After Week 10 the playoff picture is starting to take shape around the NFL. The Chiefs and Lions remain at the top followed by the Bills, Ravens, and Eagles to round out the Top 5. The races for the last few wild card spots in each conference are starting to take shape with pivotal matchups ahead for multiple teams. Let’s take a look at how each team is shaking out in this week’s version of Blitz Sports Media’s power rankings.
1. Kansas City Chiefs 9-0 (-)
The Chiefs were thoroughly outplayed on Sunday by the Denver Broncos but a last second field goal block by Leo Chenal saved the day to keep the Chiefs undefeated season alive. It is always someone different stepping up in key moments for the Chiefs and it is what makes them so great. The Chiefs are also close to getting back Isiah Pacheco, Juju Smith-Shuster, and Charles Omenihu providing a much-needed boost ahead of their quest for a three-peat.
2. Detroit Lions 8-1 (-)
The Lions managed to claw back and find a way to win despite Jared Goff’s five interceptions on Sunday Night Football. Brian Branch has been a superstar on the backend for the Lions being a force in the run game while being an elite defender in the slot. The Lions will go as far this season as Jared Goff takes them as they have the best roster in the NFL.
3. Buffalo Bills 8-2 (-)
The Bills took care of business against the Colts without two of their top three pass catchers. The Bills managed 30 points behind three turnovers and a good day rushing the football. Matt Milano’s practice window is opening which should help improve their front seven. This is the most important week of their season with a chance at the #1 seed on the line versus the Chiefs.
4. Baltimore Ravens 7-3 (-)
The Ravens were able to hang on against the Bengals with Lamar Jackson having another impressive performance. Jackson is now on track for over 40 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions which will lead him to another MVP award. Defensively they are one of the worst teams in the league against the pass and is a clear weakness on this team. If they can’t defend the pass better in the next few weeks, they will be an earlier playoff exit than many expect.
5. Philadelphia Eagles 7-2 (+2)
The Eagles have been on a heater after the bye week rattling off five straight wins with Jalen Hurts and the offense playing their best football of the season. The Eagles secondary has been one of the most improved units of the season with Cooper Dejean and Quinyon Mitchell coming into their own at corner back. They face the Commanders this week in a pivotal matchup to decide the NFC East.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-2 (+3)
The Steelers clawed out of an early deficit to defeat the Commanders on Sunday. Russell Wilson has added another dimension to this Steelers offense and his connection with George Pickens is allowing the young receiver to breakout. The biggest questions for the Steelers right now are up front and if their passing offense can sustain the success they are having. They have a big test this week against the Ravens that will potentially change the AFC North leader.
7. Green Bay Packers 6-3 (+1)
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8. Washington Commanders 7-3 (-3)
The Commanders offense was incredibly inefficient despite scoring 27 points with Jayden Daniels only completing 50% of his passes while the ground game averaged 2.7 yards per carry. Defensively their secondary continues to give up the big plays in the pass game partly due to their weak pass rush. Marshon Lattimore will help this defense, but they are not a legit contender to come out of the NFC.
9. Minnesota Vikings 7-2 (+1)
The Vikings won an ugly game against the Jaguars without Trevor Lawrence 12-7. The offense totaled over 400 yards, but three Sam Darnold interceptions prevented the Vikings from capitalizing on good drives. As talented as this team is, Sam Darnold being their quarterback hinders their chances at a deep playoff run.
10. San Francisco 49ers 5-4 (+1)
The 49ers were finally healthy on the offensive side of the ball totaling over 400 total yards. Jauan Jennings appears to be stepping into the Brandon Aiyuk role while Christian McCaffrey totaled over 100 yards and 85% of snaps in his debut. They have as good of a chance as anyone to come out of the NFC with the talent they have.
11. Arizona Cardinals 6-4 (+1)
The Cardinals continued their hot streak and continue to prove themselves as a potential playoff team in 2024. Kyler Murray and the offense scored 31 points against a solid Jets defense which marks the third straight game over 28 points. Defensively, this unit is starting to come together behind the play of Budda Baker. Baker is starting to mix his name into the DPOY of the year conversation.
12. Houston Texans 6-4 (-4)
It was a tail of two halves for the Texans with them beating the brakes off of the Lions before getting shutout in the 2nd half and blowing a big lead. Their defense is the strength of their team with an elite pass rush and a solid secondary. Offensively the return of Nico Collins will help but will not cover up one of the worst offensive lines in football. I am not convinced the current version of this Texans team has any chance in the postseason.
13. Los Angeles Chargers 6-3 (+1)
The Chargers continue to take care of business with teams that are outside of the playoff hunt. In fact, their only win this season against a team in the playoff hunt is the Denver Broncos. They are 0-3 against three division leaders this season. They have a tough test against the Cincinnati Bengals this week then follow that game with the Ravens, Falcons, and Chiefs. This part of the schedule will allow us to find out how legit this Chargers team is.
14. Atlanta Falcons 6-4 (-2)
The Falcons managed to drop to the lowly Saints behind three missed kicks from YoungHoe Koo. They are still outpacing the division by two games and seem to be locks in a playoff spot come January. The question is, will a lack of pass rush prevent them from making any noise in the playoffs?
15. Cincinnati Bengals 4-6 (-)
The Bengals continue to drop these one score games because their defense could not stop a nosebleed. Joe Burrow has been playing MVP football this season while they have a gem at running back in Chase Brown. Defensively they lack effort as multiple times against the Ravens they were jogging to ball carries that resulted in big plays. If they get halfway decent defensive play, they will be the 7th seed in the AFC.
16. Denver Broncos 5-5 (+2)
If there was ever a loss that improved a team’s stock it was Sunday’s performance from the Broncos against the Chiefs. Their defense made the necessary adjustments to limit the Chiefs rushing attack and offensively did just enough in the first half to gain a lead that last until the fourth quarter. They will be battling it out with the Bengals for the 7th seed in the AFC.
17. Los Angeles Rams 4-5 (-1)
The Rams suffered a disappointing loss to the Dolphins hurting their playoff chances significantly. The offense never seemed to get going in this one with the Dolphins secondary playing two high a majority of the contest. This team is young with two veterans in Stafford and Kupp that they could potentially move off of in the offseason to continue the youth trend in LA.
18. Seattle Seahawks 4-5 (+1)
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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-6 (+1)
The Buccaneers have gone to the wire with the two teams in the Super Bowl the last two weeks. The injuries have been too much to overcome on the offensive side of the ball, and they now lost Tristian Wirfs to an MCL Strain. Defensively, the changes in the offseason did not help, as this unit has regressed to one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. The Buccaneers will be on the outside looking in come January.
20. Chicago Bears 4-5 (-3)
The Bears finally fired Shane Waldron, which might jumpstart the offense. Newly appointed OC Thomas Moore was with the Panthers last season which is not a great sign for better success. If the offense plays decent football, they have an outside chance with that elite defense.
21. Indianapolis Colts 4-6 (-)
The Colts have lost three straight significantly hurting their playoff hopes. The defense provides little resistance for offenses while Joe Flacco’s best attempt at hero ball results in multiple interceptions. This team is deeply flawed but has a chance to make the playoffs with the Lions being their only tough opponent the rest of the season.
22. Miami Dolphins 3-6 (+2)
The Dolphins have been competitive against 3 playoff hopeful teams the last three weeks and could not get over the hump. Finally, against the Rams, the defense played well enough to limit them to 15 points in the win. Offensively it’s not flashy anymore and they still don’t get Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle involved enough.
23. New York Jets 3-7 (-1)
The Jets dumpster fire of a season continues after a blowout loss to the Cardinals. It all starts up front on both sides of the ball as they were bullied all day. Aaron Rodgers has looked like a shell of himself this season and not sure if he is the answer at quarterback next season with a talented roster. The Jets went all in and miserably failed.
24. New England Patriots 3-7 (+5)
The Patriots have won two of their last three games behind better performances from the defense under Jerad Mayo. Christian Gonzalez is establishing himself as one of the league’s best lockdown corners. Meanwhile, Drake Maye is showing flashes of how talented he is offensively. Things are looking up in New England right now.
25. Dallas Cowboys 3-6 (-2)
The Cowboys got embarrassed at home by the Eagles. It wasn’t just the change at quarterback, it was the whole team that struggled. Jerry Jones has a tough task of assembling a winning roster next season with the current contracts they have locked up. Maybe Jerry will cover the windows next season to help improve the team’s play.
26. Carolina Panthers 3-7 (+4)
The Panthers have now won two straight games after Bryce Young’s return to the lineup. Defensively they have been better, and Jaycee Horn has been playing a shutdown corner. Offensively Chuba Hubbard continues his breakout campaign. They need to build some momentum into next season and let’s see if they can rattle off a few more wins.
27. Cleveland Browns 2-7 (-1)
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28. New Orleans Saints 3-7 (+3)
The Saints are back in the win column after an upset win over the Falcons. Derek Carr played well and found MVS for 2 touchdowns. Defensively they still gave up close to 500 yards but limited the Falcons to field goal attempts which ultimately fell into their favor. They had more energy after the Dennis Allen firing as well.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-8 (-4)
The Jaguars were thoroughly outplayed by the Vikings but managed to cover the spread in the loss. Mac Jones looks very similar to what he did in New England which is not very good. Defensively this unit continues to get shredded week after week. They need youth on the defensive side of the ball and some new pieces up front.
30. Tennessee Titans 2-7 (-2)
The Titans continue to learn that Will Levis is not the future of the franchise. After his return from injury, Levis finished 18/23 for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns. What sticks out to me was the seven sacks he took from holding onto the ball too long and not being decisive in his decision-making. Tennessee will be going quarterback in the 2025 draft
31. New York Giants 2-8 (-4)
The Giants dropped to the Panthers signaling a potential change at quarterback soon. This also does not help Brian Dabol, who I think is a good offensive coach, but might be on the outs after this season. I keep mentioning they have a lot of talent and whatever QB they select in the draft will have a good supporting cast for early success.
32. Las Vegas Raiders 2-7 (-2)
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