NFC South Power Rankings after Week 1

3. New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints were one of three NFC South teams to pull out a victory in Week 1, so putting them here at no. 3 isn't necessarily a knock. But, their game against the Tennessee Titans was one of the uglier, grittier and more physical games of the weekend.

Quarterback Derek Carr was beat up and pushed around much of the game, but found a way to throw the game-winning touchdown in the end. In the fourth quarter with the game tied 9-9, Carr hit Rashid Shaheed and the Saints went up 16-9.

From there, it was about New Orleans' defense hanging on and being able to seal the victory. The Saints' offense couldn't do much on their drive following the touchdown, giving the ball right back to the Titans to try and pull off a fourth quarter comeback. In the end, though, New Orleans' defense held their own.

Speaking of their defense, the Saints picked off Ryan Tannehill three times and held Derrick Henry to 63 yards on 15 carries. It was an uglier game, overall, which is why it's tough to put the Saints higher than third on this list. But, they'll have plenty of chances to move up from here on out.