1) LA Rams
God is there any way Todd Gurley can get an honorary MVP for the season, oh wait offensive MVP (get ready for a repeat of last year). Any player can score in this Sean McVay offense, even if they almost lost to the Packers at “home.” They are in for a tough schedule ahead, starting this week with the only team that can dissect defenses as well as Sean McVay, Sean Payton and the Saints. Dante Fowler is on an already dominant D Line, good luck NFC.
2) Kansas City Chiefs
Their offense is special. Kareem Hunt has quietly been one of the 3 best RBs in the sport. I don’t think anyone has been more forgotten unfairly all season. Same old story, this team NEEDS a CB; it gets tiring saying that. To add insult to injury, Tyreek Hill will be questionable for the next week, taking away their most dynamic weapon. Luckily, they are playing the new and improved Browns.
3) New Orleans
OH MY GOD I LOVE TAYSOM HILL. Any time Hill is on the field I turn my head and pray there will be a gadget play. Most fun team to watch in the league in my opinion. I moved this team up a spot because they contained an explosive Vikings offense, with a defense that is finally showing promise. I am seeing Marshon Lattimore return to his elite self. This team is different from ever before. This team isn’t a quick throw, creative screen team anymore, it is THE running team in the league. Crushing you with Kamara, Ingram, and especially Taysom Hill.
4) New England Patriots
I think the Patriots miss their lead back, which is something I didn’t know was allowed to be said in the halls of Gillette Stadium. I watch the team with Cordarrelle Patterson and James Develin as RBs running the football and think they are missing their trusted in-between-the-tackles back. Also, where is Gronk? I think this team has gone away from the TE strong attack they used to run and switched to situational receivers who fill roles, and a RB who functions as a WR. I think this defense is playing better, but still has holes (hard to tell when you are playing Derek Anderson). This and the previous 3 teams are all locks for a BYE this postseason.
5) Carolina Panthers
The Panthers didn’t just beat a really good Ravens team, they beat them at every facet of the game. They are an electric offense right now with the ability to score however they truly please. Cam Newton has quietly become a top 5 QB again and should be mentioned in the MVP race more that he is right now. The defense is also solid, finding a legitimate pass-rush. I think this may be the sleeper team that could beat anyone in the playoffs. I wouldn’t be surprised if they raise the Lombardi Trophy at season’s end.
6) Los Angeles (San Diego) Chargers
The most exciting thing to come out of Chargers’ camp during a BYE week was the fact that they will stay in their current lease for 20 years. (Please go back to San Diego, or least go to Vegas instead of the Raiders so fanbases can have teams they actually care about). Melvin Gordon will at least be back next week.
7) Pittsburgh Steelers
Remember how people were calling for Mike Tomlin’s job because they started out slow? Well look at them now. The offense is looking smooth (and by the time this article is released we will know the fate of Le'Veon Bell). James Conner looks like he could carry the load even without him there. I am excited about this team moving forward; however their, long-term prospects are not as appealing. Unlike the teams before, I am unsure of their ability to outscore the points they give up, especially against the teams ahead of them.
8) Houston Texans
They are pass blocking better than ever this season… against the Dolphins though. This team has problems though, and that line will give them trouble moving forward, unless you like Martinas Rankin. The defense is playing like an elite unit however. Hopefully this wasn’t just a one time explosion by Deshaun. This will be the best team in the AFC South.
9) Cincinnati Bengals
It feels like the same story every year, the Bengals teeter on great team but fall just short of that elite status, relying on AJ Green too much. Well I’m here to tell the people of Cincinnati, your team has elite talent outside AJ Green. Joe Mixon has established himself as a legitimate star, and Tyler Boyd is no slouch either. William Jackson has established himself as a top 13 starting CB, and Jessie Bates has asserted himself as one of the better safeties. The only thing stopping this team is for whatever reason, they seem to be sure that the only way to win is for Andy Dalton to throw the ball every play.
10) Philadelphia Eagles
Pay no attention to the records in NFC East, this is still the team to beat. I know Washington has a better record, but the Eagles are officially out of their hangover and ready for Carson Wentz to light up the NFL again, and I for one can’t wait. The injury to Jalen Mills may make the Eagles realize that someone else is more suited to play the outside corner role. Even without Lane Johnson and Peters at times they were still able to pass block for Carson against a fierce Jacksonville Jaguars team. Look for the Eagles to fly into the playoffs.
11) Chicago Bears
Try running on this team, it will be near impossible. Add a healthy Khalil Mack and I dare anyone to get 5 yards a carry. This team is still dangerous and can make real noise come the playoff race. Mitch Trubisky may not be special, but he may be the most dangerous runner at QB outside Deshaun Watson. The Hebrew and The Hammer still are my favorite RB duo in football. I would not be surprised if this team takes the division or beats out the Vikings. I doubt you noticed, but they are winning the division
12) Washington Football Team
I don’t like this team. This is like the Dolphins earlier this season, they are only this high because of their record. Their defense is good. Adrian Peterson has found a second gear at age 33; congrats, great to see. I just do not trust an Alex Smith led offense throwing to Josh Doctson to really make noise and beat the Eagles. Getting Haha doesn’t change my mind, since he's basically another DJ Swearinger.
13) Green Bay Packers
The Packers shoulda won that game, they shoulda. The upset of the year would have been great for the Packers’ ego, now all we talk about is whether Ty Montgomery should be cut. Still, I am convinced that as long as Aaron Rodgers exists (and the Vikings underperform) this will be the team representing the North. There are a plethora of weapons to choose from for Aaron Rodgers, and now there is a RUNNING BACK!!!! Aaron Jones just got freed and the world can rejoice because the Packers are now a two-dimensional offense. If their run defense keeps up their pace, this team could shock some people. Jaire Alexander is the REAL DEAL. I do think losing Haha is a real problem.
14) Minnesota Vikings
I just am not impressed with the Vikings this year, and if you think Kirk Cousins INTs are the problem then you are not watching the games. This defense is giving up big play after big play. I thought the return of Everson Griffen would totally change their defense, and to be fair they played the Saints so it’s hard to tell. However this secondary is not elite like it was last year; I don’t know what happened to Xavier Rhodes. I like this offense a lot, but I just like the Bears defense more than the Vikings’ offense, and maybe the Bears offense more than the Vikings defense.
15) Baltimore Ravens
This one hurt. I wanted to put them in the top 10 really badly. It’s just that they are at .500 and got exposed against a good Carolina team. Joe Flacco had his worst game of the year, and the team now needs a rebound. The defense is still excellent, the offense is still good. They can win their division. Luckily for them, if they ever needed a game to get excited about they play a pivotal game against the Steelers (bloodbath of the year).
16) Seattle Seahawks
They smoked the Lions, it was hard to watch. I think everyone who has doubted if Russell Wilson is elite, just close your mouth now. This team has all the flaws in the world and can still win a lot of games because of this man. The defense stinks, the O-line stinks. I respect that they have realized this and decided to be a run-first, control the clock type football team, relying on Russell Wilson to make the plays to win the game for them.
17) Detroit Lions
This team had a Snacks-sized growing period this week. The Lions clearly were working through some kinks on defense this weekend, and against Russell Wilson, that’s never a great thing. The offense really underperformed. They never really felt on track until very late when the game was sealed by an amazing interception by the Seahawks. I think this was more outlier than the norm and it is on to next week for the Lions.
18) Dallas Cowboys
The Boys were on BYE and now need to do their best to get Amari Cooper incorporated into their offense. All the media will be talking bout Amari, not the really good defense that goes unnoticed, Dak Prescott’s improved mechanics, or Chidobe Awuzie becoming one of the best shutdown corners in football. To be fair that is all I’m interested in too. Still wasn’t worth the first.
19) Tennessee Titans
I think I have been a little too hard on the Titans. This team isn’t bad, just not exciting. They can win games by ground and pounding. I just think they need a spark on offense, and it’s name should be Corey Davis. I have no clue why there are not more designed plays to get Corey Davis the ball, because he looks special. I hope they figure it out (probably won’t) but the titans can be a tough out for any team.
20) Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have players on offense with no scheme. They have a successful defensive scheme, but all their players are hurt. I get that they are 3-4, but they play in a division with the Panthers and Saints. I just think that they are the most easily burned team in the middle of the field throughout the NFL. I just don’t see them with even a shot for the playoffs.
21) Jacksonville Jaguars
I have no faith in this team at all. Blake Bortles is the only QB in the NFL (short of Eli) that can make this team lose. It is all Blake Bortles. This team is stacked in all facets of the game, we know this. This defense could be all time great, if they didn’t have to be on the field ¾ of the game. Dede Westbrook looks like a number 1 wide receiver, and can’t officially break out because of Bortles. Same with DJ Chark (I know he dropped a TD catch). I am mad, so mad, that I cannot trust this team to win games. (If Tyrod is a Jaguar by the time this article goes out then I will feel better). (Sorry Andrew, no good news to report, this team is doomed).
22) Indianapolis Colts
I love this team so much. Marlon Mack looks legit, and Nheim Hynes gives him a lovely combo. They are heading to a much needed BYE week to get their players happy. I think they could beat the Jaguars when they get back.
23) Denver Broncos
All hail Phillip Lindsay. This guy is just an absolute animal out there. I see only a hand full of people at his time play with his intensity. I love the fact that he is finally the lead back. The Von-Chubb combo looks really special. They stayed within striking distance of the Chiefs last week, and I don’t think that was an accident. This team is a headache for any team to face
24) Tampa Bay Bucs
Fitzmagic is back!!! I am so happy to report this because I think the whole team likes Fitzpatrick way more than Winston in general. This offense could be dangerous, and now they have someone who knows when to play hero football. I just feel bad because this is the situation for 2 years. I worry because this draft class will give them no answer at QB, especially because even if Herbert does declare, he won’t be there for the Bucs.
25) Miami Dolphins
I finally get to talk bad about this team. Shouldn’t be hard when the starting QB job is between Brock Osweiler and Ryan Tannehill. At the beginning of the season I picked this team to have the number 1 pick. Now they are gonna be in contention for top 5. I hope those early upsets were worth it.
26) New York Jets
I like this team a lot. I have said it every week. Darnold looks good. Adams is my favorite defensive player in the league. This running attack needs a spark, cause I’m positive that Isaiah Crowell looks like just a guy. I can’t wait until next year. I have a feeling that Devin White will be on this team next year for the scariest LSU duo since Patrick Peterson and the Honey Badger.
27) Cleveland Browns
Bye Hue Jackson, it was nice to hear you blame your players for why you were 3-36-1. I am just sad that Todd Haley is not gonna be the interim HC. He took a Matt Cassel-led Chiefs team to the playoffs. This team for the rest of the season is just trying to show off their talent and evaluate. Crazy to think that Greg Williams is auditioning for his second HC job, Buffalo fans must be proud.
28) Buffalo Bills
I just feel really bad for the Bills. This team has nothing on offense*, including Shady. I just don’t see them winning a game, unless the defense scores, TWICE. It is a real problem. Don’t you worry Buffalo fans help is on the way, meet your new QB Terrelle Pryor.
29) Arizona Cardinals
It’s not every day I shower praise on the Arizona Cardinals, but I think they are a step away from possibly having a nice foundation on which to build upon. I like Josh Rosen more and more each week; I just worry about him getting sacked and his career ending abruptly. David Johnson still has talent, but like Rosen there is no O-line to block for him. I really don’t have much more to say on a boring team.
30) San Francisco
I just feel bad for Kyle Shanahan at this point. You are forced to use CJ Beathard and to rely on Greg Kittle and Marquise Goodwin in the pass game. He can only do so much. I think this team should just take an L on the season and see if they can make a run at Oliver or Bosa, if not, trade down and wait for Jimmy G.
31) Oakland Raiders
Congrats Derek Carr you looked like you remembered to throw the football again. I’m not one of these people who think Derek Carr was completely overpaid, and should leave. I think the game against the Colts proved he knows how to play and make most throws on the field. I just wanna see development from any of the other young… O wait.
32) New York Giants
Without a doubt the most pathetic team in football right now. They have no reason not to contend with the roster they posses, but they had to make sure Eli gets the ring. If anyone tells you that Eli Manning has been playing starting level caliber football for any of the last four years than they are either liars or Take Artists. You know what is funny? The Atlanta game is actually his best QBR in 2 years. That should show you how bad a stat that and completion percentage are, because it contradicts what everyone can see, ELI MANNING IS THE WORST QB IN THE NFL. The worst part is that Eli pads his stats at the end of the game by throwing dink and dunk passes to pad his completion percentage. Eli is a joke.
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