Hi everyone, another week in the books in what has been a crazy season. The AFC is an absolute jumbled mess, while the NFC is a little bit more top heavy. Where do I have everyone ranked, well check out the list for yourself!! Thank you for reading, we are coming up on a full year of drewsports and I must say I have enjoyed every moment of this.
32. Lions 1-10-1 (Drew Rating: -15.39 Projected Record 3-9) LW: 32
Lions win, Lions Win!!!! Congrats to the Lions who got a walkoff touchdown from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown to beat the Vikings 29-27 to get off the schneid and will not finish down in the depths of the 2017 Browns and 2008 Lions as a win less team for a full season. If you look deeper the Lions are your run of the mill bad team but they are not down in the depths of historic futility bad, they were due to steal a game and on Sunday they did exactly that, well sort of because they were up 20-6 in this game. It’s the Detroit Lions we are talking about, this was never supposed to be easy.
31. Jaguars 2-10 (Drew Rating: -19.56 Projected Record 2-10) LW: 31
The Jags are really bad and it appears they are getting worse. Since their 9-6 upset win of the Bills they lost a tough game to the Colts, so improvement to continue right? Well not exactly. They got killed 30-10 to the 49ers, lost 21-14 in a game that wasn’t that close against the Falcons and lost 37-7 to a Rams team that had been playing football that was not championship caliber (like three consecutive blowout losses in a row bad). Expect Trevor Lawrence to be much better in year two, for the rest of year one of the reign of Trevor it’s all about learning and getting through the season without serious injury.
30. Texans 2-10 (Drew Rating: -18.06 Projected Record 2-10) LW: 30
141 total yards, 2.8 yards per play. Didn’t get past the Colts 40 yard line for the entire game. How does that performance sound to you? I thought that was pretty bad myself. Tyrod Taylor was 5-13 for 45 yards and an interception for a passer rating of 16.5. All I have been doing all season is praising Tyrod Taylor for how competitive the Texans have been when he was starting and he went and played a game so bad head coach David Culley benched, I hate football!!
29. Jets 3-9 (Drew Rating: -19.91 Projected Record 2-10) LW: 29
Robert Saleh’s defense has been the worst in football so far this season. All the Jets did in their 33-18 loss to the Eagles on Sunday was let Gardner Minshew (who had not been on the field all season) and company score on their first seven possessions. Zach Wilson played well early scoring on their first three drives but the offense was shut out in the second half. The offensive talent is there for the Jets. But the defense needs to improve over the offseason before the Jersey Jets can even be considered as a competitive football team.
28. Bears 4-8 (Drew Rating: -12.95 Projected Record 3-9) LW: 27
Andy Dalton is what he is at this point and time, a servicable backup. As Andy’s passes in a wet day on the western shores of Lake Michigan kept landing into Arizona Cardinals defenders hands I kept thinking to myself why aren’t the Bears running the ball more. Matt Nagy is at this point a lame duck coach and that is a shame. Even though he has made some baffling decisions in his career fact of the matter is this will be the first time in his four years in the Windy City that he will finish with a losing record, but hey that’s life in the NFL. Not for long!!!
27. Giants 4-8 (Drew Rating: -5.16 Projected Record 5-7) LW: 26
It looks like Daniel Jones is going to miss another start this week in L.A and at this point does it matter? We have had enough evidence at this point to say that Daniel Jones is going to be in the NFL for a long time but primarily as a bridge/backup quarterback. The issue is here as the metrics show the Giants have a really good defense. On Sunday in Miami the defense again kept the G Unit in the game but since backup Mike Glennon and company could not move the ball past their own line of scrimmage much of the day the D ran out of gas in the 4th Quarter as the Phins would pull away. There is talent here if they can find a viable option at QB, Russell Wilson anyone?
26. Seahawks 4-8 (Drew Rating: 0.10 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 28
The Hawks swept the 49ers this season and that might (not likely with the 49ers remaining schedule) keep the 49ers out of the playoffs. Russell Wilson finally looked like Russ for the first since before his finger injury he suffered in Week 5 (30-37 and very efficient throughout the day). The Hawks defense has also played far better over the past several weeks but at 4-8 the season is pretty much all but over in the city of salmon and clouds. Lots of offseason questions to come here.
25. Falcons 5-7 (Drew Rating: -12.95 Projected Record 3-9) LW: 25
The dirty birds are not a good football team at all. Calvin Ridley walking away from the game to work on his mental health (which I greatly applaud) was a huge blow to a team that cannot run the football. The defense has been improved this season but with the offense being so limited the d has worn down in many games this season. Even though the Birds do still have an outside shot at the playoffs Sunday was their fifth loss by at least 13 points, Let’s be real, this is not a playoff caliber football team.
24. Panthers 5-7 (Drew Rating: -4.42 Projected Record 5-7) LW: 21
I know they drop three spots on their bye week but the three teams below them all won this week so deal with it Kitties. Cam Newton put a new definition to bad in the Panthers last game at the Dolphins and the honest question is if Cam or P.J Walker gives the Panthers the best chance to win the rest of the season. Not to sound crazy but I think the gameplan in their Week 10 victory over the Cardinals is the best route to go here. Have P.J Walker be the primary starter with Cam in the game on some sub packages. I just like giving suggestions, doesn’t mean I’m right, but here I think I’m right!!
23. Saints 5-7 (Drew Rating: -1.84 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 20
Why is Taysom Hill throwing so much?? The game on Thursday night against the Cowboys was close throughout yet Sean Peyton had Taysom Hill throw the football 41 times with a finger injury mind you. That is like me hitting on 19 in blackjack and excepting to hit an Ace or Deuce. In other words it is not smart football. The Saints have dropped more than any team in football as of late as they were hovering at the bottom of the Top 10 a month and a half ago. Now the Saints are at the bottom of the Worst 10 teams in football. The Saints get a reprieve this week as they get to play the Jets, so cheer up Who Dat Nation!
22. Vikings 5-7 (Drew Rating: 2.43 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 19
Oh Minnesota, the enigma continues. They should have beat the Cardinals (best record in football), did beat the Chargers and Packers back to back and now they lost to the previously winless Lions on a play at the end of the game that had the world wondering what kind of defense was that. The Vikings had two defensive backs that were thinking the endzone was five yards deeper than it was on Amon-St Brown’s game winning touchdown. Mike Zimmer might be out in Minnesota if the Vikings lose to Pittsburgh on Thursday which has to be considered a weird matchup to say the very least.
21. WFT 6-6 (Drew Rating: -10.80 Projected Record 4-8) LW: 24
Come on Drew they have won four in row you should have the fighting football’s way higher in these rankings. You are right my friend but let’s review some of the football teams wins. They beat the Giants because a defensive lineman lined up offsides on a missed game winning field goal (now exiled Dustin Hopkins took advantage of his second opportunity). The Falcons blew an 8 point lead with four minutes left because they are the Falcons. Then the past two weeks have featured back to back 17-15 wins. In other words this is the most fortunate 6 win team. However, they are a very dangerous team and if the playoffs began today the fighting football’s would be in the dance.
20. Steelers 6-5-1 (Drew Rating: -6.56 Projected Record 5-7) LW: 22
There is no way this Steelers team is going to make the postseason but I want to see if they can somehow finish at .500 and keep Mike Tomlin’s streak of non losing seasons intact. The Steelers have a good defense (when healthy), a great young running back, three high quality receivers and a good young tight end. The burgh are two offensive lineman and a good quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender again next season. This is the only spot I could Aaron Rodgers going if he leaves Green Bay (which at this time I doubt happens, thank or blame COVID!!!)
19. Dolphins 6-7 (Drew Rating: -6.34 Projected Record 5-8) LW: 23
Brian Flores deserves some consideration for coach of the year if the Phins can finish above .500. The aquatic mammals were 1-7 and looked like arguably the worst team in the NFL in the first half of the season. Now the schedule (outside of a Thursday night win over the Ravens) has been very favorable for Miami over this five game winning streak but you still have to beat the opponents in front of you. A game that will crawl in Phins fans skin for the rest of season was the London loss to the Jaguars where the Dolphins blew many chances throughout the game to put the occasionally frisky Jags away. God I love football!!
18. Broncos 6-6 (Drew Rating: -1.72 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 14
JaVonte Williams is a stud young running back. Even when Melvin Gordon comes back the rookie from North Carolina must be the featured back in the Donkeys offense. Now for Teddy Bridgewater who we all knew he wasn’t it but boy did he fall flat on his face on Sunday Night in the land of Barbecue (two killer second half interceptions one taken back for a touchdown). The Broncos defense is awesome though and Patrick Surtain is a homerun draft pick (he’s already one of the best corner’s in the game). However, the national media will continue to rip GM George Payton for not taking Justin Fields or Mac Jones 9th overall, damned if you do and damned if you don’t, that is football!!
17. Raiders 6-6 (Drew Rating: -.91 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 17
I’m keeping the Raiders right in the middle of the pack in these rankings as the Raiders have been about average in most categories so far this season. The Raiders might have spoiled an opportunity to give themselves an outside shot at the division with a 17-15 home loss to the Washington Professional football team on Sunday. The Vaders have five remaining games all against AFC teams with playoff aspirations starting Sunday morning in Kansas City, Derek Carr if you really are the leader time to put up or shut up!
16. Browns 6-6 (Drew Rating: -.05 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 15
The Brownies just came of a well deserved bye week but fell into last place in the AFC North over the weekend. Now I still think the Browns have a chance to finish in 2nd (or even 1st place) but in order to do so the Browns must win against the Ravens in the stadium by Lake Erie on Sunday. If the Browns can win that game they have a great chance to finish strong and win their division. They lose that game the Brownies could fade fast. The big question looming right now is if Baker Mayfield is truly healthy enough to play at an even decent level, we shall find out.
15. 49ers 6-6 (Drew Rating: 3.19 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 13
That was a killer loss for the 49ers who went 0 for 2 against Seattle this season. The playoffs though are still in the 49ers hands as they have games against the Texans and Falcons remaining and any bad team not named the Seahawks the 49ers have absolutely pummeled so far this season. Deebo Samuel is an absolute nightmare for defensive coordinators to scheme for and he was sorely missed down the stretch last Sunday. With Deebo Samuel healthy and doing Deebo Samuel things this team is a dangerous team, without Deebo Samuel the 49ers might not be a playoff team.
14. Eagles 6-7 (Drew Rating: 6.50 Projected Record 8-5) LW: 18
Gardner Minshew is so fun isn’t he. The underrated fact about the former Washington State Cougar with the fabulous facial hair is the Gardner Minshew has been a very competent and productive quarterback in his career. You could argue that Minshew is every bit as good as Jalen Hurts right now. But Hurts has the far higher upside with his ability to make plays with his legs and second reaction ability that the job is certainly Hurts after the Eagles bye week. Been saying it all season this is a team that is significantly better than I expect and can certainly still make the postseason.
13. Chargers 7-5 (Drew Rating: 1.06 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 16
The Chargers are a downright fun football team to watch and we just never know what is going to happen on a specific Sunday when we tune in. The Chargers have won shootouts (41-37 win over the Steelers, 47-42 over the Browns) put up a couple of duds (a 34-6 loss to the Ravens, 28-13 loss to the Broncos) and had one of the most weird blowout, collapse then blowout again games against the Bengals on Sunday. All I know is Justin Herbert is a ton of fun and I would be shocked if this super weird team missed the playoffs.
12. Bengals 7-5 (Drew Rating: 5.56 Projected Record 7-5) LW: 9
I know the Chargers just beat the Bengals but I think Cincy overall has been more impressive this season (even if inconsistent). Their 41-17 win over the Ravens in Baltimore might be one of the most impressive performances of the season by any team thus far in the fashion the Bengals dominated. This Bengals team still feels like a year away to me and their schedule is absolutely brutal down the stretch. But the Cats opportunities are right in front of them (Broncos, Browns, Chiefs and Ravens are all opportunities ahead). No matter what happens rest of the way enthusiasm should be sky high in Cincy.
11. Colts 7-6 (Drew Rating: 11.07 Projected Record 9-4) LW: 12
That was an emphatic win to say the least in Houston. The Colts did what you should do to an inferior opponent, jump to an early lead and never let them back into the game. The Colts can beat anyone in football with their offensive line and Jonathan Taylor posing a threat of running the ball and clock out on you and would be a huge threat if they make the playoffs, one huge concern awaits Indy after their bye week. The play the Patriots (number one seed in AFC) and the Cardinals (number one seed in NFC) right out of the jump. The Colts will likely have to win one of those two games to ensure themselves a chance to get a wildcard. This is a team nobody wants to face in January.
10. Bills 7-5 (Drew Rating: 24.22 Projected Record 12-0) LW: 7
By the Drew Rating metric the Bills should be undefeated or at worst 10-2. Instead the Bills are 7-5 and have Tampa on the road next week. The Buffalo Bills dominate the main stats that are critical in football (plus 140 point differential, huge disparities in third down conversion rate, yards per play, turnover differential) yet they have still lost five games. Monday’s game against a team that threw the ball only three times had to be one of the most infuriating losses the Bills have suffered in recent memory. The gave up a big touchdown run early and was stuck in quicksand the rest of the night. This team is better than their record shows.
9. Titans 8-4 (Drew Rating: -1.59 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 9
The Titans have been a weird team all year (lost to Jets and Texans, beat Chiefs, Bills, Rams, and Colts twice). If this was an NCAA Tournament resume you would give them a 5 seed and they would be picked by many as a dark horse championship candidate or a team to get upset by the dreaded 12 seed. Health is the key here, if Derrick Henry, Julio Jones and A.J Brown all return and are healthy this is a Super Bowl contender, if they don’t they almost certainly lose in the first round regardless of opponent, stay tuned.
8. Ravens 8-4 (Drew Rating: -.97 Projected Record 6-6) LW: 5
Lots of issues here, Marlon Humphrey is now out for the season as the Ravens defense is now officially at the point of no return (even though they have been primarily awesome as late). But the biggest issue with the Ravens is Lamar Jackson. He has been bad over his past three games and even though he had an impressive drive to put the Ravens in position to win at the Steelers with a two point conversion, Jackson miss a gimme to Mark Andrews on the conversion on what was a fantastic play call. The Ravens have a tough schedule down the stretch and losing six in a row in not out of the question if Lamar doesn’t get out of his slump, I think he will. Lamar is too special and competitive to not work though this.
7. Chiefs 8-4 (Drew Rating: 4.68 Projected Record 7-5) LW: 10
The Chiefs are working their way out of their early season hole and if they win their next two games will have their sixth consecutive AFC West title all but wrapped up before Christmas (an unthinkable accomplishment when the Chiefs were 3-4). The defense has been vastly improved over the past month and a half as they have yet to give up more than 17 points in a game during their current five game winning streak. The concern here is the offense. Who even in all wins the iron chefs have scored 20, 13, 19 and 22 points in four of those five wins. In 2018 the Chiefs scored at least 24 points in every game. Football is weird sometimes, if Mahomes and company figures this out watch out league. Chiefs still have to be considered a co AFC favorite right now.
6. Rams 8-4 (Drew Rating: 9.81 Projected Record 8-4) LW: 11
I’m going to give the Rams a huge boost for taking care of business against the Jags on Sunday. However, since Week 4 here are the Rams victories. They beat the Seahwaks by 9 in a game Russell Wilson got hurt, beat the Giants by 27, beat the Lions by 9, beat the Texans by 16 and the Jags by 30, congratulations! You deserve a cookie or a piece of pie or something sugary for taking care of some of the dregs of the league as you obviously should. All this criticism aside if the Rams can win in Arizona on Monday night, the Rams will still have a punchers chance to win the NFC West.
5. Cowboys 8-4 (Drew Rating: 11.98 Projected Record 8-4) LW: 8
The Cowboys took care of business in New Orleans on Thursday night in a game that Taysom Hill gave more to the Lone stars then the Cowboys dominated themselves. The key to the Cowboys success is still running the football but anyone who has ever watched a football game can tell that Tony Pollard is the most explosive running back on Dallas roster. They should still feed the Zeke as the Buckeye does get hungry like a furby and need his soup. But I think that Tony Pollard is underutilized to say the least. The Cowboys are still a dangerous football team as they have playmakers all over the field on both sides of the football (Micah Parsons anyone!!)
4. Packers 9-3 (Drew Rating: 6.27 Projected Record 7-5) LW: 2
I know I’m mean to teams on a bye week but the Bucs and Pats have been more impressive overall this season than the Packers (statistically speaking). However, the Packers defense has proven to be for real when healthy and after they predictably win on Sunday night against the dead pan Bears (why did NBC not flex this game out, this is a bad Sunday night game rivalry or not) the Packers will be rooting for the Rams to win in Arizona on Monday night to put the Pack back into the drivers seat to get the #1 seed in the NFC. Aaron Rodgers and company is right where they always are, right in the mix in the NFC.
3. Bucs 9-3 (Drew Rating: 15.06 Projected Record 9-3) LW: 4
God loves Tom Brady!!! The Bucs it seems like plays a cupcake every week and this week was no different. They beat the Falcons 30-17 in a game that was more competitive than the final score would indicate. However, the Bucs are right where they would like to be right now, at 9-3 and on the verge of clinching their first division in 14 years. The schedule is sugary sweet as well down the stretch. After a very challenging game against the Bills this upcoming week they play the most favorable schedule down the stretch (2 Vs Panthers, Jets and Saints). A very strong possibility the Bucs finish 14-3 and claim the number one seed in the NFC.
2. Patriots 9-4 (Drew Rating: 18.11 Projected Record 11-2) LW: 3
Only Bill Belichick can win a game where his Quarterback throws only three passes right? The wind in Buffalo on Monday night was gusty to be kind so the GOAT decided that they were not going to throw the ball like at all against a very good Bills secondary. The Bills had their chances late but the Patriots do what they have done better than any team for 20 years and was fantastic situationally throughout the game to come away with a hard fought 14-10 win and have officially taken control of the AFC East. Billy B even got excited after the late red zone stand, yeah the world is weird right now I know.
1.Cardinals 10-2 (Drew Rating: 18.27 Projected Record 10-2) LW: 1
Kyler Murray returned and scored four total touchdowns. The defense forced four Andy Dalton interceptions. James Conner made of the best snags/runs after the catch of the season. The Cardinals have won all seven of their road games by double digits. However, the schedule is very tough over the next month (Vs Rams, Vs Colts, at Cowboys). So if the Cards want to stay ahead of the Packers and Bucs for homefield in the NFC, it is going to be a monster challenge, buckle up should be fun!!!