After three weeks of competition, I have enough data in my computer (head, that is) to begin ranking NFL teams. Here’s my take on the order.
After the 3rd week of the NFL season, we begin to see what teams are really made of. Some have hit the ground running and look every bit as ferocious as last season.
Courtesy: Chiefs Wire-USAToday
The two teams that stand out for me are the Patriots and Chiefs. Those teams seem to be on a collision course for a repeat of last year’s AFC Championship. Even the Cowboys appear to have picked up where they left off from the second half of last season–when this team became a team.
But other teams have taken giant steps backward, including the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, LA Chargers, Carolina Panthers, and even the Cleveland Browns. Worst of all are the Miami Dolphins, whose team slogan is “Next Year!” Or, then again, maybe it’s “Tanking for Tua.” But I do think that Miami should at least give Josh Rosen a chance. I mean, what do they have to lose … other than games?
Other teams have sprung a surprise, coming out of the gate with three wins when expectations weren’t high. In fact, they were low. Nobody expected the 49ers, Lions, or Bills to be undefeated after the 3rd week of the NFL season.
And how about the Green Bay Packers?! Now with a very formidable defense, along with one of the greatest quarterbacks to strap on a helmet, the 3-0 Pack are looking dangerous after a two-year playoff drought.
It’s the same story every season. We have our guaranteed teams, our surprise teams, and those who were in the postseason last year but don’t look like they’ll return to the tournament this year.
Now with so many young quarterbacks in the league–the majority being under the age of 26–it’s much harder to predict the future of said QBs and the teams they lead. However, we’re seeing mobile quarterbacks, acrobatic catches from receivers, and monster pass rushers–and that gives us a good sense of where teams are and (very importantly) in what direction they’re heading.
Here is my first Power 32 installment of the season. Let’s see how long the top dogs can stay ahead of the pack.
1. Patriots: Top 3 defense – Extremely efficient offense – Brady/Belichick
2. Chiefs: Best offense and QB in the league – Never out of a game
3. Cowboys: Looking unbeatable as long as they stay healthy
4. Ravens: Tough as nails – Nasty defense – Upcoming QB
5. Packers: Aaron Rodgers, Much improved defense – Have a running game
6. Rams: Still questions on offense – Veteran coach, Veteran defense
7. Vikings: The passing game will improve – Great defense – Excellent run game
8. Saints: Underrated defense – Playmakers on offense – Great head coach
9. 49ers: Need to clean up turnovers, Top rushing offense, Great front 7 on D
10. Bills: Josh Allen is a football player, Keeps the team in games – Defense means business
11. Lions: Need to see more on offense – Improved defense – Must run consistently
12. Texans: Keep Watson healthy – Sound defense – Need more playmakers
13. Bears: Defense can win games – Offense can lose games
14. Seahawks: Well coached – Superb signal-caller – They have heart
15. Colts: Brissett belongs – Frank Reich doing everything right – Great O-Line
16. Eagles: Great roster – Keep Wentz healthy – More offensive creativity needed
17. Falcons: Bad play calling – No running game – Lack of big plays
18. Browns: Need time to mesh as a team – Put ego aside & work together
19. Chargers: Not running well – Too reliant on Rivers – Major injuries
20. Raiders: Need consistency offensively – Need new defensive scheme
21. Titans: No offensive rhythm – Defense on the field too long – QB change?
22. Jaguars: They have a top-ranked defense – Minshew will continue to grow
23. Panthers: Average team that has above-average potential
24. Giants: New QB in town – This season is all about Daniel Jones
25. Steelers: Mason Rudolph needs rapport with WRs – The D will get better
26. Bengals: Played and lost in close games – Must learn to finish the job
27. Bucs: Winston a ??? – The defense is suspect – Can barely run the ball
28. Jets: Darnold’s departure deflated this team – They need a lot of practice
29. Broncos: Still getting used to Flacco – Defense under Fangio is a major disappointment
30. Cardinals: Kyler Murray has potential – Too many holes on D – Growing pains
31. Redskins: Practice and study game film – Try a different approach while you’re at it
32. Dolphins: They don’t care about their season, so why should I?
Your opinions and rankings are always welcome!
