NFL Power Rankings Week 16
NFL Power Rankings Week 16
1. Ravens ↔
Another week, another win. The Ravens at this point are just steamrolling opponents. Another five-touchdown performance along with a broken record for the MVP frontrunner. He has made this season just looks easy by running and passing his way to the top of both lists. He leads the league in passing touchdowns and QBR, while also having the eighth highest rushing total in the league. He also leads the league’s highest-scoring offense and number one rushing attack with 202.4 yards. Lastly, you combine that with a defense that hasn’t given up more than 21 points in its last ten games and has at least one turnover in each game, you have a recipe for success.
2. Saints↑ 1
Drew Brees is one of the few living legends playing still at a high level. The breaking of multiple records in a game is just one of the many accomplishments he does in his career. Having a guy like that along with a future Hall of Fame coach in Sean Payton drawing up the plays that led to some of the best mismatches throughout the league. As well as one of the best two-man combos on offense, the defense is playing some of its best it has in the last few seasons. With Marshon Lattimore and Cameron Jordan leading the way, this team is as complete as the best in the league.
3. Chiefs ↑ 1
Patrick Mahomes is finally back at full strength and the defense is continuously improving from a slow start. They have been significantly better in pass defense and the run defense is starting to hold up better. They held the last two opponents to under 100 yards total rushing and gotten turnovers in bunches. This defense playing as well as it has will make it easier to have this offense scoring in bunching as it did last year and with the huge leads, the pass rush can get back to its level of greatness it had last year.
4. 49ers ↓ 2
A heartbreaking loss near the last to last play strikes again for the 49ers team. Their only losses have come on last-second game-winning field goals and this last-second touchdown by Julio Jones. Other than these three hiccups, the 49ers had been one of the most surprising teams this year. Jimmy G is looking like the franchise quarterback, they are the second-best rushing team in the league only behind the Ravens. Also, the defense is top three if not number one in almost every category. They have a defensive line that is first rounds picks across the board as well as great linebacker and secondary play. This team is as complete as any team in the league.
5. Seahawks ↑ 1
When the Seahawks are at their best, they have a dominant rushing attack, a magical Russell Wilson, and a defense that can cause turnovers at a moment notice. Against the Panthers, they rushed for 154 yards, Russell Wilson had two touchdowns and a QBR of 87.4. While the defense had another three interceptions on the day and got in the backfield consistently. This team can be very dangerous when they are playing at 100 percent, yet when they are not, they can be a middling team at best. More often than not though, they have been at or close to their best all year long.
6. Packers ↓ 1
Ugly win after ugly win seems to be the formula for the Packers this year. They won another one against a Bears team that was trying to make a final push to sneak into the playoffs. They scored just enough points to hold off the Bears aerial attack that in the second half looked to come alive. As well as stopping them on the ground game for most of the game, they held them out of the endzone on the last play. They stopped the miracle lateral play the Bears were hoping for. Rodgers is playing his normal way just a bit more conservative, while the running game seems to be getting back on track. Along with a defense doing a good job, this team is playoff bound for sure.
7. Patriots ↑ 1
They finally stopped their losing skid. The team had a lot of questions against them going into the game, but they used a Belichick mantra to win; On to the next game. The defense came up again big, especially Stephon Gilmore who came away with two picks and one he returned for a touchdown. The offense showed some sort of game plan, yet it was still overly underwhelming. They scored a few points, but the defense is going to have to make or break this team in the end. As long as this defense can stop anyone and give the offense extremely short field, they can win games.
8. Vikings ↓ 1
They have continued their good play of late after their lost to the Seahawks. They followed up their beatdown of the Lions with a good defensive victory over a good but not great Chargers team. They forced Melvin Gordon, who has been on a miniature tear lately, into two fumbles before the end of the 3rd quarter and got a defensive touchdown on a sack-fumble by the defensive tackle. The offense loss Dalvin Cook in the 3rd quarter possibly for the year, but the offense didn’t miss much of a beat without him. The running game continued to be consistent and the play-action game benefitted. As long as they stick to their formula this team has a chance to make a good run into the playoffs.
9. Bills ↑ 1
The defense has continued to show everyone just how serious they are. They slowed down Lamar Jackson and then went and completely stopped the Steelers offense. It might not but a great or even good offense, but it made big plays when needed week after week. Last week, Devlin Hodges looked like the fourth-string quarterback he was entering the year when he threw four interceptions. The Bills defense never really allowed the Steelers offense to do much of anything. As well as the Bills offense finally making enough plays against a stout defense to win and help the defense out.
10. Texans ↑ 1
Another impressive performance by the Texans. They have been a bit inconsistent this season, but that has to do more with the injuries than with the game plan or scheme. They are a force on offense with all three starting receivers available and a dynamic 1-2 punch I the backfield. Yet, the availability of the players has been to up and down all season. As well as too few available players, the defense has been up and down with the loss of key players over and over this year. No Clowney, no Watt, and a suspect secondary has led to a team close to title contender to being only a playoff player at best.
-By: Darren Braxton
Writer/Interviewer