Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will rank all 32 NFL groups. The rankings will take into consideration not simply weekly efficiency, accidents and roster depth, however how properly every staff measures up as Super Bowl contenders.
Here are the rankings heading into Week 10:
1. Ravens (7-2, No. 3 final week)
Last week: Win vs. Seahawks, 37-3
Up subsequent: vs. Browns
There isn’t a extra full staff than Baltimore. Led by a dominant protection and an MVP-caliber quarterback, the Ravens have utterly dismantled two NFC title contenders at house over the previous three weeks. Coordinator Mike Macdonald’s protection is enjoying at a traditionally excessive stage, getting a mixed 16 sacks from Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy and a league-leading six interceptions from security Geno Stone to pair with the league’s greatest linebacker tandem in Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen and harmful Swiss Army knife Kyle Hamilton. On offense, the Ravens have probably the most versatile assault within the league, able to gashing opponents on the bottom with sledgehammer Gus Edwards and breakout star Keaton Mitchell and choosing them aside by way of the air with a ruthlessly environment friendly Lamar Jackson, who leads the league in completion charge (71.5%) whereas speeding for 48.9 yards per recreation, tops amongst quarterbacks. Time will inform if this promising begin will result in higher postseason outcomes, however the Ravens have the look of a possible Super Bowl champion.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-1, No. 1)
Last week: Win vs. Cowboys, 28-23
Up subsequent: Bye
Led by star quarterback Jalen Hurts, there’s a calmness to the Eagles that stands out in shut video games. Despite trailing 17-14 at halftime with Hurts seemingly hobbled by a lingering knee damage, Philadelphia took management with two straight landing drives to open the second half and held on late behind an enormous sack from Josh Sweat with 27 seconds left. The Eagles are 5-1 in one-score video games this season, and whereas that’s normally asking for hassle, they’ve proved greater than able to making huge performs in huge moments.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2, No. 2)
Last week: Win vs. Dolphins, 21-14, in Germany
Up subsequent: Bye
The Chiefs’ first assembly in opposition to star huge receiver Tyreek Hill since buying and selling him to Miami highlighted why that deal ought to be thought-about a win for Kansas City. While the Chiefs have struggled to interchange Hill’s explosiveness, one of many picks they acquired for him changed into cornerback Trent McDuffie, who’s enjoying at an All-Pro stage and compelled a fumble by Hill late within the first half Sunday that was returned for what proved to be the decisive landing. The Kansas City protection truly outranks its offense (No. 5 vs. No. 6) in FTN Fantasy’s DVOA this season, giving Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes a distinct form of weapon within the race for the highest seed within the AFC.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3, No. 11)
Last week: Win vs. Bills, 24-18
Up subsequent: vs. Texans
That 1-3 begin seems like a distant reminiscence, doesn’t it? With Joe Burrow again to enjoying at an elite stage, the Bengals are beginning to resemble the Super Bowl contender everybody anticipated to see this season. The reemergence of huge receiver Tee Higgins (eight catches for 110 yards) and a promising tight finish group of Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample and Tanner Hudson (mixed 10 catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to Buffalo) — to not point out a protection that has few weak spots — creates loads of optimism in regards to the Bengals’ probabilities in a loaded AFC.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2, No. 6)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: vs. 49ers
6. Detroit Lions (6-2, No. 9)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: at Chargers
7. San Francisco 49ers (5-3, No. 7)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: at Jaguars
8. Miami Dolphins (5-3, No. 4)
Last week: Loss vs. Chiefs, 21-14, in Germany
Up subsequent: Bye
As encouraging as that second-half comeback bid was in opposition to Kansas City, the Dolphins have but to beat a staff with a successful document this season. That’s telling, significantly throughout a time when the highest groups are beginning to separate from the pack. Injuries on the offensive line have made life tough for Tua Tagovailoa, however he hasn’t seemed able to carrying the staff the best way an elite quarterback ought to in opposition to high competitors. Vic Fangio’s protection has been the larger disappointment, however a stable efficiency in opposition to Mahomes with cornerback Jalen Ramsey again within the lineup may sign brighter days forward.
9. Dallas Cowboys (5-3, No. 5)
Last week: Loss vs. Eagles, 28-23
Up subsequent: vs. Giants
Like the Dolphins, the Cowboys proceed to come back up quick of their greatest exams. This time, it was agonizingly shut. Tight finish Luke Schoonmaker being tackled inches wanting a landing, Dak Prescott stepping out of bounds on a 2-point conversion try, an incomplete move to Jalen Tolbert on fourth-and-8 in Eagles territory and Prescott’s remaining move to CeeDee Lamb wanting the aim line on the ultimate play finally made the distinction. Until the Cowboys begin making these performs in huge video games, they’ll proceed to be bridesmaids within the postseason.
10. Buffalo Bills (5-4, No. 8)
Last week: Loss vs. Bengals, 24-18
Up subsequent: vs. Broncos
The Bills are nonetheless proper within the combine for a playoff spot, however a lot extra was anticipated of a staff that entered the season with Super Bowl hopes. That 48-20 win over the Dolphins in Week 4 appeared to determine Buffalo as top-of-the-line groups within the AFC, however they’ve adopted with alternating wins and losses and have been removed from dominant. The emergence of rookie tight finish Dalton Kincaid (10 catches for 81 yards) on Sunday evening is encouraging, however there are huge questions on a protection that’s among the many league leaders in missed tackles and has simply three takeaways since Week 5.
11. Cleveland Browns (5-3, No. 12)
Last week: Win vs. Cardinals, 27-0
Up subsequent: at Ravens
With Deshaun Watson again from a shoulder damage, the Browns must be taken significantly. While his efficiency in opposition to Arizona (19-for-30 for 219 yards and a pair of TDs; 41.7 QBR) was not distinctive, his ceiling is way larger than P.J. Walker’s. He’ll must be higher to beat accidents alongside the offensive line, which misplaced left sort out Jedrick Wills Jr. for at the very least 4 weeks to a knee damage and is already with out proper sort out Jack Conklin. The protection, which ranks No. 1 above the Ravens in DVOA and pitched its first shutout since 2007, offers Cleveland a preventing likelihood.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3, No. 14)
Last week: Win vs. Titans, 20-16
Up subsequent: vs. Packers
Mike Tomlin has by no means gained NFL Coach of the Year, however this season may change that. There has by no means been a louder marketing campaign to fireplace an offensive coordinator than the one geared toward Matt Canada, and but Pittsburgh is sitting two video games above .500. According to the Elias Sports Bureau and ESPN Stats & Info, the Steelers are the thirty fourth staff in NFL historical past to be outgained of their first eight video games and the one one to have a successful document. Credit Tomlin and the protection for locating a solution to maintain this staff afloat regardless of accidents to key gamers and a few actually terrible offensive performances.
13. Seattle Seahawks (5-3, No. 10)
Last week: Loss vs. Ravens, 37-3
Up subsequent: vs. Commanders
There’s no disgrace in getting blown out in Baltimore this season, however this latest stretch from quarterback Geno Smith is trigger for concern. He’s thrown six interceptions over his previous 4 video games and will simply have tossed one other one which Hamilton dropped Sunday. The offensive line is doing him no favors, both, with accidents forcing 41-year-old Jason Peters into the lineup and left sort out Charles Cross struggling after a promising rookie season.
14. Los Angeles Chargers (4-4, No. 13)
Last week: Win vs. Jets, 27-6
Up subsequent: vs. Lions
The Chargers have their protection and particular groups to thank for Monday evening’s win, getting an 87-yard punt return for a landing by Derius Davis in addition to eight sacks and three turnovers. The offense made performs when it wanted to, going 7-for-16 on third down and changing on quick fields, however the Chargers solely averaged 3.4 yards per play and had been extraordinarily lucky to recuperate six fumbles. Los Angeles continues to be a tier beneath the Ravens, Chiefs and Bengals within the AFC.
15. Houston Texans (4-4, No. 20)
Last week: Win vs. Buccaneers, 39-37
Up subsequent: at Bengals
This staff is critical, people. C.J. Stroud delivered a rookie-record 470 passing yards and 5 touchdowns Sunday, together with the successful 15-yard move to fellow rookie Tank Dell with six seconds left. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Stroud is the sixth participant in NFL historical past to document at the very least 450 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns and nil interceptions in a recreation. With a quarterback able to placing up these sorts of numbers, Houston should be thought-about a playoff contender.
16. Minnesota Vikings (5-4, No. 18)
Last week: Win vs. Falcons, 31-28
Up subsequent: vs. Saints
Have no concern, Joshua Dobbs is right here. With rookie Jaren Hall knocked out of the sport with a concussion within the first quarter, Dobbs stepped in and rallied the Vikings to victory simply 5 days after being acquired from the Cardinals at Tuesday’s commerce deadline. While all hope appeared misplaced after Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles tendon damage, Dobbs is greater than able to maintaining this scorching streak going, which incorporates 5 wins up to now six video games. If and when huge receiver Justin Jefferson returns from injured reserve, Minnesota might be a harmful wild-card staff.
17. New Orleans Saints (5-4, No. 15)
Last week: Win vs. Bears, 24-17
Up subsequent: at Vikings
The Saints barely bought previous a foul Bears staff beginning a backup quarterback, however they’ve reached the midseason level in first place within the NFC South. They can thank a protection that has pressured a league-high 18 turnovers, together with three interceptions — two by cornerback Paulson Adebo — and two fumble recoveries Sunday. The offense, because of a beneficiant sprinkling of quarterback-tight finish Taysom Hill, at the very least seems prepared to carry up its finish of the cut price.
18. Indianapolis Colts (4-5, No. 24)
Last week: Win vs. Panthers, 27-13
Up subsequent: vs. Patriots in Germany
Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young goes to be having nightmares about Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II, who tied a franchise document by returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Moore fueled a bounce-back efficiency for the protection, which had allowed 38 factors per recreation throughout a three-game dropping streak. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew has been stable in reduction, however the Colts have to see extra from operating again Jonathan Taylor, who’s averaging fewer yards per carry (4.1) than teammate Zack Moss (4.7).
19. New York Jets (4-4, No. 17)
Last week: Loss vs. Chargers, 27-6
Up subsequent: at Raiders
The Jets’ three-game successful streak ended with a thud in what might be a pivotal recreation for playoff seeding. The protection has been carrying quarterback Zach Wilson all season, but it surely couldn’t drive the turnover it desperately wanted to swing Monday evening’s recreation. Wilson throwing 49 instances shouldn’t be a recipe for achievement, and there was loads of seen frustration from the offense with missed throws and dropped passes. It seems like one other slide is coming.
20. Atlanta Falcons (4-5, No. 16)
Last week: Loss vs. Vikings, 31-28
Up subsequent: at Cardinals
Taylor Heinicke didn’t win his first begin in Atlanta, however he confirmed sufficient in coach Arthur Smith’s eyes to earn one other shot subsequent week after finishing 21 of 38 passes for 268 yards with one landing and one interception. The lack of touches for operating again Bijan Robinson and tight finish Kyle Pitts stays maddening, nevertheless. Tight finish Jonnu Smith is a stable veteran, however there’s no motive he ought to have extra catches than Pitts, the No. 4 total decide in 2021.
21. Denver Broncos (3-5, No. 23)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: at Bills
22. Washington Commanders (4-5, No. 25)
Last week: Win vs. Patriots, 20-17
Up subsequent: at Seahawks
Don’t rely out the Commanders simply but. While buying and selling away beginning defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat signaled a give attention to the long run, Washington nonetheless has a puncher’s likelihood of climbing into the postseason race after a win in New England. Even in the event that they fall quick, the Commanders might need discovered their quarterback of the long run in Sam Howell, who has seemed spectacular in latest weeks.
23. Tennessee Titans (3-5, No. 19)
Last week: Loss vs. Steelers, 20-16
Up subsequent: at Buccaneers
A banged-up offensive line did him no favors, however rookie quarterback Will Levis seemed like he belonged in Thursday evening’s loss in Pittsburgh. The second-round decide confirmed toughness in hanging within the pocket and delivering throws downfield, maybe incomes sufficient of the teaching employees’s belief to present him the everlasting job over Ryan Tannehill.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5, No. 22)
Last week: Loss vs. Texans, 39-37
Up subsequent: vs. Titans
Baker Mayfield’s clean expression on the sideline on the finish of Sunday’s loss says all of it. A once-promising season has been derailed by 4 straight losses, the newest coming after a blown 20-10 lead within the second half. A protection that was anticipated to maintain Tampa Bay within the NFC South race was shredded by a rookie quarterback, maybe signaling it’s time for a rebuild after a number of years of going all-in with Tom Brady.
25. Las Vegas Raiders (4-5, No. 26)
Last week: Win vs. Giants, 30-6
Up subsequent: vs. Jets
Maybe interim coach Antonio Pierce is precisely who the Raiders wanted. It got here in opposition to a reeling Giants staff right down to its third-string quarterback, however Sunday’s efficiency at the very least creates some hope that Las Vegas might be aggressive down the stretch. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell seemed stable, and playmakers comparable to operating again Josh Jacobs and huge receiver Jakobi Meyers lastly confirmed some life. Given their backloaded schedule, the Raiders may play a big function within the playoff race.
26. Green Bay Packers (3-5, No. 29)
Last week: Win vs. Rams, 20-3
Up subsequent: at Steelers
The Packers ended a four-game dropping streak in spectacular trend, outgaining the Rams and backup quarterback Brett Rypien 391-187. The offense seemed a lot better, piling up 184 speeding yards and going 7-for-14 on third down as Jordan Love averaged 8.8 yards per move. A protection that began a pair of seventh-round picks in cornerback Carrington Valentine and security Anthony Johnson Jr. additionally performed properly. Perhaps this win offers Green Bay some confidence to show round its season.
27. Los Angeles Rams (3-6, No. 21)
Last week: Loss vs. Packers, 20-3
Up subsequent: Bye
Coach Sean McVay believes quarterback Matthew Stafford will likely be again after the bye week, but it surely is perhaps too late to save lots of the season. The Rams seemed lifeless on offense in opposition to Green Bay, as Rypien completed 13 of 28 for 130 yards with an interception and a fumble. At one level within the first half, he went three straight drives with out a completion. That ought to be unimaginable with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua operating routes and McVay calling the performs.
28. Chicago Bears (2-7, No. 27)
Last week: Loss vs. Saints, 24-17
Up subsequent: vs. Panthers
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent’s 4 turnovers had been an excessive amount of to beat, however the Bears moved the ball fairly properly in opposition to Saints protection, averaging 5.8 yards per play whereas speeding for 156 yards. When Justin Fields returns, Chicago ought to at the very least have the ability to get evaluation of what it has within the 2021 first-round decide earlier than deciding on his future with the staff.
29. New England Patriots (2-7, No. 28)
Last week: Loss vs. Commanders, 20-17
Up subsequent: vs. Colts in Germany
It’s weird to look at a Bill Belichick-coached staff wrestle a lot. Whether it’s a protection that may’t generate any strain, an offense that’s barely scoring any factors (15.0 per recreation) or a particular groups unit that ranks among the many worst within the NFL (No. 29 in DVOA), there are issues everywhere in the subject. It’s laborious to search out many vibrant spots this season.
30. New York Giants (2-7, No. 30)
Last week: Loss vs. Raiders, 30-6
Up subsequent: at Cowboys
A season-ending torn ACL may sign the top of quarterback Daniel Jones’ tenure in New York. While he’s owed a assured $35.5 million in 2024 after signing a brand new deal within the offseason, the Giants can get out of the deal after subsequent season with $22.2 million in lifeless cash. With Tyrod Taylor on injured reserve, undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito and veteran Matt Barkley are anticipated to compete for the beginning job. With New York doubtless headed for a high decide within the draft, basic supervisor Joe Schoen and the entrance workplace could have an vital choice to make.
31. Carolina Panthers (1-7, No. 31)
Last week: Loss vs. Colts, 27-13
Up subsequent: at Bears
If the season ended right now, the 2024 first-round decide the Panthers traded to Chicago as a part of the bundle for the 2023 No. 1 total choice could be No. 2. That’s a steep value to pay for rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who took a serious step backward Sunday with three interceptions, together with two pick-sixes. While Carolina’s choice appeared like a sensible wager on the time, it might need miscalculated how shortly Young and the roster may compete for a playoff spot.
32. Arizona Cardinals (1-8, No. 32)
Last week: Loss vs. Browns, 27-0
Up subsequent: vs. Falcons
Kyler Murray might be on his means again. Coach Jonathan Gannon stated the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback will begin Sunday “if the week goes well,” and that’s music to the ears of everybody who noticed Murray go down with a torn ACL final December. It’s additionally a bit unsettling, provided that Arizona simply allowed seven sacks. Regardless, will probably be fascinating to see whether or not Murray seems like the identical participant who earned a five-year, $230.5 million contract in 2022.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com