Thursday, December 30, 2021

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 4 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 3 (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 5 (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Bucs in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 4

Non-QB MVP: WR Chris Godwin

Godwin is on injured reserve now, but he was two catches shy of 100 receptions, and he still managed to gain 1,103 receiving yards in 14 games when he did play. He was quarterback Tom Brady's most reliable target, with a 77.2% catch percentage. Furthermore, Godwin showed just how versatile he was as a downfield blocker. "He's such a huge contributor on the field, but off the field too in his leadership, clutch plays," Brady said. "There's no way to replace him." -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

A T-shirt-and-hat game is a nice way to lift the spirits of an ailing squad, as the Bucs trounced the Panthers to clinch their first NFC South title since 2007. It was an optimal outcome for a team missing Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette, Lavonte David, Jason Pierre-Paul and Antoine Winfield Jr. due to injuries and COVID-19 designations. Tom Brady got by with help from Antonio Brown, who returned after missing nine weeks and paced all receivers with 10 catches for 101 yards on a whopping 15 targets. Brown is a difficult guy to root for, but the Bucs appear willing to live with his off-the-field transgressions if he remains an impact playmaker -- especially in their shorthanded state.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 5

With his top two weapons out, Tom Brady turned to Antonio Brown to pick up the slack and he responded. They are playing for seeding now.

USA Today -- Rank: 3

In less than two seasons in Tampa Bay, Tom Brady has led the Bucs to consecutive 11-win seasons for the first time in franchise history and is only four TD passes from second place on the club's career list. For an encore, maybe he'll also become their first two-time Super Bowl-winning QB.

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

Is he The Guy? Yes. It's not too late for Tom Brady to make an MVP push, and even at age 44, he's showing no signs of regression. Brady is on pace to set a career high in average yards per game and likely will finish the season with his second-highest touchdown total of his long career. He has 37, three shy of the 40 he threw last year. His career best is 50, from his historic 2007 season.

Previous updates:

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: , ,

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 19.8 (20th)
  • Best ranking: 18 (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 21 (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Steelers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

Non-QB MVP: OLB T.J. Watt

Watt has proved to be a bellwether for the Steelers this season. When Watt plays less than 50% of snaps, including games he has missed completely with injury, the Steelers are 0-4-1. With two games left in the regular season, Watt is five sacks away from tying Michael Strahan's NFL record of 22.5. Watt earned a massive payday just before the season, and even though he has missed two games with injury, he has been a great investment by keeping the Steelers afloat in a jumbled AFC. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

The evidence is everywhere now: Pittsburgh is not a very good football team. The Steelers' playoff hopes are on life support following a blowout loss to the Chiefs that once again put a spotlight on Pittsburgh's offensive ineptitude. The team's first-half struggles are taking on historic proportions: The Steelers have been outscored 97-9 in the opening 30 minutes of their last five games, failing to score a single first-half touchdown in the process. You have to go back to 1940 to find the last Steelers team to manage that, per Elias Sports Bureau (via ESPN). Pittsburgh can still find its way to the postseason with back-to-back wins and some help, but the bigger picture is clear: Significant changes are necessary.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

They did little on offense against the Chiefs, which shows their fatal flaws. They can still get into the playoffs, but it's a long shot.

USA Today -- Rank: 21

Pathetic showing Sunday, but especially by a defense that adds up to far less than sum of its parts and might need free agent upgrades in 2022.

The Athletic -- Rank: 21

Is he The Guy? No. Father Time has brought the big man down, and it's become painfully clear that Ben Roethlisberger is not the guy anymore. He knows this and the smart money is on him retiring in three weeks. Will the Steelers go for a major rebuild or squeeze in a veteran like Matt Ryan and try to make another playoff run with this bunch?

Previous updates:

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: , ,

Dallas Cowboys Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 3.8 (3rd)
  • Best ranking: 3 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 6 (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Cowboys in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 3

Non-QB MVP: LB Micah Parsons

While a case could be made for Trevon Diggs, Parsons has done more to transform the Cowboys' defense. Parsons leads the team in sacks, has made key plays in key moments and has dominated at the line of scrimmage and off the ball. And to think, the Cowboys were disappointed they couldn't get either of the top cornerbacks available in Jaycee Horn or Pat Surtain II. That they were able to trade back and still get Parsons should be viewed as a coup. He should be a lock selection for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and also should be one of the top contenders for the Defensive Player of the Year. -- Todd Archer

NFL.com -- Rank: 6

Sunday Night Football was the setting for a masterpiece by the Cowboys, rightful champions of the NFC East. Greatness was everywhere: Dak Prescott busted out of an extended slump with four touchdowns in the first half alone. DeMarcus Lawrence had a 40-yard pick-six for a perpetually opportunistic defense that rattled Washington QB Taylor Heinicke. The special teams thrived, too, scoring a touchdown on a blocked punt. The 56-14 final score told the story: Dallas in full flight is a sight to behold and a figure of intimidation in the NFC. The No. 1 seed remains within grasp.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 3

They got the offense cranked up against Washington, which is a good sign. Dak Prescott needed a big day. The pass-rushers will make them a dangerous playoff team.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

QB Dak Prescott's notion of holiday gifting? Air Jordans for all of his teammates, Four Seasons gift certificates to his offensive linemen, and four TD passes -- to an RB, WR, TE and OL (something that had never happened before in the regular season) -- during Sunday night's NFC East coronation.

The Athletic -- Rank: 3

Is he The Guy? Yes. Dak Prescott got his franchise quarterback contract last summer, and he's backed it up this season. His Week 16 performance was spectacular, with 330 yards and four touchdowns in three quarters against Washington, and should be proof that whatever slump the Cowboys offense was in earlier this month is over.

Previous updates:

More Dallas Cowboys pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: , ,

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Miami Dolphins Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 14.8 (15th)
  • Best ranking: 12 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 17 (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

Non-QB MVP: WR Jaylen Waddle

Since I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to give this award to Miami's entire defense, let's present it to the man who makes the Dolphins' offense relevant. The team's leading receiver also has been the most consistent, missing only the Week 15 win over the Jets while he was on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Waddle's absence was noticeable, as Miami's receivers only created on average 2.2 yards of separation against the Jets' secondary. Waddle's season average of 3.3 yards of separation is eighth best in the NFL among qualified receivers. He already has broken a franchise rookie record for receptions with 96 and is five catches away from tying the NFL rookie record in that category. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

The Dolphins made history on Monday Night Football, becoming the first team to have a seven-game losing streak and seven-game winning streak in the same season. It's only fitting a team pulled this off in the bizarre and increasingly unstable 2021 season. Offensive coordinator George Godsey built a game plan that highlighted the playmaking abilities of Jalyen Waddle, who continues to look the part of an emerging superstar. The defense had fun against New Orleans' decimated offense, sacking overmatched rookie Ian Book eight times. The Dolphins' schedule finally tightens up in the final two weeks with matchups against the Titans and Patriots. Win both, and they're in.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 17

If they win their last two, they will be in the playoffs. It won't be easy as they play at Tennessee and then close against the Patriots.

USA Today -- Rank: 17

They're the first team to have a seven-game losing streak and seven-game winning streak in the same season -- and could be the first team to qualify for the playoffs following a 1-7 start.

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

Is he The Guy? Yes. It's been quite a turnaround for Tua Tagovailoa, who was written off by so many at the start of the season. But quarterback development in the NFL is not an overnight business, and Tagovailoa has hit his stride, getting rid of the ball quickly and with deadly accuracy. He is also able to buy time in the pocket when need be.

Previous updates:

More Miami Dolphins pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

San Francisco 49ers Week 16 NFL Power Rankings

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the San Francisco 49ers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 11.6 (12th)
  • Best ranking: 11 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 14 (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the 49ers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 11

How hot is Kyle Shanahan's seat: 2. Cool seat

Realistically, there's almost no chance Shanahan is going anywhere after this season. But speaking in absolutes on anything NFL-related seems unwise, hence the tiniest bit of wiggle room for something unforeseen. Shanahan just signed a six-year contract extension in 2020 that will take him through 2025. The Niners are on a playoff trajectory, which would be a solid bounce back after a disappointing follow-up to their 2019 Super Bowl run. But ultimately, the Shanahan era is going to be defined by what happens in the coming years with him coaching and Trey Lance playing quarterback. That duo will be afforded an opportunity to see where they can go together. -- Nick Wagoner

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

The Niners took care of business against the Falcons on Sunday and will enter a Thursday night showdown with the slumping Titans having won five of six games. There are encouraging signs all across the roster, but don't sleep on the second-half surge of Jimmy Garoppolo. The veteran quarterback -- a figure of suspicion in recent years -- has posted the fourth-best QBR in the NFL since Week 8. He's cut down on mistakes, found a rhythm with George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk and has stayed healthy -- all key factors in San Francisco finding its footing. Trey Lance remains the future, but Garoppolo is taking advantage of his moment in time, however fleeting it may be.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

It's time to give Jimmy Garoppolo credit for playing good football. He makes this team dangerous if they do get into the playoffs.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Over the past five games "WR" Deebo Samuel has 12 catches for 206 yards and a TD ... and 33 carries for 247 yards and six TDs. His seven rushing scores this year are three more than any other wideout has had in a season in the Super Bowl era. And just for good measure, Samuel's 17.8 yards per catch also top the league charts. All-Pro?

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

Our gift to you: A big-time play in a big-time moment from Jimmy Garoppolo. Would a few clutch third-down conversions or a game-winning touchdown to secure a playoff spot or a deep postseason run ultimately change the way the 49ers (and, specifically Kyle Shanahan) feel about Garoppolo's long-term future with the team? Probably not. The trade for Trey Lance was a franchise-shifting move, and the unproven rookie is still the team's future, but a strong finish by Garoppolo would do a lot for his trade market in 2022.

Previous updates:

More San Francisco 49ers pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,

Thursday, December 16, 2021

New England Patriots Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New England Patriots rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 4.2 (5th)
  • Best ranking: 3 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 5 (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 15 roundup for the Patriots in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 5

Bill Belichick often talks about playing complementary football, with the three phases of the game weaved together to help produce wins. The FPI numbers show how the Patriots have mostly done that, with strong defense and special teams aiding an offense that has brought rookie quarterback Mac Jones along masterfully as he learns on the job. -- Mike Reiss

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

Bill Belichick was roundly lionized for his decision to put Mac Jones on ice in Orchard Park and turn to his running game in extreme weather conditions, but the Pats took out the Bills before a Week 14 bye because the defense again delivered in the clutch. New England has the NFL's No. 1 scoring defense (allowing just 15.4 points per game) and the No. 3 total defense (310.0 yards per game allowed). The numbers are even better during the team's seven-game winning streak: Opponents have averaged just over 10 points per game, with the Pats forcing at least one turnover in every one of those contests. Come January, Belichick might be in possession of the only defense in football that counts as a true difference-maker. This could prove to be advantageous.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 3

They come off their bye as the top seed in the AFC facing a tough road game at Indianapolis against the Colts. Bill Belichick for NFL Coach of the Year.

USA Today -- Rank: 3

The last time they lost to Indianapolis was 2009, when Bill Belichick's failed gamble on fourth-and-2 led to Peyton Manning's game-winning TD. Sunday, New England will try to run its streak over the Horseshoes to nine in its first encounter with the Jonathan Taylor-Carson Wentz tandem.

The Athletic -- Rank: 5

Worst-case scenario: Their two-game lead in the AFC East standings fades over the next two weeks and Mac Jones' postseason career begins on the road, in the wild-card round, instead of at home as the No. 1 seed coming off a bye. Buffalo trails the Patriots by two games and appears to be in a bit of a tailspin, but the Bills get the struggling Panthers at home in Week 15. The Patriots, meanwhile, travel to Indianapolis to play the Colts, who are currently the AFC's No. 6 seed. A Bills win and Patriots loss would set up a pivotal Buffalo-New England game in Foxboro in Week 16. Both teams are 3-1 within their division.

Previous updates:

More New England Patriots pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,

Los Angeles Chargers Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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 Chargers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 9.6 (9th)
  • Best ranking: 8 (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 12 (ESPN)

Below you will find a Week 15 roundup for the Chargers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

The Chargers' offense is as good as Justin Herbert's arm, which is pretty good, as evidenced by a beautiful 59-yard TD pass to Jalen Guyton in Sunday's win. Herbert is a star, Austin Ekeler has stepped up his game and the Chargers are capable of beating anyone when they're clicking. However, the defense is lacking at times and needs to get more consistent if the Chargers are serious about making a run in the playoffs. The special teams are better than their last-place ranking but so-so at best. -- Shelley Smith

NFL.com -- Rank: 9

The Chargers welcomed a bad Giants team into their building on Sunday and took care of business -- a welcome development for a group that has struggled with consistency this season. Justin Herbert delivered another excellent performance, hooking up on a highlight-reel touchdown connection with Jalen Guyton for the second straight week while becoming the first QB in NFL history to reach 30 touchdown passes in each of his first two seasons. Now things get serious: The Chargers welcome the Chiefs to SoFi Stadium on Thursday night with a golden opportunity to make the AFC West very interesting. These Herbert-v.-Mahomes affairs should get prime-time billing every season.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 8

They have won two straight and head to a big Thursday night game with the Chiefs looking good. Justin Herbert is back in a big way.

USA Today -- Rank: 10

Is there a more fun team to watch? The average score of one of their games is Bolts 27, opponent 26. Replicate that Thursday night at home against Kansas City, and Los Angeles moves into first place in the AFC West.

The Athletic -- Rank: 9

Worst-case scenario: The Chargers' season-long inconsistency causes them to drop another game or two and they deprive everyone the chance to watch Justin Herbert's rocket-launcher arm at work in the postseason. A win over the Bengals and Giants in Weeks 13 and 14 gave the Chargers their first winning streak since their victories in Weeks 3 to 5, but the Giants are also a mess. This is still a team with a young quarterback and first-year head coach in Brandon Staley. A win Thursday at home would move the Chargers into first place in the AFC West and complete a season sweep of the Chiefs.

Previous updates:

More Los Angeles Chargers pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Dallas Cowboys Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 6.8 (6th)
  • Best ranking: 6 (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 7 (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 15 roundup for the Cowboys in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 6

Who would've thought the defense would be the strong point of this team? Nobody would have said that at the beginning of the season. The hope was the Cowboys would finish in the top half of the league, which would be a huge improvement over 2020. Being just good enough would've made them a contender, but now the defense is enjoying its strongest season in recent years, and the offense is scuffling. To be a real contender in January, however, the offense has to get back to putting up points, and that means big plays, which have been cut way back in recent weeks. -- Todd Archer

NFL.com -- Rank: 7

The Cowboys' defense was a big-play machine in Sunday's win over the Washington Football Team. Defensive end Randy Gregory returned to the lineup and made two huge plays, an acrobatic interception that led to a Dallas touchdown and the strip-sack of Kyle Allen that sealed the win in the fourth quarter. Micah Parsons also continued to build on his outrageous rookie season with a sack-fumble that produced a touchdown. Dak Prescott and the Dallas attack remain locked in a curious funk, but the Cowboys all but sealed the NFC East by showing they are more than the star wattage on that side of the ball. No wonder Mike McCarthy felt so confident.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 7

The defense will be trouble going forward now that the injured down players are back on the field. They can wreck a game. Dak Prescott does have to pick it up.

USA Today -- Rank: 7

They'd currently rank as the AFC's No. 1 seed and are still very much in the picture for home-field advantage in the NFC. Maybe Mike McCarthy should guarantee Dallas will wrap that up, too.

The Athletic -- Rank: 7

Worst-case scenario: Those ugly final minutes against Washington were indeed a sign of bad things to come. Dallas nearly blew its 24-point halftime lead, and quarterback Dak Prescott looked especially shaky late. Is something more going on with Prescott, who dealt with a nagging calf injury earlier this season? Dallas should still win the division and host a playoff game, but without a healthy Prescott, the playoff run ends quickly.

Previous updates:

More Dallas Cowboys pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,

Kansas City Chiefs Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 4 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 3 (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 5 (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 15 roundup for the Chiefs in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 4

It's been an uneven season for the Chiefs on both sides of the ball, so it's difficult to put their rankings into perspective. Other than their two recent games against the Raiders, it's been a long time since the offense felt like it was top 3 in the league. At the same time, it feels like the defense, which has allowed 12 points per game over the past six, is better than middle of the pack. After a win over Las Vegas in which they were dominant on offense and defense, the Chiefs appear to be in a good place for the stretch run. -- Adam Teicher

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

It's been a season of false starts for the offense, but maybe this will be the impetus for a great rise. The Chiefs reeled off 35 unanswered points in the first half against the Raiders en route to a 48-9 win, a necessary laugher with a huge divisional showdown on tap against the Chargers on Thursday Night Football. The offense played its most efficient game of the season, winning the battle up front and avoiding its two biggest issues: turnovers and drops. The final score is perhaps a bit misleading for a team that managed a comparatively pedestrian total of 372 yards of offense, but the Chiefs dictated the flow of the game and didn't self-sabotage at any moment. Progress.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 5

They probably wish they could play the Raiders every week seeing how they dominated them in both games. They seem to be getting it going at the right time.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

Extraordinary defensive play has been the impetus for Kansas City's six-game burst. But the offense may be coming around, too, K.C. managing a season-high 48 points Sunday, gaining its most yards on the ground (132) in 10 weeks while posting just the third turnover-free effort of the season.

The Athletic -- Rank: 3

Worst-case scenario: The Chiefs' remaining opponents watch tape of Kansas City's two games against the Raiders defense and think, Hmmm, maybe we should try something different. The Chiefs' offense hasn't looked particularly impressive against any other team during a six-game winning streak. Things could get hairy if the offense continues to underwhelm and the defense regresses to somewhere between the early-season version of itself and the one we've seen lately. Kansas City's defense has performed well in high-leverage situations during this winning streak, ranking second in third-down conversion percentage and third in red-zone touchdown rate, but the best offense it has faced was a banged-up Cowboys team.

Previous updates:

More Kansas City Chiefs pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,

Arizona Cardinals Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Arizona Cardinals rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 3.8 (3rd)
  • Best ranking: 2 (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 6 (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 15 roundup for the Cardinals in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 2

The Cardinals are among the best teams in football for a reason, and it's not just because their offense is a high-powered, high-octane machine. Their defense is just as good -- or better, according to these numbers. The big concern the rest of the season and into the playoffs could be their special teams, which, according to these rankings, are middle of the pack. But the offense and defense are both good enough to mask any special teams deficiencies. -- Josh Weinfuss

NFL.com -- Rank: 3

The Cardinals' troubles at home surfaced again in a disappointing 30-23 loss to the Rams on Monday night. In a game where Los Angeles' best players stepped up to cover for the loss of Jalen Ramsey, several of Arizona's top stars weren't up for the challenge. Kyler Murray made physical and mental errors, DeAndre Hopkins had a crucial fourth-down drop and was largely neutralized in coverage, and no one on the Cardinals' defense stepped up to make a game-changing play as Matthew Stafford repeatedly took the Rams up and down the field. Just like that, Arizona drops from the No. 1 to the No. 3 seed in the NFC while the lead over L.A. shrinks to just one game in the division with four to play. Buckle up.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 4

They lost to an undermanned Rams team at home, which is not a good look. The defense really let them down.

USA Today -- Rank: 6

Maybe they shouldn't want home-field advantage in the NFC given they play so much better on the road, where they're 7-0.

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

Worst-case scenario: Finishing the regular season undefeated on the road (which would mean wins at Detroit and Dallas) but stumbling at home in the first round of the playoffs after failing to secure the No. 1 seed and a bye. The Cardinals are 7-0 on the road but 3-3 at home this season. The struggles at State Farm Stadium are a mystery, one the Cardinals will hear about for the rest of the season.

Previous updates:

More Arizona Cardinals pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 13 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 19.2 (19th)
  • Best ranking: 17 (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 21 (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 13 roundup for the Steelers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

The Steelers' flaws dominated the Week 12 blowout loss to Cincinnati. They can't run the ball, and they can't stop the run. The Steelers weren't stopping the run well in Week 6, but they still found a way to beat the Seahawks, thanks to a big game from running back Najee Harris. Since holding the Browns to 96 rushing yards in Week 8, the Steelers have given up an average of 180 yards per game to their next four opponents. The Steelers' own run game is disappearing too. They have the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the league and the third-worst yards per carry average. With six tough games left -- including two against the division-leading Ravens -- there's not much confidence they can turn it around. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 21

After years -- decades, really -- of battling it out with the Ravens while beating up on bumbling also-rans in Cleveland and Cincinnati, the tables have turned. There are no more gimmes for Pittsburgh. The Bengals reminded them of that in the rudest way imaginable on Sunday, building a 31-3 halftime lead before coasting to a 41-10 win to complete a punishing season sweep. The Steelers are plainly, painfully ordinary: They have a defense that is typically good but rarely great, and a middling offense led by a veteran quarterback who looks ready for the exit door. A playoff push is still within reason, given the wide-open nature of this NFL season, but the true reality here is impossible to ignore.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 17

That was an embarrassment against the Bengals. The offense was awful and they are in big trouble in the playoff race.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

They've given up 41 points each of the past two weeks and just put OLB T.J. Watt into COVID-19 protocol. Mike Tomlin will have to pull out all the stops to avoid his first losing season.

The Athletic -- Rank: 19

Problem area: Quarterback. The Steelers' problems are extensive right now, so Ben Roethlisberger is hardly the only issue. And while he's still the best quarterback option on the Steelers' roster -- we saw as much when they tied the Lions without him in Week 10 -- he's hardly been good. And in Week 12, he was very bad: two interceptions (including an ugly pick six) and three sacks, while completing just 58.5 percent of his throws. Roethlisberger has failed to average more than 7 yards per passing attempt in seven of his 10 starts. So now, as the Steelers try to cling to relevance in the AFC, they also need to be reckoning with the end of the Roethlisberger era, something they probably should have considered more thoroughly after last season.

Previous updates:

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,

New England Patriots Week 13 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New England Patriots rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 4.6 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 4 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 5 (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 13 roundup for the Patriots in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 5

New England has won six straight games. Bill Belichick often says that no stat correlates more to winning than turnovers, so consider this: After Week 6, when the Patriots were 2-4, they were minus-3 in the turnover differential; now, they are plus-10 on the season -- the second best in the NFL. That's a good place to start when considering how the Patriots have turned their season around and why my confidence rating has gone up. -- Mike Reiss

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

The win streak has reached six games for the Patriots after a wipeout of the undermanned Titans. Mac Jones fared well in his first cold-weather outing at Foxborough, but it was the defense that once again played the starring role for New England. The Pats forced four turnovers, including an end-zone pick by cornerback J.C. Jackson, who also had a crucial forced fumble when the game remained in doubt. Said Bill Belichick after the win: "You leave any trash laying around, he's going to pick it up." The Pats have announced themselves as a player in the AFC, but a challenging three-game stretch that includes two matchups against the Bills will give us a greater understanding of where this team stands.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 4

It was Mac Jones, not the running game, that keyed the victory over the Titans. That's big going forward.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

Turnover machine J.C. Jackson leads the AFC in interceptions (7) and tops the NFL charts with 16 pass breakups. He also forced a fumble Sunday for good measure. Put him on the short list of defensive player of the year candidates -- right on time as the pending free agent awaits a blockbuster contract.

The Athletic -- Rank: 5

Problem area: Red-zone offense. The Patriots have scored a touchdown on 55.6 percent of their trips to the red zone. That's 24th in the NFL. Nick Folk attempted six field goals and made five of them against the Titans, and it wasn't the first time an inability to finish on offense has popped up. The Patriots are still rolling, though. They won by 20-plus points for the third straight game, they have outscored their opponents 63-0 in the second half of their last four games and now have the NFL's best point differential. The Patriots are a team with few weaknesses, with a real shot at the AFC's No. 1 seed.

Previous updates:

More New England Patriots pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Posted by at
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)