Power Rankings Roundup: A primetime road win makes more Saints believers

The New Orleans Saints are winners of six straight after knocking off the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. Perhaps what’s even more impressive is the fact that their 6-1 record features four road wins. Week 9’s power rankings across the NFL have them mainly considered a Top 3 squad, being ranked as high as No. 1 and as low as No. 4. Do you agree or disagree?

ESPN — 3rd (Previous Week: 4th)

The Saints’ defense came up big in Sunday night’s win at Minnesota, forcing two game-changing turnovers. But it still ranks 28th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game, 30th in passing yards per attempt allowed and 30th in opponents’ passer rating. They need to continue their recent improvement -- especially with the Rams’ potent offense coming to town in Week 9.

NFL.com — 4th (Previous Week: 4th)

From team off to a rough start to quiet Super Bowl contender. That’s the arc of the Saints’ 2018 campaign thus far. Three days before Halloween, New Orleans re-entered the house of its playoff horrors -- and proceeded to wallop the Vikings on defense and special teams.

Notable: Drew Brees threw for 120 yards, his lowest total since Week 17, 2006, a meaningless game during his first year with the team (he only threw five passes).

Also notable: Marcus Davenport has four sacks. #NotbadforthedudenoonewantedtheSaintstomoveupfor

SB Nation — 4th (Previous Week: 4th)

The NFL’s top contenders seem pretty clear at the halfway point of the season. The Rams, Patriots, Chiefs, and Saints have imposed their will on their opposition and are paving their paths toward the playoffs.

Those teams make up the top four of our Week 9 NFL power rankings with the Chargers placing fifth following their bye week. The 8-0 Rams just keep winning and though the Packers came close to beating them, Los Angeles kept their streak alive. Next up for the Rams will be the Saints. Will LA remain undefeated coming out of Week 9?

Sporting News — 1st (Previous Week: 2nd)

The Saints went on the road and survived in Baltimore and then thrived in Minnesota. Their reinforced running game and defense are back to supporting MVP-worthy play from Drew Brees at an elite level.

Yahoo — 3rd (Previous Week: 4th)

I’ve long said that my main focus in Power Rankings is figuring out, if Team A played Team B on a neutral field, who would win? Even though the Saints aren’t higher on the list, I’m not sure I’d pick anyone over the Saints right now in that scenario. We’ll find out where they stand Sunday, as they take on the Rams in perhaps the best matchup of the NFL regular season.

USA Today — 2nd (Previous Week: 2nd)

Treat — Eli “Candy” Apple made team-high nine tackles in New Orleans debut. New club thinks he’ll fit in nicely with five fellow Buckeyes.

CBS Sports — 2nd (Previous Week: 2nd)

That was an impressive road victory against the Vikings. The defense is making strides by the week.