I am going to try something new for this blog. I am going to rank all 32 of the NFL teams based off of their performances through the first twelve weeks. So, here goes it.
32. Arizona Cardinals (2-9)- At the last spot in the Power rankings, we have the Arizona Cardinals. In what started as a season with little hope to begin with, there is no hope left for this team. Josh Rosen is a rookie quarterback who has little help on this offense outside of Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, and David Johnson. The Cardinals should tank out the rest of the season to secure the number one pick.
31. Oakland Raiders (2-9)- The Oakland Raiders come in at number 31 on the power rankings just slightly ahead of the Arizona Cardinals. The Raiders beat the Cardinals earlier in the season, making them the lesser of two absolute train-wreck seasons. The Raiders thought Jon Gruden would be able to fix all of their problems, however he has made things much, much worse. From trading one of the best pass rushers in the league away, to signing old veteran after old veteran, the Raiders had this abysmal season coming to them. We will see if they can turn it around next year with their plethora of picks, but I doubt they will.
30. San Francisco 49ers (2-9)- The San Francisco 49ers have been at the bottom of the rankings for most of this season. This is not completely their fault as before the first three weeks of the season had finished they had lost both their starting QB Jimmy Garapolo and their starting RB Jerick Mckinnon to knee injuries. Losing those positions would hurt any team in the NFL. The 49ers have not been the same team since and for good reason and their poor play with backup players has them slotted this low.
29. New York Jets (3-8)- The New York Jets horrid run in the AFC East continued this weekend as they were defeated by the New England Patriots 27-13. Yes, the game was tied at halftime, but who hands out wins for only playing half of the game? The Jets were expected to have a bad season, but after a great opening week win over the Lions some expectations grew. However, eventually those expectations were smashed as Sam Darnold’s performance as a rookie signal caller fell off significantly. Goodluck to this joke of a franchise in the future.
28. New York Giants (3-8)- After what was a promising stretch of two wins during this season, the Giants became the Giants again this past Sunday as they fell to the Eagles 25-22 after leading 19-3. The Giants have had an abysmal season under first year head coach Pat Shurmur and much of the blame is placed on longtime quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants have a lot of questions to answer heading into next season.
27. Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)- The Cincinnati Bengals have had a rough go this year. After starting the season 4-1 and giving hope to themselves and their fans about a deep playoff run, those expectations have fallen off a cliff, and fast. Losers of 5 of their last 6, the Bengals have quickly faded out of the playoff picture, and not to mention they lost Andy Dalton last week to a thumb injury. Oh well, maybe next year Cincinnati.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8) The Jacksonville Jaguars are a perfect example of what happens to a team after you become complacent in the NFL. The Jaguars defeated the Patriots in week 2 of the NFL season and were riding high. Well since then they have won one game. That is poetic justice, as the Jaguars thought they were the best team in the AFC after that win, yet they have struggled mightily. For Blake Bortles it will be a tough season as he is now benched. Maybe in the future, Jacksonville.
25. Buffalo Bills (4-7)- The Buffalo Bills have had an up and down calendar year. After making the playoffs last season the Buffalo Bills traded away their quarterback and their starting left tackle. They then drafted Josh Allen 7th overall and when he has played for them this season the team has played well. In a rebuilding year the Bills have been better than expected.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7) In what has been a season of inconsistent QB play, as well as riding the hot hand at quarterback, the Tampa Bay season has gone as expected. After Jameis Winston was suspended for the first three games of the season, the Bucs were led to a 2-1 record by Ryan Fitzpatrick, for him to then fall off the face of the earth in regards to his play. Then Jameis played well, and he fell off a cliff so they went back to Fitzpatrick. Then the same thing has happened over and over and Jameis Winston is now the starter again. The Bucs will be rebuilding for sometime.
23. Detroit Lions (4-7)- The Detroit Lions have not fared well under first year head coach Matt Patricia. They have been as inconsistent as can be and the struggle for this season was summed up on Thanksgiving Day when they lost to the Bears, who were starting Chase Daniel, their backup at quarterback. Patricia and Co. look to turn things around, but the playoffs are not in sight for this season.
22. Atlanta Falcons (4-7)- Ever since the Falcons blew the 28-3 lead in Super Bowl 51, things have never been the same for this franchise. That loss demoralized them. Last season they fought to make the playoffs, to exit to the eventual champions. This year, they are not even in contention. Will this franchise ever recover? We will have to see next year.
21. Cleveland Browns (4-6-1)- The Cleveland Browns have had a historic season in the measurements of their recent seasons. They have accumulated more wins this season than the entire past two season combined. After firing Hue Jackson the Browns revitalized their season to the point where they were able to win games. Baker Mayfield has been playing well and it seems as though they made the right choice at number one.
20. Miami Dolphins (5-6)- The Dolphins have had a decent season to this point as they are in playoff contention, albeit on the outside looking in. The Dolphins have had to play two quarterbacks this season as Ryan Tannehill was injured for a few weeks. The Dolphins should be satisfied with this season as it has been better than most of their previous seasons. Plus, they are in the AFC East so there was no chance of them winning it anyway.
19. Tennessee Titans (5-6)- The Titans are essentially the Jaguars to a lesser extent. The Titans blew out the Patriots 34-10 in Week 10, their personal Super Bowl. Since the personal Super Bowl the Titans have been blown out by the Texans and the Colts. This is what happens when teams value one game so much, they do not value the others the same, and they pay the consequences. The Titans are a few years away from contention.
18. Washington Redskins (6-5)- The Redskins may have a winning record, but after being a subpar team with their starting quarterback, what type of team will the Redskins be under Colt McCoy their backup? The answer seems to be a below par team. McCoy is a serviceable QB, but Washington is going to need more than a serviceable QB to make a run at the playoffs. Washington’s defense is a very good unit, but they will not be able to carry this team that far. The end of the season is near for the Redskins, who have a tough schedule to end the season.
17. Green Bay Packers (4-6-1)- The Green Bay Packers always come into each and every NFL season with lots of hype surrounding their team and how they have what it takes to make a run at a Super Bowl. Well, being honest here, the Green Bay Packers do not have what it takes, and have often never had what it takes. Everyone gushes about Aaron Rodgers and his ability to throw the football. Well, one man cannot win games singlehandedly. It is about a team and the team that surrounds him is not spectacular. Although he is very good, do not get me wrong, he will not win another Super Bowl with Mike McCarthy as head coach. Oh, also for all of you who think Rodgers is better than Brady. In his career, Aaron Rodgers has never beaten a team with a winning record when trailing by one point in the fourth quarter, so how clutch is he? As clutch as a 4-6-1 record can be.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (5-6) The Philadelphia Eagles are in the middle of a Super Bowl hangover. The team has a losing record about 3/4 of the way through the season and they do not look to be improving to make another deep playoff run. The Eagles snuck by the brutal Giants 25-22 this past Sunday, but what does that really mean? They beat a bad football team. The Eagles, however, do have a chance to make the playoffs as the NFC East is an absolute dumpster fire. The Eagles do not look like a Super Bowl contender, time will tell.
15. Carolina Panthers (6-5) The Carolina Panthers were looking to contend again this season in hopes of making a longer playoff run. So far, they are in the hunt for the playoffs amidst inconsistent play. The Panthers have a dynamic tandem at QB and RB as Cam Newton and Christian McCaffery have proven they are as offensively explosive as any backfield in the league. This past week McCaffery had 200+ yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. The Panthers have a tough schedule, but if they get in the playoffs, beware, this team has what it takes to make a run.
14. Denver Broncos (5-6) The Denver Broncos have been a surging team as of late. This past Sunday they defeated the Steelers, 24-17, moving to 5-6 and right into the thick of the playoff hunt. The Denver Broncos started the season slow, meddling around .500. Ever since they made Phillip Lindsay the starting tailback however, the team has taken off as Lindsay has brought the offense to new heights this season. The Broncos have an easy schedule to close out the year, so watch out for this team sneaking into the playoffs.
13. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)- The Indianapolis Colts have turned their season around and in a big way. The Colts are the hottest team in the NFL, winners of five in a row behind a monster offensive line and Andrew Luck playing like himself of old again. The Colts defeated the Dolphins this past weekend on an Adam Vinateri last second field goal, to win 27-24. The Colts are rolling right now and they could play their way into a playoff spot, or possibly a division title.
12. Dallas Cowboys (6-5)- The Dallas Cowboys are riding high after defeating the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving Day. They are tied for first place in the NFC East and can play their way to a division title if they keep winning the division games that matter. Dak Prescott has found a new best friend in Amari Cooper, who had a gigantic game on Thanksgiving. That connection should continue come this Thursday, as the Cowboys take on the Saints and their 32nd ranked pass defense.
11. Baltimore Ravens (6-5)- The Baltimore Ravens doubled up Oakland in week 12 as they moved to 6-5, and 2-0 under new starting quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has revitalized the Ravens offense with his dual threat capabilities. The Ravens will have an interesting decision to make once Joe Flacco becomes healthy again. If I am the Ravens you ride the hot hand until it becomes cold.
10. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)- The Seattle Seahawks are playing solid football of late and have been able to dismantle the Packers and Panthers in back to back weeks. Russell Wilson has been as solid as ever as he has a receiving core that he trusts and is letting it fly. The revitalized running game behind the three headed monster of Chris Carson, Mike Davis, and Rashaad Penny has been huge for this team. Will anyone be able to slow the Seahawks down on their chance to a playoff berth? Time will tell.
9. Houston Texans (8-3)- Can anyone say enough about the Houston Texans? I do not think so. After starting the season 0-3 and being written off by so many, the Texans have charged back to win 8 straight games and take a commanding lead in the AFC South. The Texans have been grooving on offense and defense as they have played nearly impeccable football to win 8 straight. With some luck involved, as the Broncos missed a last second game winning field goal, the Texans are on the hottest winning streak in the AFC.
8. Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1). The Vikings are a team that can play so well, but also so poorly. The Vikings doubled up the Packers on Sunday Night Football this past week and improved to 6-4-1. They have a fighting chance to take over the NFC North and clinch a playoff home game if they are able to do that. The Vikings offense has a whole new dynamic with Dalvin Cook on the field. Adam Thelien and Stefon Diggs have been able to run their routes more efficiently all because the defense is wary of Cook. This team should be fun to watch.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3-1) The Pittsburgh Steelers were playing good, solid football like they usually do, up until this past Sunday when they were defeated by a mediocre Broncos team, 24-17. The Steelers have been without the services of Leveon Bell for this entire season amidst his holdout, and although James Conner filled in admirably to start the season, it appears that he has slowed down over the past few weeks, as his costly fumble on Sunday may have cost the Steelers a victory. The Steelers are closing in on another playoff berth this season.
6. Chicago Bears (8-3)- The Chicago Bears are winning football games no matter what it takes. Their defensive unit is amongst the best in the league as they scored yet another defensive touchdown this week to help them close out their victory. The Bears defense is the best part of their football team by far and if they continue to play well, Mitch Trubisky and Co. on the offensive side of the ball will not have to do too much to win games.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-3)- The Los Angeles Chargers may finally be able to attain a playoff berth under head coach Anthony Lynn. Behind the arm of Phillip Rivers and the legs of Melvin Gordon, the Chargers have an offensive attack that few are able to stop. The defensive unit is nothing to scoff over either, as they have been able to help keep the offense in games. The Chargers will go as far as their offense takes them, and that could be all the way to a division title, if they can find a way to muster a win against the mighty Chiefs.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (9-2)- The Kansas City Chiefs are on an amazing, unprecedented run during this NFL season. Their offense is incredible, yet it may not even be the best in the league. Patrick Mahomes is on pace to be in the MVP conversation, due to his ability to sling the football and run for yardage. He also has a plethora of weapons on offense that includes Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt, Tyreek Hill, and Sammy Watkins. The defense has been subpar to this point, but with Chris Jones and Justin Houston on the front seven it could be long days for quarterbacks if they are on their games.
3. New England Patriots (8-3) The New England Patriots are 8-3 after defeating the New York Jets by a score of 27-13 on Sunday. The Patriots were able to pick up a win coming off the bye after they were blown out at the hands of the Titans the week before the bye. Now just because the Patriots are 8-3 and not 11-0 does not mean it is time to panic. After all, the Patriots have beaten the Chiefs, Packers, and Bears this season. The haters will always be hating on Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, but that is fine. The truth is the head coach quarterback tandem is continuing to roll to another AFC East title, and once the Pats are in the playoffs who knows what could happen? It will be exciting to find out.
2. Los Angeles Rams (10-1) The Los Angeles Rams have become a whole new team under head coach Sean McVay. The offense led by Todd Gurley and Jared Goff has been unstoppable, and even outscored the Chiefs. Robert Woods, Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Josh Reynolds, and Brandin Cooks are all weapons at Goff’s disposal, and he has used each and every weapon to ensure that this offense does not get stopped. The defense of the Rams is suspect, but as long as they make 1-2 stops a game the Rams will be able to truck on. The Rams have one shot at this, as the same team will not be able to be with each other next year due to salary cap restrictions. If I was a betting man, I would bet on the Rams to be my Super Bowl favorite. Let’s see what they have in store!
New Orleans Saints (10-1) The New Orleans Saints have won 10 games in a row since the opening week loss to the Buccaneers. The Saints are the best team in football right now and it is not even close. Drew Brees is playing at all time levels and he is using all of the weapons at his disposal to his advantage. Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, Michael Thomas, TreQuan Smith, and Benjamin Watson are all playing at high levels to keep this train rolling. The front seven of the defense is solid, but the secondary has major question marks surrounding it as it is ranked 32nd. The Saints are going to be a tough team to stop, but tough teams have been stopped before. The Saints are not exactly my Super Bowl favorite just yet. The Saints open up week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.