Following the conclusion of opening week in the new 2025-26 season, a lead writer for NFL.com , Eric Edholm, gave his updated NFL Power Rankings of all 32 franchises. If you scroll long enough, you'll find the New Orleans Saints.
Falling short of the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday, the Saints found themselves neither elevating nor dropping in position but remaining in the same ranking they were given before the face-off in the Caesars Superdome. Based on each franchise's individual performances during their season debut, the Saints were ranked dead last among all organizations.
Although making it a point to express that the Saints performance Sunday wasn't "worst-team-in-the-league bad," someone had to be listed last. Edholm determined the team that best fits the placement belongs to the Saints.
A win vs. the 49ers can take the Saints out of last place
To some in the sports world, the Saints have nothing to smile about looking back on Sunday, but even in the loss to the Cardinals, Eric Edholm doesn't view it as all bad in New Orleans.
First, noting that QB Spencer Rattlers' play Sunday didn't give any immediate reason for him to lose the starting job. Now facing a banged up 49ers team, his play will be vital if the Saints are to climb the NFL power rankings.
However, speaking on the opposite side of the ball, Edholm acknowledged the defense struggles in getting ball carriers to the ground, along with difficulty maintaining gap integrity, which played a key factor in Arizona's ability to move the ball. But going against an offense plagued with an injury bug that's keeping multiple starters off the field, the Saints defense has the better chance to win the day.
With plenty of football ahead of us, every franchise still has the chance to flip its ranking right on its head, for better or for worse. Hosting the San Francisco 49ers for their week 2 showdown, the Saints look to secure their first victory of the year. A win could help them dig out of the hole that keeps them at last in the power ranking.