NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) ,Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23), and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) take a breather during a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.The Vikings defeated the Bengals 34-7.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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7. New Orleans Saints

Still wondering what could have been against the Minnesota Vikings, that dreadful game is in the rearview mirror for the Saints. Their activity in early free agency shows the team is committed to a Super Bowl run while the window is still open. As per usual, it starts and ends with No. 9. The team wasted no time signing Drew Brees on a two-year, $50 million deal. Now at 39, Brees is still playing at an MVP level, now surrounded by a multitude of young talent.

Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara make the Saints a well-balanced machine, something Brees has had seldom in his career. The same can be said for the defense, that’s becoming a dominant force led by rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Other key signings like Demario Davis, Patrick Robinson, and Kurt Coleman give much-needed roster help in that department. This is no longer the team that’s going to beat you solely with Brees’ arm.

The Saints came out atop of a loaded NFC South division last season and have the tools to do the same again. Brees’ ability continually puts Sean Payton’s team at the top of the NFL power rankings every year and for good reason.

Micky Loomis’ ability to quickly rebuild and develop talent through the draft has put the Saints in this position. Consider them legitimate threats among the NFC’s best this season.

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