Niner Noise
FanSided

Why the Saints are a dark-horse candidate to make Super Bowl LII

ByChris Wilson|
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws to an open receiver during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws to an open receiver during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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Saints Super Bowl
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 03: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Saints are one of the NFL’s best teams

The Saints have a potent offense — they led the league in yards per play, net yards per pass attempt, yards per rush and were fourth in the NFL in total points. New Orleans was also second in yards per drive, and top 10 in red-zone conversion percentage. Football Outsiders ranked the Saints’ offense the second best offense in the NFL.

The Saints’ defense — their downfall in recent seasons — was a positive in 2017. New Orleans was top 10 in points allowed, sacks and turnovers. Football Outsiders ranked the Saints’ defense eighth best in the league, after ranking them second worst in the NFL in 2016.

One reason for New Orleans’ strength this season was their excellent rookie class. Of Pro Football Focus’  top-10 ranked rookies of 2017, four of the players wear black and gold, including cornerback Marshon Lattimore and the explosive running back Alvin Kamara:

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