Saturday, November 21, 2020

Buffalo Bills Week 11 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: 9.2 (8th)
  • Best ranking: 7th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 12th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Bills in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

How do you digest that one? Prior to the DeAndre Hopkins catch, the Bills' defense produced an interception and a pair of three-and-outs. Josh Allen came back from two interceptions with a 12-play, 73-yard touchdown drive that included a great throw to Stefon Diggs for what looked like the game-winning score. This was set up to be a resilient win by an undermanned group until that last play. This will not make Bills fans feel any better, but they were 4-0 in one-score games prior to Sunday, so they were probably due for some bad luck. At 7-3, Buffalo is still in first place in the AFC East.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 8

That was a tough way to lose at Arizona. They are now in a battle for the division with Miami.

USA Today -- Rank: 12

You won't find many better defensive back trios than Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer and Tre'Davious White ... probably the most talented threesome ever burned for a game-ending Hail Mary.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

What would they take back: DeAndre Hopkins' game-winning Hail Mary catch

There's not much you can do when arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL makes a play worthy of that title, but the Bills would love a redo on Hopkins' 43-yard Hail Mary grab in triple coverage at the end of their Week 10 loss. If Buffalo's pass rush could have contained Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray better, perhaps he never would have scrambled out of the pocket long enough to find Hopkins downfield. And if the Bills' three defenders timed their jumps better, perhaps Hopkins would have never made the catch. We're nitpicking what-if scenarios, but that's the name of this exercise, right? -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

NFL.com -- Rank: 7

"That's why you here!" That was the excited message from Isaiah McKenzie after the wide receiver greeted Stefon Diggs in the end zone on Sunday in Glendale. Diggs had just beaten Patrick Peterson for a touchdown on a beautifully thrown pass from Josh Allen to put the Bills ahead of the Cardinals with 34 seconds to play. Everything was in place for the biggest win of the year -- Buffalo just needed to keep Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins out of the end zone. They couldn't do it. The Hail Murray was a display of spectacular athleticism by the opponent, and the Bills found themselves on the wrong side of the cruelest finish of the season. It's the type of stomach-punch loss that creates a fork in the road for the Bills: Where do they go from here?

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New Orleans Saints Week 11 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: 3.6 (3rd)
  • Best ranking: 3rd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 5th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Saints in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 5

They're 7-2, have won six in a row and face the Falcons (twice), Broncos and Eagles in their next four games. But all eyes are on the Saints' quarterback position where Drew Brees will miss time and Sean Payton will go with some combination of Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill. Against the 49ers, the game plan was clearly to get the ball out of Winston's hands quickly and give him easy completions. Winston was 6-for-10 for 63 yards, but he had a potential interception dropped and was sacked twice. Winston signed a one-year deal to play in New Orleans. He's got a lot riding on this upcoming stretch.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 3

The Drew Brees injury situation bears watching for the long term. He will be out for a bit, but they can get by with Jameis Winston in the short term.

USA Today -- Rank: 3

What a show of guts by QB Drew Brees to finish the first half Sunday with his myriad injuries and later conduct a press conference with a collapsed lung. Baller.

ESPN -- Rank: 4

What would they take back: Cover Allen Lazard in Week 3

I'm getting specific here since it's hard to argue with much of the Saints' offseason personnel decisions. (They were hoping first-round pick Cesar Ruiz would develop faster at right guard, but that position was still a big need.) So I'll let their defense hit the reset button on a Week 3 loss to Green Bay that could wind up having major playoff seeding implications. The Saints' secondary got off to a slow start this season with some inexplicable coverage busts -- including two deep passes of 72 and 48 yards they gave up to Lazard. They would love a do-over after cleaning up those issues in recent weeks. -- Mike Triplett

NFL.com -- Rank: 3

The Saints got three more Alvin Kamara touchdowns in a 27-13 win over the 49ers on Sunday, but the big concern after the game surrounded Drew Brees, who missed the second half after getting rocked on a clean (but still absurdly penalized) hit by San Francisco defensive end Kentavius Street. On Monday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Brees entered Week 10 with at least one cracked rib, and suffered multiple broken ribs and a lung issue during the game. The Saints hope Brees will avoid IR, but we now take tentative steps into a world where Jameis Winston is at the reins of one of the best teams in football. It's about to get weird.

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New York Jets Week 11 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 York Jets rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 32.0 (32nd)
  • Best ranking: 32nd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 32nd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Jets in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 32

They were so close to gaining a two-game lead in the race for the top pick, but the Jaguars couldn't pull off the upset at Green Bay. The Jets have the fourth-easiest remaining schedule, according to Football Outsiders, meaning they'll have to work hard to hold on to their draft position.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 32

They didn't lose this past weekend. That's a first this season. Of course they had a bye. Will they win a game? Not likely. Trevor Lawrence is coming next year.

USA Today -- Rank: 32

Last year, GM Joe Douglas promised QB Sam Darnold's parents he would take care of him. It appears Douglas is trying to live up to that vow ... even if it's worth wondering if Darnold has played his last game for this franchise and could be some other club's responsibility in 2021.

ESPN -- Rank: 32

What would they take back: Not re-signing WR Robby Anderson

GM Joe Douglas already has admitted this mistake, saying the Jets miscalculated Anderson's market value. New York let Sam Darnold's favorite target go to the Panthers for two years and $20 million -- hardly an outrageous contract. Anderson has emerged as one of the league's leading wide receivers, while the Jets have struggled mightily with their passing attack. The Jets signed Breshad Perriman to replace Anderson, but Perriman has missed four games due to injuries. -- Rich Cimini

NFL.com -- Rank: 32

The Jets finally had their full complement of wide receivers on the field against the Patriots in Week 9, and it turns out a starting trio of Breshad Perriman, Jamison Crowder and rookie Denzel Mims is pretty solid! Now that we've seen geriatric Joe Flacco throw for 262 yards and three touchdowns in a narrow 30-27 loss, it gives you hope Sam Darnold could have similar success once he returns. Of course, with the Jets, there's always a catch. Adam Gase announced Monday that Darnold's lingering right shoulder injury will keep him off the field when the Jets return from their bye on Sunday against the Chargers. And on it goes ...

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Week 11 Fantasy Football WR Start'em, Sit'em

The decision on which player to start, or sit, largely comes down to the options on your roster (and/or possibly the players available on your league's waiver wire).

As an example, Tee Higgins is listed below as a "start" for Week 11. And I'd certainly be comfortable going into Week 11 with him as one of my starting wide receivers.

Then again, Higgins may be a "sit" for your team.

In other words, if you own Davante Adams, Terry McLaurin and Higgins, you should start Adams and McLaurin and, in turn, bench Higgins if you only start two receivers.

For a more direct answer on whether we would start Player X over Player Y, check our Week 11 Fantasy Football Rankings. Instead of making those direct comparisons, the goal here is to highlight players that we like, or dislike, for the week.

Week 11 Fantasy Football WR Start'em

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (vs. DAL)

In a difficult matchup against the Chicago Bears, Jefferson had eight receptions for 135 yards on 10 targets in Week 10. The rookie now has four 100-yard games this season. On the season, he now has 42 catches for 762 yards and three touchdowns and the 15th-most fantasy points (half-PPR scoring).

While he may not reach the 100-yard milestone for a fifth time, Jefferson, Adam Thielen and the team's wideouts get a favorable matchup in Week 11. The Dallas Cowboys have allowed wide receivers to score the fifth-most fantasy points per game this season. While Dallas hasn't bled fantasy points in the same fashion as earlier in the season, they are the only team to allow multiple wide receivers (three times) to finish as the weekly WR1 this season.

Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers (at JAX)

There are a lot of mouths to feed in the Steelers offense, but Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson all rank inside our top-15 fantasy wide receivers for the week. While it may be rare for a team's receiving corps to have three different receivers finish that high in the same week, they all finished as a top-12 wideouts last week.

Against the Cincinnati Bengals last week, Claypool had 4/56/2 on 10 targets to score 19.3 fantasy points (WR8). The second-round pick from Notre Dame now has at least nine targets in three consecutive games. In addition, Claypool has scored double-digit fantasy points in three consecutive games and five of his past six.

The Steelers are double-digit favorites and have one of the week's highest implied totals. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

Will Fuller, Houston Texans (vs. NE)

Facing heavy winds in Cleveland, Houston's passing offense -- ranked eighth in the NFL in yards per game (266.6) -- came to a screaching halt last week. Before that game, however, Fuller had scored in six consecutive games. During that six-game stretch, Fuller reached the 100-yard mark three times as well.

Over the past two weeks, the New England Patriots have faced the (read with a sarcastic tone) explosive passing attacks of the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens. Ranking 31st (Ravens) and 32nd (Jets) in the NFL, the two teams average 184.1 and 167.1 passing yards per game, respectively, this season. That said, the Patriots allowed a total of five combined touchdowns to those teams' wide receivers over the past two weeks combined.

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (at WAS)

Another week, another productive outing for Higgins. The second-round rookie from Clemson had 7/115/1 against the Steelers last week to finish the week as a top-10 fantasy wide receiver. Higgins now has a minimum of 62 yards in six consecutive games and an average of 88.0 per game over that span. Over his past four games, Higgins has finished as fantasy's WR12, WR16, WR27 and WR10, respectively. While Washington has limited opposing receivers to the third-fewest fantasy points this season, Cincinnati's rookie remains a viable weekly WR2 regardless of matchup.

Week 11 Fantasy Football WR Sit'em

Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns (vs. PHI)

Even without Odell Beckham, who's out for the season, Landry has been dealing with his own nagging injuries and unable to capitalize on his role as the team's clear-cut WR1. Yet to score a touchdown this season, Landry hasn't exceeded five receptions in any game this year either. In addition, Landry has 52 yards or less in seven of his past eight games. Over the past four weeks, Landry has finished as fantasy's WR51, WR50, WR45 and WR63, respectively. Keep him on your bench this week as well.

Antonio Brown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. LAR)

Not at the same level as Brown's former team, the Bucs had three top-30 wide receivers in Week 10 -- Mike Evans (WR15), Chris Godwin (WR25) and Brown (WR30). While shutdown corner Jalen Ramsey may shadow Evans more than any other Bucs receiver this week, the Rams have allowed a league-low fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers this season. In fact, the team has allowed only two top-30 receivers all season -- Amari Cooper (WR23, Week 1) and Deebo Samuel (WR14, Week 6). They allowed only three other receivers to finish inside the top 36 in a given week -- Cole Beasley (WR31, Week 3), Stefon Diggs (WR32, Week 3) and Tyler Lockett (WR33, Week 10).

Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens (vs. TEN)

Playing at less than 100 percent as a rookie, many felt that Brown would provide his fantasy owners with a second-year breakout now that he was healthy. Instead, he's disappointed his fantasy owners with mostly duds week to week. In half-PPR scoring, Brown currently ranks as fantasy's WR50. Since Week 2, he has finished as a top-36 wide receiver only once (WR16 in Week 5). Over the past three weeks, Brown has a total of six catches for 55 yards and a touchdown and has finished as the weekly WR47, WR70 and WR80, respectively.

A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals (at WAS)

As noted above, the matchup against Washington Football Team is a difficult one for wide receivers. While we trust Higgins (and Tyler Boyd too), the team's former No. 1 receiver is way down in our weekly rankings. Green had a two-game stretch (Weeks 6 and 7) where he parlayed 24 total targets into a 15/178/0 line. Since then, he's been virtually invisible -- 2/19 on 10 targets in the past two weeks combined, which includes a Week 10 goose egg.

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Carolina Panthers Week 11 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 Carolina Panthers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 22.0 (22nd)
  • Best ranking: 20th (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 24th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Panthers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 24

They were fun and competitive in the first half against Tampa, but ultimately the defense couldn't get a stop. The Panthers have fallen all the way to 29th in overall defense and have lost five in a row. We'll find out later this week whether Teddy Bridgewater, who suffered a knee injury Sunday, is able to play in Week 11.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 21

Teddy Bridgewater is banged up with a knee injury, so his status is up in the air. They've lost five straight games, but they've been better than that.

USA Today -- Rank: 21

Hate to see QB Teddy Bridgewater miss any time with a bum knee. But if he has to skip a game, might be fun to see what XFL standout P.J. Walker can do.

ESPN -- Rank: 20

What would they take back: Fourth-and-1 to Alex Armah in the opener

You've got arguably the best all-purpose back in the NFL in Christian McCaffrey and a chance to win Matt Rhule's opener at home. Then with 1:23 remaining and fourth-and-1 from the Las Vegas 46, you give the ball to Armah, a fullback who is stuffed for no gain. Very conservative call for offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The Raiders win 34-30. That seemed to set the tone for a season in which the Panthers haven't figured a way to consistently finish off games, losing five by eight points or less and three by four or less. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 24

Things started well for the Panthers. They had an early lead on the Buccaneers as Teddy Bridgewater completed his first 12 passes, including two for touchdowns. But the Carolina offense began to sputter, the defense imploded and Bridgewater exited the game in the final minutes with a knee injury in a 46-23 loss. The Panthers remain a fun and competitive team most weeks, but you can't ignore a losing streak that has now stretched to five games. Third-down defense continues to be a huge problem: Tom Brady converted on six of seven third downs in the first half; in the third quarter, Carolina allowed a checkdown pass to tight end Cameron Brate to go for a first down on third-and-19. Ugly stuff.

Previous update: Carolina Panthers Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Bengals place Joe Mixon on IR

The last time that Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (foot) played was Week 6 (October 18th).

Not only was he ruled out for Sunday's game against the Washington Football Team earlier this week, the soonest Mixon will be able to return is Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys, as NFL insider Adam Kaplan tweeted that the Bengals have placed Mixon on IR.

As much as the team has downplayed the severity of the injury, it's certainly possible that Mixon could miss the remainder of the season, especially given the team's 2-6-1 record.

That means that Giovani Bernard, available in 32% of Yahoo! leagues on Saturday afternoon, should be picked up immediately if still available in your league.

Ranked as an RB2 in our Week 11 fantasy football rankings, Bernard has averaged 14.1 half-PPR fantasy points per game in the four games that Mixon has missed already. Aside from last week's modest performance (RB30) against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bernard had finished as fantasy's weekly RB20, RB7 and RB2 in the previous three weeks, respectively.

For deeper leaguers, Samaje Perine is worth a look as well. Perine has 19 touches over the past two weeks and has performed as fantasy's RB22 in Week 8 and RB33 in Week 10 (team had a Week 9 bye).

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 11 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: 5.0 (5th)
  • Best ranking: 4th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 6th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Bucs in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 6

They had the most impressive offensive showing of any team in Week 10. After a Ronald Jones fumble on the first drive, the Buccaneers scored on their next nine(!) possessions. Jones' 98-yard touchdown in the third quarter changed the game. Tampa's 544 total yards were the fifth most for any offense in a game this season.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 5

They bounced back in a big way against the Panthers. Tom Brady got back to looking like Tom Brady.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

When it comes to 11 personnel (1 TE, 3 WRs), has there ever been a scarier group than Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, AB and Gronk? Sunday illustrated what might be coming down the pike.

ESPN -- Rank: 6

What would they take back: Inserting Joe Haeg into the lineup instead of A.Q. Shipley in Week 9

Nothing went right in that Saints game, but it all has to go through Tom Brady, and he couldn't go through his progressions properly when pressured on over 46% of his dropbacks -- the most he has faced since 2016. Having Shipley step into center and moving Ryan Jensen to left guard in Week 10 against the Panthers proved to have much better results in the absence of Ali Marpet, although the Panthers have a weaker rush. Instead, the Bucs got swept by the Saints, which could ultimately determine the NFC South champion. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

After a breathlessly reported misadventure on the tarmac in Tampa, the Bucs touched down in Charlotte and lit up the Panthers' defense on Sunday for 544 yards and 46 points. The crazy thing? The damage could've been even more extensive if not for some red-zone struggles and three Tom Brady misses on downfield throws. It tells you something when you're imperfect in your execution and still obliterate the opponent. Let's give some credit to Bruce Arians, who could have stuck Ronald Jones in the dog house after a first-quarter fumble set up Carolina's opening score. Instead, Arians kept his running back in, and Jones responded with a game-altering 98-yard touchdown run in the third-quarter.

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Miami Dolphins Week 11 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: 10.0 (9th)
  • Best ranking: 7th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 13th (ESPN)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 10

They continue to find ways to gain an edge every week. That is the mark of good coaching. The Dolphins got a punt block early that set up a touchdown, and Xavien Howard had a big interception late to lead them over the Chargers. Their pass defense ranks third behind only the Rams and Steelers. Great red zone scheme on the throwback touchdown by Tua Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

This is a legitimate playoff team. They continue to improve and the defense is getting nasty. Brian Flores has this team playing hard.

USA Today -- Rank: 7

DE Emmanuel Ogbah has been quite the pick-up, posting a career-best eight sacks and first six-game sack streak for this franchise since Jason Taylor did it 17 years ago.

ESPN -- Rank: 13

What would they take back: Signing Jordan Howard

The Dolphins attempted a temporary fix at running back with Howard and Matt Breida instead of taking multiple chances to add a long-term running back in the 2020 draft. Taking Clyde Edwards-Helaire or D'Andre Swift late in Round 1 or Jonathan Taylor, J.K. Dobbins or Antonio Gibson in Round 2 with one of their five selections in those rounds seemed like a better move. Howard, inked to a two-year, $9.75 million deal in March and waived Monday, had 28 carries for 33 yards and was a healthy scratch for four games. The good news is Miami gets another crack to correct this in the 2021 draft. -- Cameron Wolfe

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

We've reached the point where the Dolphins are getting a huge impact play on defense or special teams every week. Is that sustainable? Probably not! But hey, sports are weird sometimes, and the Dolphins -- along with a fanbase starving for relevancy -- should just enjoy this magic carpet ride as long as it lasts. Miami got a blocked punt to set up an early touchdown on Sunday, and Tua Tagovailoa delivered another efficient performance in a 29-21 win over the Chargers. The Dolphins have run their winning streak to five games -- 3-0 with Tua under center -- and are tied in the loss column with the Bills in the AFC East with seven games to play. Brian Flores is the leader in any Coach of the Year discussion, and I won't hear any other argument!

Previous update: Miami Dolphins Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Pittsburgh Steelers Week 11 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: 1.4 (1st)
  • Best ranking: 1st (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 2nd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Steelers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

I thought they were in a tricky spot facing Cincinnati after a week in which Ben Roethlisberger didn't practice. Whoops. The Steelers employed a pass-heavy attack, and Roethlisberger shredded the Bengals' defense for 333 yards and four touchdowns in tricky weather conditions. He said after the game that his arm felt better after a week of rest. The best part about the Steelers is they can win in so many different ways. They're big favorites at Jacksonville next week before returning home for a matchup against the Ravens on Thanksgiving night.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 1

They just keep on winning. The good thing is the passing game came alive against the Bengals. They have earned this top spot.

USA Today -- Rank: 1

QB Ben Roethlisberger is making a belated MVP push with nine TDs, zero turnovers and a 109.1 passer rating over last three weeks for team that continues to avoid the loss column.

ESPN -- Rank: 1

What would they take back: Cutting Jordan Berry

When your team is 9-0, it's hard to want to take back anything. That leaves us with the punter situation. Searching for more consistent distance, the Steelers cut Berry and signed veteran Dustin Colquitt just before the season. But that experiment didn't last long when the Super Bowl champ averaged 43.1 yards per punt -- lower than Berry's 45.5 average in 2019. The Steelers cut Colquitt after five games and brought Berry back. Since the switch, Berry has averaged 47.4 yards per punt. The punter switch obviously didn't cost the Steelers any games, but it made some more stressful than they needed to be. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 2

Ben Roethlisberger didn't practice last week after being moved to the COVID-19 list on a close-contact designation. It's unknown how much of the practice field he would have seen anyway, after sustaining injuries to both knees in last week's win over the Cowboys. Then, Sunday rolled around, and Roethlisberger did his same ol' Big Ben routine. The veteran quarterback carved up a depleted Bengals secondary for 333 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-10 win to move the Steelers to 9-0, with the lowly Jaguars on deck. This version of Big Ben -- combined with an array of playmakers and a top defense -- makes the Steelers easily the No. 1 threat to a Chiefs repeat.

+ Previous update: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Los Angeles Rams Week 11 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: 9.0 (7th)
  • Best ranking: 7th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 10th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Rams in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 7

It looks like the Rams have found a gem in cornerback Darious Williams. The third-year player originally signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and had started three games prior to 2020. This year, he's demonstrated some of the best ball skills in the NFL. Williams had a pair of interceptions against the Seahawks, giving him four on the year (tied for third most). His 10 passes defended are tied for eighth. The Rams know what they have in guys like Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald. But they need inexpensive players like Williams to play well to have success. He's done that so far. The Rams rank second in overall defense and are 6-3.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 10

They are now tied for the division lead with Seattle, who they beat Sunday. The Rams now face a tough road trip to Tampa to play the Bucs on Monday night.

USA Today -- Rank: 9

LT Andrew Whitworth has probably been their most valuable player not named Aaron Donald. Losing him certainly won't provide the offensive consistency coach Sean McVay is desperate to find.

ESPN -- Rank: 9

What would they take back: Picking Samuel Sloman to be their kicker

The Rams went into 2020 needing a new kicker after Greg Zuerlein signed with the Cowboys. They held a competition that included CFL kicker Lirim Hajrullahu, former XFL kicker Austin MacGinnis and Sloman, a seventh-round pick. Hajrullahu and MacGinnis appeared to lead the contest most of the way, but the Rams opted to keep Sloman. Fast-forward and Sloman was waived after Week 7 because of inconsistencies and the Rams signed veteran Kai Forbath, who hasn't performed much better. In two games, Forbath has converted 2 of 3 field goal attempts, and he is 4-of-5 on PATs. The Rams must stabilize their kicking situation if they plan to make a playoff run. -- Lindsey Thiry

NFL.com -- Rank: 10

The Rams didn't get a Jared Goff touchdown pass or a single Aaron Donald tackle on Sunday and still took out a division rival. The defense forced Russell Wilson into three turnovers, Leonard Floyd had three sacks, and the three-headed rushing monster of Malcolm Brown, Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers accounted for 99 yards and three scores in a 23-16 win over the Seahawks. Two stars stood out in the secondary: Darious Williams intercepted Wilson twice, including a huge end-zone pick minutes after a Goff turnover. On the other side was All-Pro Jalen Ramsey, who all but erased DK Metcalf. Seattle's stud receiver didn't even see his first target of the game until the final minute of the third quarter and finished with just two catches for 28 yards. It was a Sunday to build upon.

Previous update: Los Angeles Rams Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Tennessee Titans Week 11 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: 13.4 (14th)
  • Best ranking: 11th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 15th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Titans in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

On nights when their offense doesn't operate at peak efficiency, it seems like the Titans have no chance of winning. The margin of error on that side of the ball is just so small because Tennessee has the second-worst special teams in the league, and the defense allows way too many easy completions. Big stretch coming up with trips to Baltimore and Indianapolis the next two weeks.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

The defense continues to be a major problem. It puts so much pressure on the offense to score.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Mike Vrabel is one of the craftiest coaches in the league. But he definitely goofed by turning away from veteran P Ryan Allen last week.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

What would they take back: Signing Vic Beasley Jr. as a free agent

The Titans thought they were adding pass-rushing help when they signed Beasley, who posted eight sacks with the Falcons in 2019. Despite questions about Beasley's work ethic, the Titans assumed their blue-collar locker room and a clean slate would allow Beasley to thrive. Their $9.5 million investment didn't pay off. Beasley got off to a terrible start by reporting to training camp 10 days late for unexcused reasons. The Titans released Beasley after only five games. Beasley only played 19% of the defensive snaps, finishing with three tackles and zero sacks. -- Turron Davenport

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

Let's play the 'What if ...' game for a moment, shall we? Thursday night. First quarter. Titans already ahead of the Colts, 7-0. On third down, Ryan Tannehill spots A.J. Brown streaking down the sideline and cuts it loose. The ball travels 40 yards in the air, hits Brown right in his hands -- there's no Colts defender in front of him. He drops it. The game was different from that point on. The special teams meltdown was a more obvious headline, to which we'll say this: Any further costly missed kicks from here on out are as much on Mike Vrabel as they are on Stephen Gostkowski. Patriot loyalty has to have its limits.

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Week 11 Fantasy Football RB Start'em, Sit'em

The decision on which player to start, or sit, largely comes down to the options on your roster (and/or possibly the players available on your league's waiver wire).

As an example, Kalen Ballage is listed below as a "start" for Week 11. And I'd certainly be comfortable going into Week 11 with him as one of my starting running backs.

Then again, Ballage may be a "sit" for your team.

In other words, if you own Alvin Kamara, Miles Sanders and Ballage, you should start Kamara and Sanders and, in turn, bench Ballage if you can only start two running backs.

For a more direct answer on whether we would start Player X over Player Y, check our Week 11 Fantasy Football Rankings. Instead of making those direct comparisons, the goal here is to highlight players that we like, or dislike, for the week.

Week 11 Fantasy Football RB Start'em

Damien Harris, New England Patriots (at HOU)

In an offense that has generally struggled, Harris has been one of the few bright spots this season. Coming off career highs, Harris carried the ball 22 times for 121 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. The second-year back now has reached the 100-yard rushing milestone in half (three) of his six games played this season.

While he's a non-factor as a receiver (only two targets this season), Harris has been incredibly efficient as a runner. Not only is he averaging 5.5 yards per carry on the season, but he has exceeded 5.0 YPC in five of six games.

No team has allowed more YPC to opposing running backs than the Houston Texans (5.53) this season. In addition, only the Detroit Lions (13) have allowed more rushing touchdowns than the Texans (11).

Kalen Ballage, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. NYJ)

Ballage is playing for his third team in a year and the third-year back continues his revenge-game tour in Week 11. The former fourth-round pick of the Miami Dolphins had 23 touches -- 18 carries and five receptions -- for 102 scrimmage yards against the Dolphins last week. He now has 40 total touches in his past two games.

Eventually (and maybe soon), Austin Ekeler will return to take over lead-back duties for the Chargers. Until then, Ballage should continue to lead the backfield as the Chargers face the New York Jets this week.

The Jets have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. Ballage should be aided by positive game script as the Chargers are nearly double-digit favorites and one of the week's highest implied totals.

Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team (vs. CIN)

Fantasy owners may wish that J.D. McKissic was less involved, but Gibson has finished as a top-11 weekly fantasy running back in each of his past three games. Excluding a modest Week 1 performance, Gibson has finished as a top-11 back in four of his past eight games and no worse than RB29 (flex range) during that eight-game span. On the year, the rookie out of Memphis has performed as a top-12 running back in all scoring formats.

As noted above, the Texans have allowed the highest YPC to running backs this season. The Cincinnati Bengals have allowed the second-most (5.21).

Duke Johnson, Houston Texans (vs. NE)

Not only was it a disappointing performance for Johnson, but Houston's entire offense struggled in Week 10. Things should be better for Johnson (and Houston overall) in Week 11.

With David Johnson on IR, Duke will continue to dominate backfield touches. Aside from one C.J. Prosise reception, Johnson had all of the other 14 running back touches in Week 10. Surprisingly, he was held catchless after hauling in nine receptions over the previous two weeks combined. It would be realistic to expect him to approach the 20 touches he had in Week 9 and finish as a mid-range RB2 this week.

Week 11 Fantasy Football RB Sit'em

Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (vs. GB)

It's an ideal matchup for the Colts running backs as the Green Bay Packers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Unfortunately for Taylor's fantasy owners, there is little reason for confidence.

After starting his career with 13-plus touches in seven consecutive games, Taylor has single-digit touches in back-to-back weeks. In addition, Taylor ranks third on the team during that span in running back touches -- Nyheim Hines (21), Jordan Wilkins (21) and Taylor (17).

Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams (at TB)

Speaking of uncertain workloads, the Rams employ a three-headed backfield as well. Now that rookie Cam Akers is healthy, he has double-digit touches in back-to-back games. Last week, Akers (10) had more touches than both Henderson (eight) and Malcolm Brown (eight).

After averaging 15.5 touches per week from Weeks 2 to 7, Henderson has single-digit touches in back-to-back games. If the team's trio of backs remain (roughly) equally involved, none of them are worth starting in Week 11 in a difficult matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No team has allowed fewer YPC to opposing running backs than the Bucs (3.03) this season.

J.K. Dobbins/Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens (vs. TEN)

Like with the trio backfields above, the Ravens employ similar usage with Dobbins, Ingram and Gus Edwards. With all three healthy again last week, none had more than eight touches -- Edwards (eight), Ingram (seven) and Dobbins (six) -- in Week 10. In the games where all three backs were active, there has been only one time where a back had more than 11 touches (Edwards, 14 in Week 6).

So, even though the Tennessee Titans allow the eighth-most fantasy points to the position, can any of the team's back take advantage? More than likely, the answer is no.

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Baltimore Ravens Week 11 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: 5.4 (6th)
  • Best ranking: 4th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 6th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Ravens in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

Last year, it felt like everything fell their way. This year has been the opposite. The Ravens are banged-up, they're experiencing regression in a number of areas, and Sunday night they made too many mistakes to beat the Patriots. At the end of the first half, with the Ravens approaching field goal range, Lamar Jackson threw an interception on a pass intended for Marquise Brown. Center Matt Skura had a pair of costly bad snaps -- one on fourth-and-1, another in the fourth quarter that lost 16 yards. If this were a one-game issue, the Ravens could chalk it up to an off night and terrible weather conditions. But Baltimore ranks 24th offensively through 10 weeks.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

If they don't get the passing game cranked up, they will have issues come playoff time. They can't just be a running team. The defense has to pick it up as well.

USA Today -- Rank: 6

Season-ending injury to blocking TE Nick Boyle is latest blow to offense that also sorely misses LT Ronnie Stanley and retired G Marshal Yanda.

ESPN -- Rank: 5

What would they take back: Not adding a proven No. 1 wide receiver

The Ravens needed to help out Lamar Jackson this offseason like Arizona and Buffalo did with their young quarterbacks. The Cardinals got DeAndre Hopkins for Kyler Murray, and the Bills acquired Stefon Diggs for Josh Allen. The biggest veteran addition at wide receiver for Baltimore was Dez Bryant, who hadn't played in three years. Jackson ranks 24th in passing yards (1,762) and 26th in completion rate (64%). -- Jamison Hensley

NFL.com -- Rank: 6

The book is out on the Ravens. They are a very good -- sometimes great -- team that doesn't know how to dig itself out of a hole. This is not a trait usually attached to a champion. Lamar Jackson fell to 0-6 (including playoffs) when trailing by 10 or more points at any point in a game, the position Baltimore found itself on Sunday night in rainy Foxborough. Playing without Calais Campbell and several other starters, the defense was run over, while the offense produced two quality touchdown drives and little else. Now three games behind the undefeated Steelers, the Ravens' chances of repeating as division champions appear remote. More distressingly, they are one of six 6-3 teams in the AFC, which puts them in a dogfight for a playoff spot. Hold on tight.

Previous update: Baltimore Ravens Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Minnesota Vikings Week 11 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 Minnesota Vikings rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 16.6 (16th)
  • Best ranking: 14th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 19th (ESPN)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Vikings in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 14

They're still alive! I haven't seen the footage, but Mike Zimmer definitely spent 10 minutes berating the special-teams coordinator before he addressed the players after their win over Chicago, right? Minnesota has won three in a row and has a 30.4 percent chance to make the postseason.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

With three straight victories and a soft three-game stretch coming up, they have turned their season around. They have real playoff chances now.

USA Today -- Rank: 18

It wasn't pretty, but QB Kirk Cousins broke a nine-game losing streak on "Monday Night Football," the longest for any player in MNF history, while also beating Chicago for the first time since he signed with Minnesota.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

What would they take back: Trading for Yannick Ngakoue

The Vikings acquired the 25-year-old defensive end from Jacksonville with the thought that they'd eventually be able to pair him with Danielle Hunter. A neck injury Hunter sustained in camp that eventually required season-ending surgery precluded that from happening, and the Vikings cut bait on Ngakoue after six weeks, taking on $6.8 million in dead cap. What if the Vikings would have used their resources to instead acquire an experienced cornerback to help their young secondary? What if Minnesota signed a veteran interior offensive lineman? Would those moves have panned out better long term than paying for less than two months of work from Ngakoue? -- Courtney Cronin

NFL.com -- Rank: 16

It took 10 tries, but Kirk Cousins finally won a start on Monday Night Football. Perhaps that's why we saw the Vikings quarterback in such an excited state after his fourth-quarter completion to Kyle Rudolph helped seal the 19-13 win over the Bears. These guys don't live their lives in a bubble, and it's one less narrative that Cousins -- ever the lightning rod -- has to hear about. Mike Zimmer wasn't happy with his special teams converge unit on Monday, but he has to be feeling pretty good about just about everything else. The Vikings have won three straight and find themselves back in the NFC playoff race. Their 1-5 start feels like ancient history now.

Previous update: Minnesota Vikings Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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