NFL Power Rankings Week 11 Top 10; 1-5
NFL Power Rankings Week 11 Top 10; 1-5
1. Ravens ↑1
Domination on all fronts. That’s the best way to describe the Ravens this past month of this season. The offense is one of the hardest and most unpredictable in the NFL to stop on a weekly basis for teams. The defense, which looked like a liability early on in the year, has finally found its groove. The acquisition of Marcus Peters can’t be understated, but the additional midseason signings as a whole have elevated this defense to the Ravens’ brand of defense. As well as the special teams still lead by Justin Tucker and his automatic leg still producing as efficient as ever. This team is the one most people don’t want to face this year whether at home or on the road.
2. 49ers ↓ 1
The 49ers won and got back on track against an up and coming Cardinals squad. They had to rally from an early 16-0 deficit to come back and win late in the fourth. Don’t let the score fool you, it was a closer game than most expected. Yet, Jimmy G was clutch this week and he showed that he is a franchise cornerstone. Another four-touchdown performance to lead the Niners back after a late touchdown to Jeff Wilson Jr. with 31 seconds in regulation is just what the Niners needed. This is still one of the most balanced teams with a good offense and a great defense, but the dominance hasn’t been there for the last two weeks.
3. Saints ↑ 2
The loss to the Falcons was a fluke. The beatdown the Saints took last week in a rivalry game that most expected to be competitive was an anomaly. Yet, when it came time to answer is this team a contender, they made a clear statement. Playing without top cornerback Marshon Lattimore, they forced Jameis Winston into four interceptions and sacked him twice while generating pressure all day for the turnover-prone quarterback. Drew Brees looked like his normal efficient self going for three scores and over 200 yards through the air. While Michael Thomas went for another ridiculous stat line of 8 receptions, 114 yards, and another score. This team is still one of the scariest teams to face when they are firing on all cylinders. The NFC race for the top spot looks like a tough battle going down the stretch and we will get to see just how scary this team can get.
4. Seahawks ↑ 1
With the Seahawks on a bye, we got to see how the other teams stacked up to the rest of the league. The league unfortunately disappointed in proving that the Hawks aren’t a legitimate contender. They still boast one of the league frontrunners for the MVP in Russell Wilson. His leading league 26 total touchdowns (23 passing, 3 rushing), along with a league-leading passer rating has lifted the Seahawks up from many close calls this year including a primetime game against the Niners. They also have a defense that has been getting after the quarterback of recent with Jadeveon Clowney leading the way. His dominance against the 49ers showed the former one overall pick is still the unstoppable force when he gets going.
5. Patriots ↓ 2
The ageless wonder is no more. He is still the mighty and legendary Tom Brady six-time Superbowl winner, yet for the first time in a long time, he is showing he can’t do it all on his own. No Gronkowski, no running game, no weapons other than a slot receiver and a good defense. This team still has one of the greatest coaches ever in Belichick but there are many questions that need to be answered for this team before we can call them Superbowl contenders. With all that being said the Patriots are still 9-1 and still in the number one seed for the AFC playoffs so we can’t say that they are out yet.
-By: Darren Braxton
Writer/Podcaster