NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: Packers bounce back, Seahawks stumble

By Randy Gurzi | Oct 26, 2020

Oct 25, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams (30) celebrates with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

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2020 NFL Power Rankings. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints. 10. team. 15. . . Previous: 10th

The New Orleans Saints continue to be without Michael Thomas but he’s not the only star wide receiver they were without in Week 7. Emmanuel Sanders, who has been developing a better rapport with quarterback Drew Brees in recent weeks, was a late-week scratch as well.

Mike Triplett of ESPN said that head coach Sean Payton told reporters on Friday that Thomas would continue to miss time with a hamstring injury and Sanders was going to be home as he came down with COVID-19.

"“Michael Thomas has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that crept up this week. in addition to his pre-existing ankle injury. And Emmanuel Sanders will miss the game after testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, coach Sean Payton told reporters Friday.” — Mike Triplett, ESPN"

With them out, the Saints turned to Marquez Callaway who had a career day. The undrafted rookie had eight receptions on 10 targets for 75 yards. Deonte Harris also stepped up, hauling in his first career touchdown, and veteran Jared Cook also got in on the scoring.

Add all that up and the Saints did just enough to knock off the Panthers by a score of 27-24. They’re staying afloat even without some of their stars and could be dangerous once fully healthy.

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