NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals, Buccaneers keep NFC dominant

classybuzzDecember 7, 2021

31 22 minutes read

A full 13 weeks into the first-ever 17-game NFL season, the postseason image is beginning to take form. And but, after one other Sunday of surprises, the form that’s rising is totally different than anticipated, even when in comparison with final week.

To that finish, this week’s MMQB Power Rankings options a couple of developments that aren’t more likely to maintain in a yr that’s even stranger than common.

1. The NFC continues to separate because the dominant convention, to the purpose the place some pundits—raises hand sheepishly—imagine the highest 4 groups hail from the identical convention. My checklist contains the standard contenders—Arizona, plus the Bays (Inexperienced and Tampa), together with a probably controversial alternative at No. 4, plus the return of an early-season favourite to the highest six. This implies the rankings are prime heavy, not missing AFC groups general within the prime half. (Can I take advantage of “prime” extra instances in a single paragraph?)

1. Arizona Cardinals (10–2)

Final week: Win at Chicago, 33–22
Subsequent week: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Monday)

There’s loads to like about this Arizona staff. Just like the return of Kyler Murray (with none obvious rust, with 4 touchdowns scored) to the beginning lineup, and simply in time for a tough remaining slate that features large video games in opposition to the Rams (subsequent week, Monday evening), Colts and Cowboys. Just like the protection, which intercepted Andy Dalton 4 instances on Sunday. Just like the roster depth, after an skilled reshaping by basic supervisor Steve Keim and his personnel workers. Like Isaiah Simmons, defender of many functions. Like Chandler Jones, sacker of quarterbacks. Like Kliff Kingsbury, remover of sturdy doubts. Like video games remaining in opposition to the Lions and Seahawks. The Cardinals are formidable on each side of the ball, and balanced, and primed for an actual run. Oh, and game-changing wideout DeAndre Hopkins is again, too, after scoring in his first recreation again.

2. Inexperienced Bay Packers (9–3)

Final week: Bye
Subsequent week: vs. Chicago

The saga that’s the 2021 NFL season for the Packers took a well-deserved interlude in Week 13. That meant relaxation for Aaron Rodgers and (in principle) therapeutic for his damaged toe. That meant time for the remainder of the roster to get better and reset, time for offensive wizard Matt LaFleur to spend in his laboratory cooking up schemes and time for Inexperienced Bay to determine find out how to navigate the remainder of its season. Because of the well-timed bye, and performances in different latest weeks, there’s no cause to maneuver the Combating Lombardis this week.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9–3)

Final week: Win at Atlanta, 30–17
Subsequent week: vs. Buffalo

In some methods, the Bucs gained from the Packers not enjoying, if solely as a result of the Bucs did greater than might need been anticipated of them in a powerful trouncing of the Falcons. Ageless Tom Brady threw 4 touchdowns in opposition to Atlanta, together with a pair of scores to tight finish Rob Gronkowski, which bolstered a big level: Tampa is best when Gronk is in its lineup, each from a passing perspective and from a run-game one due to Gronk’s blocking prowess. Brady and Gronk have now related for the second-most regular-season touchdowns (90) from anybody pair in NFL historical past. The Buccaneers may even welcome again Antonio Brown quickly, after the wideout’s newest misstep with a faux vaccination card. The franchise’s continued embrace of Brown, regardless of the if-he-makes-one-mistake-he’s-done remark from Coach Bruce Arians, marks one of many low factors of the 2021 season. However his return, from a strictly soccer perspective, offers Tampa a whole offense for a lot of its stretch run, which options just one possible playoff staff, the Payments, subsequent week.

4. Dallas Cowboys (8–4)

Final week: Win at New Orleans, 27–17 (Thursday)
Subsequent week: at Washington

Think about there will likely be some disagreement right here. However, in becoming with the theme for the week, I’m transferring the Cowboys from No. 10 into the highest tier. Sure, I notice that Dallas has misplaced two of its previous three video games. The counter: each staff from No. 4 to No. 12 is flawed, and, if we’re contemplating issues like top-end potential and schedule, the Cowboys win in each respects. Their banged-up offense is getting more healthy. Their defensive (greatest bother spot) performed effectively on Sunday in opposition to injured New Orleans with Dan Quinn changing Mike McCarthy (COVID-19 protocols) on the sideline, and their schedule, apart from a date with Arizona on Jan. 2, options 4 different video games they are going to be favored to win. Mix these components, and Dallas ought to problem for increased seeding within the playoffs, which might result in a better path to the Tremendous Bowl. That’s, in fact, barring one other letdown.

Pleasant reminder that Dak Prescott predicted a run to Sports activities Illustrated earlier than the season began—and the way his story highlights simply how a lot the Cowboys, and, specifically their quarterback, have already overcome.

5. New England Patriots (9–4)

Final week: Win at Buffalo, 14–10 (Monday)
Subsequent week: Bye

Has a 14–10 victory ever felt extra dominant? Watch the Patriots in winds that gusted as much as 55 miles an hour, as Buffalo stored it shut, and as rising quarterback Mac Jones threw solely three passes—together with a single try within the first half—and, nonetheless, the end result of an essential AFC contest by no means appeared unsure. Simply as Tom Brady proved in profitable the Tremendous Bowl final season with—and in—Tampa, the entire Brady-Belichick credit score debate was by no means truthful to both, not to mention telling in regard to their spectacular, two-decade run. The reply, all alongside, was each of them, as evidenced, as soon as once more, by the twist Belichick placed on his staff’s seventh-straight win, to not point out his sensible low season that repositioned the Patriots. We might argue whether or not the Rams deserve this slot extra, or whether or not the Chiefs do. However it could be silly—now, or at any level within the close to future—to doubt what Belichick has up his, effectively, um, the shoulder components of his cut-off sweatshirts. With Jones enjoying capably, the protection enjoying higher and a bye week forward, right here comes New England, in quick pursuit of what can be an all-time Tremendous Bowl match-up. Will we even must say who would play in that situation? It’s not time to lock it in but, nevertheless it certain looks as if one of many extra possible potentialities.

Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports activities

6. Los Angeles Rams (8–4)

Final week: Win vs. Jacksonville, 37–7
Subsequent week: at Arizona (Monday)

What to make of the Rams? has turn into a daily, probably NFL-season-defining inquiry the previous few weeks. I went forwards and backwards on this one. The lack of wideout/staff chief Robert Woods will proceed to harm down the stretch, however that might be mitigated by an elevated function for Odell Beckham Jr., who scored once more on Sunday. Tough video games stay on the schedule; Arizona and Baltimore, to not point out three different problematic contests with two division rivals (Seattle, San Francisco) that are likely to play LA robust, and a Minnesota staff that retains it shut each week. But when I’m trying particularly at how the Rams relate to the groups which are ranked proper under them—Kansas Metropolis, Tennessee, Buffalo—I’m betting on L.A.’s firepower over any of the others, a minimum of together with a protection that boasts two of the NFL’s finest gamers in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. There’s not a ton to take out of the Rams blowout victory over the Jaguars, past Matthew Stafford throwing for 3 touchdowns and taking higher care of the soccer. No, I’ve the Rams this excessive primarily based on what I’m predicting lies forward.

Additionally of word, per the NFL: Cooper Kupp grew to become solely the fourth wideout in NFL historical past to surpass 100 receptions within the first 12 video games of anybody season. (Others: Michael Thomas, Marvin Harrison, Julio Jones.) Of that group, solely Kupp additionally grabbed 10 landing passes within the 12-game stretch. In additional enjoyable with Cooper Kupp numbers, the wideout additionally grew to become the third-ever NFL receiver with greater than 1,350 receiving yards within the first 12 video games of anybody season, becoming a member of Calvin Johnson and Torry Holt.

7. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (8–4)

Final week: Win vs. Denver, 22–9
Subsequent week: vs. Las Vegas

Somewhat than writing “don’t look now,” the correct phrase right here is “please, look now.” After I put collectively these energy rankings earlier than heading into the wonderful, diaper-changing existence that’s paternity go away, the Chiefs have been being written off, their protection too porous, their usually high-flying offense in a Tremendous Bowl-hangover funk. I wrote then that I believed coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had the chops and the expertise to show issues round. I heard from many on Twitter who disagreed. However … he has. Since Tennessee blew out Kansas Metropolis on Oct. 24, the Chiefs have allowed: 17 factors (Giants), 7 factors (Packers), 14 factors (Raiders), 9 factors (Cowboys) and 9 factors (Broncos, final Sunday), whereas profitable all 5 of these video games. Instance of influence: a 20-play Broncos drive that netted no factors simply earlier than halftime. Or: “Soiled” Dan Sorensen’s Choose-Six within the fourth that sealed one other win. In truth, the Chiefs D surrendered its first landing for the reason that Raiders recreation in opposition to the Broncos, and after the Sorensen turnover, when the sport was all however determined.

And, regardless of the Chiefs continued—and frequently perplexing—offensive struggles, when it comes to scoring offense, they’re tied for 13^th (25.3 factors per recreation), and that’s accounting for his or her sluggish begin. Kansas Metropolis might want to deliver that rating as much as make one other run, nevertheless it’s price noting that when the Chiefs gained the Tremendous Bowl two years in the past, their protection performed much better within the second half the season, carrying an offense that was nonetheless rounding into prime kind. Sound acquainted? (Tyreek Hill catching the ball would assist, as would fewer turnovers from Patrick Mahomes and extra cohesion from a brand new offensive line.)

8. Tennessee Titans (8–4)

Final week: Bye
Subsequent week: vs. Jacksonville

I thought-about dropping the Titans just a little decrease on this week’s rankings. As an alternative, they moved up one slot, after taking the week off however shifting forward of Buffalo primarily based on the Payments efficiency on Monday evening. That’s as a result of despite the fact that a couple of groups (Cowboys, Rams) surged above them, Baltimore additionally misplaced, and, regardless of assertion wins from the Chargers and the Colts, for now I’d nonetheless keep the Titans above each primarily based on their physique of labor. Plus, I moved the Ravens under the Titans (extra on that shortly). Why? Tennessee has a get-right recreation in opposition to Jacksonville this week, which follows the restoration inherent in its bye, and it doesn’t face one other true contender the remainder of the common season. So despite the fact that the Titans will likely be with out stud operating again Derrick Henry, and despite the fact that I feel the Ravens in the end have a greater staff with Henry out, once I thought-about components like roster depth, division power and upcoming schedule, I gave Tennessee the slight nod, after which nonetheless went back-and-forth about it.

9. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

Final week: Loss at Pittsburgh, 20–19
Subsequent week: at Cleveland

For a staff with depth, expertise, teaching and, all the time, quarterback Lamar Jackson, I stay uncertain of simply what to make of the Ravens. For proof, think about Baltimore’s final six video games. Since blowing out the Chargers on Nov. 17, when many tabbed the Ravens as the category of a convention with a number of groups vying for top-contender honors, they’ve been blown out by the Bengals, narrowly gained a thriller in opposition to the faltering Vikings, stumbled in opposition to the rising Dolphins, eked out a win over the scuttling Bears, barely topped the beat-up Browns and misplaced, final week, in an in depth recreation with the Steelers. All of which is to say, there’s little proof from the previous six weeks to point that Baltimore deserves the next slot, even within the what-to-make-of-it AFC. One dominant efficiency would change that rapidly, however for now—RIP Twitter mentions—on this week’s rankings, the Ravens endure the steepest fall. The schedule doesn’t get any simpler, with the (more healthy) Browns, Packers, Bengals, Rams and Steelers remaining. Props to John Harbaugh for going for the top of regulation, although, even when the choice was primarily based, partly, on dropping cornerback Marlon Humphrey for the season. Think about that damage, one in all many the Ravens have suffered this season, an enormous one transferring ahead.

10. Buffalo Payments (7-5)

Final week: Loss vs. New England, 14–20 (Monday)
Subsequent week: at Tampa Bay

Think about the Payments final six video games, a good cut up between three wins and three losses. There have been dominant victories over subpar (NY Jets) or banged up (New Orleans) groups, together with a strong win over Miami. The losses—to Jacksonville, interval; a beatdown suffered in opposition to Indianapolis and Monday’s ran-down-your-throats affair with New England—have been extra perplexing. An argument might be made that the Chargers must be right here, or the Colts, particularly given their 41–15 victory. The selection right here is to separate some hairs, and I’ll give the Payments the sting primarily based on the power of their general roster, its depth, and the expertise of quarterback Josh Allen, which is very essential as Buffalo chases a playoff bid—and place—in opposition to Justin Herbert and Carson Wentz. That mentioned, future offended social media poster, I acknowledge that you’re proper, in no matter capability you are taking concern with this decide. The groups ranked 9–12 this week are all fairly shut for me. And, even then, the Payments could end the complete season the best way the final six weeks have gone, because the schedule options Tampa and one other date with New England, together with three winnable video games in Carolina, Atlanta and the New York Jets. Surprise if these groups will run the ball …

11. Los Angeles Chargers (7–5)

Final week: Win at Cincinnati, 41–22
Subsequent week: vs. New York Giants

The Chargers discover themselves in an identical place to all of the groups ranked round them, up or down, within the speedy neighborhood. Contemporary off an emphatic drubbing of the Bengals, they need to lean on a budding famous person at quarterback (Justin Herbert), a operating again more likely to win various fantasy soccer playoffs (Austin Ekeler), a defensive guru in Coach Brandon Staley, and a gifted roster that typically performs to its potential—and typically seems to be extra like a pretender. A meh upcoming schedule ought to assist cement a playoff bid. Additionally of word: Herbert grew to become solely the third sign caller in NFL historical past with a minimum of 25 landing passes in his first two seasons (others: Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson), per the NFL.

Katie Stratman/USA TODAY Sports activities

12. Indianapolis Colts (7–6)

Final week: Win at Houston, 31–0
Subsequent week: Bye

There’s an argument to be made that the Colts belong increased up this checklist. It’s not one I’m prepared to make but. The 1–4 begin stays an element. As does the dearth of a signature win past Buffalo—Miami? San Francisco? Indianapolis performs New England and Arizona in its subsequent two video games, which ought to assist the checking out course of. First query: is Indy turning into the staff many anticipated it to be? Most pundits picked the Colts to make the playoffs primarily based on the general power of their roster, which stays. The query, as all the time, will likely be at quarterback. Let’s not diminish how effectively Carson Wentz has performed this season (beginning with 22 landing passes in comparison with solely 5 interceptions)—or how effectively the road has protected him (at 22 sacks allowed now, in comparison with 50 final season). However let’s additionally not ignore his dangerous fashion of soccer, and the way which may sink a playoff recreation for the Colts in January. Verdict: none but, jury’s nonetheless out.

Final week: Win at Las Vegas, 17–15
Subsequent week: vs. Dallas

Who’s not right here for the Taylor Heinicke present? We’d like a phrase. Half fill-in, half people hero, Heinicke continued to bolster his easy-to-like legend because the season went alongside. He has accomplished greater than 70 % of his move makes an attempt in every of the final 4 video games—all wins—whereas throwing seven landing passes, in opposition to two interceptions. With a telling stretch upcoming—Dallas, Philadelphia, Dallas, Philadelphia—Heinicke and the WFT will both proceed to separate from the remainder of the muddled mess under them, or fall proper again into the quagmire.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (7–5)

Final week: Loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 41–22
Subsequent week: at San Francisco

Typically, NFL seasons hinge on one thing as small as a pinky finger. The Bengals perceive that higher this week, after their quarterback, Joe Burrow, completed out the loss to the Chargers with a digit so swollen that it was seen even on TV, with out requiring a zoomed-in angle. Cameras by no means missed a possibility to indicate Burrow—on the sideline, in ache; warming up, nonetheless in ache; shaking his hand, in ache; throwing passes, in ache; or sitting whereas holding his hand, in ache, and all afternoon. His default facial features was: grimace. That the damage occurred on pinky in his throwing hand solely made it worse, each final week and in weeks upcoming. Whereas Burrow performed each snap final week, the well being of the Bengals playoff hopes will relaxation on his dislocated proper pinky, and the way rapidly it may heal, with contests in opposition to formidable defenses—49ers, Broncos, Ravens, Chiefs—subsequent on the schedule. Nonetheless, if the postseason began at this time, the Bengals can be in.

15: San Francisco 49ers (6–6)

Final week: Loss at Seattle, 30–23
Subsequent week: at Cincinnati

Just like the Bengals, the 49ers can be within the playoffs if the postseason began at this time. Just like the Bengals, their possibilities transferring ahead will hinge on quarterback play. However, in contrast to the Bengals, there’s no damage—not this week—to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. It’s not that Jimmy G performed terribly in a brutal loss to Seattle; he threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, whereas re-cementing his reference to George Kittle (12 targets, 9 catches, 181 yards, two scores). It’s that Jimmy G’s function particularly is to not screw up video games, to keep his staff shut, and to let the remainder of San Francisco’s gifted roster win round him. The 2 picks he threw in opposition to Seattle have been particularly dangerous, they usually bolstered the notion that the Niners won’t be dynamic sufficient offensively to do any greater than stay on the playoff fringe. Enter Trey Lance? We’ll see.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5-1)

Final week: Win vs. Baltimore, 20–19
Subsequent week: at Minnesota (Thursday)

Mike Tomlin deserves a lot credit score for all he has helped Pittsburgh climate the previous a number of seasons, from Ryan Shazier’s scary neck damage, to Antonio Brown’s insubordination, to Le’Veon Bell’s messy exit, plus final season’s accidents at quarterback. That the Steelers stay within the postseason combine in 2021, regardless of some brutal, head-scratching losses, and a statuesque quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, speaks to Tomlin’s huge affect and high quality as a coach. However even with an enormous upset of the Ravens final week, Pittsburgh stays in a Flip A Coin Metropolis, together with each different staff round them within the energy rankings. If the Steelers handle to sneak into the playoffs, don’t count on the run to final that lengthy. Additionally of word: with a career-high 3.5 sacks on Sunday, T.J. Watt set a season career-high, with 16 complete sacks—and 5 video games left.

17. Denver Broncos (6–6)

Final week: Loss at Kansas Metropolis, 22–9
Subsequent week: vs. Detroit

The Broncos merely have an excessive amount of offensive expertise to show within the putrid efforts they’ve slogged by means of in latest weeks, as evidenced in latest losses to Philadelphia (13 factors scored) and Kansas Metropolis (9). It’s not truthful to place the blame squarely on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. With a loaded receiving core, and the emergence of speedy again Javonte Williams, Denver has sufficient offensive punch to place up factors. They’ve finished simply that, in actual fact, a number of instances this season. Simply not sufficient to encourage confidence in a playoff bid. Not with a unit that ranks 20^th in complete offense (343.9 yards per recreation) and 22^nd in factors scored (19.8 per recreation).

18. Philadelphia Eagles (6–7)

Final week: Win at New York Jets, 33–18
Subsequent week: Bye

Thought-about inserting the Eagles increased this week, if solely as a result of they’ve piled up factors in three of their final 4 video games, all of which they gained, with a clunker in opposition to the Giants thrown in to forged some doubt. What’s apparent: Jalen Hurts can play, and the Eagles don’t want to search out his successor this low season, not with different, extra apparent holes to fill, and a high-level backup already within the constructing. What could quickly be apparent: Philly’s offense, as an entire, is rounding into kind. With Gardner Minshew behind middle in opposition to the Giants, the Eagles put up 33 factors—and put the Giants stumble behind them momentarily. With three winnable video games following a bye week, there’s cause to imagine Philadelphia could make a run. Simply don’t confuse “cause to imagine” with “possible.” And, if you wish to really feel higher in regards to the world, simply watch this video of Minshew embracing his father after the large win. Makes me need to hug my youngsters just a little tighter.

Invoice Ingram/The Palm Seaside Put up/USA At the moment Community

19. Miami Dolphins (6-7)

Final week: Win vs. New York Giants, 20–9
Subsequent week: Bye

It’s odd, persistently, how rapidly we anoint, or quit, on younger NFL quarterbacks. It’s like their growth is seen solely in straight traces, all the best way up, or all the best way down, all the time “catastrophe or euphoria” to paraphrase Invoice Parcells previous quote on enjoying soccer in New York. Because the Dolphins rattled off their fifth-straight win on Sunday, their younger QB, Tua Tagovailoa, performed at a stage paying homage to his Alabama stardom days, whereas reminding the world of professional soccer, as soon as once more, that quarterbacks develop at vastly totally different paces, whereas beholden to components like damage and offensive line play that exist exterior of their management. The Dolphins will want Tua’s consistency to make a run, particularly with video games in opposition to New England and Tennessee within the remaining two weeks. And who mentioned the AFC East was the worst division in soccer? (Once more, raises hand sheepishly.)

20. Cleveland Browns (6–6)

Final week: Bye
Subsequent week: vs. Baltimore

It’s secure to say that no staff has endured fairly as a lot turmoil within the 2021 season because the Browns, who traded their star wideout (Beckham Jr.), handled COVID-19 positives and a rash of accidents, and have staggered ahead with quarterback Baker Mayfield in each peak-petulance mode and much from full well being. A run, whereas nonetheless attainable, appears unbelievable, particularly with 5 groups at .500 or higher remaining on the schedule.

21. Las Vegas Raiders (6–6)

Final week: Loss vs. Washington, 17–15
Subsequent week: at Kansas Metropolis

In regard to essentially the most turmoil in 2021, the Raiders want to say, wait, maintain on a second. After my buddy Ken Belson broke the Jon Gruden emails story in The New York Instances, Gruden was fired. Rising wideout Henry Ruggs III was ultimately charged with 4 felonies after a drunk-driving arrest for a automotive crash the place the opposite driver was killed. The look-at-how-much-the-Raiders-are-overcoming items have been head-scratching the previous few weeks, and even then, their play began to match the dramatic, chaotic mess that’s their season in a loss to Washington final weekend. Seems like a tipping level within the mistaken course, an comprehensible one at that. Plus, Las Vegas simply misplaced Kenyan Drake to a damaged ankle suffered in Sunday’s recreation.

22. New Orleans Saints (5–7)

Final week: Loss vs. Dallas, 27–17 (Thursday)
Subsequent week: at New York Jets

The Saints have a greater staff than their place in these energy rankings signifies. However they’re just too injured to contemplate a playoff hopeful. Whether or not it’s quarterback Jameis Winston, or quarterback Taysom Hill, or operating again Alvin Kamara, or huge receiver Michael Thomas, or any variety of others, a staff with a deep roster has encountered an excessive amount of injury to make a practical push.

23. Minnesota Vikings (5–7)

Final week: Loss at Detroit, 29–27
Subsequent week: vs. Pittsburgh (Thursday)

The Vikings are one of many NFL’s most befuddling groups. Perhaps essentially the most befuddling. Over the course of the season, Minnesota narrowly misplaced to a number of the league’s prime contenders (Arizona, 1 level; Dallas, 4 factors; Baltimore, 3 factors). The Vikings haven’t dropped any of their seven losses by greater than 8 complete factors, and 5 of these defeats got here by 4 factors or fewer. Even then, Minnesota’s victories have principally resulted from comparable margins, and their final recreation—Detroit’s first and solely win this season—solely proved how far the Vikings must go. With the Steelers, Rams and Packers remaining on the schedule—together with two video games in opposition to the Bears—they’ll have to maneuver ahead with out wideout Adam Thielen who suffered a excessive ankle sprain on Sunday, including damage to insult. Star operating again Dalvin Prepare dinner already missed final week with a shoulder damage, and he’s not more likely to play this week, both. However, hey, a minimum of Vikings followers can debate whether or not Justin Jefferson is now the most effective receiver in all of professional soccer.

24. Atlanta Falcons (5–7)

Final week: Loss vs. Tampa Bay, 30–17
Subsequent week: at Carolina

Matt Ryan isn’t having a nasty season. Sure, his yards-per-attempt (6.9) is down and his interceptions (11) are up. However these dips are due, partly, to dropping Julio Jones (traded to Tennessee) and Calvin Ridley (stepped away to are likely to his psychological well being). The query that should be answered over the season’s remaining weeks is whether or not the Falcons ought to transfer on from Ryan and begin anew. It’s not his fault that the reply appears to be, sure.

25. Seattle Seahawks (4–8)

Final week: Win vs. San Francisco, 30–23
Subsequent week: at Houston

There’s not a extra optimistic franchise within the NFL than the one in Seattle led by Coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson. However the sunny-side-up outlook being peddled after a single, shut victory over the 49ers is just a little a lot, even with these acquainted rose-colored glasses being positioned again on so many faces. With video games in opposition to the Rams and Cardinals remaining, optimism in Seattle is mostly a delusion in disguise, which units up an enormous query for the low season: is Pete Carroll gone? Is Wilson? Are each? That’s the guess right here. Regardless, it’s price watching down the stretch, if solely to see how a exceptional period wins.

26. Carolina Panthers (5-7)

Final week: Bye
Subsequent week: vs. Atlanta

The Panthers have proven flashes this season. However with operating again Christian McCaffrey shelved, offensive coordinator Joe Brady fired, quarterback Cam Newton adjusting in his return and video games remaining in opposition to the Bucs (twice) and Payments, Carolina appears extra more likely to proceed its freefall than to proper its season.

27. Chicago Bears (4–8)

Final week: Loss vs. Arizona, 33–22
Subsequent week: at Inexperienced Bay

The very best factor that may be mentioned in regards to the Bears 2021 season is … a minimum of Justin Area flashed some tantalizing potential when he was each wholesome and beginning. In any other case, six losses in seven video games say all that’s wanted, because the Bears edge out the groups under them primarily based merely on the 4 video games they’ve managed to win.

Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com/USA TODAY NETWORK

28. New York Jets (3–9) (beginning to play just a little higher, relative; Wilson again)

Final week: Loss vs. Philadelphia, 33–18
Subsequent week: vs. New Orleans

Perhaps it’s merely life as a former Jets beat author, however I watch this staff, by means of loss after loss, and nonetheless, one way or the other, handle to see progress. On this case, it’s relative, however from quarterback Zach Wilson to fit receiver Elijah Moore to some (small) offensive enchancment, and … ah, who am I kidding? The J-E-T-S are nonetheless J-E-T-ing, however have been bumped above the Giants for that very (once more, relative) enchancment.

29. New York Giants (4–8)

Final week: Loss at Miami, 20–9
Subsequent week: at Los Angeles Chargers

Pity the skilled soccer fan in New York in 2021. Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has labored a few of his typical magic on this downtrodden season. However for an offense with this a lot cash and draft capital put into gamers like quarterback Daniel Jones, operating again Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay, who injured some ribs this week, amongst many others, there’s merely no good rationalization for a way actually unhealthy the offense is.

30. Houston Texans (2–10)

Final week: Loss vs. Indianapolis, 31–0
Subsequent week: vs. Seattle

Shut out this week, lucky to haven’t been shut out of the win column this season. That’s the Texans, kind of. They’re what we thought they have been, which is to say actually unhealthy.

31. Detroit Lions (1-10-1)

Final week: Win vs. Minnesota, 29–27
Subsequent week: at Denver

Lions get a one-slot bump for his or her first—and understandably emotional, after the close by Michigan faculty taking pictures—win on Sunday. Written with out snark, in all seriousness: given the circumstances, and the dearth of expertise all through the roster, it’s laudable how Jared Goff has carried out this season. That’s to not say the Rams ought to have stayed put, fairly than commerce for Stafford. It’s to say that Goff has proven some enviable mettle this yr—and his resolve, coupled together with his staff’s character, netted that last-second triumph. If that’s the spotlight of the 2021 season in Detroit, it’s not an insignificant one. Additionally of word: this marked the 26^th time this season {that a} recreation was selected the ultimate play, per the NFL. That’s essentially the most such video games ever by means of Week 13.