NFL Power Rankings Week 13 Top 10; 1-5
NFL Power Rankings Week 13 Top 10; 1-5
1. Ravens ↔
Cold weather, raining and facing off against the top-ranked defense couldn’t stop the Ravens from pulling out a win against the 49ers. They slowed down the running game a bit by bottling up the running backs. Yet, they forgot the number one rusher on the team is Lamar Jackson who went for over 100 yards for the fourth time this year. On top of the offense doing their part, the defense forced Jimmy G into a fumble on a well-done strip-sack. Along with some critical stops down in the fourth quarter, the defense held its own. Mix in some amazing special teams plays which included a blocked field goal, a Chris Moore downing inside the two yards line and “Mr. Golden Leg” himself Justin Tucker, kicking the game-winning field goal as time expired, you got a hell of a team win.
2. 49ers ↔
They may not have gotten the win this weekend, but the 49ers showed that they are still one of the top three teams in the NFL. They went across the country to Baltimore and give the Ravens a really close scare. They held the most potent offense in the league to just 20 points in total. The weather conditions were less than optimal for either team, yet the 49ers try to keep a balanced attack going that included over 160 yards on the ground and through the air. Jimmy G had a modest number passing, but Raheem Mostert had a career-high rushing for 149 yards on 19 attempts on an improved Ravens defense. They might not have gotten the win, but they proved on Sunday just serious a title contender they are becoming.
3. Saints ↔
The Saints clinched their division in glorious fashion with a clear win over division rival Falcons in Atlanta. The redeemed themselves from the loss two weeks prior and made sure that they showed off all their weapons. This included highlighting the multidimensional weapon in quarterback/H-back/Tight end/ Receiver/ Special teamer Taysum Hill. Not only did he block a punt, but he scored a touchdown through the air from 5 yards out and scampered in a 30-yard run all in the first half. He made sure to put his stamp on the game and it showed. So even if you hold All-Pro wideout Michael Thomas and contain Alvin Kamara’s versatile usage, the saints can find ways to run up the score and stop you.
4. Seahawks ↑ 1
Russell Wilson has been doing it all year and once again showed up under the brightest lights to deliver another stellar performance. He threw for another two touchdowns, which now has him leading the league in that category again. While also keeping his team in prime position to move the chains and score. Not only did Russell do his part, but the tandem of Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny combined for 176 yards on the ground and a combined 3 touchdowns on the night. Add in the multiple turnovers the defense created for the offense and we got a team that is firing on all cylinders heading into the final four games of the season.
5. Packers ↑ 1
This decision was tough, but the Packers win over the Giants in a snowy East Rutherford showed why they are still among the best in the NFC. Rodgers had a Rodgers-esque day with four touchdowns and Davante Adams is starting to come back to his normal self as a great possession and red zone receiver. He scored twice on the day with the snow coming down hard. The running game may have taken a back seat this game, but the defense stepped up to the tune of three picks and a fumble on Daniel Jones. They made him uncomfortable all day and held him under 250 yards passing and one touchdown. The had been playing somewhat better the last few weeks, yet the Packers showed he is still a rookie in the league.
-By: Darren Braxton
Writer/Podcaster