The Daily Blitz

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Pittsburgh Steelers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 6.6 (7th)
Best ranking: 5th (ESPN)
Worst ranking: 8th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Steelers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 7

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR: There's a case for edge defender Bud Dupree or left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, but we'll give Smith-Schuster the nod. He was terrific with nine catches for 96 yards in the Steelers' comeback win over the Colts and has 91 catches for 766 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. Smith-Schuster is at his best in the slot, where he can pick up tough yards in the intermediate part of the field. And he'll be just 24 at the start of next season.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

That was an amazing comeback against the Colts. Ben Roethlisberger looked like his old self in that game.

USA Today -- Rank: 8

With a league-leading and career-high 15 sacks, will OLB T.J. Watt add a fourth defensive player of the year award to Watt trophy case?

ESPN -- Rank: 5

New Year's resolution: Restructure big-money contracts

NFL teams, they're just like us. We both have to deal with budgeting -- especially to start a new year. The Steelers are going to be in that boat, as contracts including those of Ben Roethlisberger, Stephon Tuitt, Joe Haden and Steven Nelson eat up big chunks of the cap, making it nearly impossible to re-sign most of the 19 impending unrestricted free agents -- and that doesn't include giving OLB T.J. Watt a well-earned megadeal. The Steelers need to work some magic in the checkbook to field a team that even loosely resembles the one that started 11-0 this year, otherwise they'll be starting from close to scratch with a 39-year-old quarterback. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 7

The Steelers looked cooked. The Colts were piling up points while Pittsburgh's offense remained trapped in a comatose state. The mighty Steelers, who began the month with dreams of a perfect season, were staring down a collapse of historic proportions. But then Ben Roethlisberger hit Diontae Johnson with a beautifully placed deep-strike TD on Pittsburgh's second possession of the third quarter, a play that seemed to snap Pittsburgh out of its existential funk. Big Ben threw for two more scores, and the Pittsburgh defense returned to form in a 28-24 comeback win that clinched the AFC North. The Steelers still can't run the football, and concerns will linger about the one-dimensional nature of the offense, but Sunday's comeback was vital in terms of exorcising the demons that had crept into the house.

+ Previous update: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Seattle Seahawks Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Seattle Seahawks rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 6.4 (6th)
Best ranking: 4th (CBS Sports)
Worst ranking: 8th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Seahawks in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 8

Shaquill Griffin, CB: He's missed four games due to injury, but Griffin has been the Seahawks' most reliable corner. Given his size, speed and age -- Griffin will be just 26 at the start of next season -- Griffin's best football might still be ahead of him. He's a player who could make himself some money in the playoffs if he performs well and the Seahawks make a run in the NFC. Regardless, Griffin will be one of the top options for teams in need of cornerback help this offseason.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 4

The defense is rounding into form, which is a good thing for the playoffs. That's their identity.

USA Today -- Rank: 7

You wonder what S Jamal Adams, a half-sack from becoming the first DB ever to hit double digits, could have done over full 16 games.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

New Year's resolution: Bottle up whatever has gotten into the defense

After holding the Rams to only three field goals in their NFC West-clinching win Sunday, the Seahawks' defense has allowed a league-best 13.7 points per game over the past six weeks. That's less than half of its 28.8 average over the first 10 weeks, which was third most in the league. The Seahawks would be looking at the NFC's No. 1 seed had they played that kind of defense from the get-go. They'll need their turnaround to continue in order to get past Aaron Rodgers' Packers or Drew Brees' Saints in the playoffs. -- Brady Henderson

NFL.com -- Rank: 6

The Seahawks are NFC West champions because their defense figured it out. Seattle allowed 29.6 points per game through Week 10 and was surrendering yardage at a historic rate. Those days are long gone now; the Seahawks have allowed a league-low 13.7 points per game in the weeks since. What was once a crippling team weakness has become an unlikely strength. After Sunday's 20-9 win over the Rams, Jamal Adams -- victory cigar in hand -- said the Seahawks have the best defense in football. That's not true, but you can forgive Jamal for his excitement -- the narrative around this 'Hawks team has totally shifted. Seattle will enter the playoffs as a balanced, dangerous outfit.

+ Previous update: Seattle Seahawks Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Los Angeles Rams Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Los Angeles Rams rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 12.4 (13th)
Best ranking: 9th (The Athletic)
Worst ranking: 14th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Rams in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 9

John Johnson, S: You could easily make the case for edge defender Leonard Floyd, who has 9.5 sacks, but Johnson deserves recognition for how well he's played this year. He's a team captain, has played 100 percent of the Rams' defensive snaps and turned 25 earlier this month. Johnson would be one of the more attractive safety options if he were to hit the open market.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 13

They can still be a playoff team if the Bears lose - no matter what happens against Arizona. But they will have to do it with John Wolford this week for the injured Jared Goff.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

So when your Super Bowl hopes are going up in flames, what do you do? Call in John Wolford, the greatest Hotshot in football history.

ESPN -- Rank: 13

New Year's resolution: Play consistently on offense

Rams head coach Sean McVay doesn't need to reinvent the wheel as a playcaller and quarterback Jared Goff doesn't need to be a superstar, but together they must find a solution for the wild inconsistencies that have plagued the offense since a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. Since 2019, Goff leads the NFL with 38 turnovers and McVay has yet to find answers for an offense that cannot establish a rhythm. Goff needs to become a better game manager, and McVay must put his quarterback in position to succeed. -- Lindsey Thiry

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

The Rams slipped deeper into their offensive funk in Sunday's 20-9 loss to the Seahawks, then found out that a fractured thumb will sideline Jared Goff for Sunday's win-and-in Week 17 matchup against the Cardinals. Frustrated Rams fans might view Goff's absence as a blessing in disguise: The fifth-year quarterback has gone from up-and-down performer to liability in Sean McVay's offense this season. Of course, those same Rams fans might change their tune after watching John Wolford take snaps on Sunday. That's the same John Wolford whose last competitive action came with the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football.

Previous update: Los Angeles Rams Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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New Orleans Saints Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New Orleans Saints rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 4.2 (4th)
Best ranking: 4th (Multiple)
Worst ranking: 5th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Saints in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

Trey Hendrickson, DL: His career year has come at the perfect time. Hendrickson is tied for third with 12.5 sacks and tied for seventh with 24 QB hits. He's hit the quarterback on 7.7 percent of his pass-rush chances, which ranks fifth among 196 qualifying players. Hendrickson has just one season of elite production, but he's only 26.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 5

It's about time they gave Alvin Kamara more carries. He was special against Minnesota to lock up the division title.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

Still not sure why Sean Payton had to "Scrooge" Alvin Kamara out of the opportunity to score a league record seven rushing TDs on Christmas.

ESPN -- Rank: 4

New Year's resolution: End their 10-season Super Bowl drought

The Saints have plenty of things to worry about in 2021, such as managing some daunting salary-cap issues and possibly choosing a new quarterback. But first thing's first, they want to get back to the big game while they still have Drew Brees and this loaded collection of talent intact, as they're approaching the 11-year anniversary of beating the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. -- Mike Triplett

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

Alvin Kamara did more than win a million fantasy leagues on Christmas Day. He showed the world that the Saints don't need Vintage Drew Brees to operate with championship-level explosiveness. Kamara tied a 91-year-old NFL record (shoutout to Ernie Nevers!) with six rushing touchdowns in a 52-33 win that clinched the Saints' fourth consecutive NFC South title. Kamara has been masterful this season, piling up 21 touchdowns and nearly 1,700 scrimmage yards as the engine of the New Orleans offense. Say what you will about the 41-year-old Brees, but Kamara's role is far more defined than what it was when Taysom Hill was behind center. The best version of this Saints attack is the one that keeps No. 41 front and center.

Previous update: New Orleans Saints Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Tennessee Titans Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tennessee Titans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 10.8 (T-11th)
Best ranking: 9th (ESPN)
Worst ranking: 12th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Titans in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

Corey Davis, WR: He was shut out in the Titans' blowout loss to the Packers but has played well this season. Davis has 60 catches for a career-high 945 yards and five touchdowns. He's caught 74.1 percent of his targets, which is also a career high. Davis' physical traits are impressive, and considering he'll be just 26 at the start of next season, his best football could still be ahead of him.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 12

The defense isn't good enough right now, but they need to just beat the Texans to win the division. It won't be easy.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Tantalizing as this team is, gotta be concerned about a defense that's permitted at least 30 points seven times.

ESPN -- Rank: 9

New Year's resolution: Find a game-changing pass rusher

The Titans need to explore absolutely every possible option to find a pass-rusher who can wreck opposing offenses. They should add multiple pass-rushers via the draft and free agency. Adding a premier free-agent pass-rusher will be costly and would likely cause the team to make some tough decisions regarding other positions. However, given Tennessee is dead last in the NFL with only 15 sacks, something needs to be done to find a way to pressure quarterbacks and put offenses behind the sticks with sacks or tackles for a loss. -- Turron Davenport

NFL.com -- Rank: 10

Outclassed. That's a fair way to describe the Titans after a 40-14 loss to the Packers on Sunday night at snowy Lambeau. Tennessee was outgained, 448-260, and Green Bay scored touchdowns on its first three drives of the game en route to the easy win. Derrick Henry was held under 100 yards, imperiling his quest to become the eighth 2,000-yard rusher in league history, while Ryan Tannehill threw two interceptions in the face of a consistent Packers pass rush. This qualified as a total team loss, but it's the porous defense that continues to profile as Tennessee's fatal flaw. Ugly stuff, but hope remains: a win on the road on Sunday in Houston, and the Titans will be crowned AFC South champions.

+ Previous update: Tennessee Titans Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 6.8 (8th)
Best ranking: 5th (The Athletic)
Worst ranking: 8th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Bucs in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 5

Chris Godwin, WR: The Bucs have a number of key pending free agents, including linebacker Lavonte David and edge defender Shaq Barrett. But Godwin will be just 25 at the start of next season and is one of the league's top young wide receivers. He's been slowed some by injuries this season but still has totaled 707 yards in 11 games. That's after a 1,333-yard season in 2019. We had Godwin as the No. 2 pending unrestricted free agent in our initial top-50 list.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 7

The Bucs offense has really come alive in the past few games. Tom Brady is cooking, which they will need come playoff time.

USA Today -- Rank: 6

WR Mike Evans has a franchise record 13 TD catches and needs 40 receiving yards to become first man in league history to start his career with seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

ESPN -- Rank: 8

New Year's resolution: Win their first playoff game since the 2002 season

The last time the Bucs were in the postseason was 2007, when they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants at home in the wild-card round. But the last time they actually won a postseason game was their 48-21 win over the then-Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2002 season. So this has been a long time coming, and this time, they have six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady to lead them. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 8

Tom Brady was a man possessed against the Lions, piling up 348 yards and four passing scores in just two quarters before giving way to Blaine Gabbert in a 47-7 win over the Lions. A week after they were shut out by the Falcons in the first half, the Bucs set a franchise record with 34 points in the first two quarters against a Detroit defense that has already started its offseason. The victory punched a playoff ticket for the Bucs, who had the second-longest postseason drought in the NFL entering this season. The Tom Brady Experiment is already a success. The question now becomes how far the G.O.A.T. can take the NFL's most unpredictable team.

Previous update: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Buffalo Bills Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Buffalo Bills rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 2.8 (3rd)
Best ranking: 2nd (NFL.com)
Worst ranking: 3rd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Bills in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 3

Matt Milano, LB: Injuries have slowed him down this year as Milano has played just 27 percent of the Bills' snaps. But he's previously been durable and will be just 27 at the start of next season. Milano is a three-down off-ball linebacker and one of the Bills' best defensive players. He could enhance his market with a big postseason performance.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 3

That offense will carry them a long way in the postseason. Josh Allen is playing a high level.

USA Today -- Rank: 3

AFC field shaping up so Josh Allen might face Patrick Mahomes in conference title game. How much fun would that gunslinger showdown be?

ESPN -- Rank: 3

New Year's resolution: Get comfortable with a target on their backs

The Bills are a tough team to find a resolution for -- they're doing almost everything well as the regular season rounds out. But after winning the AFC East for the first time in 25 years, it'll be hard to play the underdog card that Buffalo has often played the past two seasons. There will be raised expectations for the Bills once the calendar turns; they'll need to be as comfortable with a target on their backs as they were with a chip on their shoulders. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

NFL.com -- Rank: 2

The Bills sent a message on Monday, walking into Gillette Stadium like they owned the place and strutting out with a 38-9 win over the helpless Patriots. This is the same Buffalo franchise that served as a relentless punching bag for New England during the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady reign of terror over the previous two decades. Those days are over now, and you can understand if the Bills saw Monday night as payback for 20 years of misery. Meanwhile, after another dominant performance by Josh Allen, is it time to put his name into the MVP conversation with Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes? If you don't, you're not paying close enough attention to the magic brewing in Western New York.

+ Previous update: Buffalo Bills Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Cincinnati Bengals Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Cincinnati Bengals rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 27.8 (29th)
Best ranking: 25th (USA Today)
Worst ranking: 29th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Bengals in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 28

Carl Lawson, edge: You could make the case for cornerback William Jackson, or maybe you're still intrigued by the name value of A.J. Green, but Lawson has played better than they have and he'll be just 26 at the start of next season. Lawson's sack totals (he has 5.5 this year) undersell his overall production. His 31 QB hits are second to only T.J. Watt. Lawson has hit the quarterback on 8.1 percent of his chances, which ranks fourth league-wide. Given his age, Lawson's best football might still be ahead of him.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 29

They did some good things against the Texans. They have young players improving, which is huge for next season when Joe Burrow is back.

USA Today -- Rank: 25

It's probably no more than a statistical oddity, but interesting to note that QB Brandon Allen has been more accurate and efficient this season than injured No. 1 pick Joe Burrow.

ESPN -- Rank: 28

New Year's resolution: Find a stable offensive line

Getting quarterback Joe Burrow a solid and consistent offensive line is the team's top priority this offseason. The Bengals learned how costly shaky O-line play can be when Burrow suffered a season-ending knee injury that ended a promising rookie year. Cincinnati has used 10 different starting combinations on the line this season. Some of that was dictated by injury, but some of it also stems from the inability to find the right combination. Cincinnati should be in the market for potential upgrades at guard and tackle if it wants to protect its franchise quarterback in 2021. -- Ben Baby

NFL.com -- Rank: 29

Ladies and gentlemen, the Bengals have done it. For the first time in more than two years, Cincinnati's NFL franchise has won a road game in the regular season. Before Sunday's 37-31 conquest over the Texans in Houston, the Bengals hadn't triumphed on the road since Week 4 of the 2018 season. It marked the sixth-longest road winless streak in the Super Bowl era and the longest since the Browns went winless in 25 straight road games from 2015 to '18. It also marks the first road win in the coaching tenure of Zac Taylor, who -- we should add -- is also riding his first two-game winning streak. It's nice to see some sunshine slip through the clouds in the post-Joe Burrow era of this 2020 season.

+ Previous update: Cincinnati Bengals Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Kansas City Chiefs Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Kansas City Chiefs rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 1.0 (1st)
Best ranking: 1st (Multiple)
Worst ranking: 1st (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Chiefs in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 1

Sammy Watkins, WR: He has not put up big numbers this season. Watkins has appeared in 10 games and played 50 percent of the snaps, producing 421 receiving yards and two touchdowns. But he's had big postseasons before and could boost his stock in the weeks ahead. Watkins will be just 28 at the start of next season.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 1

They have locked up the top seed in the AFC, but they haven't looked dominant for much of the second half of the season. Can they pick it up come playoff time?

USA Today -- Rank: 1

They've won franchise record 14 regular-season games and could up total to 15 ... though it sounds like key starters will get next two weeks off.

ESPN -- Rank: 1

New Year's resolution: Have another rookie crop like 2020

The Chiefs will stay in great shape if they can continue to replenish with young talent as they did this year. Draft picks L'Jarius Sneed, Willie Gay, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Mike Danna and undrafted rookies Tershawn Wharton and Tommy Townsend have the look of players who will be a part of things in Kansas City for a while. -- Adam Teicher

NFL.com -- Rank: 1

It should be against the rules to be as good as the Chiefs are ... and also get lucky. The football gods shined down on the sons from Kansas City on Sunday, pushing Younghoe Koo's 39-yard field-goal attempt wide right in the final seconds of a 17-14 win over the Falcons. The victory clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the defending champions, who also now have the option to rest their most important players in a meaningless Week 17 tilt against the Chargers. Should there be some concern that Patrick Mahomes and the offense struggled to put up points against a mediocre Falcons defense? Perhaps -- though this feels like a team going through the motions as it waits for the bright lights of January football. Almost there.

Previous update: Kansas City Chiefs Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Dallas Cowboys Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Dallas Cowboys rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 21.8 (23rd)
Best ranking: 18th (NFL.com)
Worst ranking: 24th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Cowboys in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 24

Dak Prescott, QB: After using the franchise tag on Prescott last offseason, the Cowboys' goal should be to lock him up long term. Prescott will be coming off of a season-ending injury, but quarterbacks his age (he turns 28 in July) and his caliber rarely reach the open market. In other words, there's no reason for Prescott to take any kind of a discount to return to Dallas.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

They have a chance to be the division winner, but they need help from the Eagles. The offense has really played well lately with Andy Dalton.

USA Today -- Rank: 23

With defense finally making plays and QB Andy Dalton in groove, you'd have to say they're NFC East's most dangerous team at this juncture.

ESPN -- Rank: 22

New Year's resolution: Commit to the defense

OK, maybe after signing Dak Prescott long-term, but make sure the defense has the talent to run the scheme Mike McCarthy wants to run, whether Mike Nolan is the coordinator again or it's somebody new. If a CeeDee Lamb-type offensive player falls to them again in the first round, have a discussion about it, but this draft and offseason needs to be about the defense. The Cowboys have major needs at all three levels, but especially in the secondary. -- Todd Archer

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

The Cowboys will enter the final week of the regular season with a chance to win the NFC East. It's a testament to the righteous power of hope, even in the dark corner of professional football known as the NFC East. Sunday's 37-17 win over the Eagles was another reminder of how smart Dallas was to sign Andy Dalton as an insurance policy this offseason. Dalton threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns against Philly, a performance that showed how explosive this offense remains when a competent passer is getting the ball to the playmakers. Michael Gallup has returned from the abyss to become a 1b option with Amari Cooper, while CeeDee Lamb continues to flash superstar ability in his rookie season. The Cowboys aren't good ... but they may be good enough to host a playoff game in January.

Previous update: Dallas Cowboys Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Green Bay Packers Week 17 Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Green Bay Packers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 2.2 (2nd)
Best ranking: 2nd (Multiple)
Worst ranking: 3rd (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Packers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

Aaron Jones, RB: You could make the case for center Corey Linsley or cornerback Kevin King, but we'll go with Jones. He's fourth league-wide with 1,062 rushing yards, and his 5.59 yards per carry (YPC) ranks first among all qualifying running backs. Jones is one of the best all-around backs in the league and is just 26. The Packers spent a second-round pick on AJ Dillon, who had a career game with 124 rushing yards in Green Bay's win over the Titans. Did they make that pick with the intention of letting Jones walk after the season?

CBS Sports -- Rank: 2

They are rolling into the playoffs. If they beat the Bears this week, they are the top seed in the NFC.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

(Slightly) lost among the Aaron Rodgers hype train is fact WR Davante Adams is having an epic campaign himself, just the third player in league history to post at least 100 catches and 17 touchdowns grabs in a season.

ESPN -- Rank: 2

New Year's resolution: Make sure Aaron Rodgers remains in Green Bay

A Rodgers-Packers divorce seems inevitable and might have been accelerated by the Jordan Love pick, but regardless of whether they get to and/or win the Super Bowl this year, they need to keep the partnership going for at least another season or two. For one thing, there's no way Love would be ready to step in and perform like Rodgers did in taking over for Brett Favre after sitting for three years. Then there's Rodgers' MVP level of play. Some might trade him now while his stock is still soaring, but he still has plenty to offer this team. -- Rob Demovsky

NFL.com -- Rank: 3

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams have a cosmic connection that no other QB-WR tandem can touch. The two superstars hooked up for three more touchdowns in a 40-14 rout of the Titans that moved Green Bay one step closer to securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Rodgers has earned the third league MVP award that appears to be headed his way in a month, but Adams deserves more praise for being the best receiver Rodgers has ever had. On Sunday night, Adams became the third player in NFL history to have at least 100 receptions and 16 touchdown catches in a season. Incredible production that's even more remarkable when you factor in the two full weeks Adams sat on the shelf with a hamstring injury.

Previous update: Green Bay Packers Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup, 3.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Pittsburgh Steelers, check out our 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Steelers:

EDSFootball - Hanson (1/1)

28. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

The Steelers rank last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (84.4) and while they rank bottom five in rush attempts (353), they also rank last in the league in yards per carry (3.6). Meanwhile James Conner, who is in the final year of his deal, has struggled to stay on the field.

As a two-time ACC Offensive Player of the Year, Etienne surprised many by returning to school in 2020, but he would offer the Steelers a three-down home run threat that has improved as a receiver over the past two seasons.

San Diego Union Tribune (12/31)

30. Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

It's clear Ben Roethlisberger is in the twilight of his career, but the Steelers could lose multiple starters on the offensive line in free agency and they would likely have to trade up for a quarterback. Eichenberg has been a dominant force at left tackle for the nation's best offensive line against some of the best pass rushers the country has to offer (Pitt's Patrick Jones II, Duke's Chris Rumph and the barrage Clemson throws at you). He has only allowed one hit on the quarterback this season, according to Pro Football Focus. He hasn't allowed a sack since September of 2018 -- 32 straight games.

Touchdown Wire - Schofield (12/31)

28. Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Yes, the Steelers might be thinking quarterback in this draft, given that Ben Roethlisberger does seem to be nearing the end of his career. But barring a move to the top of the board somehow, protecting the passer might be another route they can take. Alejandro Villanueva has been solid at left tackle, but a few weeks ago Carl Lawson did rough him up a bit, so that is something to note. On the right side, Zach Banner won the RT spot in training camp but suffered a season-ending injury early, forcing the Steelers to turn to Chukwuma Okorafor.

In Alex Leatherwood, Pittsburgh gets a tackle who did not allow a sack two seasons ago in the SEC and has a ton of experience. Many consider him to be a potential guard in the NFL, but either way his experience and strength pair well with what the Steelers do on offense and in the running game in particular.

PFF - Gayle (12/29)

30. Derion Kendrick, CB, Clemson

Veterans Steven Nelson and Joe Haden both enter the final years of their respective contracts in 2021. And while they haven't been complete liabilities at outside cornerback for Pittsburgh this season, there's opportunity for Pittsburgh to improve at the position late in the first round come April.

Kendrick is a former five-star recruit who first played wide receiver at Clemson as a true freshman in 2018. He then made the transition to outside cornerback in the spring of 2019 and never looked back. He currently ranks 26th on PFF's 2021 NFL Draft Board and has earned a 73.9 PFF coverage grade with the Tigers so far this season.

CBS Sports - Wilson (12/29)

30. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

The Steelers need to beef up the O-line but they also need to figure out how to reestablish the run. Najee Harris isn't Derrick Henry, but he has similar traits with the added ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. If Pittsburgh can find a run game that passing offense becomes much more consistent (and less predictable).

Pro Football Network - Miller (12/26)

30. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

First, elite last name. Second, kudos to Virginia Tech on the two first-round picks. Darrisaw is a long and athletic blocker who possesses a nice strike and solid anchor in pass protection.

He will need to improve his consistency and patience in his vertical sets, as he can become a bit antsy and get out over his skis, which leads to a bit of waist bending. But this is a left tackle prospect who is not far off from being a consistent product, and getting that kind of blocker with the 19th pick is outstanding value for Washington.

PFF - Renner (12/23)

28. Kyle Trask, QB, Florida

Trask's 2020 season was truly a sight to behold, and if he could have gotten any help from his defense, it may be thought of in a much different light. Still, he's already tied Joe Burrow for most big-time throws by a Power 5 quarterback in a season, and he hasn't even played his bowl game yet.

Bleacher Report - Miller (12/22)

28. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

With Ben Roethlisberger announcing he'll return for the 2021 season, the Steelers don't have to rush the pick of a quarterback. And that's good news because the top players are all off the board. Instead, they'll address a backfield that's been a disappointment in the running game.

Previous update: Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Miami Dolphins Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Miami Dolphins rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 10.6 (T-9th)
Best ranking: 9th (Multiple)
Worst ranking: 12th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: He's 38, but given how the Dolphins have managed their QB situation this year, do they go into 2021 with Fitzpatrick backing up Tua Tagovailoa again? One way or another, the Dolphins will need to add a quarterback this offseason. Bringing Fitzpatrick back could make sense.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

That was an amazing victory against the Raiders. That's the sign of good coaching, but they now have a quarterback controversy of sorts.

USA Today -- Rank: 9

Really have to admire how Brian Flores is managing his quarterbacks ... and how Tua Tagovailoa and Ryan Fitzpatrick are navigating their starter-reliever situation.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

New Year's resolution: Add more explosive playmakers to help Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins spent the 2020 offseason finding their QB in Tagovailoa and loading up in the trenches to build a playoff team. The biggest weakness left might be the lack of playmaking receivers and running backs who can separate from defenders while making plays in the open field. With two first- and second-round picks, including an expected top-5 pick via Houston, the Dolphins have the resources to secure multiple upgrades here. -- Cameron Wolfe

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

Twas Peak Fitzmagic. Ryan Fitzpatrick replaced an ineffective Tua Tagovailoa and led the Dolphins to a 26-25 win over the Raiders that will go down as one of the most unlikely victories in team history. After the game, Brain Flores told reporters he'll stick with his rookie QB as the starter for Sunday's win-and-in Week 17 matchup against the Bills. Of course, there's a script in place now: Tua is the starter, but Fitzpatrick is the relief pitcher who can take it home. "I don't want to put any labels on it," Flores said of his unconventional two-man QB rotation. You can make a strong case that Fitzpatrick has done more than enough to regain the starting job, but Flores has pulled the right levers all year. Let's see if he does it again.

Previous update: Miami Dolphins Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Friday, January 1, 2021

Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup, 3.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Buffalo Bills from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Buffalo Bills, check out our 2021 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Bills:

EDSFootball - Hanson (1/1)

30. Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State

After making significant improvements in his second season (2019), Josh Allen has made even bigger strides in year three. His 69.1% completion rate, 6.2% TD%, 1.6% INT%, 7.9 Y/A and 106.4 passer rating all shatter previous career highs. Stefon Diggs is having a career year with an NFL-best 120 catches and 1,459 yards. Several of the team's offensive linemen -- guards Jon Feliciano and Brian Winters and right tackle Daryl Williams -- are scheduled to become free agents in 2021, however, and Davis is my top-ranked guard prospect.

San Diego Union Tribune (12/31)

31. Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

Dominant right tackle Daryl Williams is one of three starting offensive lineman headed for free agency. Mayfield features the athletic ability and size combo that makes offensive line coaches salivate.

Touchdown Wire - Schofield (12/31)

30. Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

We all know that Tre'Davious White is one of the league's best cornerbacks. Opposite him this season has been more of a question mark. Buffalo have used Levi Wallace in that role, but Wallace is probably best suited to slide inside to the slot. To do that you need a sticky, man-coverage cornerback with press coverage skills.

Buffalo gets that in Eric Stokes. The Bulldogs ask him to play press coverage, which is a critical skill for cornerbacks to have when they transition to the pro game. He moves well with solid change-of-direction skills, and his combination of size and length will make him a factor in the red zone and on critical passing downs.

PFF - Gayle (12/29)

28. Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

What Samuel lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism and positional versatility. He's an instinctive player who doesn't shy away from contact if positioned in the slot or the box, and his movement skills give him an advantage over a lot of outside receivers when lined up at cornerback. He likely projects as a slot cornerback or safety at the next level at just 5-foot-10, 184 pounds, but he's earned the best PFF coverage grade (82.8) of his career playing outside cornerback for FSU this season.

CBS Sports - Wilson (12/29)

28. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Owusu-Koramoah is a tweener, which is why some NFL teams view him as a safety and not a linebacker. Above all else, he's an athlete and Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier will find ways to get him on the field.

Pro Football Network - Miller (12/26)

28. Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia

As was Kendrick, Campbell is an upside pick at the cornerback spot. The 2020 season was his first as a full-time player for Georgia, and he is still growing technically. But he is one of the faster players in this class, and his frame is ideal for the position.

He's endlessly long, isn't afraid to be physical at the line, and has the fluidity in his hips necessary to mirror receivers in and out of breaks. Campbell simply needs to be better at learning to work and understand leverage and overall positioning in man coverage.

Getting a complement to Tre'Davious White is a glaring need for the Bills, who have one of the more complete rosters in football.

PFF - Renner (12/23)

30. Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL, USC

While his performance against Kayvon Thibodeaux in the Pac-12 Championship Game -- in which he allowed six total pressures -- made it fairly clear his best position is guard, the fact that he allowed only two pressures in the five games outside of that at left tackle was incredibly impressive. The Bills have thrown everything at the guard position this year, with little in the way of results.

Bleacher Report - Miller (12/22)

28. Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State

The Bills' interior offensive line has been a bit of a puzzle this year. Davis would stop the shuffling by securing the right guard spot for the next five years or more. He's powerful, smart, agile and the type of ass-kicker the Bills will love up front.

Previous update: Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

[Note: Future updates can be viewed at our main page for Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundups.]

Baltimore Ravens Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Baltimore Ravens rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 6.0 (5th)
Best ranking: 5th (Multiple)
Worst ranking: 8th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Ravens in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 6

Yannick Ngakoue, edge: The Ravens could be facing the same decision we did: picking between Ngakoue and Matt Judon, who has six sacks and 21 QB hits. He is three years older than Ngakoue, who has eight sacks and 10 QB hits, but both are quality edge defenders and will be among the most-sought free agents if they hit the open market.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 8

They need one more victory to be in the playoffs. They will be dangerous come playoff time as they continue to improve.

USA Today -- Rank: 5

How hot are they? Baltimore can become first team in a quarter century to lead league in point differential in consecutive seasons.

ESPN -- Rank: 6

New Year's resolution: Get a No. 1 wide receiver

A proven No. 1 wide receiver for Lamar Jackson is the missing piece of the Ravens' high-scoring offense. Last offseason, the Cardinals traded for DeAndre Hopkins for quarterback Kyler Murray and the Bills acquired Stefon Diggs for QB Josh Allen. Baltimore has to get just as aggressive if it wants Jackson to take the next step as a passer. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown has been too inconsistent to be relied upon to be a No. 1 receiver, ranking 42nd in the NFL with 728 yards receiving. -- Jamison Hensley

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

The Ravens stayed scorching hot in a 27-13 win over the Giants that, combined with losses by the Browns and Colts, put Baltimore in control of its playoff destiny entering Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bengals. The Ravens have been a different team during the four-game winning streak that revitalized their season: In that stretch, Baltimore became the fourth team in the Super Bowl era to score 140-plus points and gain 900-plus rushing yards in a four-game span. They've beaten their opponents in that period by an average of 15.5 points. They look pretty much exactly like the 14-2 berserker team that rampaged its way to the AFC's No. 1 seed a year ago. This is not good news for the rest of the AFC.

Previous update: Baltimore Ravens Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Saturday, January 2, 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Seattle Seahawks Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Los Angeles Rams Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

New Orleans Saints Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Tennessee Titans Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Buffalo Bills Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Cincinnati Bengals Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Kansas City Chiefs Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Dallas Cowboys Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Green Bay Packers Week 17 Power Rankings Roundup

Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup, 3.0

Miami Dolphins Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Friday, January 1, 2021

Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup, 3.0

Baltimore Ravens Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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