NFL Power Rankings, Week 13: 49ers thrash Packers, Patriots handle Cowboys
By Dan Parzych
![SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a first down during the first half of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a first down during the first half of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/19f93bf40056a324b2d0d62be612d2b7b29103443df5fd90ddf85449285a825e.jpg)
5. New Orleans Saints (6)
Even if some will claim the New Orleans Saints got lucky on Sunday during their 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers, all that matters for Sean Payton and company is the team held on for the victory.
As a result, the Saints currently hold a four-game lead in the NFC South race, and can soon focus their attention on competing for the top overall seed in the NFC playoff picture to provide an extra advantage come January.
For a quarterback his age, it’s amazing to continue watching Drew Brees play at a high level after the future Hall of Famer took advantage of playing in a strong offense once again in Week 12 by tossing three touchdown passes to help take down the Panthers.
From Michael Thomas catching 10 passes for 101 yards with a touchdown to Jared Cook emerging out of nowhere to catch six passes as well for 99 yards with a score, New Orleans continues to show just how dangerous of a team they can be on offense.
While defeating the Atlanta Falcons on Thanksgiving will be challenging as usual, the Saints are most likely looking ahead to their following game in Week 14 against the San Francisco 49ers since this could have all sorts of implications in the standings.