Saints — and first since beating Hodgkin lymphoma during the offseason. Pretty cool story amid the NFL's annual "Crucial Catch" campaign for cancer screening.

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

The Saints took two defensive players in the top 40, but defensive linemen Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey have combined for only 15 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. Neither has played more than half of New Orleans' snaps. But how about the old guy? Wide receiver Michael Thomas, who hasn't had more than 450 receiving yards in a season since 2019, is New Orleans' leading receiver with 284 yards already.

FOX -- Rank: 18

Even if you take away Tyrann Mathieu's pick-six, 27 points is a big step in the right direction for the Saints' offense. As Alvin Kamara said himself, they've got too many good players to be so bad. Even if New England's defense is banged up, it's encouraging to see the Saints succeed against a typically stout opponent.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 14

The noise from Sunday will be around the Patriots being terrible, but let's credit the Saints, too. Their defense looked great, Derek Carr was efficient and they generally looked pretty good. You don't win games 34-0 in the NFL just because your opponent is bad.

PFT -- Rank: 16

The Saints will be the answer to the ultimate New England trivia question — who delivered the death blow to the Bill Belichick Patriots?

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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

Biggest issue on defense: Tackling

Saints coach Dennis Allen said the loss to the Buccaneers was "one of their worst tackling games," which allowed the Bucs to make some big plays to seal the victory. And after sacking the opposing quarterback seven times in the first two games, the defense has gotten to the quarterback only two times since. The Saints' defense was solid through their first 2.5 games, but they've made just enough mistakes in the past six quarters to where they can't overcome the offense's shortcomings. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

That's now seven straight games where the offense has scored 20 or fewer points. This one comes with an asterisk in that it involved Derek Carr playing at less than full strength. Carr missed some throws, for sure, but how many came as a result of his sore shoulder? That's hard to tell. The Saints were struggling offensively before Carr got hurt. The defense is pretty terrific, but how long can it hold teams down without some help? The Saints have only five touchdowns in four games; only one team, Cincinnati with four, has fewer. One of those TDs was a Rashid Shaheed punt return, so they're averaging one offensive touchdown per game. Somehow, some way, it must be fixed.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 19

The offense just didn't do enough against Tampa Bay. Derek Carr's shoulder injury clearly was an issue.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

How did RB Alvin Kamara catch 13 passes in his 2023 debut — 13 — and gain 33 yards? Even crazier when you consider one of those receptions went for 10 yards.

The Athletic -- Rank: 19

The Saints guaranteed Derek Carr $100 million in the offseason. They are tied for 25th in scoring (15.5 points per game) four games into the season. Coach Dennis Allen is now 17-40 all-time. New Orleans has the fourth-oldest roster in the NFL (per PFF) and is projected to be an NFL-worst $89 million over the salary cap next season. Other than that, everything is fine.

FOX -- Rank: 20

Should Derek Carr have been playing against Tampa? It didn't look like it, as he was under pressure all day and didn't look comfortable throwing the ball downfield. It's got to be frustrating to be the Saints. This is a really solid defense, but watching their offense is about as fun as watching paint dry.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 16

Alvin Kamara was back, and maybe it was a bad thing. He ended up with one of the weirdest lines you'll ever see: 14 targets, 13 catches, 33 yards. That's horrible. Derek Carr's shoulder injury probably led to him throwing short most of the game, but force-feeding Kamara low-value touches in the passing game could have been part of the plan, too. That has to change.

PFT -- Rank: 22

Where have you gone, Drew Brees?

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Saturday, September 30, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Biggest issue on offense: Offensive line

Saints coach Dennis Allen admitted after the Packers loss that the offensive line needs to protect better, but the unit might have to protect someone else besides quarterback Derek Carr, who is week-to-week after spraining the AC joint in his right shoulder Sunday. The Saints have allowed 12 sacks this season, and while they're not all on the offensive line, it's a problem that needs to be addressed moving forward. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

I was struggling to overlook the Saints' O-line issues prior to Derek Carr suffering a shoulder injury that forced him to leave the Week 3 loss to Green Bay. There's no hiding those issues now. Carr's injury was not directly the fault of the Saints' line, but their offensive troubles start with that group. On Sunday, left tackle Trevor Penning was flagged twice and left guard James Hurst was flagged once. Center Erik McCoy and Hurst also had tough reps in pass protection. The entire unit struggled to generate any movement in the run game. And on top of all that, RG Cesar Ruiz left with a concussion. With Carr week to week, who knows how they'll block should Jameis Winston start at QB? The Saints suddenly are entering a gut-check phase after their 2-0 start.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 13

The injury to Derek Carr is a bad thing, but blowing a 17-point lead late still shouldn't have happened. Carr's injury bears watching.

USA Today -- Rank: 16

Just as RB Alvin Kamara tags in from his three-game suspension, QB Derek Carr is likely tagging out for a bit to nurse his injured wing.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

QB confidence rating: 5

The question in New Orleans is who is the quarterback? For now, it's Jameis Winston. Starter Derek Carr suffered a sprained AC joint in Sunday's loss, and the Saints didn't score after he left the game. Winston did OK, going 10-for-16 for 101 yards after replacing Carr, but Winston was on the roster this offseason when New Orleans gave Carr a four-year contract that could be worth $150 million. That means the Saints clearly don't have a lot of confidence in Winston.

FOX -- Rank: 16

The Saints' pass protection was an issue well before Sunday, but it's an especially big problem now that we've seen Derek Carr get hurt. Hopefully, his shoulder injury isn't too serious, because the Saints stalled out even worse than usual after he left the field. And while the offense might've been the true culprit, it's still strange to see such a veteran defense collapse down the stretch.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 13

Once the Saints knew that Derek Carr was badly hurt, there had to be more urgency to close out a 17-0 lead in the fourth quarter. But they blew that game, allowing the Packers to outscore them 18-0 in the fourth quarter, and now Carr might miss a few weeks with an injured shoulder. That's how a great start to the season turns sour over about an hour.

PFT -- Rank: 17

It's time for Jameis Winston to shine. Or fail miserably trying.

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Thursday, September 21, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 10

Player: WR Michael Thomas
Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season

Thomas' contract automatically voids in 2025, but he's essentially playing on a one-year deal with the way his contract is structured. Thomas and the Saints reworked his contract in March due to massive roster bonuses that would have gone into effect this year, and they'll face a similar situation in 2024. This makes it an important season for Thomas, who played in only 10 regular-season games from 2020 to 2022 due to injuries. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 10

The Saints went the first 118-plus minutes of the season without allowing a touchdown -- against the Panthers on Monday, they became the final NFL team to surrender one this season. That's a testament to how good their defense is, but it's been a lot more effort on offense. Depending on the severity of the Jamaal Williams injury, New Orleans could be a little shorthanded in Green Bay on Sunday, with Alvin Kamara still suspended for another game. Tony Jones Jr. gave the Saints a spark in short-yardage situations, but they might need more big pass plays like the ones they got from Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed late in Week 2. You can see Derek Carr's frustration at times, but this passing game is still getting its timing down.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

Their defense is going to win a lot of games for them. The offense needs to do more, but that defense has a nasty look about it.

USA Today -- Rank: 8

The defense looks to be in midseason form, having held 10 consecutive opponents to 20 points or fewer. The offense does not, but QB Derek Carr is still acclimating and awaiting Alvin Kamara's return — which could be key given New Orleans' depleted running back room.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

OK, so the Saints aren't getting it done with offense. New Orleans is averaging 18 points per game, which ranks 26th in the league. But how about Derek Carr? The new Saints quarterback is averaging 7.7 yards per attempt, which ranks fifth in the league so far. Second-year wide receiver Chris Olave already has 198 receiving yards.

FOX -- Rank:

This might be the ugliest 2-0 start in the league, but all wins count the same. Running back injuries are starting to become a problem for the Saints, as they wait for Alvin Kamara to return from suspension. And the offensive line continues to struggle in pass protection. But the wide receivers are really fun, and the New Orleans defense has allowed just one touchdown in two games.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 9

The Saints have some explosive players. They're going to have to figure out why they're not turning yards into more points though. For the second straight week it felt like they should have scored way more. But they'll gladly take the 2-0 start.

PFT -- Rank: 19

September wins are money in the bank, and the Saints are squirreling away victories that could make a huge difference in January.

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Friday, September 15, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Best debut performance: K Blake Grupe
Week 1 stats: 3-for-3 on FGs, 1-for-1 on PAT

The Saints took a risk when they traded veteran Wil Lutz to the Broncos in favor of keeping a rookie. But Grupe proved why the Saints took the gamble. He kept them in the game through three quarters before the Saints were able to score a touchdown and was poised under pressure with a 52-yard field goal to tie things up 9-9 in the third quarter. Quarterback Derek Carr sealed the game late with a third-quarter touchdown, but Grupe quietly bolstered the Saints reasoning for keeping him on the 53-man roster. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

Derek Carr got his first win as a Saint, and the defense carried an outsized load in the victory over the Titans. But let's talk special teams, because those units helped tip the game in New Orleans' favor. Rookie kicker Blake Grupe won a camp battle and showed why against Tennessee, making all three field goals (including a game-tying 52-yarder) and his only extra point. He also blasted five touchbacks. Punter Lou Hedley is just as inexperienced, but he averaged 48.2 yards on five punts. Zack Baun's blocked punt -- with Steve Gleason in the house! -- shows why he made the team despite having a minimal role on defense. The Saints have some things to clean up, but there were subtle shades of 2006 magic on Sunday.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

Derek Carr looked sharp in his first start for the Saints. The defense played even better in dominating the Titans offense.

USA Today -- Rank: 12

Bit of a slow start offensively, yet encouraging nonetheless given the presence of WR Michael Thomas (5 catches, 61 yards) and temporary absence of RB Alvin Kamara.

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

Michael Thomas is back. After playing only 11 games since the 2019 season, the eighth-year wide receiver played 52 snaps and had five catches for 61 yards against the Titans. He was no Chris Olave (eight catches, 112 yards), but he still provided some warm and fuzzy memories for Saints fans.

FOX -- Rank: 17

I'm worried about the Saints' offensive line. Granted, Tennessee's defense is no slouch, but Derek Carr is not a guy who's going to create much if he's not well-protected. The Saints couldn't protect him Sunday, and they couldn't muster anything in the run game. We don't apologize for wins, but we also know offensive line woes are often a bad omen.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 13

Rashid Shaheed is a really good player. The Saints receiver had some impressive stats per snap last season as a rookie, and it carried over to Week 1 when he had 100 total yards and a touchdown. The Saints have a lot of weapons, and they need to turn those weapons into more than 16 points like they had Sunday.

PFT -- Rank: 23

They've been screwed by the officials in the past. Not on Sunday, with a bad call taking a touchdown off the board for Tennessee.

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Friday, September 8, 2023

New Orleans Saints Week 1 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 1 roundup for the New Orleans Saints in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

On the hot seat: DE Payton Turner

The No. 28 pick in the 2021 draft was a healthy scratch at times last season and was injured at other times. Saints coach Dennis Allen said he's looking for the guy to play next to Cameron Jordan, and a now-healthy Turner has a prime opportunity. If he doesn't take a step forward this season, the Saints will likely start looking elsewhere. -- Katherine Terrell

NFL.com -- Rank: 16

The year is 2023, and we're still talking about Michael Thomas and Jimmy Graham in New Orleans. How wild is that? Graham is back with the Saints for the first time since 2014, and it's a story few could have imagined after Graham didn't play in the league last season. But of the two, I believe it's Thomas who has the best chance to rewrite his career script -- and also make the Saints contenders this season. His injury issues have been nearly unending since 2020, but Thomas just might be ready for another big season after three years of pain. If Derek Carr has enough weapons and time to throw, the Saints could reclaim the NFC South in what feels like a transition period in the division.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 19

They have the tools to win the division, but age is creeping in at some spots. Getting Derek Carr does upgrade the quarterback spot, which is why they are favored to win the division.

USA Today -- Rank: 10

Being without RB Alvin Kamara (personal conduct policy violation) for the first three games is hardly ideal, but his absence could be more than offset if former All-Pro WR Michael Thomas is truly healthy ... to say nothing of the arrival of RB Jamaal Williams, who led the NFL with 17 rushing TDs in 2022. Oh yeah, and QB Derek Carr.

The Athletic -- Rank: 18

Best-case scenario: Benefitting from the easiest schedule in the league (by projected win total), New Orleans runs roughshod over the worst division in football. After finishing seventh in yards per route run (2.4) among all wide receivers last season (behind Hill, Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Waddle, Stefon Diggs and Davante Adams), Chris Olave emerges as a bona fide superstar with Derek Carr throwing him the ball. Michael Thomas remains intact, and the defense stays nasty. They rack up enough wins to make the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC go through the Superdome.

Worst-case scenario: Carr looks more like the 2022 version of himself than the 2021 version, and a roster that ranks as the oldest in the league suffers injury and steep decline.

FOX -- Rank: 14

I try not to overreact to preseason football, but I'm buying a little Saints hype after seeing Derek Carr in action with his new team. There's always going to be concern about the age and injury history of this roster. But the Saints have the best quarterback in the NFC South, the easiest strength of schedule in the league and a ton of veteran production. It's not going to be surprising if they win a lot of games, even if they're not quite as good as the league's elite.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 17

Derek Carr looked sharp in the preseason. Michael Thomas is still healthy. Alvin Kamara's three-game suspension wasn't close to as bad as it could have been. Juwan Johnson looks like a breakout tight end. And Chris Olave is going to be very good. This Saints offense is underrated going into the season.

PFT -- Rank: 24

They're good enough to win the division. Will they be good enough to win in the playoffs?

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