When esteemed associate Mitch Goldich told me it was my turn to assemble The MMQBs “Power Rankings,” I was thrilled! I d finally have a chance to discuss my true passion, inventor/engineer/futurist Nikola Tesla, whose developments made the contemporary electrical power supply system possible and who transcended to Thomas Edison in every imaginable method.
Then Mitch described to me that I d really just be ranking football groups, which seems much less interesting and also largely meaningless because theres a whole system already in place to identify who the finest group is (they keep rating of games, track standings, hold elimination playoff competitions based on those standings, etc).
Obviously theres an insatiable appetite for these things– and definitely those nerds who put out their Power Rankings before Week 5 was even total (regard Tuesday Night Football!) didnt satiate that thirst.
If you came to get all worked up over how I rank the 32 NFL groups, checked out on. And if you d like to know more about Nikola Tesla, go to your regional library.
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports.
1. Green Bay Packers.
Recently: ByeNext week: at Tampa Bay.
The offense has successfully combined Aaron Rodgerss talent with Matt LaFleurs up-to-date system– something many believed could not be done– which is why they kept piling up points even without Davante Adams. Green Bays one vulnerability is the back end of the defense, though it has a strong pass rush and a real No. 1 corner in Jaire Alexander, so its not that vulnerable. However, I cant notice but help that the Packers didnt play a video game in Week 5. Set up bye week … or discord in between head coach and quarterback? (I kid, but that could be a sector on one of those mid-day “argument” shows, right?).
2. Kansas City Chiefs.
Last week: Loss vs. Las Vegas 40-32Next week: at Buffalo (Monday).
The Raiders loss moves that record to 14-1 with a +12.9 typical point differential. There are, objectively, defense concerns that havent been there because the front five suffered a series of injuries around this time last season (the dark days of Cameron Erving, blindside protector), however cmon … its the Chiefs.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Recently: Loss at Chicago 20-19Next week: vs. Green Bay.
The NFL gods of incompetence conspired versus Tampa Bay on Thursday night– lazy schedule-making that sent them on the road for TNF while their opponent was playing back-to-back home video games, a rash of injuries for the short week, an overwhelmed officiating crew and the leagues refusal to embrace a sky judge to correct their game-altering mistakes. Still, once the receiving corps gets healthy this is the most total team in the NFC.
4. Baltimore Ravens.
Recently: Win vs. Cincinnati 27-3Next week: at Philadelphia.
There are questions on offense, a lot of them originating from the rocky efficiency from the interior line (which is what happens when your Hall of Fame ideal guard retires after an All-Pro season). However what this defense did to poor Joe Burrow on Sunday was a bit much, and their Week 1 trouncing of Cleveland will be available in useful in the three-way AFC North race (thats the only video game up until now in between Baltimore-Cleveland-Pittsburgh).
5. Los Angeles Rams.
Last week: Win at Washington 30-10Next week: at San Francisco.
With the exception of the sluggish start in Buffalo, the Rams have done practically precisely what they want to do versus every challenger theyve faced this season. And the fact that they clawed back versus the Bills– it was fair to question whether Jared Goff could– was plenty encouraging. It appears like the coach has things determined.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers.
Recently: Win vs. Philadelphia 38-29Next week: vs. Cleveland.
You d need to go back to the Kordell Stewart/Slash days to find a Steelers offense that looked as fun and innovative as the one they presented versus the Eagles. Well, maybe not “creative” because theyre just obtaining from the McVay and Shanahan-types, but when you top your 38-point day with the guy whose scored 3 touchdowns running completely uncovered up the seam for a fourth, youve adequately prevailed in the chess match.
7. Seattle Seahawks.
Recently: Win vs. Minnesota 27-26Next week: Bye.
Lets set aside Russell Wilson and his metaphorical food preparation for a moment. The Seahawks have actually currently had three narrow escapes. Their win probability at numberFire was less than 50% in the last three minutes versus the Patriots (as low as 47.7% with 36 seconds left), Cowboys (35.6% with 2:40 left) and Vikings (3.6%!!! with 1:27 left). Whichs in spite of Seattles traditionally high offending performance in the red zone, which has offseted the truth that theyve punted more than all but four groups this season (Football Team, Jets, Bears and Bengals– thats some company). The point is: Seattles offense is excellent, however this level is not sustainable. And, as you already understand, the defense is rather bad. Now defensive organizer Ken Norton is masking it with a heavy dosage of security blitzes, however once challengers adjust to the reality that their currently having a hard time secondary is playing one fewer male in protection, theres nowhere to conceal, specifically when the takeaways (how does a group with no pass rush have 10 takeaways in 5 games?!?!) dry up, which is what took place to this unit late last season. Or, maybe the Seahawks will go 14-2 due to the fact that all those numbers are meaningless, then you can knock on my door and offer me among these:.
8. New Orleans Saints.
Last week: Win vs. Chargers 30-27Next week: Bye.
Michael Thomas must return after the bye week as long as he stops punching individuals. While they may not be the record-setting offense of the last couple of seasons, Drew Brees dispersing to Thomas and Alvin Kamara will produce its reasonable share of points. The concern is a defensive backfield that hasnt amounted to the sum of its parts through 5 games.
9. Tennessee Titans.
Last week: Win vs. Buffalo 42-16Next week: vs. Houston.
On Tuesday night the defense made Josh Allen and the Bills play on their terms (as in no huge plays), and the offense had no concerns even without two of its top-three receivers. Methodical was the theme of the night. At this rate, the Titans might have a shot at a 9-0 season.
10. Buffalo Bills.
Recently: Loss at Tennessee 42-16Next week: vs. Kansas City (Monday).
Josh Allen is still a touch streaky and it revealed up Tuesday night. The 2nd interception was due to some combination of indecision and error, and while it should not have actually led to an interception, the first-quarter toss behind Andre Roberts that led to an INT was simply a miss. The absence of John Brown, the deficit after a slow start, and the Titans approach took away the big play (a late-in-the-down TD to T.J. Yeldon was the only 20-plus-yard play Allen got all night). All that stated, Allen will be fine. The concern in Buffalo is the lack of depth in that secondary. The Bills needs Tre White back in the lineup with Mahomes concerning Orchard Park on Monday.
11. Indianapolis Colts.
Last week: Loss at Cleveland 32-23Next week: vs. Cincinnati.
Its clear that this offensive line is going to have to stay healthy in 2020– with LT Anthony Castonzo out versus Cleveland they couldnt keep Philip Rivers tidy and Rivers responded with a meltdown reminiscent of his 2019 project. The defense should return to its top-five status once Darius Leonard and Julian Blackmon are back, and theyre developed to pile up wins behind that defense and a ball-control offense.
12. New England Patriots.
Last week: ByeNext week: vs. Denver.
That we reside in a world where either Brian Hoyer or Jarrett Stidham was almost starting for the Patriots instead of Cam Newton is hard to cover your head around. Well forgive Bill Belichick and his personnel given that this defense has handled to not miss a beat in spite of losing Dont a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. With Newton coming back this week, they can play the defense-plus-ball control formula as well as any team in football.
13. Cleveland Browns.
Last week: Win vs. Indianapolis 32-23Next week: at Pittsburgh.
The Browns are getting a lot of takeaways behind Myles Garretts Defensive Player of the Year performance so far. But Garrett has likewise dealt with backup OTs in back-to-back weeks after feasting against the Football Teams and Bengals front fives. Which is to say, this takeaway rate (11 throughout the four-game winning streak) wont last forever, and at that point the quarterback has to step up. Considering the conditions this season (much-improved offending line, significantly much better system, star-studded collection of weapons), Baker Mayfield has not been especially sharp. Thats either bad news (Were 4-1, however uh-oh, our quarterback isnt playing great!) or fantastic news (Were 4-1 and our quarterback isnt even playing excellent!). Browns fans probably arent particular.
14. Las Vegas Raiders.
Recently: Win at Kansas City 40-32Next week: Bye.
Derek Carr put up a signature win in Kansas City and promptly got eclipsed by a million other stories. The Vegas defense is going to be a week-to-week proposition, but if Henry Ruggss existence is lastly going to advise Carr to attack downfield on a consistent basis, this offense can carry it to January.
15. Philadelphia Eagles.
Recently: Loss at Pittsburgh 38-29Next week: vs. Baltimore.
Whatever was incorrect with Carson Wentz the very first 3 video games of the season, its not incorrect anymore. Jim Schwartzs defense has a couple head-scratchers every week (particularly that linebacking corps– yeesh), but it feels like its on the edge of clicking for the Eagles, and theyre only a half-game behind a Cowboys team that just lost its quarterback.
16. Minnesota Vikings.
Recently: Loss at Seattle 27-26Next week: vs. Atlanta.
In some cases you put together the perfect video game plan, execute it well, make all the ideal situational choices … and you lose due to the fact that your guy slipped and selected the incorrect hole on fourth-and-inches, while their guy plucked a rainbow up the sideline despite being well-covered on fourth-and-10. Or because sometimes the football gods just decide they d like to point and make fun of you. Sorry, Mike Zimmer.
17. Miami Dolphins.
Recently: Win at San Francisco 43-17Next week: vs. New York Jets.
I d been awaiting somebody to exploit the injury-ravaged 49ers defense, however what Ryan Fitzpatrick did to them on Sunday simply seemed kinda mean. Byron Jones is back in the lineup, which suggests rookie Noah Igbinoghene (whose play would charitably be referred to as “mistake-prone”) can establish from the practice field and the sideline, as planned. Fitzpatrick will constantly be a wild card, however no one ought to wish to play the Dolphins today.
18. Carolina Panthers.
Recently: Win at Atlanta 23-16Next week: vs. Chicago.
Matt Rhules training personnel has put its last 3 counterparts– Chargers, Cardinals, Falcons– to embarassment, succeeding in getting Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff fired right away after Sundays video game. The pass rush is emerging, Joe Brady and Teddy Bridgewater are making it work offensively even without Christian McCaffrey, and the Panthers are excellent enough to have fun with anyone right now.
19. Chicago Bears.
Recently: Win at Tampa Bay 20-19Next week: at Carolina.
If you were to take the Bears performance through five weeks and simulate it 10 million times, you d have more instances of the franchise suspending operations due to a Mothra attack on the city of Chicago than the Bears sitting at 4-1. Theyre -104 in net yardage and -1 in turnover differential. Here we are! Sitting at 4-1 and moving forward with a top-five defense has them directly in the postseason mix, since the NFL uses win-loss record rather than October power rankings standing to determine its playoff field.
20. Los Angeles Chargers.
Last week: Loss at New Orleans 30-27 OTNext week: Bye.
Im not exactly sure you could get 4 better performances out of a novice quarterback, and the Chargers managed to lose all 4 video games. But after pushing Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady to the edge, then going into New Orleans without Melvin Ingram and with a restricted Joey Bosa and having the game-winner clank off the upright, the Chargers rank quite high in the ethical triumph power rankings.
21. San Francisco 49ers.
Recently: Loss vs. Miami 43-17Next week: vs. Los Angeles Rams.
Last year they had Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner and Dee Ford. Jimmy Garoppolo wasnt right physically (or psychologically) on Sunday, and a Kyle Shanahan offense may never look that bad again. Right now, this is a middling defense and an offense with a ton of question marks.
22. Houston Texans.
Recently: Win vs. Jacksonville 30-14Next week: at Tennessee.
Romeo Crennel is now 3-1 career as an interim head coach, so if Cal McNair and Jack Easterby understand what theyre doing theyll simply leave the interim tag on him and finish 9-7. Sunday against the Jaguars was the very first time Houstons receivers consistently won this season– though if they could not win breaking what was largely Jacksonvilles practice squad defense it would have been time to pack it in for 2020.
23. Detroit Lions.
Last week: ByeNext week: at Jacksonville.
I understand that, often under a brand-new head coach, a group needs to take an action back before it can take a step forward. After all, Bill Belichick began 5-13 after taking control of a Patriots team that hadnt had a losing record the previous four seasons and had made the playoffs in three of those 4 seasons. Everyone was calling for his job, the franchise quarterback he had actually signed to a record offer had his withins liquified … and then the Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl in 78 successive seasons (around). But when it comes to Matt Patricia, its Year 3, theyve been dealing gifted players at a discount rate in order to get “his guys” in the structure, and the defense– his side of the ball– has actually gotten progressively even worse given that he showed up. Theres still time to turn things around– nobody saw it including those early Belichick Patriots– however the proof all points to another wasted year of Matthew Staffords decreasing prime.
24. Arizona Cardinals.
Recently: Win at New York Jets 30-10Next week: at Dallas (Monday).
As the Cardinals can testify, an afternoon in East Rutherford will cure what ails you. Losing Chandler Jones is a big blow, and the offense requires to show it can attack downfield (doing so against those Jets corners doesnt really prove much) rather than simply relying on quick-strike and Kyler Murray scrambles.
25. Dallas Cowboys.
Last week: Win vs. New York Giants 37-34Next week: vs. Arizona (Monday).
Dalton has actually always struggled in muddy pockets, and starting both losing tackles suggests hell be playing from a lot of muddy pockets (the Giants, mind you, may have the meekest edge rushes in football). Theyre in the ideal department, and once Leighton Vander Esch returns possibly the defense goes from bottom-five all-time to routine ol bottom-five this season.
26. Atlanta Falcons.
Last week: Loss vs. Carolina 23-16Next week: at Minnesota.
In the end, Arthur Blank wouldnt enable himself to be lured by another Dan Quinn 1-7 start, 7-1 finish type of year. The Falcons need a brand-new method defensively, since the Seattle-style system they ran for years relies on their starters to remain healthy, and they dont have starters who stay healthy.
27. Denver Broncos.
Recently: ByeNext week: at New England.
The silver lining of the COVID-related postponement is that Drew Lock gets another week to get healthy– theyre excellent enough to steal some video games with Lock under. But man, injuries to Lock, Von Miller, Courtland Sutton and A.J. Bouye is the sort of consequence generally booked for recipients of the mummys curse (season-appropriate recommendation, Happy Halloween everyone).
28. Cincinnati Bengals.
Last week: Loss at Baltimore 27-3Next week: at Indianapolis.
Getting your face kicked in by the Ravens happens to the very best of us, but it worked as a reminder that despite a two-game loss-less streak, theres still a lot of work to be carried out in Cin City.
29. New York City Giants.
Recently: Loss at Dallas 37-34Next week: vs. Washington.
The head-scratcher was the disaster against the 49ers. The Giants may be 0-5, however in 2 of those losses they drove deep into challenger territory with a chance to connect or win in the final minute, and on Sunday they lost on a last-second kick– established by a remarkable catch– in Dallas. Theyre undermanned, however it feels like theyre going to steal a couple of video games in 2020.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars.
Recently: Loss at Houston 30-14Next week: vs. Detroit.
When the day comes that the mankind is extinct, and the aliens come down upon Earth and attempt to piece together who we were and how we lived, the long-lasting, unsolved mystery of our civilizations time will be how the Jaguars beat the Colts in Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season.
31. Washington Football Team.
Last week: Loss at Los Angeles Rams 30-10Next week: at New York Giants.
If what Dwayne Haskins saw during practice last week looked anything like what the rest of us saw on the field from Kyle Allen and Smith against the Rams, I can comprehend why Haskins was violently ill for days. Washington had 108 lawns of offense on Sunday, unfathomable for an expert football team in 2020.
32. New York Jets.
Recently: Loss vs. Arizona 30-10Next week: at Miami.
With Joe Flacco at quarterback, the Jets were within one score of the Cardinals in the second half on Sunday, which is type of like a triumph?
I cant observe however assist that the Packers didnt play a game in Week 5. Set up bye week … or discord in between head coach and quarterback? With Newton coming back this week, they can play the defense-plus-ball control formula as well as any group in football.
Garrett has actually also dealt with backup OTs in back-to-back weeks after feasting versus the Football Teams and Bengals front fives. If what Dwayne Haskins saw during practice last week looked anything like what the rest of us saw on the field from Kyle Allen and Smith against the Rams, I can understand why Haskins was strongly ill for days.
