Another week of NFL football is in the books and things are as cluttered as ever. In the AFC, there are seven teams fighting for 2 wildcard spots. Those seven teams are all within 1 game of each other in the standings. Now, only one team has been mathematically eliminated (New England), but I am going with the thought that the teams that are 5-8 will soon be joining them.
The NFC is a little clearer with 5 teams close to clinching their spot. Eight teams are within 2 games of the final playoff spot, and it is conceivable that a team with a losing record could be final team in the wildcard round. Only Carolina has been eliminated.
How did last week’s games affect the power rankings? Let’s see.
POWER RANKINGS TOP 10
1. BALTIMORE RAVENS (10-3). They got a scare against the Rams but were saved in OT by a walk-off punt return. Defense took some hits but they came through at the end. Ravens have a tough stretch to close out the season includng a possible Super Bowl rematch with the 49ers.
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (10-3). I am calling this 1B. They just may be the best team in football. They only have one tough game to close out the season and that is against the aforementioned Ravens. That game will tell a lot. Division is basically theirs.
3. DALLAS COWBOYS (10-3). Since getting their doors blown off by the 49ers, they have been the best team in football. Will that carry them into anything meaningful? Maybe. Maybe not. Their schedule is the toughest in football to close out the season with 3 of the final 4 on the road. We will learn all we need to know. Division is between them and the next team in the rankings.
4. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-3). They are struggling. Turning the ball over. Defense can’t stop a nosebleed. They are very likely to still win the NFC East as their remaining schedule is favorable. However, does the way they are playing right now, scare you? They have a lot to figure out before the playoffs.
5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-4). They should probably be lower. Call it the “Mahomes Effect”. They have issues on offense. Drops, concentration issues, talent issues. It’s almost like a great QB still needs a good supporting cast around him. Their final 4 games include 2 divisional games. That should win them the division.
6. MIAMI DOLPHINS (9-4). What a horrible loss to the Titans. At home, no less. They have a tough remaining schedule and only a 2-game lead over Buffalo, who they finish the season against. It’s weird to say this late in the season but do the Dolphins know what their identity is?
7. DETROIT LIONS (9-4). To steal a phrase from columnist Bob Wojnowski, it’s “panic in Lions town!” The team is 9-4 and you’d think they were 4-9. I get it, they are struggling. Jared Goff is struggling with turnovers. Defense is doing it’s best with what they have. Here’s the thing, they are going to win the division barring an epic meltdown. They will get a home playoff game. At that point, anything can happen. The final 4 games aren’t easy but they will be favored in all but 1. They will play Minnesota twice.
8. CLEVELAND BROWNS (8-5). Joe Flacco. Are you kidding me? The Browns are a better offense now on their 4th QB of the season. Is it sustainable? Can Flacco keep them going? The defense is really good. With a relatively easy last quarter of the season ahead, they could be a dangerous team come playoff time.
9. BUFFALO BILLS (7-6). I feel like they could be higher. They are probably the most inconsistent of the elite teams. Or are they not elite? I don’t know what they are. They can beat just about anyone. They’ve also shown they can lose to just about anyone. They need to win out for a chance at division and playoffs.
10. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-5). This spot could also be Houston. I tossed a coin. They have a one game lead over Houston and Indianapolis in the division. The remaining four games aren’t difficult except the Ravens game. They will need to win 3 of 4 to win their division. They need to be more consistent on offense and keep Trevor Lawrence healthy.
IF THE DRAFT HAPPENED TODAY, TOP 5
The top remains un-changed from a week ago so for the sake of variety, I will look at different options for each team. No trades considered for these purposes
1. CHICAGO BEARS via CAROLINA. Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame. I’ve always believed you build your team upfront first. This is a good start to protecting Justin Fields.
2. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. Caleb Williams, QB USC. Bill Belichick won’t be back. I think they go with the more mobile QB that the league is trending towards.
3. ARIZONA CARDINALS. Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio State. IF the Cardinals keep Kyler Murray and IF Marvin Harrison Jr declares for the draft (rumors of a better NIL deal to stay in school), then giving Murray a weapon will vastly help the offense.
4. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS. Drake Maye, QB UNC. Let’s say they aren’t sold on Sam Howell, they are in position to improve at QB immediately. The offense has some nice skill position players.
5. CHICAGO BEARS. Jared Verse, Edge Florida State. They helped the offensive line with pick 1. Now they help the defensive line with one of the best pass rushers in the draft.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
DENVER BRONCOS AT DETROIT LIONS: This is as close to a must-win game as you can get. The Lions need this game to calm the fans. They need this game to get closer to a division title. They can’t let Denver get off to a fast start. Courtland Sutton has become a big target for Russell Wilson. Control that and they will win the game.
DALLAS COWBOYS AT BUFFALO BILLS: Can the Cowboys stay hot on the road? Which Bills team will show up? Cowboys need this game to stay atop the NFC East. Buffalo needs this game to stay in playoff contention. High drama in Orchard Park.
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Huge game for playoff seeding in the AFC. Jags are trying to win their division. Ravens want to keep hold of the top seed.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: The Eagles need to stop the slide having lost 2 straight in embarrassing fashion. Seattle is clinging to playoff hopes. If the Eagles win out, they win the NFC East.