Brad Biggs' Week 10 NFL rankings
Last week's rankings in parentheses.
___
1. Saints 7-1 (2)
Drew Brees returned before the open date, but the Saints defense has been a bigger story. The Saints have held their last five opponents to 257 yards or fewer, and three of those opponents have scored 10 points or fewer. This might be the most complete team Sean Payton has had during his impressive run in New Orleans. That makes the Saints very dangerous as they prepare for the stretch run, beginning with four consecutive NFC South games - home against the Falcons, at the Buccaneers, home against the Panthers and at the Falcons. That's a pretty easy stretch for Brees and the rock-solid defense.
2. 49ers 8-0 (3)
The unrelenting ground game and emerging defense led by rookie defensive end Nick Bosa has garnered the majority of attention in the 49ers' undefeated season, so much so that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been viewed as the weak link for the NFC West leaders. Garoppolo took a large step toward changing that narrative on Thursday night against the Cardinals when he completed 28 of 37 passes for 317 yards, a career-high four touchdowns and a passer rating of 136.9, also a career best. Garoppolo was razor sharp on third down, hitting on 12 of 14 attempts for 159 yards and three touchdowns, making some key throws in the game's final three minutes to put the Cardinals away. Garoppolo is 16-2 in 18 career starts, and if he can continue to play well with the addition of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, the 49ers will be extra dangerous.
3. Ravens 6-2 (7)
The Ravens made as big a statement as you will see in the NFL midseason when they pounded the Patriots 37-20 on Sunday night. They rushed for 210 yards on 41 carries, controlling the clock for more than 37 minutes. It was an interesting contrast in style and the Ravens won out with electric quarterback Lamar Jackson, who ran for
