Thursday, November 25, 2021

Kansas City Chiefs Week 12 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: 5.4 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 4 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 8 (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 12 roundup for the Chiefs in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

Most memorable Thanksgiving game: Beating the Broncos 19-10 in the first-ever Thanksgiving night game on Nov. 23, 2006

Franchise founder Lamar Hunt pushed for years to get the Chiefs a spot as a host team for a Thanksgiving Day game, but the NFL wouldn't pull a game out of Detroit or Dallas. The league finally rewarded Hunt for his diligence in 2006 when it expanded its Thanksgiving lineup to include a prime-time game. The Chiefs beat a division rival to win the first Thanksgiving night game and the only Thanksgiving game ever played at Arrowhead Stadium. Hunt died three weeks later at the age of 74. -- Adam Teicher

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

We thought we were getting an epic shootout between Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott. Instead, it was Chris Jones and the rising Chiefs defense that played the starring role in a 19-9 victory over the NFC East leaders. Jones was a wrecking ball, piling up 3.5 sacks, with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Jones got help in the back end from Charvarius Ward and L'Jarius Sneed, who each registered crucial interceptions of Prescott. The Chiefs' offense managed just 3 points in its final 10 possessions, but the best teams can win a game on either side of the ball. The Chiefs look like a team ready to restore order in the chaotic AFC.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 8

They have turned their season around, and it's the defense that has led the way. They have been playing well on that side of the ball the past three weeks.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

A defense that's given up 47 total points over the past four weeks (all wins) while taking the ball away eight times is what's really ridden to the rescue of the AFC West leaders. Maybe QB Patrick Mahomes will be ready to take torch following a week off.

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

Best side dish: Defensive lineman Chris Jones has sparked the Chiefs' defensive turnaround, and he was particularly dominant Sunday against Dallas (when he sacked Dak Prescott, his former college teammate at Mississippi State, 3 1/2 times). It's not realistic to expect three-sack games each week, but we should look to Jones to set the emotional and physical tone for Kansas City's defense.

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