Hi everyone, hope everyone is having a great holiday week. It’s a busy one for yours truly. I will be posting some videos online over the next couple of days as well as the football picks for Week 16 on Thursday (since Friday is Christmas Eve). Crazy week with all of the teams ravished by COVID. I am not going to overreact to one week but the Rankings are shaken up a bit, check it out. Know there will be some prognosticators. I appreciate your support and Merry Christmas to everyone.
32. Jaguars 2-12 (Drew Rating: -20.69 Projected Record 2-12) LW: 31
Urban Meyer did lose the locker room and it was the right move to cut ties with the former Ohio State head coach (the damage had been done). However, the buzz that the Jags were going to all of sudden played inspired against the Texans and win in a blowout was grossly overblown. The Jags are a bad football team before Sunday and were after Sunday. They are at this point unequivocally the worst team in football. This narrative may change in what many will call the toilet bowl at New York this week as the top two picks in the NFL Draft square off. Grab your popcorn ladies and gentlemen.
31. Jets 3-11 (Drew Rating: -19.56 Projected Record 2-12) LW: 29
Jets played a hardfought game in Miami before falling 31-24 at Miami Gardens on Sunday. The Jets who had the second worst turnover differential in all of football coming into the game (was an atrocious minus 16) got three turnovers including a pick six of Tua Tagaviloa to keep them in the game. The offense however was very unproductive only averaging 4.2 yards per play. Zach Wilson has ability but he needs to work on his on his footwork, touch and ability to read defenses. A win over the Jags on Sunday would hurt their draft position but instill some confidence going into the offseason.
30. Texans 3-11 (Drew Rating: -16.71 Projected Record 3-11) LW: 30
The Texans got their second win against the Jags on Sunday as they are now 3-2 against the AFC South and 0-9 against the rest of the league. The Texans are a bad football team but you can see they are playing hard for first year coach David Culley. Davis Mills did not look like too shabby on Sunday throwing for 209 yards and two touchdowns. The Texans have a long way to go to being a competitive team but they could make odds makers in Vegas a little more nervous if they win another game (their over under is 4 stay tuned mi amigos and amigas).
29. Lions 2-11-1 (Drew Rating: -15.53 Projected Record 4-10) LW: 32
The Lions who have been better than their record would state all year had a great performance in their 30-12 upset of Arizona on Sunday. Jared Goff went 21-26 for 216 and 3 touchdowns as he as continued to be the boogey man for myself and other Cardinals fans (he has won his last 8 starts Vs Arizona with seven of those wins by double digits). Dan Campbell has his boys in blue biting kneecaps and punching teams in the mouth (metaphorically speaking). The Lions may not be done winning games in 2021.
28. Bears 4-10 (Drew Rating: -13.39 Projected Record 4-10) LW: 28
Matt Nagy and his Bears had a rough evening on Monday night has the Bears had four personal foul penalties in a forgettable 17-9 loss to the Vikings. Justin Fields had some moments but overall could not get the Bears in the end zone until the very end of the game. With Nagy vacationing in Cabo in three weeks the Bears ownership will likely clean house in the offseason and start a new. The Bears have to start over and find the right coach and GM for the future as the Bears have become an organization that can’t get out it’s own way. What a change from what the majority of the 20th Century was for a once proud organization.
27. Giants 4-10 (Drew Rating: -8.35 Projected Record 5-9) LW: 27
The Giants are in play out the string mode as they have now lost three games in a row by double digits after getting a nice victory over the Eagles in Week 12. Daniel Jones has been shut down for the season and the question around the New York/New Jersey bridge is have the former Duke Blue Devil played his last down in New York. If Russell Wilson comes to town the obvious answer is yes.
26. Panthers 5-9 (Drew Rating: -6.31 Projected Record 6-8) LW: 26
Cam Newton has now lost 12 consecutive Panthers starts. He has not won a game in a Panthers uniform as a starter since Week 9 of the 2018 season when he beat the Bucs 42-28. This stat is from the MVP six seasons ago who went 17-1 before Von Miller and the Broncos likely bruised his confidence for good one February evening in Santa Clara California. The Panthers have a lot of defensive talent but the offensive personnel is average at best. Worst part about the offense is do it all running back Christian McCaffrey cannot stay healthy. Matt Ruhle may be two and out in Charlotte.
25. Seahawks 5-9 (Drew Rating: 1.52 Projected Record 7-7) LW: 25
That is a wrap folks. The Seahawks gave up 17 unanswered to the end the game against Rams earlier this evening in a 20-10 defeat. There was a phantom holding call and a no call pass interference that did clearly change the outcome of this game. But the stats showed that the right team won. Rams outgained the Seahawks by 118 yards and went 6-12 on third down where the Hawks went 3-11. Russell Wilson and company are now playing out the string as the Hawks have all but sealed their first to worst finish in 2021.
24. Falcons 6-8 (Drew Rating: -14.13 Projected Record 4-10) LW: 24
The Falcons got blown out in the second half of a 31-13 loss to the 49ers on Sunday in a game that Atlanta never felt like they were in after a Deebo Samuel 49ers touchdown before the half. The Falcons are lucky to be 6-8 as we stated last week this is a bad football team metrically. The Falcons have a point differential of minus 126 which would be one of the worst point differential for a team that finishes around .500 in NFL History. The 4-12 2020 Falcons was a far better football team (as the minus 18 point differential would state).
23. WFT 6-8 (Drew Rating: -11.58 Projected Record 5-9) LW: 23
The Washington professional football team gave a valiant effort in a 27-17 loss to the Eagles earlier this evening. Washington was without their top two quarterbacks and seven of their coaches and it showed on the field. The Eagles had 238 yards rushing and averaged 7.4 yards per play. The Football team could still make the postseason if they can win their final three games. Saying that Sunday’s game is at Dallas against the all of a sudden hot Cowboys this is a big ask for the team from out nations capital.
22. Raiders 7-7 (Drew Rating: -5.82 Projected Record 6-8) LW: 21
Kudos to the Raiders who got a hardfought win in Cleveland on Monday evening to keep their season alive. The one criticism that I have against the Vaders is how did it take a last second drive and a 48 yard field goal to beat a team quarterbacked by Nick Mullens. In the NFL though it’s all about survival and Derek Carr was able to get a clutch late drive to seal a big victory. In Vegas on Sunday comes a huge game as the Broncos come to town. Winner has a legit shot at a playoff berth. The loser is done like Christmas dinner.
21. Dolphins 7-7 (Drew Rating: -5.58 Projected Record 6-8) LW: 20
The Dolphins drop in the Rankings due to struggling to beat the lowly Jets. Tua Tagovailoa is a very accurate quarterback and when is in rhythm can maneuver an offense. However, defensive coordinators get paid a lot of money to make the world uncomfortable and attack your weaknesses. In other words due to Tua’s limitations he needs a great supporting cast to be successful. To Tua’s credit he has led the Phins to six straight wins after seven straight losses and team from South Beach still has a chance at the playoffs with a strong finish.
20. Steelers 7-6-1 (Drew Rating: -5.54 Projected Record 6-8) LW: 22
T.J Watt is an absolute maniac. In the two games he missed this season the Steelers gave up 41 points in both games, in other words they couldn’t stop a nose bleed. Watt has 17.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 12 games this season and is the overwhelming favorite to win his second straight defensive player of the year award. The Steelers may catch a huge break on Sunday as they play against a Chiefs team that is ravaged by COVID. This porous Steelers team has a legit shot to win their division still. What a weird season this has truly been.
19. Browns 7-7 (Drew Rating: .83 Projected Record 7-7) LW: 16
Nick Mullens played decent saying he hadn’t practiced much at all this season in a 16-14 loss to the Raiders. The Browns season is on life support as they play at Green Bay on Saturday in a game that they will likely lose. If the Browns do lose in Lambeau they will be 7-8 and will need to win their final two games and need help from the rest of the AFC to even have a shot at the postseason. This Browns team again has not lived up to their preseason hype. Sing it again Lamb Chops, they started singing it not knowing with it was and they were forever singing it forever just because…
18. Saints 7-7 (Drew Rating: .86 Projected Record 7-7) LW: 19
What a performance by the Saints defense in Tampa on Sunday. Tom Brady had not ever been shutout at home and hadn’t been shutout anywhere in 15 years. The Saints got a break with injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin but overall the Saints defense played one of the best games of the season in all of football regardless of circumstances. Now the Saints have a favorable closing schedule and have a legit chance at claiming the final playoff spot in the NFC. Taysom Hill still struggles to throw the ball but with this defense it may not matter.
17. Broncos 7-7 (Drew Rating: .92 Projected Record 7-7) LW: 15
The Donkeys now turn to Drew Lock after Teddy Bridgewater suffered a scary concussion on Sunday and was rushed to the hospital for further evaluation. Drew Lock had the keys to the ranch last season in Denver but was very underwhelming overall. The talent is there from the former Missouri Tiger as this is his opportunity to reclaim some faith in his coaching staff and the fan base. The Broncos lost a tough game to the Bengals on Sunday as they only allowed 249 total yards to one of the explosive offenses in all of football. We will know a lot more about the future of this franchise after Sunday’s game in Las Vegas.
16. Vikings 7-7 (Drew Rating: 2.60 Projected Record 7-7) LW: 18
Kirk Cousins for the second straight week was very underwhelming throwing for only 87 yards (but did throw 2 touchdowns) in a 17-9 win at Chicago on Sunday. Kirk Cousins is now 2-9 in his career on Monday night football with both wins being in Chicago over the past two seasons. Even though Captain Kirk has won back to back weeks in primetime his play did not change the narrative that the former Spartan shrinks in big games. The Rams and Packers are the next two games so if the Vikes want to make the postseason they will have to earn it.
15. Eagles 7-7 (Drew Rating: 7.41 Projected Record 8-6) LW: 17
The Eagles did what they do and ran for 200 yards yet again in a 27-17 victory over Washington earlier this evening. Philly is in prime position to grab the final playoff spot in the NFC as they play their final three games against the NFC Eastern division (and Week 18’s game Vs Dallas may not mean anything to the Cowboys). The Eagles would be a scary team to face in the postseason due to the fact that they have an identity. Run the ball down your throat and dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. I’m sure former offensive and defensive linemen love watching this team play.
14. Ravens 8-6 (Drew Rating: -1.75 Projected Record 7-7) LW: 10
The Birds are officially out of the playoffs in the AFC as of today thanks to their third consecutive close loss. Tyler Huntley looks like a quarterback that should deserve a look from some team next season as he has played admirably in relief of injured Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson may be back as soon as this week as the Ravens play a game that could very possibly decide the AFC North in Cincinnati. The biggest question is will John Harbaugh keep going for it. At least he believes in his team (or the computers).
13. Chargers 8-6 (Drew Rating: 1.49 Projected Record 7-7) LW: 9
The Chargers lost in overtime in one of the best games of the season to the Chiefs on Thursday. The Bolts had three possessions inside the Chiefs five which the Chargers failed to score any points (two fourth down stops, one turnover). The big question around football is do you trust the analytics or not. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has been very consistent on how aggressive he has been on fourth down this season. Truth is having Justin Herbert as your Quarterback allows you to play more aggressively. The critics are always going to look at the result instead of the decision. I applaud Staley for being consistent and this is team is 100 percent behind him due to his belief in his team and consistency in his coaching decisions.
12. Bengals 8-6 (Drew Rating: 5.09 Projected Record 8-6) LW: 13
Great win by the Bengals on Sunday in Denver. The Bengals were able to win a game in which they got little to no production from Ja’Mar Chase or Joe Mixon. The Bengals are now in first place in the AFC North and can seize complete control of the division with a win over the Ravens on Sunday. We have not had a worst to first finish in three seasons but Joe Burrow and company can start a new trend that occurred annually before the past two seasons. The Bengals may be the team of the future in the AFC.
11. 49ers 8-6 (Drew Rating: 5.20 Projected Record 8-6) LW: 14
The 49ers look to be one of the 5 best teams in football right now but as I’ve stated these rankings aren’t based on now but on the entire season. However, how you are currently playing can have an effect on what to be expected moving forward. Right now the 49ers have a Quarterback (Jimmy Garoppolo) who’s playing as well and any Quarterback not named Aaron Rodgers right now. An elite left tackle, an elite tight end, an elite running back/wide receiver/super hero and an elite pass rusher. The 49ers are likely to make the playoffs and it will be hard for me not to be on them to win a road game or two once they get there.
10. Colts 8-6 (Drew Rating: 10.73 Projected Record 9-5) LW: 12
The Colts got a banner win over the Pats on Saturday night as they gave the Pats a taste of their own medicine as Quarterback Carson Wentz completed five passes total for the entire game. The Colts have a difficult game on Christmas night at an angry Cardinals team before finishing with two games in which they will be heavily favored in against the Raiders and Jaguars. Even if they fail to win in the giant toaster wins in final two games will almost certainly get the Horseshoes back to the postseason for the second straight season. As with the 49ers and Eagles no team is going to want the Colts coming to their building on Wild Card weekend.
9. Bills 8-6 (Drew Rating: 20.48 Projected Record 12-2) LW: 11
The Bills metrics are still awesome (the best in football) as they again got a double digit win in a 31-14 victory over the Panthers on Sunday. Sunday’s game against the Patriots will almost certainly be for the division as the Bills even with their underperforming still have all of their goals right in front of them in a very competitive AFC. The Buffalo’s just might want to try to establish some form of a running game that does not involve Josh Allen getting in harms way before the postseason.
8. Titans 9-5 (Drew Rating: 0 Projected Record 7-7) LW: 8
That statistic is correct. The Tennessee Titans by my rating system is the epitome of an average football team. They have shown it on the field as well as they have lost three of four games after an 8-2 start. Thanks to the sweep of the Colts the Titans are still in great shape to win the AFC South but does anyone believe that this team as currently constructed can even win one playoff game. I think Mike Vrabel is one hell of a coach and shall not be counted out. With that being said if Derrick Henry and A.J Brown are not back for the playoffs I will be betting against the Titans in the first round.
7. Patriots 9-5 (Drew Rating: 16.43 Projected Record 11-3) LW: 4
Rookie Mac Jones saw what life is like playing from behind in a 27-17 loss to the Colts. The Pats defense still played really well but a rare special team blunder cost the fighting Belichick’s dearly as the Pats fell down 14-0 in the first quarter and could never recover. The Patriots have a lot of variables coming down the stretch as a victory over the Bills on Sunday would almost certainly clinch them the division. However, a loss to the Bills and the Pats might be having a game in Week 18 against the Dolphins for a win and in the playoffs scenario. Lot’s of variables for the team from Bean town.
6. Chiefs 10-4 (Drew Rating: 10.51 Projected Record 9-5) LW: 7
I am going to get ripped by my wife and all Chiefs fans alike but remember that this is a season long Power Rankings and a not what have you done for me lately (0 turnover differential almost identical in yards per play and yards per play allowed). I can officially say that the Chiefs are the best team in the AFC currently and for the season as the record would state but I have five NFC teams above them for now. Patrick Mahomes was fantastic down the stretch as he threw three touchdowns on the last three drives in an overtime win over the Chargers on Thursday that all but clinched the Iron Chefs sixth straight AFC title. Looking very possibly like Patrick Mahomes for the fourth straight season will be watching wild card weekend from the comfort of his own couch, an amazing run over these past four seasons by K.C
5. Rams 10-4 (Drew Rating: 10.51 Projected Record 9-5) LW: 6
Cooper Kupp had 9 catches for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 20-10 win over the Seahawks earlier this evening. Kupp’s stats for the season is now 122 catches for 1,645 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is now battling with Randy Moss and Jerry Rice for the best wide out season in NFL History. Kupp is a legit MVP candidate at this point. Thanks to the Cards shocking loss at the Lions the Rams all of a sudden have a great chance to win the NFC West, going all in could still pay off after all.
4. Cowboys 10-4 (Drew Rating: 13.30 Projected Record 10-4) LW: 5
The Cowboys got another outstanding performance from their defense in a 21-6 win over the Giants in Northern New Jersey. The Boys are in the drivers seat to win the NFC East which a win on Sunday night over the Washington professional football team would clinch. Travon Diggs has 10 interceptions on the season and has been an absolute ball hawk. The weakness of this team is the head coach. As Mike McCarthy has made several questionable coaching decisions throughout the season.
3. Cardinals 10-4 (Drew Rating: 13.80 Projected Record 10-4) LW: 2
Homer!!!! I will say with great honesty that the Cardinals will fall to the 7-10 range in these rankings with a home loss to the Colts on Christmas Day. However, the whole body of work this season supports that over a 14 game sample size this is still one of the best teams in all of football. Third down offense solid, third down defense elite. Yards per play differential one of the best in football. Point differential (plus 94 6th in football), turnover differential (plus 10 one of best in football). That being said what in the hell was that on Sunday in Detroit. There is about as much confidence in the Cards as there is in my whipping out a gourmet five course meal right now.
2. Bucs 10-4 (Drew Rating: 13.78 Projected Record 10-4) LW: 1
I’ll say it before and I’ll say it again. I do not overreact to one game in the Power Rankings. The Power Rankings is based on a whole season’s body of work and guess what. The Bucs whole season body of work is one of the best in all of football. Tom Brady is still the GOAT and a hell of a quarterback (even at the young age of 44). But one thing is true about football these days. The New Orleans Saints have Tom Brady and the Bucs number.
1.Packers 11-3 (Drew Rating: 7.23 Projected Record 9-5) LW: 3
Aaron Rodgers since Week 2 has 30 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Tom Brady has struggled recently, Kyler Murray has struggled recently, Matthew Stafford went through a slump, Patrick Mahomes was lost for weeks. You know who has not been in a slump at all this season outside of a bad game in Week 1? Aaron freaking Rodgers is who!!! Politics or personal agendas should not be involved in the MVP voting it should be merited on individual/team success. If you go by this variable Aaron Freaking Rodgers should win the MVP for the second straight season. But we all know that politics and personal agendas do come in effect on this voting process. Since the media hates Aaron Rodgers like a child hates broccoli my guess is Aaron Rodgers will not win the MVP this season, it’s a shame, life you know.