MIAMI GARDENS, FL – AUGUST 17: A detail shot of an NFL shield logo painted on the field prior to an NFL preseason football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The thing about power rankings this late in the season is that bad teams tend to lose, and good teams tend to win. Early in the year, there is a ton of movement because teams haven’t established themselves as good or bad, and being a week-to-week league, unusual results often occur. This past week, seven of the eight lowest-ranked teams all lost, and the only reason it wasn’t eight out of eight is because the Giants had a bye. Here are the power rankings for this week..
Detroit Lions:
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 30: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws the ball during an NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Ford Field on October 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Some people will think this is long overdue, while others may feel it’s a travesty that Buffalo isn’t No. 1. That’s what makes a good sports debate. Goff and the running game look unstoppable.
Buffalo Bills:
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
They beat the man, but they have been beaten twice this season. By a hair, they are just short of the top spot. Josh Allen is making a strong case for MVP.
Kansas City Chiefs:
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hands the football to Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
A tough road loss has dropped the two-time defending champs two spots on this list. Mahomes and the crew will be just fine.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Nobody on the planet, including Mike Tomlin, would believe the Steelers would be the No. 4 team in the league this season. Russell Wilson has fit in nicely.
Philadelphia Eagles:
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Don’t sleep on the Eagles…they are having a sneaky great season. Saquon Barkley is the perfect addition to this dynamic offense, and at the moment, they are my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
After their two-game blip, the Vikings seem to be back, but I question Sam Darnold at QB…I have much more faith in Jared Goff, Jalen Hurts, or Jordan Love.
Green Bay Packers:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
And speaking of Love’s Packers. They won by the skin of their teeth on Sunday, but a win is a win.
Baltimore Ravens:
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
For all of Lamar Jackson’s greatness, he cannot win a big game and cannot beat the Steelers, who have owned him through the years. Don’t look now, but they have four losses.
Los Angeles Chargers:
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Newly appointed head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers speaks to the media during a press conference at YouTube Theater on February 01, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Is this the year to believe in the Chargers? With Jim Harbaugh at the helm, this could be their year to make a deep playoff run. They have an interesting matchup this week against a Ravens team coming off their tough loss.
Seattle Seahawks:
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 14: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 14, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 41-23. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Seattle has been a resilient team all season. They won an important road game in San Francisco, keeping them in the mix for the NFC West. Geno Smith led a huge drive for them at the end of last weeks game.
Houston Texans:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Texans 30-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The Texans had lost three out of four games, plummeting out of the top 10. With their win over the Cowboys, they are on the cusp of clawing back in. C.J. Stroud has Nico Collins back, and that should help.
Washington Commanders:
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Washington lost a tough divisional game against the Eagles, which has dropped them out of the top 10. Jayden Daniels needs to get them back on track against the Cowboys.
Los Angeles Rams:
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a touchdown catch over Eli Apple #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Rams have been a feisty bunch, and when Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are both healthy, they have a dangerous offense capable of beating anybody.
Denver Broncos:
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Broncos have also been a feisty bunch and have outperformed expectations this season. If the season ended today, the Broncos would be in the playoffs and a lot of it is thanks to Bo Nix.
Arizona Cardinals:
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts to a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
In the division with the most parity, the leaders are only in the middle of the pack, with the Seahawks and Rams ahead of them. Kyler Murray has played very well lately.
San Francisco 49ers:
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 28: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Lions 34-31. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
It’s hard to believe the 49ers are only ranked 16th and the lowest-seeded team in the NFC West, but here they are. They need Christian McCaffrey to get things going.
Atlanta Falcons:
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 20: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Falcons should be running away with the division, but they’ve lost their last two games. Kirk Cousins is playing inconsistently.
Miami Dolphins:
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 5: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa of Miami Dolphins looks on during the NFL match between Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs at Deutsche Bank Park on November 5, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
The Dolphins have now won two in a row and face the hapless Patriots this Sunday…who have never defeated Tua Tagovailoa.
Indianapolis Colts:
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Anthony Richardson had the best game of his career. It will be interesting to see how he follows up this week against the Lions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 24: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers completes a reception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field on January 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Tampa is coming off a bye, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. They were on a four-game losing streak before this week, and Mike Evans is returning.
Cincinnati Bengals:
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball after a catch during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
It’s a shame, with talents like Joe Burrow and ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals season is all but over.
New Orleans Saints:
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 19: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome on October 19, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The Saints keep hanging around in the NFC South. They’ve now won two in a row and are within two games of taking over first place. Derek Carr has held things together.
Chicago Bears:
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – APRIL 26: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears speaks answers a question from the media during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall on April 26, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Caleb Williams was drafted first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bears have now lost four in a row, and it will be interesting to see if the team can stick together or if they start to take on more water and fall apart the rest of the season. Caleb Williams doesn’t strike me as a leader, at least not yet.
Carolina Panthers:
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 25: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Carolina has shown some life lately, but they face the Chiefs coming off a loss this week…Good luck with that, Bryce Young, and company.
New York Jets:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 14: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Jets fired their HC and GM, and there was a report that the owner wanted to bench Aaron Rodgers back in September. Yup, that sounds like the Jets.
Dallas Cowboys:
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 18: Cooper Rush #10 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass on the run during an NFL Football game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on November 18, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
How about those Cowboys? Jerry Jones has come out and said his coach isn’t going anywhere this season. His coach also doesn’t have a contract beyond this season. Change is coming in Big D. Both Cooper Rush and the offense are terrible.
Cleveland Browns:
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Jameis Winston #5 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after his team’s 29-24 win against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Browns only have two wins and are facing the first-place Steelers. Unless Pittsburgh has a huge letdown after their win over the Ravens, it will be another loss for Cleveland. Jameis Winston should at least throw for plenty of yards.
Tennessee Titans:
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 02: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 2, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
It wasn’t that long ago that the Titans had King Henry and Mike Vrabel. This team doesn’t know how to win games. WIll Levis just doesn’t appear to be “the guy”.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at TIAA Bank Field on December 19, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Jaguars remain the strangest story of the year, hitting absolute rock bottom, losing 52-6 to the Lions. At some point, they will be firing some of their staff, and they may have to ask themselves if Trevor Lawrence should be their QB next year.
New England Patriots:
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 29: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws the ball during the New England Patriots OTA Offseason Workout on May 29, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Patriots just lack too much talent pretty much everywhere, on both sides of the ball…and their coaching staff looks hapless. Drake Maye has been improving.
Las Vegas Raiders:
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 29: Tight end Brock Bowers #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders stands on the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, at Allegiant Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Tom Brady’s investment isn’t showing dividends yet…this is truly one of the worst teams in the league. Their lone bright spot is Brock Bowers.
New York Giants:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 24: Tommy DeVito #15 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the New York Jets during the second quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
And now, for the worst team in the league…they have benched Daniel Jones and replaced him with Tommy Devito. I don’t think Tommy Cutlets will make a difference.
