NFL Energy Rankings: Cardinals, Buccaneers hold NFC dominant
A full 13 weeks into the first-ever 17-game NFL season, the postseason image is beginning to take form. And but, after one other Sunday of surprises, the form that’s rising is completely different than anticipated, even when in comparison with final week.
To that finish, this week’s MMQB Energy Rankings options a couple of developments that aren’t prone to maintain in a yr that’s even stranger than normal.
1. The NFC continues to separate because the dominant convention, to the purpose the place some pundits—raises hand sheepishly—imagine the highest 4 groups hail from the identical convention. My record consists of the standard contenders—Arizona, plus the Bays (Inexperienced and Tampa), together with a probably controversial selection at No. 4, plus the return of an early-season favourite to the highest six. This implies the rankings are high heavy, not missing AFC groups total within the high half. (Can I take advantage of “high” extra instances in a single paragraph?)
2. What I’d label the second tier is AFC heavy. The contenders in that convention, outdoors of the Patriots, land there as a result of important query marks stay for all. Whether or not it’s the up-and-down play of the Titans, Payments, Chargers (this week’s greatest bounce) and Ravens (this week’s greatest drop); the Chiefs flummoxing/continued offensive struggles; the Colts’ begin (and, on some degree, their quarterback); the panorama is sophisticated, all over the place and ever-changing.
3. I’d put the streaking Washington Soccer Workforce in a 3rd tier, by itself, as a playoff hopeful on course. I put Washington a slight degree above the bunch of groups under it. However Washington can be not on the degree of the 12 groups that I feel have a professional shot to win a playoff recreation in January.
4. The muddled mess begins at No. 14. There, it’s an train in throwing darts at groups with potential (Bengals, relying on the severity of a vital harm), flawed groups on the upswing (Eagles, Dolphins), groups that proceed to whipsaw between simply possibly and no method (49ers, Broncos, Steelers) and a gaggle of backside feeders close to the tip. Maybe it’s a superb factor that there’s an additional week to type every little thing out.
1. Arizona Cardinals (10–2)
Final week: Win at Chicago, 33–22
Subsequent week: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Monday)
There’s rather a lot to like about this Arizona group. Just like the return of Kyler Murray (with none obvious rust, with 4 touchdowns scored) to the beginning lineup, and simply in time for a tough remaining slate that features massive video games in opposition to the Rams (subsequent week, Monday evening), Colts and Cowboys. Just like the protection, which intercepted Andy Dalton 4 instances on Sunday. Just like the roster depth, after an professional reshaping by basic supervisor Steve Keim and his personnel employees. Like Isaiah Simmons, defender of many functions. Like Chandler Jones, sacker of quarterbacks. Like Kliff Kingsbury, remover of sturdy doubts. Like video games remaining in opposition to the Lions and Seahawks. The Cardinals are formidable on each side of the ball, and balanced, and primed for an actual run. Oh, and game-changing wideout DeAndre Hopkins is again, too, after scoring in his first recreation again.
2. Inexperienced Bay Packers (9–3)
Final week: Bye
Subsequent week: vs. Chicago
The saga that’s the 2021 NFL season for the Packers took a well-deserved interlude in Week 13. That meant relaxation for Aaron Rodgers and (in concept) therapeutic for his damaged toe. That meant time for the remainder of the roster to get better and reset, time for offensive wizard Matt LaFleur to spend in his laboratory cooking up schemes and time for Inexperienced Bay to determine easy methods to navigate the remainder of its season. As a result of well-timed bye, and performances in different latest weeks, there’s no purpose to maneuver the Preventing Lombardis this week.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9–3)
Final week: Win at Atlanta, 30–17
Subsequent week: vs. Buffalo
In some methods, the Bucs gained from the Packers not enjoying, if solely as a result of the Bucs did greater than may need been anticipated of them in a powerful trouncing of the Falcons. Ageless Tom Brady threw 4 touchdowns in opposition to Atlanta, together with a pair of scores to tight finish Rob Gronkowski, which bolstered a major level: Tampa is healthier when Gronk is in its lineup, each from a passing perspective and from a run-game one due to Gronk’s blocking prowess. Brady and Gronk have now linked for the second-most regular-season touchdowns (90) from anyone pair in NFL historical past. The Buccaneers may even welcome again Antonio Brown quickly, after the wideout’s newest misstep with a faux vaccination card. The franchise’s continued embrace of Brown, regardless of the if-he-makes-one-mistake-he’s-done remark from Coach Bruce Arians, marks one of many low factors of the 2021 season. However his return, from a strictly soccer perspective, provides Tampa an entire offense for a lot of its stretch run, which options just one probably playoff group, the Payments, subsequent week.
4. Dallas Cowboys (8–4)
Final week: Win at New Orleans, 27–17 (Thursday)
Subsequent week: at Washington
Think about there will probably be some disagreement right here. However, in becoming with the theme for the week, I’m transferring the Cowboys from No. 10 into the highest tier. Sure, I understand that Dallas has misplaced two of its previous three video games. The counter: each group from No. 4 to No. 12 is flawed, and, if we’re contemplating issues like top-end potential and schedule, the Cowboys win in each respects. Their banged-up offense is getting more healthy. Their defensive (greatest hassle spot) performed effectively on Sunday in opposition to injured New Orleans with Dan Quinn changing Mike McCarthy (COVID-19 protocols) on the sideline, and their schedule, aside from a date with Arizona on Jan. 2, options 4 different video games they are going to be favored to win. Mix these elements, and Dallas ought to problem for increased seeding within the playoffs, which might result in a better path to the Tremendous Bowl. That’s, in fact, barring one other letdown.
Pleasant reminder that Dak Prescott predicted a run to Sports activities Illustrated earlier than the season began—and the way his story highlights simply how a lot the Cowboys, and, specifically their quarterback, have already overcome.
5. New England Patriots (9–4)
Final week: Win at Buffalo, 14–10 (Monday)
Subsequent week: Bye
Has a 14–10 victory ever felt extra dominant? Watch the Patriots in winds that gusted as much as 55 miles an hour, as Buffalo stored it shut, and as rising quarterback Mac Jones threw solely three passes—together with a single try within the first half—and, nonetheless, the result of an vital AFC contest by no means appeared doubtful. Simply as Tom Brady proved in successful the Tremendous Bowl final season with—and in—Tampa, the entire Brady-Belichick credit score debate was by no means truthful to both, not to mention telling in regard to their spectacular, two-decade run. The reply, all alongside, was each of them, as evidenced, as soon as once more, by the twist Belichick placed on his group’s seventh-straight win, to not point out his sensible low season that repositioned the Patriots. We might argue whether or not the Rams deserve this slot extra, or whether or not the Chiefs do. However it might be silly—now, or at any level within the close to future—to doubt what Belichick has up his, effectively, um, the shoulder components of his cut-off sweatshirts. With Jones enjoying capably, the protection enjoying higher and a bye week forward, right here comes New England, in quick pursuit of what could be an all-time Tremendous Bowl match-up. Can we even must say who would play in that state of affairs? It’s not time to lock it in but, however it certain looks like one of many extra probably prospects.
Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports activities
6. Los Angeles Rams (8–4)
Final week: Win vs. Jacksonville, 37–7
Subsequent week: at Arizona (Monday)
What to make of the Rams? has turn out to be a daily, probably NFL-season-defining inquiry the previous few weeks. I went forwards and backwards on this one. The lack of wideout/group chief Robert Woods will proceed to harm down the stretch, however that might be mitigated by an elevated function for Odell Beckham Jr., who scored once more on Sunday. Tough video games stay on the schedule; Arizona and Baltimore, to not point out three different problematic contests with two division rivals (Seattle, San Francisco) that are inclined to play LA powerful, and a Minnesota group that retains it shut each week. But when I’m wanting particularly at how the Rams relate to the groups which are ranked proper under them—Kansas Metropolis, Tennessee, Buffalo—I’m betting on L.A.’s firepower over any of the others, no less than together with a protection that boasts two of the NFL’s finest gamers in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. There’s not a ton to take out of the Rams blowout victory over the Jaguars, past Matthew Stafford throwing for 3 touchdowns and taking higher care of the soccer. No, I’ve the Rams this excessive based mostly on what I’m predicting lies forward.
Additionally of observe, per the NFL: Cooper Kupp turned solely the fourth wideout in NFL historical past to surpass 100 receptions within the first 12 video games of anyone season. (Others: Michael Thomas, Marvin Harrison, Julio Jones.) Of that group, solely Kupp additionally grabbed 10 landing passes within the 12-game stretch. In additional enjoyable with Cooper Kupp numbers, the wideout additionally turned the third-ever NFL receiver with greater than 1,350 receiving yards within the first 12 video games of anyone season, becoming a member of Calvin Johnson and Torry Holt.
7. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (8–4)
Final week: Win vs. Denver, 22–9
Subsequent week: vs. Las Vegas
Reasonably than writing “don’t look now,” the correct phrase right here is “please, look now.” Once I put collectively these energy rankings earlier than heading into the wonderful, diaper-changing existence that’s paternity depart, the Chiefs have been being written off, their protection too porous, their usually high-flying offense in a Tremendous Bowl-hangover funk. I wrote then that I believed coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had the chops and the expertise to show issues round. I heard from many on Twitter who disagreed. However … he has. Since Tennessee blew out Kansas Metropolis on Oct. 24, the Chiefs have allowed: 17 factors (Giants), 7 factors (Packers), 14 factors (Raiders), 9 factors (Cowboys) and 9 factors (Broncos, final Sunday), whereas successful all 5 of these video games. Instance of affect: a 20-play Broncos drive that netted no factors simply earlier than halftime. Or: “Soiled” Dan Sorensen’s Decide-Six within the fourth that sealed one other win. The truth is, the Chiefs D surrendered its first landing for the reason that Raiders recreation in opposition to the Broncos, and after the Sorensen turnover, when the sport was all however determined.
And, regardless of the Chiefs continued—and regularly perplexing—offensive struggles, by way of scoring offense, they’re tied for 13th (25.3 factors per recreation), and that’s accounting for his or her sluggish begin. Kansas Metropolis might want to deliver that rating as much as make one other run, however it’s value noting that when the Chiefs gained the Tremendous Bowl two years in the past, their protection performed much better within the second half the season, carrying an offense that was nonetheless rounding into high kind. Sound acquainted? (Tyreek Hill catching the ball would assist, as would fewer turnovers from Patrick Mahomes and extra cohesion from a brand new offensive line.)
8. Tennessee Titans (8–4)
Final week: Bye
Subsequent week: vs. Jacksonville
I thought-about dropping the Titans somewhat decrease on this week’s rankings. As an alternative, they moved up one slot, after taking the week off however shifting forward of Buffalo based mostly on the Payments efficiency on Monday evening. That’s as a result of although a couple of groups (Cowboys, Rams) surged above them, Baltimore additionally misplaced, and, regardless of assertion wins from the Chargers and the Colts, for now I’d nonetheless hold the Titans above each based mostly on their physique of labor. Plus, I moved the Ravens under the Titans (extra on that shortly). Why? Tennessee has a get-right recreation in opposition to Jacksonville this week, which follows the restoration inherent in its bye, and it doesn’t face one other true contender the remainder of the common season. So although the Titans will probably be with out stud operating again Derrick Henry, and although I feel the Ravens finally have a greater group with Henry out, once I thought-about elements like roster depth, division power and upcoming schedule, I gave Tennessee the slight nod, after which nonetheless went back-and-forth about it.
9. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
Final week: Loss at Pittsburgh, 20–19
Subsequent week: at Cleveland
For a group with depth, expertise, teaching and, all the time, quarterback Lamar Jackson, I stay uncertain of simply what to make of the Ravens. For proof, take into account Baltimore’s final six video games. Since blowing out the Chargers on Nov. 17, when many tabbed the Ravens as the category of a convention with a number of groups vying for top-contender honors, they’ve been blown out by the Bengals, narrowly gained a thriller in opposition to the faltering Vikings, stumbled in opposition to the rising Dolphins, eked out a win over the scuttling Bears, barely topped the beat-up Browns and misplaced, final week, in a detailed recreation with the Steelers. All of which is to say, there’s little proof from the previous six weeks to point that Baltimore deserves a better slot, even within the what-to-make-of-it AFC. One dominant efficiency would change that shortly, however for now—RIP Twitter mentions—on this week’s rankings, the Ravens endure the steepest fall. The schedule doesn’t get any simpler, with the (more healthy) Browns, Packers, Bengals, Rams and Steelers remaining. Props to John Harbaugh for going for the tip of regulation, although, even when the choice was based mostly, partly, on dropping cornerback Marlon Humphrey for the season. Take into account that harm, considered one of many the Ravens have suffered this season, a giant one transferring ahead.
10. Buffalo Payments (7-5)
Final week: Loss vs. New England, 14–20 (Monday)
Subsequent week: at Tampa Bay
Take into account the Payments final six video games, an excellent cut up between three wins and three losses. There have been dominant victories over subpar (NY Jets) or banged up (New Orleans) groups, together with a stable win over Miami. The losses—to Jacksonville, interval; a beatdown suffered in opposition to Indianapolis and Monday’s ran-down-your-throats affair with New England—have been extra perplexing. An argument might be made that the Chargers must be right here, or the Colts, particularly given their 41–15 victory. The selection right here is to separate some hairs, and I’ll give the Payments the sting based mostly on the power of their total roster, its depth, and the expertise of quarterback Josh Allen, which is very vital as Buffalo chases a playoff bid—and place—in opposition to Justin Herbert and Carson Wentz. That mentioned, future offended social media poster, I acknowledge that you’re proper, in no matter capability you’re taking situation with this choose. The groups ranked 9–12 this week are all fairly shut for me. And, even then, the Payments might end all the season the way in which the final six weeks have gone, because the schedule options Tampa and one other date with New England, together with three winnable video games in Carolina, Atlanta and the New York Jets. Surprise if these groups will run the ball …
11. Los Angeles Chargers (7–5)
Final week: Win at Cincinnati, 41–22
Subsequent week: vs. New York Giants
The Chargers discover themselves in an identical place to all of the groups ranked round them, up or down, within the instant neighborhood. Recent off an emphatic drubbing of the Bengals, they need to lean on a budding famous person at quarterback (Justin Herbert), a operating again prone to win various fantasy soccer playoffs (Austin Ekeler), a defensive guru in Coach Brandon Staley, and a proficient roster that generally performs to its potential—and generally seems to be extra like a pretender. A meh upcoming schedule ought to assist cement a playoff bid. Additionally of observe: Herbert turned solely the third sign caller in NFL historical past with no less than 25 landing passes in his first two seasons (others: Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson), per the NFL.
Katie Stratman/USA TODAY Sports activities
12. Indianapolis Colts (7–6)
Final week: Win at Houston, 31–0
Subsequent week: Bye
There’s an argument to be made that the Colts belong increased up this record. It’s not one I’m prepared to make but. The 1–4 begin stays an element. As does the shortage of a signature win past Buffalo—Miami? San Francisco? Indianapolis performs New England and Arizona in its subsequent two video games, which ought to assist the checking out course of. First query: is Indy turning into the group many anticipated it to be? Most pundits picked the Colts to make the playoffs based mostly on the general power of their roster, which stays. The query, as all the time, will probably be at quarterback. Let’s not diminish how effectively Carson Wentz has performed this season (beginning with 22 landing passes in comparison with solely 5 interceptions)—or how effectively the road has protected him (at 22 sacks allowed now, in comparison with 50 final season). However let’s additionally not ignore his dangerous model of soccer, and the way which may sink a playoff recreation for the Colts in January. Verdict: none but, jury’s nonetheless out.
Final week: Win at Las Vegas, 17–15
Subsequent week: vs. Dallas
Who’s not right here for the Taylor Heinicke present? We’d like a phrase. Half fill-in, half people hero, Heinicke continued to bolster his easy-to-like legend because the season went alongside. He has accomplished greater than 70 % of his go makes an attempt in every of the final 4 video games—all wins—whereas throwing seven landing passes, in opposition to two interceptions. With a telling stretch upcoming—Dallas, Philadelphia, Dallas, Philadelphia—Heinicke and the WFT will both proceed to separate from the remainder of the muddled mess under them, or fall proper again into the quagmire.
14. Cincinnati Bengals (7–5)
Final week: Loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 41–22
Subsequent week: at San Francisco
Generally, NFL seasons hinge on one thing as small as a pinky finger. The Bengals perceive that higher this week, after their quarterback, Joe Burrow, completed out the loss to the Chargers with a digit so swollen that it was seen even on TV, with out requiring a zoomed-in angle. Cameras by no means missed a chance to point out Burrow—on the sideline, in ache; warming up, nonetheless in ache; shaking his hand, in ache; throwing passes, in ache; or sitting whereas holding his hand, in ache, and all afternoon. His default facial features was: grimace. That the harm occurred on pinky in his throwing hand solely made it worse, each final week and in weeks upcoming. Whereas Burrow performed each snap final week, the well being of the Bengals playoff hopes will relaxation on his dislocated proper pinky, and the way shortly it may heal, with contests in opposition to formidable defenses—49ers, Broncos, Ravens, Chiefs—subsequent on the schedule. Nonetheless, if the postseason began in the present day, the Bengals could be in.
15: San Francisco 49ers (6–6)
Final week: Loss at Seattle, 30–23
Subsequent week: at Cincinnati
Just like the Bengals, the 49ers could be within the playoffs if the postseason began in the present day. Just like the Bengals, their possibilities transferring ahead will hinge on quarterback play. However, in contrast to the Bengals, there’s no harm—not this week—to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. It’s not that Jimmy G performed terribly in a brutal loss to Seattle; he threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, whereas re-cementing his reference to George Kittle (12 targets, 9 catches, 181 yards, two scores). It’s that Jimmy G’s function particularly is to not screw up video games, to maintain his group shut, and to let the remainder of San Francisco’s proficient roster win round him. The 2 picks he threw in opposition to Seattle have been particularly dangerous, they usually strengthened the notion that the Niners is not going to be dynamic sufficient offensively to do any greater than stay on the playoff fringe. Enter Trey Lance? We’ll see.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5-1)
Final week: Win vs. Baltimore, 20–19
Subsequent week: at Minnesota (Thursday)
Mike Tomlin deserves a lot credit score for all he has helped Pittsburgh climate the previous a number of seasons, from Ryan Shazier’s scary neck harm, to Antonio Brown’s insubordination, to Le’Veon Bell’s messy exit, plus final season’s accidents at quarterback. That the Steelers stay within the postseason combine in 2021, regardless of some brutal, head-scratching losses, and a statuesque quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, speaks to Tomlin’s huge affect and high quality as a coach. However even with a giant upset of the Ravens final week, Pittsburgh stays in a Flip A Coin Metropolis, together with each different group round them within the energy rankings. If the Steelers handle to sneak into the playoffs, don’t count on the run to final that lengthy. Additionally of observe: with a career-high 3.5 sacks on Sunday, T.J. Watt set a season career-high, with 16 whole sacks—and 5 video games left.
17. Denver Broncos (6–6)
Final week: Loss at Kansas Metropolis, 22–9
Subsequent week: vs. Detroit
The Broncos merely have an excessive amount of offensive expertise to show within the putrid efforts they’ve slogged by means of in latest weeks, as evidenced in latest losses to Philadelphia (13 factors scored) and Kansas Metropolis (9). It’s not truthful to place the blame squarely on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. With a loaded receiving core, and the emergence of speedy again Javonte Williams, Denver has sufficient offensive punch to place up factors. They’ve executed simply that, in truth, a number of instances this season. Simply not sufficient to encourage confidence in a playoff bid. Not with a unit that ranks 20th in whole offense (343.9 yards per recreation) and 22nd in factors scored (19.8 per recreation).
18. Philadelphia Eagles (6–7)
Final week: Win at New York Jets, 33–18
Subsequent week: Bye
Thought of putting the Eagles increased this week, if solely as a result of they’ve piled up factors in three of their final 4 video games, all of which they gained, with a clunker in opposition to the Giants thrown in to solid some doubt. What’s apparent: Jalen Hurts can play, and the Eagles don’t want to seek out his successor this low season, not with different, extra apparent holes to fill, and a high-level backup already within the constructing. What might quickly be apparent: Philly’s offense, as a complete, is rounding into kind. With Gardner Minshew behind heart in opposition to the Giants, the Eagles put up 33 factors—and put the Giants stumble behind them momentarily. With three winnable video games following a bye week, there’s purpose to imagine Philadelphia could make a run. Simply don’t confuse “purpose to imagine” with “probably.” And, if you wish to really feel higher concerning the world, simply watch this video of Minshew embracing his father after the large win. Makes me wish to hug my children somewhat tighter.
Invoice Ingram/The Palm Seashore Publish/USA At this time Community
19. Miami Dolphins (6-7)
Final week: Win vs. New York Giants, 20–9
Subsequent week: Bye
It’s odd, persistently, how shortly we anoint, or quit, on younger NFL quarterbacks. It’s like their growth is seen solely in straight traces, all the way in which up, or all the way in which down, all the time “catastrophe or euphoria” to paraphrase Invoice Parcells previous quote on enjoying soccer in New York. Because the Dolphins rattled off their fifth-straight win on Sunday, their younger QB, Tua Tagovailoa, performed at a degree harking back to his Alabama stardom days, whereas reminding the world of professional soccer, as soon as once more, that quarterbacks develop at vastly completely different paces, whereas beholden to elements like harm and offensive line play that exist outdoors of their management. The Dolphins will want Tua’s consistency to make a run, particularly with video games in opposition to New England and Tennessee within the remaining two weeks. And who mentioned the AFC East was the worst division in soccer? (Once more, raises hand sheepishly.)
20. Cleveland Browns (6–6)
Final week: Bye
Subsequent week: vs. Baltimore
It’s secure to say that no group has endured fairly as a lot turmoil within the 2021 season because the Browns, who traded their star wideout (Beckham Jr.), handled COVID-19 positives and a rash of accidents, and have staggered ahead with quarterback Baker Mayfield in each peak-petulance mode and much from full well being. A run, whereas nonetheless attainable, appears inconceivable, particularly with 5 groups at .500 or higher remaining on the schedule.
21. Las Vegas Raiders (6–6)
Final week: Loss vs. Washington, 17–15
Subsequent week: at Kansas Metropolis
In regard to essentially the most turmoil in 2021, the Raiders wish to say, wait, maintain on a second. After my buddy Ken Belson broke the Jon Gruden emails story in The New York Instances, Gruden was fired. Rising wideout Henry Ruggs III was ultimately charged with 4 felonies after a drunk-driving arrest for a automobile crash the place the opposite driver was killed. The look-at-how-much-the-Raiders-are-overcoming items have been head-scratching the previous few weeks, and even then, their play began to match the dramatic, chaotic mess that’s their season in a loss to Washington final weekend. Seems like a tipping level within the fallacious route, an comprehensible one at that. Plus, Las Vegas simply misplaced Kenyan Drake to a damaged ankle suffered in Sunday’s recreation.
22. New Orleans Saints (5–7)
Final week: Loss vs. Dallas, 27–17 (Thursday)
Subsequent week: at New York Jets
The Saints have a greater group than their place in these energy rankings signifies. However they’re just too injured to think about a playoff hopeful. Whether or not it’s quarterback Jameis Winston, or quarterback Taysom Hill, or operating again Alvin Kamara, or huge receiver Michael Thomas, or any variety of others, a group with a deep roster has encountered an excessive amount of harm to make a practical push.
23. Minnesota Vikings (5–7)
Final week: Loss at Detroit, 29–27
Subsequent week: vs. Pittsburgh (Thursday)
The Vikings are one of many NFL’s most befuddling groups. Possibly essentially the most befuddling. Over the course of the season, Minnesota narrowly misplaced to among the league’s high contenders (Arizona, 1 level; Dallas, 4 factors; Baltimore, 3 factors). The Vikings haven’t dropped any of their seven losses by greater than 8 whole factors, and 5 of these defeats got here by 4 factors or fewer. Even then, Minnesota’s victories have largely resulted from comparable margins, and their final recreation—Detroit’s first and solely win this season—solely proved how far the Vikings must go. With the Steelers, Rams and Packers remaining on the schedule—together with two video games in opposition to the Bears—they’ll have to maneuver ahead with out wideout Adam Thielen who suffered a excessive ankle sprain on Sunday, including harm to insult. Star operating again Dalvin Prepare dinner already missed final week with a shoulder harm, and he’s not prone to play this week, both. However, hey, no less than Vikings followers can debate whether or not Justin Jefferson is now the most effective receiver in all of professional soccer.
24. Atlanta Falcons (5–7)
Final week: Loss vs. Tampa Bay, 30–17
Subsequent week: at Carolina
Matt Ryan isn’t having a nasty season. Sure, his yards-per-attempt (6.9) is down and his interceptions (11) are up. However these dips are due, partly, to dropping Julio Jones (traded to Tennessee) and Calvin Ridley (stepped away to are inclined to his psychological well being). The query that should be answered over the season’s remaining weeks is whether or not the Falcons ought to transfer on from Ryan and begin anew. It’s not his fault that the reply appears to be, sure.
25. Seattle Seahawks (4–8)
Final week: Win vs. San Francisco, 30–23
Subsequent week: at Houston
There’s not a extra optimistic franchise within the NFL than the one in Seattle led by Coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson. However the sunny-side-up outlook being peddled after a single, shut victory over the 49ers is somewhat a lot, even with these acquainted rose-colored glasses being positioned again on so many faces. With video games in opposition to the Rams and Cardinals remaining, optimism in Seattle can be a delusion in disguise, which units up a giant query for the low season: is Pete Carroll gone? Is Wilson? Are each? That’s the wager right here. Regardless, it’s value watching down the stretch, if solely to see how a exceptional period wins.
26. Carolina Panthers (5-7)
Final week: Bye
Subsequent week: vs. Atlanta
The Panthers have proven flashes this season. However with operating again Christian McCaffrey shelved, offensive coordinator Joe Brady fired, quarterback Cam Newton adjusting in his return and video games remaining in opposition to the Bucs (twice) and Payments, Carolina appears extra prone to proceed its freefall than to proper its season.
27. Chicago Bears (4–8)
Final week: Loss vs. Arizona, 33–22
Subsequent week: at Inexperienced Bay
One of the best factor that may be mentioned concerning the Bears 2021 season is … no less than Justin Area flashed some tantalizing potential when he was each wholesome and beginning. In any other case, six losses in seven video games say all that’s wanted, because the Bears edge out the groups under them based mostly merely on the 4 video games they’ve managed to win.
Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com/USA TODAY NETWORK
28. New York Jets (3–9) (beginning to play somewhat higher, relative; Wilson again)
Final week: Loss vs. Philadelphia, 33–18
Subsequent week: vs. New Orleans
Possibly it’s merely life as a former Jets beat author, however I watch this group, by means of loss after loss, and nonetheless, in some way, handle to see progress. On this case, it’s relative, however from quarterback Zach Wilson to fit receiver Elijah Moore to some (small) offensive enchancment, and … ah, who am I kidding? The J-E-T-S are nonetheless J-E-T-ing, however have been bumped above the Giants for that very (once more, relative) enchancment.
29. New York Giants (4–8)
Final week: Loss at Miami, 20–9
Subsequent week: at Los Angeles Chargers
Pity the skilled soccer fan in New York in 2021. Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has labored a few of his typical magic on this downtrodden season. However for an offense with this a lot cash and draft capital put into gamers like quarterback Daniel Jones, operating again Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay, who injured some ribs this week, amongst many others, there’s merely no good rationalization for a way really dangerous the offense is.
30. Houston Texans (2–10)
Final week: Loss vs. Indianapolis, 31–0
Subsequent week: vs. Seattle
Shut out this week, lucky to haven’t been shut out of the win column this season. That’s the Texans, kind of. They’re what we thought they have been, which is to say actually dangerous.
31. Detroit Lions (1-10-1)
Final week: Win vs. Minnesota, 29–27
Subsequent week: at Denver
Lions get a one-slot bump for his or her first—and understandably emotional, after the close by Michigan faculty taking pictures—win on Sunday. Written with out snark, in all seriousness: given the circumstances, and the shortage of expertise all through the roster, it’s laudable how Jared Goff has carried out this season. That’s to not say the Rams ought to have stayed put, somewhat than commerce for Stafford. It’s to say that Goff has proven some enviable mettle this yr—and his resolve, coupled together with his group’s character, netted that last-second triumph. If that’s the spotlight of the 2021 season in Detroit, it’s not an insignificant one. Additionally of observe: this marked the 26th time this season {that a} recreation was selected the ultimate play, per the NFL. That’s essentially the most such video games ever by means of Week 13.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2–10)
Final week: Loss at Los Angeles Rams, 37–7
Subsequent week: at Tennessee
A very powerful query that continues to be on this Jacksonville season ought to sound acquainted: is it time for one more excessive makeover? That means: one other one. And, associated query: will the franchise wreck Trevor Lawrence earlier than one reclamation challenge or one other lastly takes maintain?
Extra NFL Protection:
• Breaking Down the NFL Playoff Image With 5 Weeks to Go
• Breaking Buffalo: Belichick Sends Payments Again to the Drawing Board
• MAQB: Jared Goff Deserves to Really feel Good After First Win With Lions
• MMQB: T.J. Watt Explains How the Steelers Did Simply Sufficient to Beat the Ravens
