2014 Week 1 NFC Power Rankings

4. New Orleans Saints (2013 record: 11-5) Last season finish: Lost in NFC Divisional Round

Week 1 Matchup: at Atlanta Falcons 9/7 1:00 PM EST

Jimmy Graham and Drew Brees headline an offense that has a very talented cupboard of receivers. As talented as they are, the Saints leave an impression of softness. Former first round pick Mark Ingram has yet to make a dent in deterring Sean Peyton’s rotatio n of backs.

Khiry Robinson is another youthful back the Saints have on their roster. Unfortunately, the Saints achilles may be their willingness not to run the ball. Playoff football is won on the ground and as great as Jimmy Graham and Drew Brees are they have been neutralized in recent playoff stints.

The Saints did strike gold in free agency with ballhawk Jairus Byrd. However, I am interested to see how healthy he is coming off of back surgery this summer. I think it’s safe to say that New Orleans is the class of the NFC South. Just getting over the playoff hump has to be on the agenda for Sean Payton and company.