Week 11: NFL Power Rankings
Number 17: San Diego Chargers (4-5) – Last Week 16
The Chargers were so close, yet so far. After a slow start against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, Philip Rivers tried his best to get his team back in the game. The comeback fell short, however, as they lost by eight points. Next up for the Chargers is the Miami Dolphins.
Number 18: Baltimore Ravens (4-5) – Last Week 20
Even with a bone head play by James Ihedigbo to force overtime, the Ravens defense was able to hold tight, stopping the Bengals offense which gave them great field position before Justin Tucker hit another game winning field goal. Big time win for the Ravens who had previously lost three straight games.
Number 19: Tennessee Titans (4-5) – Last Week 13
Upset of the season! The Titans lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars at home! Truly an embarrassing weekend for the Titans and after a 3-1 start, the Titans have dropped four out of their last five games. Owell, it was fun while it lasted!
Number 20: St. Louis Rams (4-6) – Last Week 29
Huge win for the Rams as they completely took apart the Indianapolis Colts. The Rams defense has been fantastic the past few weeks. They were especially good on Sunday, sacking and intercepting Andrew Luck three times each, while recovering a fumble. Great game for St. Louis.
Number 21: Miami Dolphins (4-5) – Last Week 19
With everything going on in the Dolphins locker room as of late it is clearly distracting the players. Despite that, there should be no excuse for their performance in Tampa Bay. The running game was bad, the offensive line was bad (no surprise) and most importantly the defense was bad. The only positive thing I can take away from the Dolphins performance was the surprise play of Rishard Matthews. Other than that, everything about this game was horrible.
Number 22: New York Giants (3-6) – Last Week 26
After starting off the season 00-6, the New York Giants have won three straight games. Running back Andre Brown had a career game in his return, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown. I am not saying they will make the playoffs, but they are only a game and a half back. This is a very Giant like thing. They are still in the division race, so you never know. What a story that would be.
Number 23: Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6) – Last Week 25
Just like the Giants, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been able to turn things around after a very poor start. Other than the interception, “Big Ben” played fairly well against the Bills. However, you cannot give enough credit to Le’Veon Bell. He has had a tremendous impact on this offense since his return.
Number 24: Oakland Raiders (3-6) – Last Week 21
The Raiders just missed out on an opportunity to win their 4th game of the season. It seems as if the Raiders are coming back down to Earth after their pretty decent start. Terrelle Pryor was very ineffective in a losing effort.
Number 25: Cleveland Browns (4-5) – Last Week 24
The Browns had a week off this past Sunday. Sitting at 4-5, they are still alive in the playoff hunt. They need to keep winning though, which might be a tough task as they have to take on the Bengals and the Steelers in the upcoming weeks.
Number 26: Washington Redskins (3-6) – Last Week 22
Despite the fact that RGIII played good yet again, the Redskins defense was unable to contain the Minnesota offense. No one probably expected anyone to say that this year, but it’s true. This defense has really destroyed this team this season.
Number 27: Buffalo Bills (3-7) – Last Week 23
Even with the return of E.J. Manuel, the Buffalo Bills were very ineffective on the offensive side of the ball, scoring just 10 points. Manuel did not have a good game and the defense was unable to stop the Steelers running game, which has been one of the worst in the league this season.
Number 28: Houston Texans (2-7) – Last Week 28
To the surprise of many, the Houston Texans suffered their seventh straight loss on the season. However, they have been playing a little bit better since Case Keenum has taken over the starting role. Andre Johnson is finally getting integrated with the offense. Unfortunately, the team was forced to announce that Arian Foster will miss the rest of the season with a back injury.
Number 29: Atlanta Falcons (2-7) – Last Week 27
Much like the Texans, the Falcons continued their disappointing season with yet another loss to the Seattle Seahawks. This marks the third straight loss for a team that was just a couple of points away from the Super Bowl last season. I feel bad for Atlanta fans.
Number 30: Minnesota Vikings (2-7) – Last Week 30
Despite a win on Thursday night against the Redskins, the Vikings fail to move up in my Power Rankings. For the second straight week Adrian Peterson was an absolute tank, scoring two touchdowns. There’s still a lot of work to be done in Minnesota.
Number 31: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8) – Last Week 31
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came out and played great, physical football against the Miami Dolphins. Despite the injury to starting running back Mike James, the Bucs were still able to find great success in Brian Leonard. The run defense was also incredible, holding the Dolphins to just two rushing yards. Good morale boost for Tampa Bay.
Number 32: Jacksonville Jaguars (1-8) – Last Week 32
They did it, they did it! The Jaguars got their very first win of the season, defeating the Tennessee Titans. Maurice Jones Drew had one of his better games of the season, with 41 rushing yards, 33 receiving yards and a touchdown. Can they make it two straight next week against the Cardinals? We’ll have to wait and see.