Saturday, October 23, 2021

New Orleans Saints Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New Orleans Saints rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 12.0 (12th)
  • Best ranking: 9th (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 14th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 7 roundup for the Saints in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

The Saints might have had the most radical up-and-down swings in the entire league over the first four weeks: dominant win over Green Bay, blowout loss at Carolina, convincing victory at New England, epic fourth-quarter collapse against the Giants. But I have them right back at the exact same confidence number I would've chosen before Week 1. They have some flaws, most notably a lack of proven pass-catchers. But I still think this is a playoff-caliber team that will only get better as Jameis Winston keeps getting more comfortable in the offense and they get eight starters back from injuries (including WR Michael Thomas) and suspension. -- Mike Triplett

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

In the wake of a Week 6 bye, it feels like a good time for a check-in: How are we feeling about the Jameis Winston Experiment? Statistically, the veteran quarterback has been solid, throwing for nearly 900 yards with 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions during the Saints' 3-2 start. Of course, a closer study of the game tape reveals hints that the Winston of New Orleans is the same Winston who ran himself out of Tampa Bay. His usage -- topping 23 pass attempts in just one game so far -- tells you Sean Payton is loath to give his QB too much responsibility. We're a hard HOLD on this one.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

They come off the bye at 3-2 on the verge of getting a lot of key injured players back. Watch out as they get healthier. Sean Payton has done a nice job with this team.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Though somewhat skewed after bye week, who would have guessed a Sean Payton team would have attempted 29 fewer passes than any other club in the NFL?

The Athletic -- Rank: 14

Rookie Heat Check: New Orleans has uncovered a nice little trio on defense with rusher Payton Turner, linebacker Pete Werner and defensive back Paulson Adebo. The collective is playing well at every level of the defense, and each has had their bright moments. Adebo may be the best of the group, though. He's started all five games and is fourth in tackles (23). That's two behind Werner's 25.

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