Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will rank all 32 NFL groups. The rankings will take note of not simply weekly efficiency, accidents and roster depth, however how effectively every group measures up as Super Bowl contenders.
Here are the rankings heading into Week 13:
1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-1, No. 1 final week)
Last week: Win vs. Bills, 37-34 (OT)
Up subsequent: vs. 49ers
Trailing 17-7 at halftime in opposition to an AFC contender for the second straight week, the Eagles as soon as once more confirmed their resolve by pulling out one other win in dramatic trend. This time, it was Jake Elliott’s game-tying 59-yard area objective with 20 seconds left in regulation and quarterback Jalen Hurts’ 12-yard landing run in additional time that secured the victory. There are loads of nits to choose with this group, together with lengthy stretches of stagnant offense and poor run protection, nevertheless it retains discovering a solution to win in opposition to a number of the league’s finest groups. With Hurts taking part in like a Most Valuable Player candidate, the Eagles must be thought-about Super Bowl favorites.
2. Ravens (9-3, No. 3)
Last week: Win vs. Chargers, 20-10
Up subsequent: Bye
It hasn’t usually felt that means, however the Ravens have been probably the most dominant group within the league this season. They’ve held the lead within the fourth quarter in each single sport and have 4 wins of 14 factors or extra in opposition to groups with successful data. Injuries to J.Ok. Dobbins, Marlon Humphrey, David Ojabo and Mark Andrews haven’t derailed the group due to the emergence of younger stars equivalent to Zay Flowers, Kyle Hamilton and Justin Madubuike and the strong play of veteran journeymen equivalent to Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy and Arthur Maulet. Even when Lamar Jackson and the offense have struggled, because it did for lengthy stretches Sunday evening, the protection has been there to choose up the slack. While the Ravens’ closing 4 video games come in opposition to potential playoff groups, it’s beginning to really feel like that is the 12 months for Baltimore to get previous the divisional spherical for the primary time within the Jackson period.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3, No. 2)
Last week: Win vs. Raiders, 31-17
Up subsequent: at Packers
After trailing 14-0, the Chiefs scored three straight touchdowns to take the lead and put the sport out of attain on Patrick Mahomes’ 39-yard landing cross to Rashee Rice early within the fourth quarter. It was a breakout efficiency from the rookie huge receiver, who had a season-high eight catches for 107 yards. He’s rapidly turning into Mahomes’ second-most dependable goal behind tight finish Travis Kelce, an important growth for an offense that has struggled at instances this season.
4. San Francisco 49ers (8-3, No. 5)
Last week: Win vs. Seahawks, 31-13
Up subsequent: at Eagles
That three-game shedding streak in October appears like a distant reminiscence. The 49ers’ grip on the NFC West is as agency as ever after their tenth straight win over a divisional opponent, the most recent on Thanksgiving evening in opposition to a reeling Seahawks group. Even an odd pick-six thrown by Brock Purdy was not sufficient to spoil the celebration, as Christian McCaffrey ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns and the San Francisco protection sacked Geno Smith six instances and recorded an interception. In one of many season’s finest matchups, Purdy will get an opportunity for revenge Sunday after the Eagles knocked him out of the NFC championship sport final season.
5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3, No. 6)
Last week: Win vs. Commanders, 45-10
Up subsequent: vs. Seahawks
Dak Prescott continues to play at an MVP-level, throwing for 331 yards and 4 touchdowns in opposition to Washington on Thanksgiving, however the true checks are coming. The Cowboys’ subsequent 5 video games are in opposition to the Seahawks, Eagles, Dolphins, Bills and Lions, who’re a mixed 38-18. We know the protection led by cross rusher Micah Parsons and pick-six machine DaRon Bland is superb, however Dallas wants extra from huge receiver Brandin Cooks and operating again Tony Pollard for the offense to change into elite and problem the Eagles and 49ers for NFC supremacy.
6. Miami Dolphins (8-3, No. 8)
Last week: Win vs. Jets, 34-13
Up subsequent: at Commanders
As cool as Jevon Holland’s 99-yard interception return for a landing on a Hail Mary on the finish of the half on Black Friday was, the Dolphins shouldn’t get an excessive amount of credit score for overwhelming a free-falling Jets group led by journeyman quarterback Tim Boyle. A season-ending Achilles harm to edge rusher Jaelan Phillips hurts, and huge receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle haven’t been utterly wholesome in current weeks. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has additionally struggled of late, posting a QBR under 50 in 4 of the previous 5 video games.
7. Detroit Lions (8-3, No. 4)
Last week: Loss vs. Packers, 29-22
Up subsequent: at Saints
The Packers returned a fumble by Jared Goff — one of many quarterback’s career-high three on the day — for a landing close to the top of the primary quarter that put the Lions in a 20-6 gap they couldn’t climb out of. Given a Thanksgiving showcase, Detroit didn’t present up able to play and was even booed by its house followers at instances. A postseason spot appears all however assured, nevertheless it was a missed alternative to maintain tempo with the Eagles for the highest seed within the NFC.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3, No. 9)
Last week: Win vs. Texans, 24-21
Up subsequent: vs. Bengals
The Jaguars nonetheless rule within the AFC South. Trevor Lawrence threw for 364 yards and a landing and ran for a rating to assist Jacksonville safe an important win over their division rival as a 58-yard area objective try by Houston’s Matt Ammendola bounced off the crossbar with 34 seconds left. The protection struggled to cease one of many league’s hottest offenses, however Josh Allen and Travon Walker (mixed three sacks) appear to be taking one other step ahead as cross rushers.
9. Denver Broncos (6-5, No. 12)
Last week: Win vs. Browns, 29-12
Up subsequent: at Texans
Five straight wins have vaulted the Broncos from maybe the league’s greatest disappointment to a possible playoff contender. An environment friendly Russell Wilson has been one of the necessary drivers of success, however don’t overlook a protection that seems to be discovering its type on the proper time. Pass rusher Nik Bonitto (1 1/2 sacks Sunday) might be on the verge of a breakout.
10. Cleveland Browns (7-4, No. 7)
Last week: Loss vs. Broncos, 29-12
Up subsequent: at Rams
A 3-game successful streak resulted in brutal trend Sunday, as star cross rusher Myles Garrett, rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and huge receiver Amari Cooper all left the sport with accidents. Garrett prevented a critical shoulder harm, although it might restrict the effectiveness of the Defensive Player of the Year candidate who’s tied for second within the league with 13 sacks. Perhaps current apply squad signing Joe Flacco can lead the offense if Thompson-Robinson stays sidelined with a concussion.
11. Houston Texans (6-5, No. 10)
Last week: Loss vs. Jaguars, 24-21
Up subsequent: vs. Broncos
The three-game successful streak is over, however rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud regarded spectacular once more Sunday, throwing for 304 yards and two touchdowns and dashing for a season-high 47 yards and a rating. If first-year coach DeMeco Ryans can tighten up the protection, the Texans might be a scary wild-card opponent in January.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4, No. 13)
Last week: Win vs. Bengals, 16-10
Up subsequent: vs. Cardinals
The drama in Pittsburgh hasn’t been sufficient to derail its season. Despite the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, stories of a heated argument within the locker room between huge receiver Diontae Johnson and security Minkah Fitzpatrick after final week’s loss to the Browns and Johnson’s weird lack of effort on a fumble by teammate Jaylen Warren on Sunday, the Steelers received for the third time in 4 video games due to an enormous day from tight finish Pat Freiermuth and operating again Najee Harris. Never doubt coach Mike Tomlin.
13. Buffalo Bills (6-6, No. 11)
Last week: Loss vs. Eagles, 37-34 (OT)
Up subsequent: Bye
That game-winning landing run by Hurts felt like the top of Buffalo’s season. The Bills desperately wanted a win to remain within the playoff hunt as they face a brutal schedule down the stretch, which incorporates the Chiefs and Cowboys after the bye. Instead, they’re left to stew on a blown 10-point fourth-quarter lead that raises loads of questions on the way forward for coach Sean McDermott in Buffalo.
14. Indianapolis Colts (6-5, No. 16)
Last week: Win vs. Buccaneers, 27-20
Up subsequent: at Titans
In a loaded AFC playoff race, the Colts are quietly holding tempo thanks to 3 straight wins. But a thumb harm to Jonathan Taylor is a tricky blow, because the star operating again will seemingly miss two to 3 weeks. The 2021 All-Pro had been approaching sturdy of late, dashing for 91 yards and two touchdowns Sunday, together with a game-clinching first down on an 8-yard run with 1:24 remaining. The Colts protection, which ranks eleventh in DVOA, should paved the way down the stretch.
15. Seattle Seahawks (6-5, No. 14)
Last week: Loss vs. 49ers, 31-13
Up subsequent: at Cowboys
A brief week comes at a nasty time for the Seahawks, who haven’t regarded proper since getting blown out in Baltimore in early November. To make issues worse, they’ll seemingly be with out injured operating again Kenneth Walker II for the second straight sport, although proper sort out Abe Lucas seems able to return. With video games looming in opposition to the 49ers and Eagles, Thursday evening appears like a must-win for Seattle.
16. Green Bay Packers (5-6, No. 19)
Last week: Win vs. Lions, 29-22
Up subsequent: vs. Chiefs
Perhaps we gave up on the Packers and Jordan Love too quickly. The first-year beginning quarterback regarded terrific on Thanksgiving, throwing for 268 yards and three touchdowns whereas posting an elite 90.5 QBR. Rashan Gary additionally reminded everybody that he’s one of many league’s most disruptive gamers, forcing a career-high two fumbles and tying a profession excessive with three sacks. When every part clicks, it’s straightforward to get enthusiastic about the way forward for this younger group.
17. Minnesota Vikings (6-6, No. 15)
Last week: Loss vs. Bears, 12-10
Up subsequent: Bye
Joshua Dobbs’ magic appears to be operating out, because the journeyman quarterback threw 4 interceptions in an unsightly loss Monday evening. The Vikings’ choice to carry star huge receiver Justin Jefferson out for an additional sport along with his hamstring harm makes good sense, however Minnesota clearly wants him again quickly to have any probability of reaching the postseason.
18. Atlanta Falcons (5-6, No. 24)
Last week: Win vs. Saints, 24-15
Up subsequent: at Jets
This group is so onerous to determine. Desmond Ridder returned to the lineup and threw two interceptions and rookie Bijan Robinson cut up carries with Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson and Ridder, however the Falcons did sufficient on offense to get previous the equally maddening Saints. No group within the NFC South has a successful document, which provides Atlanta an opportunity to experience this roller-coaster season to the playoffs.
19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6, No. 20)
Last week: Win vs. Cardinals, 37-14
Up subsequent: vs. Browns
It’s enjoyable to see Matthew Stafford main the Rams’ offense with a full complement of weapons round him. Stafford threw 4 landing passes, two every to tight finish Tyler Higbee and operating again Kyren Williams, who additionally rushed for 143 yards in his return from harm. The protection, in the meantime, held Arizona to 4.6 yards per play and sacked Kyler Murray 4 instances. Sean McVay is holding this group within the hunt, although video games in opposition to the Browns and Ravens loom.
20. New Orleans Saints (5-6, No. 17)
Last week: Loss vs. Falcons, 24-15
Up subsequent: vs. Lions
Stats can usually be deceptive. Derek Carr threw for 304 yards, however the Saints needed to accept 5 area targets. They additionally misplaced huge receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (thigh) simply days after inserting Michael Thomas on injured reserve. It has usually been one step ahead and two steps again for New Orleans, one of the disappointing groups within the league.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (5-6, No. 18)
Last week: Loss vs. Steelers, 16-10
Up subsequent: at Jaguars
The Bengals’ playoff hopes successfully ended with Joe Burrow’s wrist harm. It would assist to have an efficient operating sport for backup Jake Browning to lean on, however Cincinnati needed to abandon it Sunday after Joe Mixon gained simply 16 yards on eight carries. While Mixon did the Bengals a favor by restructuring his contract within the offseason, he has been an enormous disappointment.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (5-7, No. 22)
Last week: Loss vs. Chiefs, 31-17
Up subsequent: Bye
The Raiders may need one thing in rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who completed 23 of 33 for 248 yards and a landing Sunday in maybe his finest sport as a professional. Las Vegas additionally has an attention-grabbing choice to make this offseason with Josh Jacobs, who ended a 12-game streak by which the Chiefs didn’t enable a 100-yard rusher and broke 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the fifth straight 12 months.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7, No. 23)
Last week: Loss vs. Colts, 27-20
Up subsequent: vs. Panthers
Defensive breakdowns and a pair of turnovers finally value the Bucs, who’ve misplaced 4 straight on the street and 6 of their previous seven total. The roster is in a clumsy spot with loads of holdovers from the Tom Brady period, although there are sufficient shiny spots on either side of the ball to really feel inspired about what the group would possibly appear to be with an infusion of younger expertise.
24. Los Angeles Chargers (4-7, No. 21)
Last week: Loss vs. Ravens, 20-10
Up subsequent: at Patriots
It appears like coach Brandon Staley’s days are numbered, and that was earlier than an uninspiring efficiency in opposition to the Ravens on Sunday evening. The presence of Justin Herbert alone makes the Chargers one of the fascinating teaching jobs within the league, nevertheless it’s truthful to say basic supervisor Tom Telesco has completed a poor job of constructing depth across the star quarterback. The J.C. Jackson contract catastrophe has led to a gaping gap at cornerback.
25. New York Jets (4-7, No. 25)
Last week: Loss vs. Dolphins, 34-13
Up subsequent: vs. Falcons
We’ll see you subsequent 12 months, Aaron Rodgers. While hope remained for the star quarterback to make a uncommon midseason comeback from a torn Achilles tendon, the Jets have seemingly taken the choice out of his arms by shedding 4 straight and falling out of playoff competition. That’s in all probability finest for everybody concerned, although it definitely received’t be enjoyable for coach Robert Saleh to play out the string with this quarterback scenario.
26. Chicago Bears (4-8, No. 26)
Last week: Win vs. Vikings, 12-10
Up subsequent: Bye
If Justin Fields is auditioning to be the Bears’ long-term quarterback, we’d must name his efficiency uneven. While he rushed for 59 yards and accomplished 73% of his passes in Monday evening’s win, his common depth of goal was simply 2.5 yards, and he fumbled twice within the fourth quarter. With Chicago having the perfect probability to land the highest draft choose courtesy of Carolina, it’s onerous to ascertain a situation by which Fields returns because the starter.
27. Tennessee Titans (4-7, No. 29)
Last week: Win vs. Panthers, 17-10
Up subsequent: vs. Colts
It helps to have Derrick Henry, who rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns and have become the eighth operating again in NFL historical past to run for at the very least 9,000 yards and at the very least 80 touchdowns earlier than turning 30. That efficiency got here behind a pair of rookies on the offensive line, as left sort out and former Maryland standout Jaelyn Duncan made his first NFL begin beside left guard and first-round choose Peter Skoronski. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Will Levis is 2-3 since taking up because the starter.
28. New York Giants (4-8, No. 30)
Last week: Win vs. Patriots, 10-7
Up subsequent: Bye
General supervisor Joe Schoen cleared the air after Sunday’s win over the Patriots by committing to Daniel Jones because the group’s beginning quarterback subsequent season. The Giants have appeared to play themselves out of the combination for a top-two draft choose by going 2-1 with undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito, although an 0-5 end in opposition to a tricky schedule might make for a really attention-grabbing offseason.
29. Washington Commanders (4-8, No. 27)
Last week: Loss vs. Cowboys, 45-10
Up subsequent: vs. Dolphins
The firing of defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio won’t result in a lot change on the sector this season, however a training shake-up was clearly wanted. It’s considerably stunning that it wasn’t Ron Rivera who has proven the door, although it’s in all probability finest for the group if he will get to play the season out. Five losses in six video games have dampened an encouraging begin underneath new possession, although it’s clear Josh Harris wants extra time to make this franchise related once more.
30. Arizona Cardinals (2-10, No. 28)
Last week: Loss vs. Rams, 37-14
Up subsequent: at Steelers
It was not a spirited effort from the Cardinals, who regarded lifeless after a 12-play, 75-yard landing march on their opening possession. “When you get beat like that, you’ve got to take a good, hard look at how we’re setting up the week, because it really wasn’t competitive in my mind,” first-year coach Jonathan Gannon stated. Things don’t get any simpler with the Steelers, 49ers and Eagles nonetheless left on the schedule.
31. New England Patriots (2-9, No. 31)
Last week: Loss vs. Giants, 10-7
Up subsequent: vs. Chargers
Are quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe actually that unhealthy, or are the Patriots attempting to lose? They averaged 4.1 yards per try and threw three interceptions Sunday, and Jones additionally misplaced a fumble earlier than getting benched. New England didn’t take a shot on the finish zone regardless of attending to the Giants’ 22 with 1:11 to go, and rookie Chad Ryland missed a 35-yard area objective try with three seconds left that might have tied the sport. You must marvel if coach Bill Belichick is considering a excessive draft choose above all else on the finish of this misplaced season.
32. Carolina Panthers (1-10, No. 32)
Last week: Loss vs. Titans, 17-10
Up subsequent: at Buccaneers
“You think somebody’s gonna magically fix everything? No,” first-year coach Frank Reich stated after Sunday’s loss, simply hours earlier than he’d be fired. Owner David Tepper would possibly suppose in any other case, which is why he got here out in assist of the franchise’s choice to commerce up for quarterback Bryce Young. It’s too quickly to make sweeping judgments about that transfer, however Carolina is in a harmful spot if Young doesn’t pan out.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com