Power Rankings: Saints Breaking Back into the top 20

Here are how the five major power rankings view the New Orleans Saints heading into their Week 16 Thursday Night Football battle with the Los Angeles Rams.

NFL.com – 21 (+1)

“The victory on Sunday is the team’s second straight easy win at home, but in that time, how much have we learned about New Orleans?” The Saints didn’t take a two-score lead until late in the third quarter, which was after Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito had to leave for a brief period of time, much like in Week 14’s matchup with Carolina.

However, the fact that Derek Carr played without wide receiver Chris Olave or right tackle Ryan Ramczyk and had his cleanest, most effective game in a while was a healthy step. Despite punting on three of the first four possessions, Carr completed 23 of 28 passes, and the Saints’ offensive rhythm was superior.

They also didn’t hurt themselves with turnovers, red-zone collapses or penalties, even with two flags stalling one promising drive in the first half. That and a dominant defensive performance (seven sacks, 2 of 16 on third downs) was enough to keep the Saints in the division hunt.”

ESPN -17 (+4)

“We’re No. 1 … at pass breakups.

The Saints have been excellent at both taking the ball away and defending passes. They rank first in the league with 87 pass breakups, a significant lead over the Niners’ 75. Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo leads the team with 15 pass breakups this year. — Katherine Terrell”

Bleacher Report – 18 (+4)

“Derek Carr’s first season in New Orleans has not been smooth. He’s been jeered and beaten. It has been difficult for the Saints to score touchdowns.

But on Sunday against the Giants, Carr found his groove, finishing with a passer rating above 130, 218 passing yards, three touchdowns, and just five incompletions in 28 attempts. Considering that starting wide receiver Chris Olave was unable to play, the performance was even more remarkable.

With three games left to play, the Saints are a .500 team tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers atop the NFC South. The Saints were drilled at home by the Buccaneers in Week 4, and on New Year’s Eve the two teams will meet in Tampa.

That contest is about as must-win as it gets if Carr wants to avoid hearing more boos.”

CBS Sports – 19 (+3)

“They are tied for first place in the NFC South after beating the Giants. The defense came up big in that game, and they will need it again this week against the Rams.”

USA Today – 18 (+3)

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