Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints passes the ball in the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints passes the ball in the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

7. New Orleans Saints

As long as Drew Brees is healthy and playing at this level, the Saints are going to have a chance to win any game they play in. This offense can be just that good. The combination of Brees, Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara make the group a threat to score on any play.

There is some question as to whether or not the Saints can run the ball effectively this season. That will be a particular challenge during Mark Ingram’s four game suspension to start the season. No lasting conclusions should be drawn about the Saint offense until Ingram is back into the fold.

The New Orleans defense is also armed with two All-Pro players. Both Marshon Lattimore and Cameron Jordan can change the game from their respective positions. It’s up for debate whether or not the Saints have enough surrounding defensive talent to maximize their talent.

That means players like Marcus Davenport will need to really step up. The Saints paid a high price on draft day to acquire him, but making the jump from UT-San Antonio to the pros is not easy. The way he’s playing at the end of the season is much more important than how he looks during Week 1.

Expect the Saints to be in contention for a division title down the stretch. The NFC South is going to be a fist fight, but Brees gives this team a chance to win it all.