NFL POWER RANKINGS: WEEK 10
On Sunday, I was sitting in my dorm working on my paper for Art as a World Phenomenon, when I looked up from my computer to my roommate's television. I had been using the TV earlier in the day to watch the early afternoon game between Denver and New Orleans, a game that was great in its own right, but I had almost completely forgotten to watch the Steelers and Cowboys square off at Heinz Field following that game. I'm glad I didn't forget.
Watching Ezekiel Elliott go for two touchdowns in under two minutes, especially when it looked like Pittsburgh stole the game with Ben Roethlisberger's drive and fake spike touchdown pass, is one of the NFL's top highlights of 2016. Scratch that. The Dallas Cowboys are one of the NFL's top highlights of 2016, with one of the best quarterback (Dak Prescott) and running back (Elliott) combos since Russell Wilson and the retired Marshawn Lynch, as well as an offensive line that is now being considered by many to be the league's most valuable player(s).
Here are the rankings after Week 10 of the NFL season:
32.) Cleveland Browns, 0-10 (L, @ Ravens, 28-7)
Not only are the Browns making me angry by losing week by week, they're making me angry but looking like they're not even trying. Coach Hue Jackson decided to replace rookie Cody Kessler in the second half of a 13-7 game vs the Ravens for...Josh McCown, whose two interceptions proved that it's slim picking at quarterback for Cleveland. Then again, when isn't it?
31.) San Francisco 49ers, 1-8 (L, @ Cardinals, 23-20)
49ers RB Carlos Hyde
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
I am fascinated how hard this franchise has fallen since letting Michigan take Jim Harbaugh. Nobody from the 49ers can do anything right on or off the field, although their 23-20 loss at Arizona was their best performance since their Week 1 win (their only win). Might be time to clear shop.
30.) Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-7 (L, vs Texans, 24-21)
Jaguars QB Blake Bortles
Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
I never expected them to go full Dallas Cowboys on us this year, but Blake Bortles and the Jaguars aren't even showing any signs of improvement, leaving luxurious EverBank Field as the lone bright spot in what has been a sorry franchise for the past six seasons, as they're likely to achieve their sixth straight year of at least 10 losses. Bortles' problem is his mechanics: his low ball placement and slow delivery is killing his production (7 touchdowns, 6 interceptions). I will the team credit, however, for nearly pulling off a comeback, outscoring Houston 11-3 in the fourth quarter.
29.) Chicago Bears, 2-7 (L, @ Buccaneers, 36-10)
Bears QB Jay Cutler
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Boy, oh, boy, there has never been a better picture to capture the Bears' current situation with Jay Cutler, who is headed for career lows in passing yards (807), touchdowns (3), and quarterback rating (77.1). There also has never been a better time for Chicago to drop their quarterback, especially with highly touted quarterbacks like DeShone Kizer, Deshaun Watson, and Mitch Trubisky becoming available in the 2017 NFL Draft. If the Bears finish as the fourth pick, they have a good shot at getting one of these prospects, especially with Jacksonville already having a young quarterback (unless he shows zero signs of improvement).
28.) New York Jets, 3-7 (L, vs Rams ,9-7)
Jets RB Matt Forte
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Not a great start for rookie Bryce Petty (19/32, 163 yards, one touchdown, one interception), but it certainly wasn't the worst performance by a Jets QB this year, if that's saying something. The next option is the rookie out of Penn State, Christian Hackenberg, although I don't believe he'll be the spark for the New York offense in 2016. To think, this team still has to play New England (twice) and a resurgent Miami.
27.) Los Angeles Rams, 4-5 (W, @ Jets, 9-6)
Rams RB Todd Gurley
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With all the issues and trashing of this franchise in 2016, the Rams have not looked as bad as they could have been. They're not in St. Louis anymore though, as L.A. is a high pressure market with very little room for error, so lots of changes need to be made. Winning a game with three field goals does not equal popularity and a good spot on the power rankings, and Todd Gurley's production has almost been cut in half this year. A change that is happening however, is Jared Goff being named the starter for next week against the Dolphins. It only took ten games.
26.) Cincinnati Bengals, 3-5-1 (L, @ Giants, 21-20)
Bengals TE Tyler Eifert
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
It has been an up-down-year for the Bengals. Their singular wins against the Jets, Browns, and Dolphins are overshadowed by their two two-game losing streaks against the Steelers and Broncos, then the Cowboys and Patriots, not to mention their tie against Washington. Monday night's game against the Giants was one I felt should have gone to Cincinnati, but the defense has looked weak all season.
25.) Carolina Panthers, 3-6 (L, vs Chiefs, 20-17)
Panthers QB Cam Newton
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
This one stings if you're a Panthers fan. Even at 3-6, I believed that after two straight wins, if Cam Newton and Carolina could run off a hot streak to finish the year at 11-5, they'd have a shot at the NFC South, especially with Atlanta at only 6-4. Their loss to Kansas City, highlighted by giving up a 17-0 lead in the fourth quarter, made their quest for the division a thousand times harder, maybe impossible.
24.) San Diego Chargers, 4-6 (L, vs Dolphins, 31-24)
Chargers WR Tyrell Williams
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
They were doing well, leading 10-7 after the first half, before Miami's offense torched the Chargers defense for 24 points in the third and fourth quarters. The offense, which has been overusing the shotgun formation as of late, is not making things better, and San Diego currently finds themselves at the bottom of a very good AFC West.
23.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4-5 (W, vs Bears, 36-10)
Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
They're not bad this year, sitting in second in the division even with a three game losing streak back in late September and early October. Quarterback Jameis Winston is actually on pace for over 4,000 passing yards and 34 touchdowns, surpassing his rookie numbers. His schedule will not be easy, especially in the next two weeks, playing the Chiefs at Arrowhead, then playing at home against the Seahawks.
22.) New Orleans Saints, 4-5 (L, vs Broncos, 25-23)
Saints QB Drew Brees
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
There's no way around the fact that Sunday's loss to Denver (the game I was originally watching) was soul-crushing. Losing by a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown is just a blow to the Saints' season, one that Drew Brees and Co. may not recover from.
21.) Indianapolis Colts, 4-5 (BYE)
Colts QB Andrew Luck
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts are old, mismanaged, and barely holding on by the strength of Andrew Luck, but they have a big game coming up against Tennessee. Whoever loses Sunday's matchup with be dealt their sixth loss, hurting one's playoff chances in an already weak AFC South.
20.) Baltimore Ravens, 4-5 (W, vs Browns, 28-7)
Ravens WR Mike Wallace
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
As nine other teams will attest, beating the Cleveland Browns is nothing to write home about, but Baltimore's victory and Pittsburgh's stunning loss vaults the Ravens to first place in the AFC North. If the Ravens can find a way to get past the Cowboys, Dolphins, Patriots, Eagles, and Steelers (a team they've already beaten this year, 21-14) without too many losses, they will get themselves a division win and a playoff spot.
19.) Arizona Cardinals, 4-4-1 (W, vs 49ers, 23-20)
Cardinals RB David Johnson
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Much like the Ravens, the Cardinals didn't accomplish much in their win against San Francisco. A win is a win, however, and Arizona is back at .500. Only problem is, they're in second in the NFC West, a team with a very good Seahawks team. A wild card spot will also be tough to get, as the NFC East's current last-place team would get a wild card spot before the Cardinals would.
18.) Miami Dolphins, 5-4 (W, @ Chargers, 31-24)
Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Credit where credit is due, Miami is still on fire since their 1-4 start, and they're actually giving the Patriots a race in the AFC East. Ryan Tannehill (91.3 QBR, highest since 2014) has to buckle down for the next seven games, four in which he should win (at Rams, vs 49ers, at Jets, at Bills). The Dolphins would be in a good spot at 9-6 or 10-5 heading into Week 17 vs New England.
17.) Green Bay Packers, 4-5 (L, @ Titans, 47-25)
Packers WR Jordy Nelson
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
A three game slide that's not even tops in the division had sent Green Bay into a whirlwind. Back to back blowout losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee do not look good at all, and worse, the Packers are 8-11 since Nov. 1 of last year, one of those wins coming on a miracle Hail Mary touchdown against Detroit. I will state that I am one of the people who believes it is time for the Packers to move on from Mike McCarthy. I just don't know if they can do it during the season.
16.) Buffalo Bills, 4-5 (BYE)
Bills WR Robert Woods
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
The Bills have lost three straight games and are now in third place after looking good behind New England in second a few weeks ago. Despite two of those losses coming against the Patriots and Seahawks, the Bills have to recover. One crucial matchup within the next seven games will be on Dec. 4 in Oakland.
15.) Pittsburgh Steelers, 4-5 (L, vs Cowboys, 35-30)
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
I really did not expect to be writing about how Pittsburgh let Dallas down the field to score and win in 33 seconds, but here we are. This is a team that many believed would become the AFC contender at the start of the season, even with swirls of injuries. Now, the Steelers may not even get into the postseason after losing the AFC North's top spot to the Ravens. It's really a shame that Ben Roethlisberger's brilliant fake spike touchdown pass was wasted.
14.) Tennessee Titans, 5-5 (W, vs Packers, 47-25)
Titans QB Marcus Mariota
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota is brilliantly developing in Year 2, throwing for almost 2,500 yards and 21 touchdowns in ten games. It's also amazing that Tennessee is still in the thick of the playoff race. With Houston only at 6-3, Tennessee has a very good chance if they can string together some wins in the final seven weeks.
13.) Houston Texans, 6-3 (W, @ Jaguars, 24-21)
Texans QB Brock Osweiler
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
They almost gave away that game by allowing 11 fourth quarter points, but Houston in continuing to grind out victories. Quarterback Brock Osweiler makes up for what he's lacking statistically (11 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) by continuing to get wins, though their toughest test will come next week against the Raiders.
12.) Minnesota Vikings, 5-4 (L, @ Redskins, 26-20)
Vikings QB Sam Bradford
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
How in the world did this team fall so far? Four weeks ago we were speaking of the Vikings as having stole Sam Bradford from Philadelphia and becoming the beast of the NFC. Now, the team has lost four games in a row and may not get into the postseason. They may be able to sneak into the playoffs if they can get it together, but the first round pick they gave up for Bradford now doesn't look so good.
11.) Philadelphia Eagles, 5-4 (W, vs Falcons, 24-15)
Eagles QB Carson Wentz
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
That was a good win for the Eagles, one they needed after dropping four of their previous five games. It makes me wonder, though, if Carson Wentz has enough juice to grind out the rest of the season, which includes games against the Seahawks, Packers, Redskins, Ravens, Giants, and Cowboys. It's really amazing, however, that this talented squad is the last place team in the NFC East.
10.) Detroit Lions, 5-4 (BYE)
Lions QB Matthew Stafford
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
I like Detroit because the NFC North is beginning to fade, but that doesn't mean the Lions can run away with it. Every single one their wins this years has been within the last 90 seconds of regulation, or in overtime. While exciting, it also means the Detroit has to go down to the wire in every matchup. A solid victory would do the Lions good, give them some confidence in the quest for the division.
9.) New York Giants, 6-3 (W, vs Bengals, 21-20)
Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants are 6-3 with solid play from the two best players, a first-year coach...and they're third in the division? It shows how improved the NFC East has become, no longer the laughingstock from last year that had 9-7 Washington as its playoff representative. All the Giants can do from here on out is win, though the last four weeks of the regular season will not make that easy, as New York has to take on Dallas and Detroit at home, then Philadelphia and Washington on the road.
8.) Washington Redskins, 5-3-1 (W, vs Vikings, 26-20)
Redskins QB Kirk Cousins
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
This team could very easily be 7-1, had it not been for a botched field goal in their overtime tie against Cincinnati and the Lions' miracle drive in a Week 7 loss. The Redskins have looked competitive all season long, and I didn't think they could repeat last season's magic. They will have to bear down and get some wins soon, however, especially when they play the rival Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24).
7.) Atlanta Falcons, 6-4 (L, @ Eagles, 24-15)
Falcons QB Matt Ryan
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Even with the road loss in Phila, Matt Ryan is still in fine form this season, but his weapons are scarce. Just depending on Julio Jones as the lone receiving threat isn't going to work forever, so the Falcons have to find a way to mix Taylor Gabriel and Mohamed Sanu into the offense's game plan more often if they want to win the NFC South, which is still up for grabs for anybody, even the Panthers.
6.) Denver Broncos, 7-3 (W, @ Saints, 25-23)
Broncos QB Trevor Siemian
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
It's rare to steal a win at the Superdome, but it's even more rare to steal a win at the Superdome on a blocked kick returned for a touchdown. Now that the Broncos stand at 7-3, rather than 6-4, the offense, led by Trevor Siemian, must step up the rest of the way, because the Patriots, Chiefs (twice), and Raiders are looking to keep Denver from defending their title.
5.) Kansas City Chiefs, 7-2 (W, @ Panthers, 20-17)
Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
It was an impressive comeback for the Chiefs, scoring 17 unanswered points in the final quarter alone to erase a 17-3 Carolina win. KC is now looking more and more like a contender, but they unluckily play in a strong division, only being one game ahead of the Broncos and tied with the Raiders. It will come down to Kansas City's stretch from Nov. 27 to Dec. 25, in which they take on the Broncos, Falcons, Raiders, Titans, and Broncos again.
4.) Oakland Raiders, 7-2 (BYE)
Raiders WR Amari Cooper
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
This has been my favorite team in pro football for the past three months, with a style that is like the Raiders 2.0, a combination of the 1980s bullies and the 2002 Rich Gannon offense. I am loving what I am seeing from David Carr (2,505 yards, 17 touchdowns, 3 interceptions in his second season), and the franchise now has an identity that they can go with for years to come. Carr, as well as Amari Cooper, have a big game coming for them, on Monday night in Mexico City against the Texans. A win here would boost the Raiders' chances of a playoff spot greatly.
3.) Seattle Seahawks, 6-2-1 (W, @ Patriots, 31-24)
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
I could have placed Seattle above New England after their win, but I still feel like the Patriots are the more complete team. That being said, it's not everyday that a team can go into Foxborough and get a win, but the Russell Wilson and the Seahawks did just that. They'll run away with the NFC West for sure (the next best teams, Arizona and L.A., are 4-4-1 and 4-5, respectfully), but it's time to focus in on what kind of team Seattle will be in the playoffs.
2.) New England Patriots, 7-2 (L, vs Seahawks, 31-24)
Patriots QB Tom Brady
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
How ironic that the strategy used against them in Super Bowl XLIX is the one they used last Sunday, and it's one that came back to haunt them like it haunted the Seahawks two years ago. Still, New England is probably not going to lose the division to Miami, and this is really their "first" loss of 2016, aside from the random Week 4 loss to Buffalo in which Jacoby Brissett quarterbacked. Tom Brady and the Pats are gonna be fine.
1.) Dallas Cowboys, 8-1 (W, @ Steelers, 35-30)
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (left) and RB Ezekiel Elliott (right)
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
I sure hope Dallas doesn't waste this regular season come playoff time, because other than the Raiders, this is my favorite team of the 2016 season. Even though Tony Romo has been a great quarterback for years, there is a bright future in Dallas, with Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott now running the Cowboys offense, and with an offensive line that some consider to be the MVP of the league, you can't go wrong. Keep an eye out for that Nov. 26 Thanksgiving game against the Redskins.
How do YOU think MS Blog's Week 10 NFL Power Rankings look? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter or Facebook.
