Week 14 NFL Power Ranking Top 10; 6-10

Dec 11

Week 14 NFL Power Ranking Top 10; 6-10

6. Seahawks ↓ 2

An ugly loss to a division rival. This team has been riding high on the success of the main man himself Russell Wilson. Yet, when he can’t keep the team in it and the running game isn’t working then this team will lose. This is not the same team as it was when they won the Super bowl in 2012. They haven’t been able to show the same dominance they once have. This defense isn’t a pushover because they still can cause turnovers as evident by the pick-six from Quandre Diggs. Yet the pass rush is consistently no existent when needed and they allow rusher to get yards whenever they need. I still consider this to be one of the best teams because the rushing attack and Russell Wilson can’t be stopped like this too often, but the defense needs to step it up more consistent if they plan on making a deep run in the NFC playoff picture.

7. Vikings ↑ 3

A win makes everything better. This win was a good way to get the momentum back for this squad. The defense that had been showing cracks in the armor of late sealed them up against a third-string quarterback that was pretty good on this first outing. They finished the game with five sacks and two interceptions for the rookie QB. Pro bowler Danielle Hunter led the charge with three sacks and the safety tandem of Andrew Sendejo and Harrison Smith picked off Blough. Dalvin Cook got back to his scoring ways with a rushing touchdown and Kirk Cousins continued his pretty good season with another score. If this team can keep it up, then this team can make noise throughout the playoffs.

8. Patriots ↓ 1

“O’ how the mighty have fallen.” This is the best way to sum up the past two weeks for the Patriots. It was clear early on this year there were issues with this team but winning solves all woes. It can even make you think, “This is just how the patriots are. They can start off slow but get it together when it’s needed for their title run again.” Unless you are talking about this year’s teams. No Gronk, no consistent running game, and no other receiver than Julian Edelman and you have an offense that is flat. Points are becoming harder to come by for this team if not for a top 5 defense and special teams that capitalize on the smallest of miscues this year. Even this past week, the defense and special teams held the game close but couldn’t get enough from an offense that has no identity and no real playmakers for one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. They still have their 10 wins on the year and can still win the division again for the 11th time in a row, but this team needs help, BAD.

9. Titans ↑ 3

Tan-ne-hill! Tan-ne-hill! That is what most Titans fans are screaming right now. They are 5-1 with him as the starting QB and rolling right through teams. Tannehill’s dominant play has him and this whole team playing inspired football. You have Derrick Henry running over everything in his way with four straights 100-yard rushing games. Tannehill now has the league lead in passer rating over the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, and Lamar Jackson. He has thrown for 14 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions in his last 7 starts. Not only has the offense upped their play, but the defense has been getting sacks and causing turnovers leading to touchdowns. The special teams have even gotten in on the action with three field goals blocking in the last five weeks. If they win the AFC South and win two of their next three games, this team is the second scariest team to enter the playoffs.

10. Bills ↓ 2

This past loss was a hard one to swallow for a Bills team that seemed to be surging and playing some of their best football of late. Josh Allen looked inaccurate most of the day and the only saving grace was the performance of Devin Singletary on offense who single-handedly tried to keep this offense in position to make plays. On the other hand, this defense may have given up three scores through the air but was stifling the Lamar Jackson lead offense majority of the game. The made the Baltimore offense punt seven times, which is the most in any game all year long that they have done so. Jackson made his normal highlight play, but for the most part, was contained by a disciplined and aggressive Bills defense. They even managed to pick him up, which hasn’t been done in over 181 of his last passing attempts. They just came up against a team that was better today, but they are still a fearsome squad for any left on their schedule.

-By: Darren Braxton