After Week 11 the playoff picture is starting to take shape around the NFL. The headline from this week was the Buffalo Bills ending the Chiefs ’15’ game-win streak to move to 0.5 games back of the number one seed. The Steelers took control of the AFC North with a win over the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Chargers sunk the Bengals Playoff chances moving them to seven losses. 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. Detroit Lions 9-1 (+1)
The Lions will now slot in as the best team in the NFL after the Chiefs lost their first game in over 300 days. The Lions have been the best team in the NFL this season and bully inferior teams. This week Jared Goff threw for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win after a rough performance in Week 10. One of their leaders on the defense, Alex Anzalone is now out 6-8 weeks with a broken forearm but should be back in time for the playoffs
2. Buffalo Bills 9-2 (+1)
The Bills outplayed the Chiefs on both sides of the ball resulting in another regular season victory for Josh Allen over Patrick Mahomes. Josh Allen stepped up when the Bills needed him to in the biggest moments and his 4th down run sealed the game. Defensively their pass rush beat up the Chiefs’ offensive line never allowing them to get in a rhythm. This was a big boost to the Bills chances at the 1 seed but a tough schedule down the stretch will give them a harder road to that top seed than the Chiefs.
3. Kansas City Chiefs 9-1 (-2)
The Chiefs for the second straight week were outplayed. Defensively this was their first time allowing 30 points since the Super Bowl win over the Eagles. They managed to get the Bills to 3rd and long every drive but rarely got them off the field. A lack of pass rush and CB2 killed the Chiefs. Offensively they rarely play with urgency and Mahomes careless interception to start the game set the tone for the game. The Chiefs might get the wake up call they need to win their third straight Super Bowl.
4. Philadelphia Eagles 8-2 (+1)
The Eagles get a boost in the rankings after winning an important game in the NFC East race against the Commanders. After a slow start, the offense clicked when Saquon Barkley broke loose with big chunks on the ground game. Defensively Quinyon Mitchell is turning into one of the best corners in the NFL as a rookie and shut down Terry McLaurin. They are right behind the Lions in the race for the one seed.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers 8-2 (+1)
The Steelers just flat-out win ugly football games, and it completely fits their play style. Russell Wilson in the offense is not great by any means, but they move the ball well enough to kick field goals. Defensively they always give opponents trouble with their pass rush and discipline never allowing chunk plays. They have a tough stretch ahead to hold onto the division lead but the win against Baltimore puts them in a prime position to steal the AFC North crown.
6. Baltimore Ravens 7-4 (-2)
The Ravens get highlighted for having this unstoppable team but have now dropped their fourth game of the season and 1.5 games back in the division race. Despite averaging 6.5 yards per carry, the Ravens only ran the ball 19 times once again abandoning the run game in an important game. Justin Tucker has been a shell of himself as his two missed kicks contributed to the loss. You can’t blame the defense in this one as they did not let the Steelers score while holding them under 4.7 yards per play.
7. Green Bay Packers 7-3 (-)
The Packers got outplayed by the Bears this week and it was another costly Jordan Love turnover that shifted the momentum of the game. They need to take care of the ball better with an average defense or they will find themselves losing on wild card weekend. The division race is not out of reach yet and a good stretch of games could put them right next to the Lions ahead of their Week 14 matchup.
8. Minnesota Vikings 8-2 (+1)
The Vikings took care of business in the last few weeks before their gauntlet end-of-the-season schedule. They have the Bears twice, Cardinals, Falcons, Seahawks, Packers, and Lions to close out the season determining whether or not they will win the North or end up being a wild card team. Sam Darnold is the X factor for this team as his play of late has been uninspiring.
9. Washington Commanders 7-4 (-1)
The Commanders have dropped two in a row and the offense is not playing at the same level they were to start the season. Jayden Daniels has not had the same impact on the ground after his rib injury against the Panthers which has led the offense to rely too heavily on his arm to win games. Defensively they have made big strides this season and it is a big credit to Dan Quinn. The Commanders will still make the playoffs this season, but the division seems out of reach now.
10. Los Angeles Chargers 7-3 (+3)
The Chargers continue their turnaround after a big win over the Bengals. They jumped out to an early lead behind Justin Herbert’s stellar play. The Bengals made things interesting in the second half and showcased some flaws among this Chargers team. I do think however the Chargers will find themself in the playoffs in a retooling season and have surrounded Justin Herbert with the best coaching in his career.
11. Arizona Cardinals 6-4 (-)
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12. Houston Texans 7-4 (-)
Houston was not necessarily impressive in their win over the Cowboys. Joe Mixon continues to be one of the best free agent pickups this offseason with another monster performance. The passing game did not get going with the return of Nico Collins as many expected. Defensively they dominated in the second half after a shaky start to the game. The Texans are a good football team, but their flaws will hold them back from a Super Bowl.
13. Denver Broncos 6-5 (+3)
The Broncos followed up their devastating loss with a dominant win over the Falcons. Bo Nix had a career day throwing for over 300 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win. Meanwhile, the defense was as dominant as they have been all season long. The Broncos have a fast track to the 7th seed in the AFC if they continue to play like they have on offense.
14. San Francisco 49ers 5-5 (-4)
The 49ers continued their slow start to the season after their loss to the Seahawks. I’m not sure what it is with this team that they can’t handle business against teams right now. The offensive line is not as dominant as it has been in the past and Kyle Shannahan has been average this season. They are still only 1 game back of the division right now and have everything in front of them.
15. Los Angeles Rams 5-5 (+2)
The Rams got back into the win column after taking care of business against the Patriots. Matthew Stafford threw for 4 touchdown passes while Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua had big days. The Rams are a good football team with the talent they have on offense. Can the defense do enough to get this team to the playoffs?
16. Atlanta Falcons 6-5 (-2)
The Falcons now have gotten blown out in two straight weeks and have made the NFC South race a little more interesting. Offensively, they can’t string together long drives that result in touchdowns. Defensively they can’t stop anyone right now without a pass rush. The Falcons aren’t Super Bowl contenders this season with that defense.
17. Seattle Seahawks 5-5 (+1)
The Seahawks pulled off the upset over the 49ers to stay in the playoff mix and ultimately spoil the 49ers’ playoff hopes. The defense played well on Sunday holding the 49ers to 17 points and only 277 yards of offense. Offensively they did just enough to go win the game. Geno Smith made some rough decisions in this one and was still able to find a way to win the game.
18. Cincinnati Bengals 4-7 (-3)
The Bengals officially dropped their seventh game of the season putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson, and Chase Brown continue to play great football, but it is just not enough. They tried to come back in this one after a big deficit but missed field goals and a lack of defensive effort in the first half was too much to overcome. Zac Taylor will not be back in Cincinnati next season.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-6 (-)
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20. Indianapolis Colts 5-6 (+1)
Anthony Richardson played his best game of the season for the Colts and the offense looked dynamic against the Jets. Richardson had his highest passer grade from PFF this season while adding 2 touchdowns on the ground in the win. The defense is not great but did just enough to get them off the field to give the offense a chance. The Colts are still in the race for the 7 seed after the win.
21. Miami Dolphins 4-6 (+1)
The Dolphins have played solid football helping them claw to only two games below .500 since Tua’s return. The offense is not as explosive as it once was as Tua’s yards per attempt this season is at a career-low but has moved the ball well in the last four weeks. Defensively they followed up their strong performance against the Rams by limiting the Raiders. It’s a little late for them to make a playoff push but it’s not impossible if they continue this winning streak.
22. Chicago Bears 4-6 (-2)
You have to feel for Bears fans after that loss. The offense looked much better after Shane Waldron was fired and it looked like Caleb Williams was going to lead the team to a 4th quarter game-winning drive until the blocked kick. Defensively they were just okay on Sunday as they made some key stops on their side of the field, but the Packers moved the ball well. There is hope in Chicago, but it won’t be this season that the turnaround happens.
23. New Orleans Saints 4-7 (+5)
The Saints continue to play good football on the offensive side of the ball the last two weeks. This week it was Taysom Hill who was the star of the game with his 3 touchdowns doing it on the ground and through the air. Defensively they are still struggling as Jameis Winston, and company shredded them. Saints aren’t going anywhere this season, but their aging veterans are playing hard right now and could play spoiler down the stretch.
24. New England Patriots 3-7 (+5)
The Patriots are just fun to watch with Drake Maye. They aren’t talented enough every week to win some of these tough matchups, but they make all of these games competitive. Maye went toe to toe with Matthew Stafford with a lack of playmakers on offense. The Patriots have a bright future ahead with Drake Maye under center.
25. New York Jets 3-8 (-2)
The Jets have a tough decision to make at quarterback next season. Will they cut Aaron Rodgers, or will he retire? Either way, Rodgers should not be back in New York next season. Robert Saleh was scapegoated for this team’s problems and the defense has regressed in his absence.
26. Carolina Panthers 3-7 (-)
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27. Dallas Cowboys 3-7 (-2)
The Cowboys are an unserious football team right now. They can’t stop the run, allowing teams to control the pace of play while having bad quarterback play behind an aging offensive line. The Cowboys have holes all over their roster and have some big decisions to make this offseason. Do I trust Jerry Jones to make the right moves? No, I do not, I think the Cowboys might be in for a 2–3-year retooling of the roster.
28. Cleveland Browns 2-8 (-1)
The Browns front seven has been their weakness this season and it showed on Sunday with the Saints totaling over 200 yards on the ground. The offense was fun to watch with over 400 total yards but failed to turn those drives into touchdowns. The success that Jameis is having in Cleveland shows you how bad Deshaun Watson was prior to his injury.
29. Tennessee Titans 2-8 (+1)
The Titans ground game was nonexistent on Sunday as they averaged 1.7 yards per carry in the loss to the Vikings. Will Levis did build on his performance last week through the air and struggled in this one. It will be interesting to see what the Titans decide to do in the draft next season.
30. New York Giants 2-8 (+1)
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31. Las Vegas Raiders 2-8 (+1)
The Raiders moved the ball well against the Dolphins but couldn’t come up with enough touchdowns to beat the Dolphins. Brock Bowers dominated this one with 13 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets. They need to rebuild their offensive line next season along with addressing the glaring need at quarterback.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-9 (-3)
The Jaguars got embarrassed by the Lions on Sunday as their season hit a new low point. Doug Pederson’s days are numbered at this point and a move feels inevitable. They should not rush Trevor Lawrence back this season and just let him get healthy ahead of next season.