NFL power rankings: Week 8 sees the Eagles sitting at No. 1

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 22: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs for yards during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 22, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

15. . 4-2. . New Orleans Saints. 13. team

Another thing I didn’t expect to write this deep into the 2017 season — the Saints are first in the NFC South. Certainly I would have predicted the Falcons, perhaps the Panthers or maybe even the Buccaneers as dark-horse candidates.

That’s the parity of the NFL, though.

Granted, the Saints didn’t have to worry about facing Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 7. But road wins are tough regardless who’s under center, and that’s exactly what New Orleans pulled off. And the Saints defense, much criticized in recent years, ended up holding the Packers to just 260 all-purpose yards.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Of course, quarterback Drew Brees didn’t have his best game, tossing two interceptions against a touchdown. But with the maturation of rookie running back Alvin Kamara, Brees didn’t have to be the best player on the field.

Kamara was a stud, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown in the process.