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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