NFL Power Rankings: Packers secure top ranking, Titans well built

classybuzzJanuary 4, 2022

24 12 minutes read

Thanks all for coming to the ability rankings this week. I’m going to kick off the column by first reiterating the information that you just’ve all most likely heard (via our podcast) or seen (through Twitter) that our great colleague Jenny Vrentas is headed to The New York Instances as a nationwide sports activities investigative reporter. We’re all very joyful for Jenny, who gave practically a decade of her life to Sports activities Illustrated, serving to us proceed and, in some ways, broaden on the journal’s wealthy historical past and proud traditions.

We’ll get to a numerical checklist of one of the best groups in a second, however first I simply wished to checklist a small variety of the numerous, many actually cool tales my colleague wrote through the years. Along with educating us so much about life (by no means taking “no” for a solution, by no means giving up, by no means letting “the way in which it’s” stay the way in which it’s just because it’s the way in which it’s), Jenny taught us so much about soccer and I’d wish to share a few of these tales right here. So many occasions, I’ll discuss to followers and so they’ll say I’m wondering what this course of is like. Or no matter occurred to that particular person? And, most of the time, I believe “Well, Jenny did a narrative on that, you need to simply learn it.”

• What really occurs in a head teaching interview? The method is a lot extra difficult than meets the attention. To these of you who surprise why the hell your workforce employed Particular person X, this solutions these questions with particulars that we had by no means learn earlier than.

1. Inexperienced Bay Packers (13–3)

Final week: Win vs. Minnesota, 37–10
Subsequent week: at Detroit

A workforce’s power is finally in its potential to compensate for its weaknesses. In that approach, I don’t see a extra full workforce than the Inexperienced Bay Packers proper now. All is harmonious with Aaron Rodgers, they’ve three completely different place gamers on protection who, one may argue, are among the many 5-10 finest gamers at their place, and the Packers’ run recreation is lastly built to maintain the workforce via an extended, blustery winter.

2. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (11–5)

Final week: Loss at Cincinnati, 34–31
Subsequent week: at Denver (Saturday)

The Chiefs are banged up offensively and nonetheless don’t look paying homage to the weakness-free membership that stomped their solution to a Tremendous Bowl just a few years in the past. That mentioned, they’re nonetheless a group of star gamers immensely conversant in each other and led by one of many best coaches in NFL historical past.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12–4)

Final week: Win at New York Jets, 28–24
Subsequent week: vs. Carolina

Tom Brady proved Sunday what all of us knew: they’re nonetheless fairly good with out Antonio Brown and might routinely dissect a protection at a second’s discover. This secondary is depleted and past restore, giving up noticeably huge performs to Zach Wilson and Braxton Berrios this previous weekend, however I’d by no means be stunned in Todd Bowles’ potential to determine it out.

4. Buffalo Payments (10–6)

Final week: Win vs. Atlanta, 29–15
Subsequent week: vs. New York Jets

That is what occurs towards the top of a season that’s so lengthy; we are inclined to neglect what occurred initially, and what these groups are able to exterior of the recency-bias plagued window we’re trying via. This can be a workforce that scored 35 or extra factors 5 occasions this yr. Josh Allen continues to be Josh Allen. The run protection can lick its wounds and recuperate in time for a playoff run.

5. Tennessee Titans (11–5)

Final week: Win vs. Miami, 34–3
Subsequent week: at Houston

I’m nonetheless amazed at how well built and well coached this workforce is. Each franchise has a weak level, however the Titans emerged from a interval with out Derrick Henry nonetheless very a lot in rivalry for the No. 1 seed within the AFC.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (10–6)

Final week: Win vs. Kansas Metropolis, 34–31
Subsequent week: at Cleveland

It might be recency bias, positive, however this workforce is rolling proper now. Joe Burrow shouldn’t solely be a comeback participant of the yr winner however an MVP frontrunner. Ja’Marr Chase is rookie of the yr. Duke Tobin is government of the yr. And me? Dunce of the yr for choosing them to win three video games.

7. Los Angeles Rams (12–4)

Final week: Win at Baltimore, 20–19
Subsequent week: vs. San Francisco

The Rams must develop some inside thickness and griminess to be able to compete with the Packers and Buccaneers deep into January. I believe Raheem Morris is proficient sufficient to tug that sort of efficiency out of A’Shawn Robinson, Aaron Donald, Von Miller, Leonard Floyd and the remaining.

8. Dallas Cowboys (11–5)

Final week: Loss vs. Arizona, 25–22
Subsequent week: at Philadelphia (Saturday)

A disappointing efficiency towards the Cardinals this weekend, which adopted a 50-plus level efficiency per week earlier than. This workforce waltzed via an underwhelming NFC East this yr, however it’s nonetheless honest to surprise in the event that they possess the completeness to outlive an extended playoff run. Regardless, the longer term is vivid. Mike McCarthy higher hope that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn doesn’t depart for one more head teaching job immediately.

9. New England Patriots (10–6)

Final week: Win vs. Jacksonville, 50–10
Subsequent week: at Miami

What enjoyable throttling the Jaguars appears to be. After discuss of a rookie wall, Mac Jones throws three touchdowns and completes practically 75% of his passes in a win over Jacksonville. If I’m any opponent within the AFC, I’m underestimating this group at my very own danger. Invoice Belichick nonetheless has the juice, and Jones is creating as a advantageous downfield passer.

10. Arizona Cardinals (11–5)

Final week: Win at Dallas, 25–22
Subsequent week: vs. Seattle

The Cardinals are not any stranger to late-season collapses however steadied themselves in a must-win recreation towards the Dallas Cowboys. It’s tough to get behind this offense persistently with out DeAndre Hopkins, however Kyler Murray’s mobility and imaginative and prescient are nice equalizers. Arizona is now adequate to squeak out imperfect performances, which they couldn’t do prior to now.

Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports activities

11. Philadelphia Eagles (9–7)

Final week: Win at Washington, 20–16
Subsequent week: vs. Dallas (Saturday)

Slowly changing into one of the crucial thrilling groups within the league, the Eagles are shapeshifting offensively behind the versatile Jalen Hurts. One week, they’re the Ravens. One week, they’re the Colts. One week, they’re the Patriots on Monday night time in Buffalo (okay, perhaps not that run heavy). Nonetheless, the No. 1 speeding offense within the league is opening up some fascinating doorways for Nick Sirianni’s ballclub.

12. Indianapolis Colts (9–7)

Final week: Loss vs. Las Vegas, 23–20
Subsequent week: at Jacksonville

A disappointing loss to the Raiders on Sunday doesn’t knock them out of the playoff image … but. Maybe the inconsistencies might be attributed to a wild and unusual week amid new COVID-19 protocols, which ensnared quarterback Carson Wentz for a majority of the week. I’m closely excited by what this stunt-crazy protection can do within the playoffs with nothing to lose.

13. San Francisco 49ers (9–7)

Final week: Win vs. Houston, 23–7
Subsequent week: at Los Angeles Rams

The 49ers survived their recreation with out Jimmy Garoppolo and appeared to realize some confidence in Trey Lance throughout the course of. Whereas it was not the twin quarterback system fever dream a few of us had hoped for, the 49ers are nonetheless excellent and able to operating over anybody at a second’s discover. Whereas they’re lacking some key items from their 2019 Tremendous Bowl run, a downhill, exterior zone system is the good equalizer.

14. Los Angeles Chargers (9–7)

Final week: Win vs. Denver, 34–13
Subsequent week: at Las Vegas

A win and in alternative for Brandon Staley in his first yr could come to outline our confidence long run within the younger head coach. Staley has been accountable for a few of our favourite teaching moments this yr, although his incapacity to patch up a skinny speeding protection has left the Chargers susceptible down the stretch.

15. Baltimore Ravens (8–8)

Final week: Loss vs. Los Angeles Rams, 20–19
Subsequent week: vs. Pittsburgh

I nonetheless assume their performances with Tyler Huntley this yr ought to earn the Ravens an honorary journey to the playoffs for effort. John Harbaugh’s workforce by no means stop amid a tumultuous, injury-riddled 2021. There may be nonetheless brightness on the horizon for Baltimore, albeit (seemingly) not this season. Roger Goodell, get at me concerning the “finest effort” fifteenth playoff spot concept.

16. Las Vegas Raiders (9–7)

Final week: Win at Indianapolis, 23–20
Subsequent week: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The event of their mid-range passing recreation late within the season has been an exceptional credit score to Derek Carr, Hunter Renfrow and offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who put their brains collectively within the post-Henry Ruggs, post-Darren Waller (for now) world. Getting the tight finish again this week could be vital.

17. Miami Dolphins (8–8)

Final week: Loss at Tennessee, 34–3
Subsequent week: vs. New England

Brian Flores’s workforce heads again to the loss column however not with out exhibiting some severe fortitude and ingenuity this yr. Finally, they now know what they’ve in Tua Tagovailoa, what it can take to construct much more aggressively round him, or how a lot simpler will probably be to tug the plug and go after a longtime starter.

18. New Orleans Saints (8–8)

Final week: Win vs. Carolina, 18–10
Subsequent week: at Atlanta

The Saints will miss the playoffs, however not with out a powerful run from Sean Payton. One has to surprise how the longer term Corridor of Fame coach will method an offseason with extra questions than solutions. How does he refresh? The place is he in line for a veteran quarterback? How does that inform his subsequent few strikes?

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7-1)

Final week: Win vs. Cleveland, 26–14 (Monday)
Subsequent week: at Baltimore

A great-enough efficiency to maintain them fractionally alive for the playoffs. Sadly, this was the season most of us had anticipated. Ben Roethlisberger had some heroic moments, however finally performed about as well as an individual may count on out of a soon-to-be 40-year-old not comprised solely of avocado oil who has endured nearly twenty years of NFL beating. What do the Steelers appear like a yr from now?

Philip G. Pavely/USA TODAY Sports activities

20. Cleveland Browns (7–9)

Final week: Loss at Pittsburgh, 26–14 (Monday)
Subsequent week: vs. Cincinnati

A disappointing season total in Cleveland, underlined by a nagging shoulder damage to Baker Mayfield that made him a clearly restricted participant in 2021. Whereas his final analysis ought to be extra complicated than how he carried out at 50% effectiveness, this offseason might be a captivating one. The Browns may very well have a wandering eye on the QB market.

21. Denver Broncos (7–9)

Final week: Loss at Los Angeles Chargers, 34–13
Subsequent week: vs. Kansas Metropolis (Saturday)

The Broncos performed well contemplating they opted to cross on a agency quarterback resolution this previous offseason. Whereas the plan was to hope Vic Fangio’s protection may catch hearth and overcome substitute stage play, Denver couldn’t finally stand as much as a hellish division. They are going to be considered as a possible head teaching vacation spot this offseason in the event that they choose to make a change and a top touchdown spot for potential quarterbacks hoping to land with a superb offensive line and star studded protection.

22. Minnesota Vikings (7–9)

Final week: Loss at Inexperienced Bay, 37–10
Subsequent week: vs. Chicago

Mike Zimmer’s constant frustration is on full show. They aren’t near the Inexperienced Bay Packers proper now and should determine what they should do to shut that hole within the close to future. Kirk Cousins operates well sufficient of their system, but when a excessive share QB, two elite vast receivers and a top 5 operating again should not adequate to get you someplace, what has to alter

23. Atlanta Falcons (7–9)

Final week: Loss at Buffalo, 29–15
Subsequent week: vs. New Orleans

As colleague Gary Gramling put it, that is only a not-all-that-fun-to-watch soccer workforce. The Falcons are advantageous. High quality! They’re late-season All people Loves Raymond reruns. However there are simply higher choices on the market. I may compile a listing of soccer man platitudes to explain what they do fairly well, however I’m about as enthusiastic about this workforce’s long-term prospects as I’m plain, unbuttered wheat toast for breakfast.

Final week: Loss vs. Philadelphia, 20–16
Subsequent week: at New York Giants

This workforce vacillates from powerful and scrappy to nonetheless considerably dysfunctional. Credit score Taylor Heinicke for a strong season, however Washington might want to emerge as a sleeping large on the veteran quarterbacking market to command our consideration subsequent season.

25. Seattle Seahawks (6–10)

Final week: Win vs. Detroit, 51–29
Subsequent week: at Arizona

Russell Wilson places on a present in what may find yourself being his remaining curtain calls in Seattle. The Legion of Growth was gone a very long time in the past, and it feels peaceable to see the workforce headed towards a full reset. Pete Carroll’s tradition creating potential is unmatched. Give him an opportunity to spend a treasure trove of Wilson commerce draft picks and usher within the new blood.

26. Chicago Bears (6–10)

Final week: Win vs. New York Giants, 29–3
Subsequent week: at Minnesota

The Matt Nagy Bears ought to, oddly, be remembered for enjoying arduous via some apparent roster deficiencies. Whereas there appears to be some pressing push to shove him out of city, this workforce was … by no means that nice from a expertise perspective and at all times gave the impression to be able to creeping into the again finish of the playoffs. The Justin Fields choose was at all times going to complicate—and expedite—resolution making, sadly.

Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports activities

27. Carolina Panthers (5–11)

Final week: Loss at New Orleans, 18–10
Subsequent week: at Tampa Bay

Matt Rhule’s resolution to chop ties with Joe Brady nonetheless feels unusual, particularly now that the Panthers are wilting on their approach out of the 2021 season. A phrase of recommendation: In case your finest offensive participant is a operating again, you’re now not allowed to complain when the operating again will get harm. That occurs to operating backs. Lots. Good groups win anyway, simply take a look at the No. 1 seed within the AFC proper now.

28. New York Jets (4–12)

Final week: Loss vs. Tampa Bay, 28–24
Subsequent week: at Buffalo

This workforce carried out at expectation this yr, which, when you think about the totality of their experiences in 2021, is fairly outstanding. Robert Saleh’s membership beat the Titans, the Bengals and practically held on to nip the Buccaneers. We mentioned that their 2021 ought to be measured in a capability to hold powerful. Minus some forgettable Patriots video games, that appears to be the case.

29. Detroit Lions (2–13)

Final week: Loss at Seattle, 51–29
Subsequent week: vs. Inexperienced Bay

Dan Campbell spent the yr laying the groundwork for a post-Matt Patricia tradition change. Did it work? Free company would be the finest indicator as to how his act finally performs out. I can say solely personally that I loved it, and purchased it. It feels real. Campbell is perhaps a methods away from catching the Packers, however he was additionally just a few bounced balls away from third place within the division this yr.

30. Houston Texans (4–12)

Final week: Loss at San Francisco, 23–7
Subsequent week: vs. Tennessee

David Culley outcoached expectations this yr to the purpose the place it could be wholly unfair for the Texans to half methods with him after the season. Whereas it’s tough to say there’s something particular brewing in Houston, we will acknowledge that this patchwork Texans workforce performed significantly better than we thought.

31. New York Giants (4–12)

Final week: Loss at Chicago, 29–3
Subsequent week: vs. Washington

Joe Choose’s unusual post-game speech following the Bears recreation undermined what gave the impression to be a peaceful patch for the embattled second-year coach. The Giants wished to run, however had no plan for a loaded field. This sums up the 2021 season about as well as one may count on. Jokes apart, I do assume this workers deserves a mulligan yr on account of damage points, with the understanding that expectations are sky excessive in 2022.