The Detroit Lions won the NFC North. The Kansas City Chiefs can’t win games all of a sudden losing 3 of their last 5 games. The Baltimore Ravens dominated the San Francisco 49ers. The Miami Dolphins won on a last second field goal. It was a great weekend of football and with two weeks left to go, there are still some mega games yet to be played. I’ll get to those is a bit. This week’s power rankings see a new team at the top. Let’s get to it.
POWER RANKINGS TOP 10
1. BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-3). Pure domination of the best team in the NFC, San Francisco. Lamar Jackson led his Ravens in rushing while throwing for 2 touchdowns and no turnovers. The defense intercepted 49ers QB Brock Purdy 4 times. Now they have the surging Dolphins next for the top seed in the AFC. They are a scary team.
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (11-4). I really thought about moving Miami here but I still think the 49ers would beat them. That was a humbling game. Their MVP candidate Brock Purdy was horrible. CMC was his normal self but the offense as a whole sputtered. They turned the ball over 5 times. Can’t win that way.
3. MIAMI DOLPHINS (11-4). That was an impressive win over the Cowboys. Offense was stymied but produced when it needed to. Defense has been fantastic since Jalen Ramsey returned. Dolphins coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for making great in-game adjustments. Huge game against Baltimore up next.
4. DETROIT LIONS (11-4). They made it interesting in the end, but a win is a win. NFC North Champions with a chance to get the top seed in the NFC. Defense is still a problem, but they are getting some guys back off injured list at right time. They’ll have a big test on the road this week in Dallas.
5. DALLAS COWBOYS (10-5). This team may be the most confusing team in football. Why they seem to fumble opportunities away on the road is just weird. They really should have beaten Miami, but you can’t turn the ball over and you can’t get away from getting your best player involved. Ceedee Lamb not targeted in 2nd and 3rd quarter. Huh?
6. CLEVELAND BROWNS (10-5). The Joe Flacco Renaissance continues. If he can keep playing at this level, they will make noise in the playoffs. That defense can make any offense struggle.
7. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (11-4). Yeah, they won but was anyone impressed? They just don’t look right. Is it play calling? Is it the QB? The head coach? They will most likely win the NFC East but do they scare anyone?
8. BUFFALO BILLS (9-6). They pulled it out against the Chargers. They are getting hot at right time. They still need help but they would be a dangerous playoff opponent. Josh Allen has to protect the ball.
9. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-6). They’ve lost 3 out of last 5. The defense isn’t stopping anyone. Patrick Mahomes is turning the ball over. What is happening over there?
10. LOS ANGELES RAMS (8-7). The Rams are hot. Matthew Stafford is playing good football and the offense is humming. Can they get into the playoffs and stay hot? Possible matchup against the Lions is just delicious.
IF THE NFL DRAFT WAS TODAY, TOP 5 PICKS
1. CHICAGO BEARS via CAROLINA PANTHERS: What to do, what to do. Let’s trade Justin Fields and take Caleb Williams. Do I think that will happen? No, but it’s fun to play around with.
2. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Let’s say Kyler Murray is gone. Would you take Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye? Let’s go with Jayden Daniels.
3. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: Sam Howell was benched. Can’t imagine they’ll move forward with him. Let’s give them Drake Maye…unless they sign Russell Wilson.
4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: The top 3 QB’s off the board, what do they do? Do they get a playmaker for a future QB? Sure, let’s take Marvin Harrison Jr (if he declares for the draft)
5. NEW YORK GIANTS: You have to think Daniel Jones will be back given his contract. They will want to protect him. OT Joe Alt would be a solid selection.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
DETROIT LIONS AT DALLAS COWBOYS: This is a huge game for playoff seeding. The Lions have already clinched the NFC North but have designs on that top seed. The Cowboys have won 15 straight games at home. They are coming off 2 losses in a row, they will be motivated to finish strong. Detroit will need to get a lead early and win the time of possession game.
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS: It will be for the top seed in the AFC and home field advantage. Miami needs to match the physicality of the Ravens. Depending on the weather, offenses may be bogged down and will need to control the line of scrimmage.