The New Orleans Saints have lost their last three games, and any momentum built from their victory over the Indianapolis Colts has been lost as well. Even their win versus the Chicago Bears, prior to the losing streak, showcased a struggling offense.
Losing to the Atlanta Falcons in the midst of this losing streak has taken the Saints out of first place in the NFC South and put them into chase mode. They aren’t far away but they’re going to need to get back into the win column in order to stay in contention for the divisional title or a wild card spot.
New Orleans dropped in most power rankings, but stayed constant in a couple. Here’s where they stand heading into Week 14:
NFL.com
Current Ranking: 22nd
Last Week’s Ranking: 17th
Author: Eric Edholm
Author’s Take:
It seems clear Saints fans haven’t quite warmed up to QB Derek Carr yet, and Sunday was a fascinating case study of that relationship. Carr started slowly, and though his interception went off the hands of Juwan Johnson, Saints fans booed Carr anyway. Then he got hot, hitting 15 straight passes beginning in the second quarter, helping cut a 24-7 deficit to 24-21 during a third-quarter flurry. But when Carr lost a fumble on a poor center exchange, the fans booed more. He left the game a few minutes later with injuries, and Jameis Winston gave the Saints a chance to win it late, but quarterbacking wasn’t the only factor here. The Saints’ defense, once the team’s unquestioned strength, now is a question mark, as the Lions flexed their muscles often against that group.
Our Take: The Saints defense recent struggles hurts the optimism around the team. The early struggles on both sides of the ball have led to early holes the Saints couldn’t dig themselves out of.
Yahoo! Sports
Current Ranking: 21
Last Week’s Ranking: 18
Author: Frank Schwab
Author’s Take:
Derek Carr is in the concussion protocol after his second one in less than a month, and that might lead to a week off. Jameis Winston would start if Carr can’t play. Carr got booed on Sunday as he continues a miserable first season in New Orleans, and it won’t get better with his injuries piling up.
Our Take: The quarterback situation in New Orleans is bad. You can argue between Carr and Jameis, but the answer isn’t on the New Orleans roster. Carr isn’t in any danger of losing his job, but it would be fun to see Jameis as the starter for a full game.
The 33rd Team
Current Ranking: 21
Last Week’s Ranking: 21
Author: Ryan Reynolds
Author’s Take:
Derek Carr is in the concussion protocol for the second time in a month, which means Jameis Winston likely will take over at quarterback. The New Orleans Saints’ offense has struggled to finish drives all season with Carr, but he’s at least kept them competitive. Winston has his moments, but he’s been a turnover machine throughout his career.
With Carr, the Saints likely get to 7-7 with games against bottom-tier teams in the Panthers and Giants. With Winston, New Orleans is more vulnerable to an upset. All of that said, if the Saints start playing to their potential, they can catch Atlanta for the NFC South crown.
Our Take: The Saints stay stagnant on this list, and that’s a great word to describe New Orleans, stagnant. I think the evaluation of the quarterback play is a bit unfair. Winston has his turnovers, but he’s found success with New Orleans in the past. He’s also helped close some deficits as well.
ESPN
Current Ranking: 21
Last Week’s Ranking: 21
Author: ESPN Nation
Author’s Take:
Granderson won the starting job in camp and has played in all 12 games while matching last season’s sack total (5.5). He also set a career high in QB hits (12) and leads the team in sacks in a year in which it hasn’t been able to get much from its pass rush. Receiver Rashid Shaheed was also a candidate here, with several game-changing plays in his second season with the team. — Katherine Terrell
Our Take: Granderson and Shaheed are two of the Saints breakout players in 2023. Each has come into their own and established themselves as starters on the offense and defense. In a year consumed by frustration, they have been bright spots on the team.
USA Today
Current Ranking: 25
Last Week’s Ranking: 24
Author: Nate Davis
Author’s Take:
RB Alvin Kamara needs two more TD receptions to join Christian McCaffrey and Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk and Lenny Moore as the only ones with 50 career rushing touchdowns and 25 receiving. Question now is, who’s throwing the ball to him in New Orleans?
Our Take: New Orleans drops down one spot for their lowest entry of the roundup thus far, 25. The questions at quarterback are going to be the most prevalent through the week. Carr being in concussion protocol for the second time this season will likely leave those questions unanswered until gameday.
CBS Sports
Current Ranking: 23
Last Week’s Ranking: 20
Author: Pete Prisco
Author’s Take:
Losing to the Lions was tough enough, but Derek Carr got hurt as well. They just haven’t looked right this season.
Our Take: If you’re looking for the Saints in NFL rankings, I suggest you start your search in the 20’s. The Saints season-long inconsistencies offensively have yet to be corrected. Sometimes the red zone is good and sometimes the team looks lost.
