Like everything in this world, the NFL is in an unusual state. We still have a game on the schedule yet Week 12 feels over and the Power Rankings feel set. The Steelers host the Ravens on Wednesday but unless there is a surprise upset (one where Robert Griffin III lights up the Steelers defense) the Power Rankings shouldn’t be affected. Here are my rankings for the NFL based on how the teams will look down the road and whether I can envision them in the Super Bowl.
AFC
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs proved once again why they are the best team in the NFL. On the road, against a good Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, they dominated and essentially ended the game in the first quarter. The score doesn’t tell the story of the game since the Chiefs had the victory by halftime and allowed Tampa Bay back into the game. When anyone watches Kansas City, they wonder how that offense is going to be stopped. Likewise, you have to wonder if there is any offense that can run up the score on a Chiefs defense that is better than most people give it credit for.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are planning to play the Ravens and of course, knowing how this year has turned out, they might not even play the game. Regardless of what happens, the Steelers are still the second-best team in the conference. The Steelers might have the best record in the NFL and have no significant flaws on their roster. Once again, the Steelers aren’t being knocked rather the Chiefs have to be recognized as a historically great team. Pittsburgh has a Super Bowl contender and will hopefully win out to assure the valued top seed.
Indianapolis Colts
It might be odd to place the Colts this high after a blowout loss. there are a few reasons to be optimistic about the Colts despite Derrick Henry personally defeating the Colts. The first reason to be optimistic is the absence of Deforest Bucker, one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL was clearly missed as the Titans offensive line mauled the Colts defense throughout the game. Another thing to consider is the fact the Titans needed an incredible performance from Henry in order to win (if Henry doesn’t play well the Titans won’t). The final reason to be optimistic is simply the fact that the Colts have little to no flaws on their roster.
Miami Dolphins
I bought in too much a few weeks ago to the Miami Dolphins. It’s safe to say that this team won’t challenge the Chiefs or Steelers in the AFC, rather they are in the second tier. The Dolphins currently have the second-best record in their division but I see them passing the Bills by season’s end. This Dolphins roster is built with a defense that will keep games close. The offense doesn’t need to make many big plays but enough to win the upcoming games. They have the skill at the receiver position and tight end group to do just that.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are one of the teams that are hard to buy in to. They have a great running game and possibly the best running back in the game. The defense has depth but there aren’t many game changers on it. At the end of the day, I see the Titans as a playoff team that can once again build a run on the back of Derrick Henry. It’s just hard to see Derrick Henry having four dominant games in a row and the kicking game makes you wonder how they will play in close games.
NFC
New Orleans Saints
At this point, everyone is buying in on the Saints. It’s no secret that they are the best team in the NFC with a clear path to the top seed. The past few games have proven that the Saints roster has no flaws and star power at every position. The Saints have a top-five; running back, receiver, offensive line, defensive line, cornerback, and maybe even linebacker. It’s hard to say that this team will be able to beat any team that emerges out of the AFC but they have the best chance in the conference of doing so.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers didn’t do anything extraordinary this week, they beat a sliding Bears team that they were supposed to beat. Watching the Packers constantly reminds us of a weird hamster wheel that the franchise is with Aaron Rodgers. You know that the Packers are going to be good and this year is no exception, but you just feel like the other top teams in the NFC will handle them in the playoffs. The Packers have a few problems on defense, but those problems are canceled out by an offense that scores at will.
Seattle Seahawks
The next three weeks will be telling for the Seahawks. Yes, they play three easy opponents in the Giants, Jets, and Football Team. However, the Seahawks have the prime opportunity to figure out a lot of problems in these games. The defense has been awful, but they can figure out how to integrate Jamal Adams in the game plans. The running game has been injured and struggling, but in these games, they can find out what type of runs will work with their offensive line. The Seahawks will win the next three games, but in these wins, they can figure out what works and how to build a Super Bowl contender.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
You know the NFC is top-heavy when the Buccaneers can lose three games in four weeks and remain top-five. The Bucs have looked awful in the recent games. There are many things to be nervous about as the team enters a playoff run. For starters, you can tell they miss Vita Vea, the game-changing nose tackle that is out for the season. It’s also clear that Brady isn’t the savior that people thought he’d be. The Bucs also have not established the run game in recent weeks. All these elements doom Tampa Bay. They will make the playoffs but it’s hard to see this team making a run.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams lost a tough game at home to the 49ers. They were outplayed for the majority of the game and looked flawed throughout the game. That being said, the Rams are still one of the top teams in the NFC. The star power is unquestioned (Aaron Donald being one of the best of all time). The offense doesn’t force Jared Goff to be the hero. The offensive line is good enough. The Rams are just good enough, they should make the playoffs and maybe win a playoff game. It’s safe to say that the Rams are in the second tier in the conference and in the NFL altogether.
