The first team to clinch a playoff berth, the Cowboys are in. The Cowboys offence struggled with season lows in points, yards and third-down conversions on Thursday night against a very good Minnesota defence. Even though Dak Prescott mostly struggled throughout the game throwing the ball downfield, he was able to make game-saving plays with his feet when scrambling for first-downs on 3rd and long on two occasions. The Cowboys face NFC East rivals New York Giants this weekend, who they suffered their only loss on the season against back in week one.
2) Seattle Seahawks (8-3-1)
3) New England Patriots (10-2)
No Gronk, no problem... for now. Tom Brady leads the league in passer rating, we know how great he is, but without Rob Gronkowski his numbers dramatically fall. When the Patriots are facing 3rd&7 and they need a big-play, they will miss Gronk. The receiving trio of Julian Edelman-Danny Amendola-Malcolm Mitchell all stepped up last week and will need to continue to if the Patriots are to be the team to beat in the AFC. LeGarrette Blount his best season of his career, giving the Patriots a genuine intimidating ground game. Martellus Bennett needs to feature more in the pass game. We know he is no Gronk, but he is a top 10 tight end in this league. They face a resurgent Baltimore Ravens team this weekend. Upset alert.
4) Oakland Raiders (10-2)
Derek Carr is currently my pick for MVP. This past weekend he lead his team to its 10th fourth-quarter comeback. Every week he just makes perfect throws, usually into tight coverage finding his star receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Shoutout to Seth Roberts who has emerged as a pretty impressive third option for Carr. Latavius Murray continues to prove me wrong, I never saw him as a star running back. I still believe he is the product of a very good offensive line, but he is doing his thing adding two more touchdowns to his season. Derek Carr has been getting the Raiders the lead and Khalil Mack makes sure it stays that way. The Mack-Daddy has been turning up these past few weeks with three strip-sacks in his last four games (and he recovered all three of the fumbles by the way). Game of week 14? Oakland Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs on TNF.
5) Kansas City Chiefs (9-3)
Eric Berry is just ridiculous. Maybe the best individual defensive performance I have seen all season, Berry picked off Matt Ryan twice. Once returning it for a touchdown, the other on a 2-pt conversion play, returning 90+ yards for a safety. The Chiefs offence is suspect, I think it hugely hurts their chances of making a deep run in the playoffs and as I have said before, I don't think you can win a Super Bowl with Alex Smith. But the Chiefs are winning games with defence and special teams making plays. Andy Reid drew the fake punt play up perfectly, which saw Albert Wilson score a rushing touchdown. Travis Kelce is starting to remind us why he is one of the best tight ends in the game. Smith needs to look for him as much as he can. As I said previously, we got ourselves a ball game on Thursday night.
6) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
Surprised? Me too. A few weeks ago I was so down on this team, I thought they might miss the playoffs. But over the past three games, they look like the team I thought they would be at the start of the season. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley has finally started to involve Le'Veon Bell as he should be. For my money, Bell is the best running back in the league. He always seems to find the gaps and make big plays when it looks like they are about to lose yardage.
7) Denver Broncos (8-4)
This team once again showed us how much it relies on its defence to make plays. The Broncos only led by seven at halftime, before Blake Bortles started to do Blake Bortles things, like throw an interception which Bradley Roby returned for a touchdown. Von Miller sealed the win against the Jaguars with a strip-sack in the fourth quarter. Rookie Paxton Lynch got the start at quarterback with Siemian out through injury. Lynch threw for a mere 104 yards passing on 12 of 24 completions. That is enough to beat the Jaguars, but the Broncos will need more from their quarterbacks down the stretch. You're not winning a playoff game completing 12 passes... unless you're Tim Tebow.
8) Detroit Lions (8-4)
Is their a better QB-WR duo in the league than Matthew Stafford and Golden Tate right now? They connected on a 66-yard pass that pretty much ended the game this past weekend against the Saints. The Lions running game is one of the league's worst, yet Matthew Stafford keeps putting together long drives, keeping his defence off the field. The Lions defence were still able to manage three interceptions, not a good day for Drew Brees. The Lions face the struggling Bears this weekend. Should they win this game and the Seahawks beat the Packers, the NFC North will be the Lions' to lose.
9) Baltimore Ravens (7-5)
Joe Flacco had his best game of the season this weekend, and he needed to. The Ravens virtually had no running game, no play action. They just let Flacco sit in the pocket and see what he can do against the Dolphins. He ended the game with four touchdowns. Baltimore's defence was able to shut down one of the best running backs this season, Jay Ajayi whilst also holding Ryan Tannehill to just eight yards per completion. Flacco will need to replicate this performance if the Ravens are to beat the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football.
10) New York Giants (8-4)
Most people are down on this team right now and I understand why. The Giants cannot afford to keep having so many empty possessions on offence. It all starts with the offensive line. They simply can't block long enough for the receivers to get into their routes, therefore Eli Manning is getting the ball out of his hands quickly which is resulting in short yardage gains. You can't rely on that all game, especially when your running game is non-existent. The Giants NEED to run the ball with effectiveness. The defence will keep them in games, although losing Jason Pierre-Paul for the season is a huge blow. I think the Giants matchup pretty well with the Cowboys. Dallas struggles to get pressure on the quarterback, therefore this should give Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard and co. time to get into their routes and giving Eli enough time in the pocket to find them. Manning cannot afford to turn the ball over against this team.
11) Green Bay Packers (6-6)
Aaron Rodgers is quietly getting back to playing like himself again. On his day, he is the best quarterback in the NFL. When he is able to use his legs to buy himself time, he will hurt you as he has shown with 10 passing touchdowns outside the pocket. The Packers are having no success running the ball, it will be interesting to see if Christine Michael is able to make plays against his old team this weekend at a cold, snowy Lambeau Field.
Rodgers will have to be at his scrambling best this weekend, running from Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark and the Seahawks.
12) Atlanta Falcons (7-5)
This one might surprise some people, but hear me out... I have never really been high on this team all season. I think it is now pretty obvious how bad the Falcons defence is. Their inability to make plays and create turnovers puts a lot of pressure on Matt Ryan to win them games. To his credit, thus far he has done a good job of doing just that. However, when it gets to the playoffs, I don't believe you make much noise with a defence this bad. Also, I'm starting to have a problem with "Matty Ice". Although he went to my favourite school (Boston College), he hasn't played up to his nickname the past few seasons with late turnovers and poor results towards the end of the season. He is a great quarterback, no doubt, but that interception he threw to Eric Berry on the 2-pt conversion... Ouch.
13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
Jameis Winston has hugely stepped up, taking his team on a four-game winning streak. He has defeated two elite defences in the past few weeks in the Seahawks and Chiefs all doing so whilst spreading the ball around. Lavonte David is having an unbelievable season and this past week came up huge for the Bucs with a pick-six late in the third quarter which gave his team the momentum to go on and win the game.
14) Washington Redskins (6-5-1)
The Redskins keep missing chances to close in the Cowboys, and it looks like it is going to hurt them. They can't seem to find the end zone and have to settle for field goals, that needs to change if they are to secure a wildcard spot. Their defence needs to step up, in the last two games they have allowed 62 points with no takeaways. They face the Eagles this week in a must-win game for both teams.
15) Arizona Cardinals (5-6-1)
The Cardinals may have saved their season this past weekend, going for it on 4th&1 on their own 34 and being able to run the clock out. Does Arians not trust his defence? Or does he just trust that David Johnson is an absolute beast and will get the first-down? Probably the latter. Had the Cardinals have had a better season, Johnson would be in the MVP conversation. The Cardinals pretty much need to win every game and hope Seattle lose a few if they are to retain their NFC West crown. They must beat the Dolphins this weekend, if they are to even stay in the hunt for a wild-card spot.
16) Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
The Vikings will feel unlucky to have lost against the Cowboys last Thursday, they were one blown facemask call away from tying the game. Minnesota's front seven did a great job containing Ezekiel Elliott. However, the secondary didn't have their best game letting Dez Bryant loose for a huge play on star safety Harrison Smith. Adam Thielen's dropped punt return simply gifted the Cowboys the game. This weekend the Vikings secondary should have some joy against Blake Bortles, who can't stop throwing interceptions.
17) Miami Dolphins (7-5)
Welp... that's one way to end a six-game winning streak. The Dolphins had more turnovers in their loss last week against the Ravens than they did in their winning streak. Ryan Tannehill had played as well as I have ever seen him play, but struggled against a very good Ravens defence and wasn't able to get much going. Miami's defence were not able to contain Dennis Pitta who scored two touchdowns. The Dolphins defence will face another tough task this weekend, trying to stop David Johnson.
18) Buffalo Bills (6-6)
A lot of questions are being asked if the Bills should keep Tyrod Taylor. I find that pretty laughable. Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy have been the bright sparks of the team this season. The Bills have been hugely let down by its defence and in particular, the secondary. They have pretty good personnel, but the defensive backs have given up huge plays in seemingly every game. Rex Ryan, seen as a master of defence will have his hands full this weekend as the Bills come up against the Steelers.
19) Houston Texans (6-6)
Texans did look like they could have the AFC South locked up. Not anymore. The division is wide open with the Colts and Titans all sharing the same record. The Texans were without Jadeveon Clowney this weekend, and it showed as they were able to get little pressure on Aaron Rodgers. Brock Osweiler continues to be inconsistent, however he was not helped by his star receiver DeAndre Hopkins dropping three catchable balls. HUGE game this weekend as the Texans face the Colts.
20) Indianapolis Colts (6-6)
It was a horrible game on Monday Night Football, but Andrew Luck was unbelievable throwing into tight windows. If the Colts offensive line can hold up as it did against the Jets, Luck will have the time to find TY Hilton, Dwayne Allen and those boys. The Colts defence weren't tested at all against the Jets. However they will be when they come up against Lamar Miller and the Texans.
21) Tennessee Titans (6-6)
Titans were on a bye week this past week. They face the Broncos this week, a huge test for Marcus Mariota and the Titans inconsistent offence.
22) Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)
Once upon a time, the Eagles were 5th on my power rankings. This was a huge surprise to me. Speaking to a friend of mine who is an Eagles fan, I predicted they would win four games. With a rookie head coach, a rookie quarterback, average wide receivers and Chip Kelly's mess, I thought they would struggle to find ways to win games. They are starting to look like that team, towards the end of the season. The Eagles have a bright future though, Pederson will be a good head coach and Carson Wentz has already shown he has the intangibles and potential to be a great quarterback. Rumours around the league are that DeSean Jackson may be returning to the Eagles next season when he becomes a free agent.
23) Cincinnati Bengals (4-7-1)
The Bengals came into week 13 riding a three game losing streak whilst allowing 18+ points per game, however they were able to play like the team we expected they would be at the start of the season, this past week against the Eagles. Andy Dalton threw for 332 yards all without AJ Green and Giovani Bernard. Vontaze Burfict let his unbelievable plays do the talking with two interceptions and 15 tackles. If #55 can stay out of trouble, he is one of the best linebackers in the league. We won't see the black and orange in the postseason. This could be Marvin Lewis' last season at head coach.
24) San Diego Chargers (5-7)
San Diego carry on throwing away games they probably should be winning. They have lost 5 of their 7 games by less than 8 points and have turned the ball over a league-high 25 times, which have cost the Chargers in each of their seven losses. Mike McCoy needs to get back to giving the ball to Melvin Gordon. Philip Rivers is throwing the ball too much (another reason they are turning it over). This week however, Rivers should fire away throwing the ball down field against a subpar Carolina secondary.
25) Carolina Panthers (4-8)
WHO'D OF THOUGHT?! The Carolina Panthers are out of playoff contention with four weeks to go. Coach Rivera BENCHED Cam Newton for the first drive, because he didn't wear a tie on the plane journey... Really? Things don't seem to be well between Rivera and Cam. I thought something was up two weeks ago against the Raiders. Carolina offence on 4th&1 with the game and their season on the line, at the 40 and they decide to punt? With 65, 250lbs Cam Newton at the ready to run a quarterback sneak and potentially win go down the field and win the game. This week against Seattle, the Panthers star defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short weren't able to make much of an impact against Seattle's inconsistent offensive line. Cam Newton has failed to complete 50% of his passes for the past three games. The last quarterback to do this? Josh Freeman, who was released shortly after.
26) New Orleans Saints (5-7)
When Drew Brees doesn't have a good day, you know the Saints are in for a terrible day. Brees has kept them in games throwing the football downfield and making things happen on offence. We know the Saints defence cant seem to stop anything. This weekend, Brees had by far his worst game of the season throwing three interceptions. Largely due to the offensive line collapsing in front of him, the Saints offence could not get going. Saints-Bucs should be a great game, potential upset.
27) Los Angeles Rams (4-8)
So, this past week Jeff Fisher got a contract extension. Having missed the playoffs 16 times in 22 seasons, not having a winning record since 2008 and not winning a playoff game since 2003... talk about job security. The Rams new quarterback Jared Goff is 0-3 with a 31.9 Total QBR. However, Jared Goff has a chance to showcase his talents against a below average defence in Atlanta. Jeff Fisher didn't want a 7-9 season, I think he'd take that right now.
28) Chicago Bears (3-9)
The Bears have a lot of issues they need to address this off-season, but at least they have their franchise running back. Jordan Howard rushed for 117 yards and three touchdowns this past weekend. He has averaged 4.9 yards per carry, which is the same as Ezekiel Elliott. The Bears will look to upset the Lions this weekend, a team which Howard also had an 100-yard rushing game performance against when they met earlier in the season.
29) New York Jets (3-9)
I wish I could put them last after that pathetic performance on Monday Night Football. As an English guy who has never even stepped onto to an American Football field never mind played the game, it would be naïve of me to state that they quit. What is absolutely fair to say, is that the Jets they did not give 100%. Coming onto the season, the Jets had one of the most feared defensive lines in football. Yet they were unable to get any pressure on the worst offensive line in the league as Andrew Luck had all day to throw in the pocket and did just that. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been the biggest disappointment of the season as he now has the worst touchdown-interception ratio in the NFL. Bryce Petty will be the starter for the rest of the season.
30) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)
Blake Bortles has thrown 11 interceptions that have been returned touchdowns since he was drafted in 2014.
Blake Bortles has won 10 games since he was drafted in 2014.
I have never been a Bortles fan, but I never thought he would be THIS bad. How long before the Jags give up on Bortles? Two more seasons probably. It is a shame, they have great personnel on both sides of the ball, they just can't find way to win games.
Gus Bradley is lucky to still be in a job.
31) San Francisco 49ers (1-11)
Colin Kaepernick was benched for Blaine Gabbert. It was that bad. Not much to say about this team really, just an absolute mess. Worst defence in the NFL, no consistency at quarterback, not much of a running game and just one win. I would rather watch X Factor this weekend than watch the 49ers vs Jets.
32) Cleveland Browns (0-12)
For the first time in this NFL season, the Browns didn't lose this weekend. The bad news: The Browns had a bye week. Hang in there Browns fans, Robert Griffin is back this weekend. Maybe he throws a 60-yard bomb to Terrelle Pryor? Maybe Duke Johnson shreds through the Bengals defence for three rushing touchdowns? I don't know. I feel for you, Cleveland. At least you have LeBron.
