New Orleans Saints

NFL power rankings after week 4: Where are the New Orleans Saints ranked?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The NFL season is four weeks in now. There is at least some trends starting to build in both the NFC and the AFC, as far as who’s the best and worse. Now let’ s see where your team ranks through the first quarter of the season.

Next: 32. Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 18: A Cleveland Browns fan looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

Anyone suprised here? I didn’t think so. The Browns are the sole winless team in the NFL at 0-4. The Browns have been outscored by an average of 10 plus points a game. There’s really nothing else to say, but the bad ownership continues. Hey at least they have the Cavs and the Indians there now though.

CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 29: Miami Dolphins players take off from the line of scrimmage against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Paul Brown Stadium on September 29, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Dolphins 22-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

Other than the eye popping color rush uniforms, the Dolphins have been hard to watch. They are averaging a mere 17.8 points a game with an unimpressive ranking of 26th in total offense at 329.8 yards. The only team they beat were the Cleveland Browns. Case closed.

CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 1, 2016: Head coach John Fox of the Chicago Bears stands on the sideline during a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on September 1, 2016 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Chicago won 21-7. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

The Bears are now facing two behemoths in their division, the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Brian Hoyer now takes the reigns as the starting quarterback going into week five after a very good performance against the Lions. Hoyer was 28 for 36 and 302 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Bears though, have too much of an uphill battle. Another losing season is very likely.

SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Chip Kelly of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

With all the controversy surrounding the 49ers, things could be worse. The 49ers have Carlos Hyde running the ball at 4.1 yards a clip and 299 total rushing yards. He’s also got five touchdowns to add. Their turnover ratio is +2 which is respectable too. The problem, like the Bears is the surprising rise of the NFC West especially the Rams. Blaine Gabbert is at best shaky but 1-3 can be overcome. The next four games will tell a lot about this team.

Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive back B.W. Webb (28) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints were beyond lucky this past Sunday, but it doesn’t really matter. The Black and Gold sit at 1-3 and have reason to hope. The Saints have been oh so close in the two of three losses to the Raiders and the Giants. They lost by a combined four points in those games. The Saints go into the bye week with a lot of hope and momentum. The defense is still shaky at best. However, some of these younger defensive backs are growing up in a hurry. The main problem is cutting down on the mistakes when the game is on the line.

LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 2: Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) carries the ball in for a touchdown on a short pass from Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the fourth quarter in a game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on October 2, 2016 in Landover, Md. Washington beat Cleveland 31-20. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The Redskins have won two in a row somehow. They beat the Browns on Sunday and the New York Giants the previous week. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for three touchdowns last Sunday, and the offense is starting to click. While I do have the Redskins ranked the lowest of the 2-2 teams, if they keep winning adjustments will be made. Right now their defense is still defenseless giving up an average of 28 points a game and 413 yards of total offense. The Skins will still finish last unless their defense shows signs of improvement.

02 October, 2016: Tennessee Titans free safety Rashad Johnson (25) leaps over Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (87) during the NFL game between the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Tennessee Titans sit at 1-3 at the present. The only win for the Titans was against the lowly Detroit Lions a couple of weeks ago. The defense has been good enough to keep them within striking distance by giving up only 21 points a game. The AFC South is still wide open for any team to take the division. Your guess is as good as mine, as who wins this division.

October 2, 2016: NY Jets fan watches warm up before the New York Jets versus the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Dennis Schneidler/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Jets are 1-3 after a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The fact that they are 1-3 is amazing considering the -10 turnover differential. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is having a rough start to the year so far with the 10 interceptions against only four touchdowns. Luckily, they at least have Matt Forte running the ball that brings their ranking to 12th in rushing at 112.5 yards a game. The fact is though, no one is coming out of this division except for the Patriots for the postseason.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Blake Bortles of Jacksonville in action during the NFL International Series match between Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

The Jaguars have a lot to be hopeful for being 1-3. First, they went to London and got their first victory against a division foe at that. Second, the defense is playing very well giving up only 304.5 yards a game. The Jags could still easily win this division if the offense can produce. The line has given up 12 sacks already and the running game is walking at this point. They have a bye week then go up against the Chicago Bears.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 18: A fan of the Detroit Lions watches action during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field on September 18, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. The Titans defeated the Lions 16-15. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Those poor Lions fans…The Detroit Lions win their opener 39-35 against the Colts but have now dropped three straight. Most of the games have been very close, 16-15 against the Titans and 17-14 loss against the Chicago Bears. The Lions get Philly next week. Looks like 1-4 will be staring them in the face.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Andrew Luck

The Colts should be at least a contender in the weak AFC South division this year. Their offense seems to be rolling along with Andrew Luck and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. However, the defense is giving up 31.2 points a game. This team should be better, and will go just that going forward. Look for them to be close to .500 at the mid season point.

TAMPA BAY, FL – OCTOBER 02: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston

I’m sticking by with my prediction of the Bucs winning this division. Although the Buccaneers look absolutely atrocious on both sides of the ball right now. My faith lies with quarterback Jameis Winston. He’s been average at best with eight interceptions and eight touchdowns. We will know a lot more when they face the Panthers next week in Carolina.

October 2, 2016 – San Diego Chargers End-Zone
Boys encouraging the Charger defense during the NFL Football game between the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Tom Walko/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Chargers lost one of the most embarrassing games in their history last Sunday. The collapse was simply legendary. They will need to dig deep this week for a critical division game against the Oakland Raiders. After that, they will play Denver twice and Atlanta. So the schedule will get a lot tougher quickly. The psyche of this team will be pushed to the brink after the heartbreaking loss. I’m just not seeing it. Raiders also look for real.

ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Rex Ryan and assistant head coach/defense Rob Ryan of the Buffalo Bills watches game action from the sideline against the Arizona Cardinals on September 25, 2016 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Arizona 33-18. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills find themselves relevant coming into week five of the season. They won last week against the Triple AAA version of the New England Patriots and have won two in a row. The defense is coming along nicely giving up only 17 points game. Lesean Mccoy is running the ball well, averaging 4.4 yards a carry with three touchdowns. Can the Bills compete to the very end? That is the question.

Football: Arizona Cardinals fan tailgating before game vs Los Angeles Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Glendale, AZ 10/2/2016
CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)
(Set Number: SI571 TK1 )

It’s shocking to see my Super Bowl pick ranked down this low after the first quarter. However, this is where the Cardinals belong. Last week they loss to the Rams 17-13 which means, either the Rams are better than people thought, or the Cardinals are not Super Bowl material. I expect a full rebound when the rankings come out mid season. The stats are there to support that the Cardinals are better than 1-3. Carson Palmer just needs to make better decisions.

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 2: Cam Newton

Another team that is underachieving this season is the Carolina Panthers. While the Panthers have had a tough schedule to begin the year, no one probably saw a 1-3 start for the NFC champions from last year. They have a big Monday Night Football game upcoming against the Bucs. This will be pretty much a knockout game. Cam Newton also got hurt with a concussion last Sunday. His status is unknown at this time. Regardless, they’ll need a win to keep pace with the Falcons.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 03: Odell Beckham Jr.

The Giants started off 2-0 and have dropped the last two games. The Minnesota Vikings decimated the Giants last Sunday 24-10. Odell Beckham Jr. was nowhere to be found, and there is really no room for error in the new look NFC East. Philadelphia looks awfully strong right now and the Giants will go to Green Bay to face the Packers on Sunday Night Football. Eli Manning is once again struggling to find his rhythm with four touchdowns and four interceptions.

HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 09: Kansas City Chiefs fans cheer against the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Kansas City won 30 to 0. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)

The Chiefs go into week five with a 2-2 record. They were blasted last week by the Steelers 43-14. The Chiefs have been very much up and down all year so far. With Jamaal Charles out, running back Spencer Ware has been taking up the running duties. He’s done very well averaging 5.3 yards a carry and 284 yards. The Chiefs will be around playoff time, its just a matter of clicking at the right time. They go into a bye week and then play the Raiders in Oakland.

CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 29: Andy Dalton

The Bengals come into week five at 2-2. They beat the Miami Dolphins last week 22-7. The Bengals have a very balanced team being ranked in the top 20 in offense and defense. The defense ranks a little better at 13th in allowing only 20.5 points a game. Andy Dalton has been playing average with three touchdowns against only two interceptions. He has thrown for over an average of 300 yards per game. The division is very competitive with the Steelers the team to beat.

GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 02: Todd Gurley

The Rams could be the surprise team of the year starting off 3-1 so far. Their defense is tough by only giving up only 19 points a game. Quarterback Case Keenum has run a conservative offense that is giving the Rams a chance to win weekly. Running back Todd Gurley is helping, by adding 216 rushing yards so far, but he will need to bring up his average from 2.6 yards a carry. The Rams come off their most impressive win against the Cardinals 17-13. They are 2-0 already in their division.

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 18: J.J. Watt

The Houston Texans come in leading by a full two games in the division leading into week five. The Texans hold a 3-1 record over all the other three teams with a 1-3 record. The defense is ranked 8th at present allowing only 18.2 points a game and 287.8 yards of offense. The main issue with the Texans is their offense. Specifically, Brock Osweiler will need to perform better than his five touchdowns against six interceptions. Houston will continue to be the team to beat this season.

BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 2: Joe Flacco

The Ravens always bring a good team in every year consistently. This year they start 3-1 to tie the Steelers for the AFC North division lead. The defense is staunch as usual, ranking 7th in points at 18 points a game, and their offense is doing just enough by averaging 21 points a game. Running back Terrance West is running the ball at 4.3 yards a clip with 232 yards total. The key for them going forward is grinding out the close games heading into the postseason.

SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 02: Brice Butler

Dallas Cowboys’ fans were very panicky when Tony Romo went down with a serious injury, but Dak Prescott has come in and performed beautifully. Prescott has yet to throw an interception so far and has performed like a veteran. There’s no doubt that Ezekiel Elliott has been the meat and potatoes part of the team. Elliott has run for 412 yards and 4.4 yards per carry. The Cowboys has won three in a row and will play the Bengals next week. Dallas will need to keep winning to keep pace with the red hot Philadelphia Eagles.

BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Derek Carr

The Oakland Raiders crack the top 10 in the rankings this week because of steady play each week. Their only loss was to the Titans 17-10 in week three. The Raiders’ offense is rolling, averaging 27 points a game and 392.2 yards a game, which ranks them in the top three offenses in the NFL. Derek Carr is simply on fire throwing for nine touchdowns against only one interception. Next week they play an important division game against the Chargers. We’ll see if they can keep up with the Denver Broncos.

GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers

The Packers come in at a respectable 2-1 record chasing the Vikings at the top of the division. The Packers are solid on both ends of the ball ranking in the top 17 in both categories. The Pack had a very early bye week in week four and have only played three games so far. They will play the Giants next week on Sunday Night Football in week five.

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 2: Matt Ryan

Being a Saints fan, it’s hard to admit the Falcons are playing some good football, but there seems to be something different about Matt Ryan this year. Right now the Falcons are leading the league with 38 points a game on offense. Their defense is still suspect at 29th allowing 31 points a game. That being said, if the Falcons keep rolling on offense they have a real chance of possibly representing the NFC come January.

GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 11: Fans hold up ‘Free Brady’ signs in response to the suspension of quarterback Tom Brady (not pictured) of the New England Patriots during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots sit at 3-1 after a respectful showing without Tom Brady in the lineup because of the four game suspension. Bill Belicheck has once again showed all of us up once again. After the media predicted that a 2-2 start would be good enough, the Pats went beyond that with different quarterbacks behind center. Brady will get a break with his first game back against the Cleveland Browns in week five. My money is still on the Patriots to make it out of the AFC.

02 OCT 2016: Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) calls out his cadence during the NFL Football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire)

The Steelers are a very common pick to represent the AFC this year. They come starting with a 3-1 record and are coming off their best performance last week winning 43-14 over the Chiefs. Their only lost came to the Eagles 34-3 in week three. Roethlisberger has started off with a chip on his shoulder. He’s thrown for 11 touchdowns against only four interceptions. The Steelers will likely battle the Bengals all year long for the division title.

02 OCT 2016: Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) during the game between the New York Jets and the Seattle Seahawks played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford,NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Seahawks once again will be Super Bowl contenders. The defense is only giving up 13.5 points game and 264 yards of total offense on average. They may be suprised to see the Rams tied up there with them, but I fully expect the Seahawks to be in first by season’s end. The Hawks get a bye week and then play Atlanta. That game should be a very entertaining matchup with opposing strengths.

CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 25: Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) has his eye on on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the fourth quarter but is held by Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi (70) on the play September 25, 2016 at Paul Brown Stadium. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Most of the media has the Broncos in first place at this point of the season. While they’ve earned one of the top spots, the Broncos are not yet proven to be Super Bowl worthy just yet. Their starting quarterback is out, and rookie Paxton Lynch now has the quarterback reigns right now. The defense is still the dominant force that led them to the Lombardi Trophy last year. Time will tell if the Broncos can repeat once again.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 03: Xavier Rhodes

The Minnesota Vikings are for real! After last week’s beating of a pretty good Giants team, this team is ready to take the next step. The defense is relentless, only giving up an average of 12.5 points a game. The offense isn’t bad as well averaging 22 points game. This team is made to make a run at the Super Bowl. A 4-0 start this year is no fluke.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Wentz

The Philadelphia Eagles are no doubt the best team in the NFL right now. The Eagles have played only three games so far but that thrashing of the Steelers 34-3 was enough for me. Carson Wentz is also the golden treasure franchise quarterback the franchise have been looking for since Donovan Mcnabb left. The defense even further is ridiculous, only giving up nine points a game ,while the offense is putting up nearly 31 points game. There is no one even close to what Philly is doing right now.