NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Who Is the NFL's Best Team?
NFL week 13 included a little bit of something for everyone.
Playoff contenders separating themselves from pretenders.
A Knock-down-drag-out old school battle in Baltimore.
A future Hall of Fame Quarterback throwing multiple scores, for the other guys (and no, Brett Favre had been out of pads for hours by then).
An offside penalty that would resonate from Cincinnati to the Big Easy
And finally a Big Ol' Monday night serving of Humble Pie.
Take a look at how I think the teams stack up today
32 Carolina Panthers
1 of 32
These guys stink on ice.
One win.
Nine of their 11 losses by double figures.
Andrew Luck you’re gonna love the Outer Banks.
31 Cincinnati Bengals
2 of 32
Only one year ago the Cincinnati Bengals beat out the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens to win the AFC North.
That can’t be, can it?
Pat Sims helps keep the Bengal’s nine game losing streak intact.
30 Arizona Cardinals
3 of 32
The Cardinals went into their bye week with a respectable 3-2 record including victories over St. Louis, Oakland, and New Orleans.
Since the bye, seven consecutive losses have Arizona reeling.
Matt Leinart really couldn’t get on the field with these guys?
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29 Denver Broncos
4 of 32
Josh McDaniels pays the price for the Broncos 3-9 start.
Questionable personnel decisions, in particular trading Peyton Hillis and two draft picks to the Browns for Brady Quinn and using a 1st round pick on Tim Tebow, will haunt the Broncos for years.
I don’t have a problem paying a premium for one developmental QB, but two?
Quinn and Tebow have combined for a single pass attempt in 2010.
28 Detroit Lions
5 of 32
Much improved from recent years.
Six losses have come by five points or less, the Lions have only been outscored by a total of 28 points in their 12 games, but at the end of the day two wins is two wins.
Could be next year’s St. Louis.
27 Tennessee Titans
6 of 32
The Last Titans offensive touchdown was November 14th against the Dolphins, 14 quarters ago.
Last win came against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 24th. before the Titans promptly went 0 for November.
There figures to be some Vince Young/Jeff Fisher/ Bud Adams drama during the off-season. I can’t help but wonder how the Titans collapse will affect Jeff Fisher’s status.
26 Buffalo Bills
7 of 32
Like the Lions (who they own a victory over) this is a two win team that shows up every week to play.
Their blowout loss at the hands of the Vikings is an exception to the way the Bills have played as of late.
The previous six games Buffalo had won two games while suffering four three point losses. (At the hands of Baltimore, Kansas City, Chicago, and Pittsburgh all solid playoff contenders)
25 San Francisco 49ers
8 of 32
The loss of Frank Gore cripples an already punchless offense.
You want to know what qualifies as bad news to an NFL fan?
When your team is still waffling between starting QB’s in week 14 that’s what.
24 Houston Texans
9 of 32
Another one of these teams that went into their bye with a respectable record and then went into a post bye free fall.
In the case of the Texans 4-2 before the break, 1-5 since.
Don’t know what they worked on but they should try to forget it real soon.
23 Washington Redskins
10 of 32
Is it me or do you find it fitting that the Albert Haynesworth 7 yr $100 million contract happened in a city notorious for their fiscal irresponsibility?
Redskins fans may howl about being ranked below another NFC East team which currently has one less win than them and whom the Redskins beat head to head.
But the Cowboys and Redskins seem to be going in opposite directions.
22 Seattle Seahawks
11 of 32
The Seahawks own a 3-1 record in the division. The comfy confines of the NFC West have helped buoy their record to a respectable 6-6 but there is a lot more wrong in Seattle than right.
When the Hawks lose they lose big, all six losses have been by a minimum of 15 points, twice getting blown out by 30 or more.
21 Dallas Cowboys
12 of 32
Making positive strides since Jason Garrett took over for Wade Phillips.
If Roy Williams doesn’t fumble that ball you would be hearing about the Cowboys outside shot at a miracle playoff push.
Jon Kitna hasn’t gotten enough credit for keeping the Cowboys afloat.
20 Minnesota Vikings
13 of 32
Only appropriate that Vikings and Cowboys be ranked so closely.
Is there any team in the NFL more disappointing than those two? High expectations, terrible starts, and mid-season coaching changes just some of the similarities between the two.
Like the Cowboys the Vikings look like they may have turned a corner.
Vikes sure did put up a lot of points with their back up QB in the game.
I’m just saying.
19 Miami Dolphins
14 of 32
Just what the heck is going on in Miami? 5-1 on the road, 1-5 at home.
Maybe they shouldn’t unpack when they get home.
Dolphins have been pretty inefficient when it comes to points all season. Their middle of the pack offensive yardage (19th overall) has led to a dismal 17.9 pts per game (29th) while on defense they are giving up very few yards (4th overall) but a closer to average number of points (19.8pts per game 11th overall)
18 Cleveland Browns
15 of 32
While teams like Detroit and Buffalo have competed in tough game after tough game only to often fall short in the end, the Browns have taken the next step and finished out some games with big W’s.
Big wins over the Patriots and Saints have led to some optimism in Cleveland.
Peyton Hillis becoming a cult hero.
17 San Diego Chargers
16 of 32
Not far behind the Cowboys and Vikings as the biggest disappointment in the NFL in 2010.
San Diego didn’t leave themselves much room for error as they prepared to make their annual stretch run for the playoffs.
Oakland may not quite have locked the door on the Chargers but as it stands today San Diego is going to need some big help.
16 St. Louis Rams
17 of 32
Sam Bradford is getting a lot of love for his role in the Ram turn-around, as he should, but some credit needs to go to the much improved defense as well.
The last three seasons (2007-2009) the Rams gave up an average of 446 pts per season.
This season they’re on pace to give up 316.
15 Oakland Raiders
18 of 32
Raiders have owned the AFC West this year with a perfect 4-0 mark.
Week 13’s beat-down of the Chargers gave them the season sweep of San Diego for 1st time since 2001.
If Kansas City falters down the stretch could set up a huge season finale with the Chiefs in Arrowhead.
14 Indianapolis Colts
19 of 32
Sorry but I don’t buy the constant excuses coming from the media to help justify Peyton Manning’s struggles.
No doubt the Colts have had their share of injuries, it happens, but there are offenses around the NFL that have had to deal with similar problems.
The Colts have gotten a little soft in my opinion, too many references to missing injured players during interviews, and a total abandonment of the running game.
Soft…..but still dangerous.
13 Jacksonville Jaguars
20 of 32
Jaguars are putting together a pretty solid season though it’s barely noticeable having taken place in the witness protection plan that is Jacksonville.
Still there are legitimate question marks.
Three blowout losses of 20+ points created some negative impressions.
If they handle Oakland this week it sets up a huge division game with the Colts in week 15.
12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
21 of 32
Bucs need help if they're going to make the playoffs, but have a pretty favorable schedule coming up over the next three weeks.
At Washington followed by home games with Detroit and Seattle.
Could set up a pretty big finale in New Orleans with the Saints if any of the other wild card contenders (including New Orleans) struggle before then.
11 New York Giants
22 of 32
Currently the 6th seed in the NFC standings, there won’t be any gimme’s over the next three weeks for the Giants.
First the Giants go to Minnesota this weekend. (What are the chances Favre finishes that game, assuming he starts, considering his injury status and the recent history of the Giants knocking out QB’s)
Week 15 and 16 bring back to back huge games, at home with Philly, then a road trip to GB.
Philly currently sits atop the NFC East by virtue of their victory over the Giants who can’t afford to get swept.
Meanwhile Green Bay may very well be fighting for their playoff life as well the following week. The Giants finish in Washington where the Redskins could have an opportunity to play spoiler.
10 Kansas City Chiefs
23 of 32
Could any team benefit more from home field advantage than the Chiefs?
Kansas City currently sits as the 3rd seed in the AFC which would guarantee them one home game against a wild card team.
I’m going out on a limb today and say that if the Chiefs do indeed host a playoff game they will make it to the 2nd round.
The Chiefs are 6-0 at home, have a QB who’s having a standout season in Matt Cassel (23 TD 4 INT 98.4), lead the NFL in rushing yards (175 yds/game), and rarely turn the ball over (5 lost fumbles 4 INT).
Not getting any love from the media yet but a playoff win puts them on the map.
9 Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
Took care of business last week with the Texans, but are coming up on a difficult stretch (assuming the Cowboys continue to play at their post-Phillips clip).
The Eagles currently sit atop the NFC East holding a tie-breaker advantage over New York, courtesy of their 27-17 win in Philly over the Giants.
Three difficult NFC East games (including the rematch with the Giants, in NJ) sandwiched around a home game with Minnesota could allow the Eagles to clinch the East or drop out of the playoffs entirely.
8 New Orleans Saints
25 of 32
The Saints seem to be getting their Mojo back, now having won 5 games in a row.
Currently the 5th seed in the NFC the Saints have an impressive 5-1 road record this season, which may be important if they do indeed have to qualify for the playoffs as a wild card.
All four remaining games are against teams currently in the playoff hunt. (St. Louis, Baltimore, Atlanta, Tampa Bay)
7 New York Jets
26 of 32
Humble Pie anyone?
Quality wins, a phrase generally only heard during BCS discussions, was a term being used when fans and media folks were trying to assess the legitimacy of the Jets 9-2 record going into Foxborough.
Yes, those were legitimate concerns.
Will be fascinating to see how the Jets bounce back. They have Miami at home this week followed by difficult back to back road contests in Pittsburgh and Chicago.
6 Green Bay Packers
27 of 32
Currently on the outside looking in as far as the NFC playoff picture is concerned, but don’t be fooled this is a solid team with Super Bowl potential.
The Pack can’t afford a slip in this week’s trip to Detroit because the next three games are all against top notch playoff caliber teams (@New England before hosting the Giants and Bears).
The back loaded schedules the NFL created to increase interest coming down the stretch seem to be having the desired effect.
5 Chicago Bears
28 of 32
Bears have been solid at home as well as on the road where their 5-1 record is tied for 2nd best in the NFL.
Currently sitting atop the NFC North but face three solid playoff caliber teams and a tough inter-division opponent coming down the stretch (New England, @Minnesota, NY Jets, @Green Bay).
The Bears/Packer game in week 17 could be to determine seeding or could be loser goes home.
One thing it won’t be is one of those late season games where one of the clubs will be resting it’s starters.
4 Baltimore Ravens
29 of 32
The Ravens currently sit as the 6th seed in the AFC playoff race and have about as favorable a schedule as one could hope for coming down the stretch. (@Houston, New Orleans, @Cleveland, Cincinnati)
The New Orleans game certainly looks like a big one, and the Browns played them tough in Baltimore, but overall this is a stretch of games that a true playoff team should be able to navigate.
The big question here may be if the Ravens can somehow catch and pass Pittsburgh as the AFC North leader (and perhaps even the 2nd seed in the conference though that’s even less likely).
Baltimore has been much stronger at home 5-1 than on the road 3-3.
3 Pittsburgh Steelers
30 of 32
Tough hard-nosed win over Baltimore puts Pittsburgh in the driver seat in the AFC North as well as gives them a coveted 2nd seed in the conference.
Three of their last four games are at home including cupcakes Cincinnati and Carolina.
To date the Steelers have the NFL’s best road record at 6-1 but will fatten up their record at Heinz field as well with the aforementioned Bengal and Panther games bookending another home game with the Jets.
The Steelers finish on the road in Cleveland.
2 Atlanta Falcons
31 of 32
The NFC playoffs currently go through Atlanta.
This could be an issue for fellow NFC contenders considering the Falcons perfect 6-0 mark at home this season and Matt Ryan’s freakish 19-1 career mark in Atlanta.
As for the rest of the season, it’s looking pretty good for the Falcons coming down the stretch as they play half their remaining games against the inept Carolina Panthers.
If you live in Atlanta make plans with the family during wild card week, the Falcons will have the week off.
1 New England Patriots
32 of 32
Wow.
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