NFL Power Rankings: Week 10
32. Cleveland Browns (0-9)
Easy choice here, the Browns downright suck. The single team still searching for their first win, they haven't looked like a winning team yet, and don't look to change that in the future. Weapons Isaiah Crowell and Terrelle Pryor are doing their best to turn the dismal offense around to no avail. The success in Cleveland ends with the basketball and baseball teams. Grade: F
31. San Francisco 49ers (1-7)
In support of Colin Kaepernick and his National Anthem protests, the 49ers are protesting winning football games. It's hard to remember the time when they appeared in back to back NFC championships in the Harbaugh era. Under Chip Kelly, things have not been pretty. The 49ers foolishly believed Blaine Gabbert was the answer at quarterback. Then, somehow even more foolish, went with Kaepernick as their second option. They managed to put up only 23 points on a dismal New Orleans Saints defense and allowed 41. Expect the winning protest to proceed as planned in San Francisco, this team is awful. Grade: F
30. New York Jets (3-6)
The Jets record is a bit deceiving. They are a measly two wins away from being above .500. However, two of their wins include games against the Bills and the Browns. Granted, they are on their way. The youth on defense and offense has pastures looking green for the Jets. The main issue they have is their ignorance in the quarterback position. Fitzpatrick is by no means the quarterback of the future in New York. Geno Smith, I feel, has the potential to win. If nothing else, he'd win more games than Fitzpatrick would. The Jets are working on it, but they are not quite there yet. Grade: D
29. Chicago Bears (2-6)
The Bears confuse the living hell out of me. They have some very ugly losses (i.e. Colts and Jaguars) and yet they have defeated conference foes Detroit and Minnesota. This means that their playoff dream is still somewhat alive, because they are 2-1 in conference. Now back to reality, they have no playoff hopes. Their offense is stagnant. With Langford banged up and Cutler being Cutler, their star wide receivers don't have the chance to shine like they should. A bad defense just got worse with the retirement of Antrel Rolle. Chicago is bad and does not show signs of improvement. They beat the Jets out for the 29 spot solely because of their depth at wide receiver. They may win a few games just lobbing the ball up to their superstars. Grade: D
28. Los Angeles Rams (3-5)
The Rams have a damn good front line. That, and star running back Todd Gurley, are the reason they earned this spot, because the rest of the team is not good. The offense is completely one dimensional because of the foolishness of Jeff Fisher. When you draft a player, a quarterback no less, with the number one overall selection, the fan base is going to want to see him play. I have not seen Goff take a regular season snap, but at this point even I would love to see him at quarterback instead of Case Keenum. I was his biggest fan when he was at Houston, but he isn't the answer for LA, Goff is. The future is definitely bright, but the present is dim. Grade: D+
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Record: 3-5)
Somehow in week one, the Buccaneers scored an improbable win against the Atlanta Falcons. Since then, the Falcons have been catapulted into the spotlight of the elite in the NFL, and the Buccaneers lost to the LA Rams. Famous Jameis and Mike Evans are doing their best to make their team relevant, but to this point they have been sub par. They are in the lower half of the NFL in both offensive and defensive yardage. Not only are they failing to put up the yardage to win, they are also letting teams walk all over them. Again, the Buccaneers have a lot of work left to do, so don't expect too much from them this season. Grade: D+
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
For whatever reason, and I'm not sure why, I see potential in the Jacksonville Jaguars. They have an average quarterback in a bad offense, paired with a decent defense and have a 2-6 record. There is no reason I should believe in them, but something is telling me not to count them out. They are very young. Their years of poor play and high draft picks are sure to pay off soon. While they don't look good now, I believe the youth on the team (Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, TJ Yeldon, Dante Fowler Jr., among others) is going through some growing pains. Once all of their youth hits their stride, watch out AFC South. Grade: C-
25. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
Opposite of their conference foes Jacksonville, the Colts are on a downward swing. Andrew Luck is a franchise quarterback with no franchise. His best bet is lobbing a ball up to T.Y. Hilton before his terrible offensive line allows him to be sacked. Frank Gore is aging. Robert Mathis is aging. The two biggest stars of the team right now are the kicker and punter! That's an issue. They are playing well enough for now to earn a 25th ranking, but that could go down soon. Grade: C-
24. Carolina Panthers (3-5)
The reigning NFC champions are playing like doormats. The swagger that guided them to the Super Bowl last season has disappeared. Social media is no longer overflowing with amazing Panthers touchdowns followed by silly dances. Now, all anyone talks about is how often Cam Newton gets hit. Here's a hint to those who want more flags to get thrown for Newton: that's not the problem! If he had protection, he wouldn't get slammed as much as he does. The Panthers just aren't as good as they were last year, and no one knows why. They hold such a decently high spot because of their potentially prolific quarterback, Cam Newton. Grade: C-
23. Buffalo Bills (4-4)
This is a team that hasn't made many waves in the football world this season. They have some pretty big wins, including a shutout of the shorthanded Patriots and a solid victory against the Cardinals. They have also lost to the Jets and Dolphins and got absolutely obliterated by a fully staffed Patriots team. I'm just not sold on them. Tyrod Taylor has his games, but no one can be sure which version of him will show up. LeSean McCoy is the obvious bright side, and props to him on his outstanding play thus far. But, the defense is average, nothing special. Plus, I refuse to believe in any Rex Ryan team. Grade: C
22. Tennessee Titans (4-5)
The Marcus Mariota era has yet to provide the success equivalent to that of what he had at Oregon. Mainly because he isn't on a great team. At Oregon, he had his choice of quick and talented options. Most people probably couldn't name the Titan's starting wide receivers. Demarco Murray hasn't been the same player he's been in the past. The defense is lacking in both potential and ability, which is a dangerous mixture of things to have missing from a team. The Titans have been stuck in neutral for quite some time now, and it's not changing anytime soon. Grade: C
21. New Orleans Saints (4-4)
Drew Brees has been the definition of a one man army this season. He's been putting up his usual ridiculous numbers, he's thrown for 2,689 yards and 21 touchdowns. Their defense is actually worse than Tennessee's statistically. But you can just never count Brees out. He is like Brady with the Patriots, he can make any schlub off of the street look like Pro Bowl receiver. Mark Ingram has never impressed me since his days at Alabama. Regardless, the Saints will always be decent as long as Brees is leading the charge. Grade: C
20. Detroit Lions (5-4)
The decision between the Saints and the Lions for the 20 spot was a difficult one. They are pretty equal teams. Both have crappy defenses. The Lions defense is actually statistically worse than the Saints. However, the offense for the Lions is more potent than the Saints. The Saints are the Drew Brees show. Matthew Stafford, though he struggles with accuracy on occasion, has an absolute cannon attached to his shoulder. Theo Riddick and Golden Tate highlight his options running and catching the ball. Their slight advantage in offensive firepower gives them the edge, because offense wins championships. Grade: C
19. Miami Dolphins (4-4)
Where is the petition to change the team name to the Miami Ajayi's so I can sign it? As of recent, the man must have some back problems, because the team is on his back. Tannehill is just another sub par quarterback (See: Bortles, Taylor, Gabbert, Fitzpatrick, Cutler, Keenum, etc.) They have a nice win over the Steelers, and a not so nice loss against Tennessee. They're currently sitting in second in a crap division, so that's an accomplishment I guess. Just not a great team, not bound for the playoffs, and not training any young prospects for greatness. Just meh. Grade: C
18. Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
Is anyone else noticing the never ending trend of records right at or around the .500 mark? I am, because this is the season of mediocrity in the NFL, and the Ravens are no acception. They are first in their division, and I'm still not impressed by their play. Joe Flacco has been playing well but not well enough to put his team into consideration for the top half of the league. A disgusting loss to the Jets only solidifies my doubts about the Ravens. Again, just meh, but points for topping the divison. Grade: C+
17. San Diego Chargers (4-5)
The poor Chargers have the unfortunate task of being a good team in a great division. They don't stand a chance for the playoffs with the Chiefs, Raiders, and Broncos all in the same division. That said, Melvin Gordon is hitting his stride. Philip Rivers continues to do Philip Rivers and be ridiculously consistent. And Antonio Gates is still in the league! I honestly had no idea, he finally broke free from his quiet play and has shown up. Their competent offense mainly stands no chance because their defense is a liability. I enjoy watching them play, and they'll do fine out of conference. Sadly, they happen to be in the best conference in football. Grade: C+
16. Green Bay Packers (4-4)
The Packers losses were all justified this season... until they dropped a game at home to the Indianapolis Colts. Aaron Rodgers is still an elite quarterback, but his empire is crumbling around him. The Super Bowl champion no longer has the elite team he once did, and it is apparent this season. The Packers will probably end up winning the NFC North, because that's just what the Packers do. But they need to get some things figured out before they do that. They aren't playing the best brand of football in the NFL right now, and they need to fix that ASAP. Grade: C+
15. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4-1)
Sporting the 9th best offense in the league, the Bengals are still third in the conference standings. I think they are better than the Ravens. The Dalton to Green tandem has been and continues to be a dangerous one. Their defense isn't great and isn't terrible. Their losses are to better teams, their wins are against worse teams, and their tie is one of the worst football games I have ever watched. All in all, they are in the top half of the league, but just barely. Grade: C+
14. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)
The red hot Eagles have finally cooled off, and Wentz no longer looks like the super hero he first seemed to be. He has been bitten by the turnover bug as of recently, oftentimes with the ball ending up in the hands of an opposing defensive back. Their offense and defense are on two completely different levels. Statistically, their defense is elite and their offense is about high school level. That mix lands them right in the middle of the rankings. Grade: B-
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4)
The team of disappointments. I really thought the trio of Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger, and Le'veon Bell would bring the Super Bowl back to Pittsburgh. They lost to the Dolphins and beat the Chiefs. I'm not sure how to rank this team, because it really depends on who shows up. Their offense needs to win them their games, because it definitely has the ability to. Grade: B-
12. Washington Redskins (4-3-1)
Shockingly enough, Kirk Cousins has been a solid quarterback this season. After his utter meltdown last season, I thought for sure his goose was cooked. He's thrown for almost 2,500 yards this season. Their defense isn't great, but has been good enough to keep teams at bay, which is really all you need. I believe this team is better than their record implies, but they, like many others, aren't playing up to their potential. Grade: B-
11. Seattle Seahawks (5-2-1)
Another disappointing team, the Seahawks were meant for greatness when the Legion of Boom was formed. The defense has held up their part, they are best in the league statistically this season. Russell Wilson and his boys on offense are struggling to make the team great. The loss of Marshawn Lynch has been felt, as the offense feels one dimensional. The potential is still there for them to be great, but something just isn't clicking for them right now. Grade: B
10. Minnesota Vikings (5-3)
What a roller coaster the 2016 season has been for the Minnesota Vikings. After losing Adrian Peterson and Teddy Bridgewater to injury, many wrote the season off as hopeless. Then, somehow, Sam Bradford led the team to a 5-0 start. The Vikings then proceeded to drop the next 3. Those three losses were all to teams ranked lower than them in this list. On why they started losing all of a sudden, no one really knows. What we do know is the Vikings need to figure some things out. Their defense is monstrous, much too good to not make a playoff appearance. Grade: B
9. Houston Texans (5-3)
A team above .500! Finally! The offensive trio of Osweiler, Miller, and Hopkins is working famously, which earned them a huge win against the Chiefs. Their three losses came at the hands of the Patriots, Vikings, and Broncos, all quality out of conference teams. The Texans have built themselves a solid season so far, despite J.J. Watt being placed on IR. Once considered a bust, Jadeveon Clowney is playing some good ball right now, filling the gap left by Watt. That Houston defense is fifth best in the league. They will win their division, which isn't saying much. Grade: B
8. Denver Broncos (6-3)
The third best team in that terrifying AFC West, the Denver Broncos help support my claim that offense wins championships. The lack of a decent quarterback had quite the effect on the success of the Broncos. Yes, the Broncos hold teams to fewer points. But when your offense is putting up 13 points against the Chargers and 16 against the Falcons, you're doomed to eventually be beaten. The Broncos probably will not make the playoffs because of their offensive weakness. But, hey, their defense is elite. Props where props are due. Grade: B+
7. New York Giants (5-3)
Now that OBJ is over his little crying fit, he's actually playing some good football. The Giants, much like the Broncos, have the misfortune of being a good team in a great conference. They'll be fine throughout the season. Their offense is really hitting their stride. Their defense needs work if they want to be legitimate contenders. Grade: B+
6. Arizona Cardinals (3-4-1)
I already know what you're thinking. What business does a 3 win team have being the #6 team on this list? Potential. They have had some very ugly losses, there is no dispute there. But that offense with Palmer, Johnson, Fitzgerald, and Floyd is too dangerous to count out. A healthy Cardinals defense is a terrifying one. Tyrann Mathieu's absence has been felt. If they get healthy and get the offensive wheels spinning, look out for them to make a playoff push in their weak conference. Grade: B+
5. Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)
The Chiefs have a very important win under their belt that earns them the number 5 spot. They beat the Raiders. I regard the Raiders as elite this season, so scoring a 26-10 win over them is impressive. Their offense isn't elite, and I'm not exactly sure how they do what they do. Andy Reid must know something the rest of us don't, because the man knows how to win. The Chiefs are in the ultra-competitive AFC West, so they will have to scratch and claw for a playoff spot. Grade: A-
4. Atlanta Falcons (6-3)
No one saw this high flying (get it?) offensive attack coming. The Falcons are scary good on offense. Matt Ryan is doing his usual things, throwing for a billion yards. Julio Jones is still the best wide receiver in the NFL. But the surprising aspect has been the run game. The one-two punch of Davonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman at running back has been deadly. They have an ugly loss to the Buccaneers. However, they have scored more than 30 points six times this season. You are going to win a lot of football games if you can score like that. The Falcons will run away with the NFC South. Grade: A
3. Dallas Cowboys (7-1)
I'm not sure if you have heard yet or not, but Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot are starting for the Dallas Cowboys. No big deal, except for the fact that Elliot is the best running back in the league and Prescott is playing like a man possessed. I guess all of those first round draft picks the Cowboys spent on offensive linemen don't seem so silly now. Elliot has holes he could drive trucks through, and Prescott has all the time he needs to find his receivers. The defense is up to par as well. The Cowboys are absolutely rolling right now, and I wouldn't expect it to stop. Unless, of course, Tony Romo takes the starting job back. In that case, expect it to come to a screeching halt. Grade: A
2. Oakland Raiders (7-2)
I wanted so badly to put the Raiders at #1. But the twitter consensus said otherwise. Well, here's the facts. The Raiders are good. Damn good. They and the Patriots are on a collision course in the post season, and we are all in for some fireworks. Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and Latavius Murray are killing it offensively. Their defense is very much feeling the loss of Khalil Mack. But with an offense like that, who needs defense? The Raiders score points when it matters most, which makes them an elite threat to take home the Lombardi Trophy. Grade: A+
1. New England Patriots (7-1)
They just can't stop being good. They won without Brady. They won without Garoppolo. They won without Gronk. It's unfair really. The Patriots are still a really good football team, and with the return of Brady and Gronk, it spells disaster for the rest of the league. The Patriots are the best team in football right now. It can be disputed until the end of the season, but for the time being, the Patriots reign supreme. Grade: A+
