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Saints near the top in new NFL power rankings

The New Orleans Saints were already highly-ranked in most of the national power rankings but they've jumped even higher after an impressive road win in Baltimore.

NFL power rankings, post-Week 7 edition:

1. Rams (1): They don't have that 'x' designation in the standings yet for officially clinching a playoff berth, but all 24 teams starting 7-0 since 1990 have reached postseason.

2. Saints (3): Secondary's ongoing struggles a little easier to stomach given no defense is stopping opposition running attacks more effectively.

What they're saying nationally about the Saints

3. Patriots (2): They've scored at least 38 points four weeks in a row. That's bound to get harder if Sony Michel or Gronk are down for significant periods.

4. Chiefs (4): Things that make you go, "Hmm." Kansas City has outscored its opponents by 78 points this season, yet outgained them by a mere 14 yards.

5. Chargers (5): They've won 11 of 14 dating to last season even while enduring the absence of so many key contributors, notably Joey Bosa and, Sunday, Melvin Gordon.

6. Vikings (9): Since losing 12-round decision to Rams, they've been quietly picking up steam while winning three straight. Big game Sunday vs. Saints.

Saints fans go crazy on Twitter after missed PAT

7. Ravens (6): Props to Justin Tucker for falling on his sword after first career PAT misfire. Also, replay shows wind totally blew that kick off target.

8. Steelers (7): Would you trade for Le'Veon Bell considering he hasn't even graced a practice field in nine months? And the vacation rolls onward.

9. Redskins (11): Slow and steady wins the race. No team averages more time of possession per drive (3:04) for a rare "3 yards and a cloud of dust" outfit.

10. Panthers (13): We hope you guys don't break Christian McCaffrey, who was playing an insane 95.2% of Carolina's snaps entering Week 7 action.

11. Packers (12): Hope y'all enjoyed your break. Next up, a visit to the unbeaten Rams, followed by a far easier tilt with the twice-beaten Patriots in Foxborough.

12. Bengals (8): Since entering NFL in 2011, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are oddly comfortable on Thursday nights (4-3). Other prime time slots? Just 2-12.

13. Eagles (10): They're not running ball effectively, they're not winning turnover battle with any regularity, and now they can't close. Time to worry.

14. Falcons (16): Perhaps no team needed bye more than this one. Atlanta gets chance to heal a bit but must play six of nine on road on other side of break.

16. Seahawks (17): Grieving club emerges from bye to face teeth of schedule. Next five opponents currently .500 (Detroit on Sunday) or better (other four).

17. Texans (18): Deshaun Watson not only driving bus for new AFC South leaders, he's taking 12-hour bus trips to get his battered body suited and booted.

18. Cowboys (19): New No. 1? Amari Cooper has averaged 46.7 receiving yards per game this season. Dallas' Cole Beasley is averaging 3.3 yards more.

19. Lions (23): Matthew Stafford threw 22 passes Sunday, second fewest of his career in a game he completed. He threw 21 in the other, also a Detroit win.

20. Dolphins (14): DeVante Parker just latest player who sure doesn't seem to enjoy playing for Adam Gase, who's "incompetent" ... per Parker's agent.

21. Buccaneers (26): They've rushed for four rushing touchdowns this season but have only gotten one from an actual running back (rookie Ronald Jones).

22. Browns (20): After going into overtime four times, one shy of the single-season record, a team that's basically played an extra game bound to wear down.

23. Titans (24): We applaud Mike Vrabel's guts as he determines what his team does well. Derrick Henry (3.3 ypc), Brian Orakpo (0 sacks) doing little well.

24. Jaguars (21): Maybe they should relocate to London. Jags have won three in a row at Wembley Stadium, where they'll take on Philadelphia in Week 8.

25. Jets (22): How can we expect consistency from a team that's worn four different-colored facemasks in seven weeks? (Only premium analysis in this space.)

26. Broncos (25): Von Miller and rookie Bradley Chubb are coalescing into pass rushing duo GM John Elway envisioned, their 14 sacks tops among teammates.

27. Colts (27): Indianapolis is 2-0 this year when Andrew Luck's sidearm fires 31 times or fewer. When he uses it more than 40 times? Yep, his team is 0-5.

28. Giants (31): They didn't play like a team that's dead in the water Monday. They also didn't play like a team that understands basic game management.

29. Bills (28): How to sum this up? Buffalo has scored 81 points for the entire season. Kansas City has put up 85 points ... in its past two games.

30. Cardinals (29): Welp. They're about to face the only team they've beaten, maybe the only team they'll defeat all year. Come on down, San Fran.

31. 49ers (30): Sunday was first game they've lost by more than two scores. It seemed inevitable bottom would eventually fall out for snakebitten team.

32. Raiders (32): Most teams utilize their bye week to rest and recover. Others trade their No. 1 wide receiver and shut down their No. 1 running back.

15. Bears (15): Mitch Trubisky is glad we only obsess over pass efficiency, not run efficiency. (FYI, shortest distance between two points is a straight line.)

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