We conclude my NFC South Top 25 with No. 1:

Drew Brees, quarterback, Saints

What he did in 2012: Brees completed 422 of 670 passes (63 percent) for 5,177 yards, 43 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

Why he’s No. 1 in 2013: The numbers Brees put up in 2012 would have represented a fantastic season for most quarterbacks. But Brees has set the bar so high that last season was only ordinary for him. I expect him to bounce back in a big way. Coach Sean Payton is back from his suspension and that means a return to normalcy for the Saints, who had to play for two interim head coaches last year. Payton has had a year to think of even more ways to make this offense more dynamic. The Saints still are loaded at the skill positions and that means Brees’ numbers could be through the roof. There’s one other big reason I’ve made Brees my No. 1 player in the NFC South. More than anything, Brees is a competitor. Last year’s 7-9 finish didn’t sit well with him. That should give him plenty of motivation to make sure the Saints get back to winning.

For previous entries in the NFC South top 25, click here.