2018 NFL Power Rankings: Wild Card edition

5. New Orleans Saints

11-5 (NFC South champions)

No. 4 Seed in NFC

All told, Sean Payton’s team looked like it was on course for another subpar season. Two weeks into 2017, losses to the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots had the club off to a dubious start. This was a New Orleans Saints’ squad coming of three consecutive 7-9 finishes. Giving up a combined 65 points in your first pair of outings didn’t make for a promising beginning.

Then came a stunning 34-13 win at Carolina. It was the start of an eight-game winning streak and a change of direction for the club. The defense had suddenly rose to the occasion. And veteran quarterback Drew Brees, who hit on an astounding 72 percent of his throws, was complimented by a potent ground attack led by Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara.

Talk about balance? The Saints own the league’s second-ranked offense and are both fifth in the NFL in rushing and passing yards per game. Payton’s team totaled 46 offensive touchdowns – 23 on the ground and 23 through the air. Kamara is a strong rookie of the year candidate. Both he (1,554) and Ingram (1,540) racked up their share of yards from scrimmage, and the 2017 third-round pick also led the Saints with 14 total touchdowns.

Defensively, the club allowed only 326 points this season. Consider that this squad allowed 420-plus points in each of their previous three seasons and the turnaround was dramatic. All told, the Saints captured their first NFC South title since 2011 and first playoff berth since ’13. It’s safe to say this is a very dangerous team going forward.

Next: No. 4