Hi everyone, we only have two weeks left in the regular season and three weeks left in the power rankings. There are tight races for the postseason in both conferences. We must see where the dust settles over the last couple of weeks. What a wild year and season. Hopefully wherever you are reading this you and your family are safe and healthy, Happy New Years friends.
32. Jaguars 2-13 (Drew Rating: -18.47 Projected Record 3-12) LW: 32
A perfect example of how much of a dumpster fire of a season the Jags have had let’s go to exhibit A in New Jersey on a Sunday afternoon in a game that for some reason I was watching at this exact moment. The Jags had a second and goal from the Jets six with a little under 30 seconds left. Trevor Lawrence completed a yard pass to Marvin Jones and now sat at the Jets one yard line but with the clock running. The Jags could have figured out a play and ran a pass play on third and goal and either a run or pass play on fourth and goal for the last play of the game. Instead Trev decides to spike the ball to waste a play. Then on fourth down the Jags do a dumb roll out play that almost never works and the Jets defense holds up. Terrible game management by a team that is so bad it makes kissing someone with gingivitis seem pleasant.
31. Lions 2-12-2 (Drew Rating: -14.75 Projected Record 4-11) LW: 29
The Lions drop down near the bottom of rankings after a 20-16 loss at megatron’s butthole in a close yet forgettable game. Tim (as Whitney Houston once said don’t call me Susan) Boyle was fine for a backup going 24-34 for 187 with a touchdown and an interception. The Lions have been playing hard for Dirty Dan Campbell all season and exhibited that grit in yet another close loss on Sunday. With the Jags having the Colts and Pats left on their schedule odds are pretty good the Mo Town kitties will not be getting the first pick in the draft even if they lose their final two games.
30. Jets 4-11 (Drew Rating: -17.88 Projected Record 3-12) LW: 31
The Jets have been showing some fight down the stretch and got a hard fought 26-21 win over the Jags at Dental insurance stadium on Sunday. Zach Wilson showed his athletic prowess taking a 55 yarder to the house (even though it did look like he may do a Daniel Jones like tumble on the run for a minute there). C.J Mosley (finally healthy) aided a big time goal line stand to secure the victory. The Jets weren’t supposed to be any good this season to begin with. We just wanted to see some signs of life which we have throughout the season (remember they do have wins over the first place Titans and Bengals this season, don’t you all remember the legend of Mike White!!).
29. Texans 4-11 (Drew Rating: -14.31 Projected Record 4-11) LW: 30
Davis Mills just dropping dimes on dudes. I know the Chargers had many starters out but so did the Texans in what ended up being a banner day for David Culley’s crew. From Weeks 3-7 the Texans scored 39 points total (in 5 games). On Sunday the team from the Lone Star state hung a 41 burger on a Chargers team that desperately needed this game to secure a playoff berth. I do not foresee the Texans pulling off a second straight shocker against another desperate to win 49ers team this week. But as say that the Swamie once famously said, THAT’S WHY YOU PLAY THE GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
28. Giants 4-11 (Drew Rating: -11.23 Projected Record 5-10) LW: 27
The Giants are a team is disarray. If these ratings were for the current landscape (last three weeks) the only team in the league that has been worse than the G you not’s is the Jags. However, I do not rate recent play of teams but what they have done as a whole for the season in these rankings. For the season the Giants have been bad but not as bad as the teams below them. Confidence rankings however may be at an all time low for the boys from Jersey. Ownership has already committed to head coach Joe Judge and Quarterback Daniel Jones for the 2022 season, ouch.
27. Bears 5-10 (Drew Rating: -12.62 Projected Record 4-11) LW: 28
Big slick Nick is back!!! How is Nick Foles a third string Quarterback (especially on a bad football team as the Bears certainly are). The former Super Bowl MVP was solid in his first action of 2021 leading the Bears on a thrilling fourth Quarter comeback in a 25-24 win in snowy Seattle on Sunday. Napoleon Dynamite (as I call him) is not a man you want to give the keys to franchise to. But when he is filling in for a few games is there any backup QB in the history of football you are more terrified to bet against? I rest my case, carry on ladies and gents.
26. Panthers 5-10 (Drew Rating: -8.42 Projected Record 5-10) LW: 26
Matt Rhule drools at QB usage. Have you ever seen the ambidextrous relief pitcher Pat Venditte? He was not a hard thrower but did well maintaining a very solid major league career because he could pitch effectively both left and right handed. Matt Ruhle seems to think that switching Quarterbacks throughout the game will work just as well as Mr. Venditte did based on matchup and situations. Sam Darnold returned on Sunday and well he was about as bad as he had been before fracturing his shoulder in a 32-6 loss to the Bucs. The blowout loss was so boring and lame that all Panthers fans could use was frown emoji’s to show their feelings towards their team right now. But Sam he am was not the only QB behind center throughout the game. Cam Newton also got his moment in the sun having 13 pass attempts of his own. The Panthers are a sad emoji right now and they may just forfeit their last two games.
25. Seahawks 5-10 (Drew Rating: 1.38 Projected Record 8-7) LW: 25
The metrics show the Hawks should be still in the playoff hunt but there are not due to yet another confounding loss to the Bears on Sunday in our first snow game of the season (who doesn’t love football in the snow, put your hand down you dome lover you!). The Hawks lost the Bears by one in a game they were Big slick Nicked (and an awesome catch by Damiere Byrd), lost the the football team by two after a failed two point conversion late. Lost to the Saints by three. Lost to the Steelers in overtime when T.J Watt Geno Smithed Geno Smith. Lost to the Titans in overtime in a game they were up by 14 in the fourth Quarter. Yeah the Hawks have done what they used to do before this season. Lose all the close games. Plus their Quarterback doesn’t want to be there, which is kind of a problem.
24. WFT 6-9 (Drew Rating: -15.59 Projected Record 4-11) LW: 23
What was that Washington? Ron Rivera has beat cancer. Has been a respected man around football for decades back to his days as a member of the Monsters of the Midway. However, on Sunday night his team quit on him. Defensive lineman are telling your mama jokes to each other on the sideline which results in punches thrown. Taylor Heinicke is literally getting his brains beat in as a banged up offensive line gave him as much protection as small mario has versus a plant fire crusade. It was unequivocally the most embarrassing performance any team has had all season.
23. Falcons 7-8 (Drew Rating: -13.01 Projected Record 5-10) LW: 24
The Falcons are a bad football team yet they still have an outside shot at a playoff berth, gotta love football. Let’s look at their wins this season. By 4 over Don’t call me Susan Boyle and the Lions. By 8 over the dead pan Panthers. By 7 over the worst team in football (Jags). By two over Trevor Siemian. By two over the Dolphins before the Dolphins discovered the lethal impact of the zero blitz. By seven over the Jets in London (shouldn’t count right?) and by three over the Giants. Congratulations, the birds have beat mostly bad teams all by one score meanwhile they have lost six games by at least 13 points and five by at least 18. This is a bad team dressed in a mediocre teams body, you can’t fool me goofy bird.
22. Steelers 7-7-1 (Drew Rating: -7.72 Projected Record 6-9) LW: 20
That was a bad performance by the Steelers in Kansas City on Sunday. With that being said the Steelers if they can win their final two games and get help from the Chiefs and Browns can still win their division (which is absurd to me). Because of Mike Tomlin’s amazing streak I will say it again that I think this weird Steelers team is going to finish 8-8-1 for the season. But the metrics show this is a very mediocre football team. I know this one thing for sure, the Burgh is an infuriating team to watch.
21. Saints 7-8 (Drew Rating: -1.16 Projected Record 7-8) LW: 18
Some teams have dealt with COVID better than others. When you are forced to have Ian (Probably be better served selling a) Book starting at Quarterback you have reached the point of no return. Some will say that the Saints are finito for the season but I am not ready to go there quite yet. The Saints play the Panthers (who punted on the season back in Week 12) and the Falcons (a team that is far worse than the record states) left on the schedule and will be favored to win both games. Get Taysom Hill back from the COVID list. Give Alvin Kamara the ball 100 total times in the last two games. Play awesome punch you in your face defense and get to 9-8 and see where the tiebreakers line up.
20. Broncos 7-8 (Drew Rating: .37 Projected Record 8-7) LW: 17
That was a very uninspiring performance in Vegas agreed? The Broncos got three turnovers and didn’t commit any turnovers themselves. However, a good way to lose a game even with a plus three turnover differential is having 158 yards of total offense and going 1 of 10 on third down. The question that everyone is asking right now is Vic Fangio deserving of another season. For a fan base that until the past five years was used to seeing a perennial contender you would have to say their patience with this coaching staff has worn thin.
19. Browns 7-8 (Drew Rating: .79 Projected Record 8-7) LW: 19
Baker that loss is on you bud. Nick Chubb has 126 yards while averaging 7.1 yards per carry and the Browns went 7/12 on third down and had the ball at midfield down two with 40 seconds left and all of their timeouts yet still lost 24-22 and why. Well Baker Mayfield threw four passes that Packers defenders caught and had another three passes that should have been caught by Packers defenders. Baker is always very chirpy with fans and media alike but after that performance right there he might want to go the film room and prepare for the Steelers next Monday and keep his mouth shut. This Browns team somehow still has a chance to win their division if they win out and the Rams and Chiefs win this week (very possible on both counts). What a wild and wacky season friends.
18. Vikings 7-8 (Drew Rating: 2.49 Projected Record 8-7) LW: 16
The enigma continues. The Vikings got three Matthew Stafford interceptions and had 5.7 yards per play to the Rams 5.1 yards per play yet still lost 30-23 in a game that the purple poo poo eaters never felt like they had a shot to win. Two reasons why, 1 the Vikings went 2-12 on third down (not the money down for Kirk Cousins on this day or most big games, truth hurts). 2. The Vikings gave up a special teams touchdown. The road is about at it’s end for this regime. It’s the same song and dance every season for a team that constantly underachieves.
17. Raiders 8-7 (Drew Rating: -4.99 Projected Record 6-9) LW: 22
Somehow this dumbfounding Raiders team is alive for a playoff berth. Now the team from the Death Star is getting a huge break this week. They get to play the Colts who will probably be stating Jacob Eason. Now the Vaders could be 9-6 and in a potential win and in scenario in Week 18 against the equally dumbfounding Chargers. Derek Carr deserves a ton of credit for holding it together in Vegas. I know my saying is when there is struggle there is triumph but cheese and crackers boys and girls in this case. The struggles Derek Carr has endured in 8 years is rivaled by few. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the former college teammate of DeVante Adams.
16. Ravens 8-7 (Drew Rating: -4.02 Projected Record 6-9) LW: 14
The 2021 Ravens are a prime example that injuries can get to a point of no return for a football team. The Ravens defense got absolutely shredded in a 41-21 loss to the Bengals on Sunday. The good news for the Ravens is that if they can win their final two home games a playoff berth is all but ensured. The bad news is they have to play the Rams on Sunday. Lamar Jackson may return this week but even so how healthy will he be. It’s a minor miracle the purple birds have even been as competitive as they have been this season. The Ravens are heading towards eating crab cakes on the coach this postseason.
15. Dolphins 8-7 (Drew Rating: -3.35 Projected Record 7-8) LW: 21
This is an impressive leap for the swimming mammals. I know they were 1-7 to start the season but they were at most brutal after a 1-4 record with a negative 30 drew rating with a negative 75 point differential. After a London loss to the Jags you could argue the Dolphins were the worst team in all of football at that point ( now sitting with a 1-5 record). Today the Phins are in the upper half of the power rankings and are playing as well defensively as any team in football. They will be challenged over the final two games playing the Titans and Pats. Hey Tua, if you want to make the playoffs and shut up your doubters you have to go out and prove it on the field!! The only fun thing in south beach these days aren’t just Mai Tai’s these days.
14. Chargers 8-7 (Drew Rating: -.04 Projected Record 7-8) LW: 13
The Chargers were in prime position to get back to the playoffs after a two year hiatus and then whatever that was on Sunday in South Texas happened. But Drew Austin Ekler and Joey Bosa and Mike Williams was out. I don’t care YOU GAVE UP 41 POINTS TO THE TEXANS. A team that has been shut out twice this season. The Washington Football Team performance was the worst of the week, but the Chargers performance was the most damaging.
13. 49ers 8-7 (Drew Rating: 4.27 Projected Record 9-6) LW: 11
Jimmy Garoppolo has an injured thumb and may not play this week. My question is how long did the most handsome Quarterback on Planet Earth play with that injury in a very shaky performance in a 20-17 loss at the Titans last week. The 49ers are in good shape to make the postseason if they can win on Sunday over the Texans. Trey Lance should be good enough to make this happen, but ask the Chargers above about what happens taking team Tejas lightly.
12. Eagles (Drew Rating: 9.84 Projected Record 10-5) LW: 15
Tony Romo was right. He lauded the Eagles as a 10 11 win team and a thorn to play come playoff time. Well the former Cowboy was correct. The birds have been a run first juggernaut that have won 6 out of 8 after looking like a team that was not going to be a factor in the second half at the midseason point. Here is the Eagles rushing totals starting in a 44-6 trucking (motor vehicle joke for you) of the LIons in Week 8. 236, 176, 216, 242, 208, 185, 238 and 130 (what only 130 against the Giants what’s wrong with you birds??!!). Assuming the Eagles make it to the dance good luck stopping this run attack wildcard weekend.
11. Bengals 9-6 (Drew Rating: 7.08 Projected Record 9-6) LW: 12
I am excited for this Bengals Chiefs game on Sunday. You all think I’m cray cray in my brain brain but this game is the start of what I believe could be a rivalry in the AFC for years to come (Burrow Vs Mahomes). Joe Burrow was beyond awesome in a signature win over the Ravens on Sunday going 37-46 for 525 yards and four touchdowns for the fourth highest passing yardage total in a single game in NFL history. The McCauley Culkin doppleganger is just getting started. The game in Cincy on Sunday is going to be nothing short of awesome.
10. Colts 9-6 (Drew Rating: 10.50 Projected Record 10-5) LW: 10
Great win by the Colts in Arizona on Christmas Day as Carson Wentz was fantastic (especially on third down). Unfortunately, the unvaccinated former Eagle is likely out this Sunday due to being placed on the COVID list. With the Jags on the schedule in Week 17 the Colts are almost certainly going to win that game and make the playoffs but losing their starting QB ahead of a big game against the Raiders is not ideal to say the least. Simple as this for the game on Sunday, Jonathan Taylor runs for 100 Colts win. Taylor runs for less than 100 the Colts lose. Didn’t you wish that predicting outcomes of games were that easy? I do, I need to gamble better friends.
9. Patriots 9-6 (Drew Rating: 13.32 Projected Record 11-4) LW: 7
But Drew to Pats just lost to the Colts you should have below the Colts. Well overall the Pats have been far more efficient on defense and close to as efficient on offense so the Pats get the nod for now. The issue in the land of the magical fruit is that Mac Jones has looked like a rookie in back to back losses to the aforementioned Colts and Bills. The Patties should all but clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Jags this week but the faith of the public has faded significantly with the past two subpar performances. Never count out the holed hoodie zen master, just don’t do it people.
8. Bills 9-6 (Drew Rating: 21.41 Projected Record 11-2) LW: 9
The Bills got their biggest win over the Pats since the Clinton Administration on Sunday in a game that Josh Allen vaulted himself into the elite QB category. I have been doubting the former Wyoming Quarterback calling him too often erratic to be mentioned as an elite Quarterback. After he was unquestionably awesome on Sunday against a great defense in a huge game I am ready to put JA in the same category as the Mahomes, Rodgers and Brady. To keep himself on the mount Rushmore of QB’s he needs to beat Mahomes in Arrowhead again, this time when a Super Bowl berth on the line. Simmer down there table boy, it’s not even January yet.
7. Titans 10-5 (Drew Rating: .37 Projected Record 8-7) LW: 8
Another gut check win for the Titans on Thursday night as to say the Titans are battle tested would be an understatement. A.J Brown returned for the Nashville Warriors and he made an immediate impact catching 11 passes and a touchdown (including a ridiculous 8 on third down). if the Titans want to do anything other then say hi in the postseason they are going to need to get Derrick Henry and the right side of their offensive line healthy. Regardless, Mike Vrabel has done a phenomenal job this season keeping this team together.
6. Cardinals 10-5 (Drew Rating: 12.51 Projected Record 11-4) LW: 3
The Cardinals are going in the wrong direction. Due to their elite metrics they haven’t dropped very far in the rankings but they are not playing like a playoff team right now. The second half records under Kliff Kingsbury from his days at Texas Tech to his days in the Senoran Desert is concerning. He has been great in first half of seasons but once you get into the dog days of the season Kliff Kingsbury has turned into Kliff Pumpkinsbury. Maybe this will work on Sunday because for the first time all season the Cards head into a game where NOBODY BELIEVES IN YOU!!!
5. Rams 11-4 (Drew Rating: 10.65 Projected Record 10-5) LW: 5
The Rams all of a sudden are in the drivers seat for a top three seed in the NFC. They need to win the final two games (at Ravens, Vs 49ers) to reclaim the NFC West after being a wildcard in 2019. Matthew Stafford did not bring much inspiration on Sunday throwing three interceptions, but the defense and special teams had his back in Sunday’s win in the land of ice and lakes. Now on Sunday Matty Bulldogs gets the Ravens who just gave up a 1/3 of a mile passing to Joe Burrow, sounds delicious.
4. Chiefs 11-4 (Drew Rating: 12.44 Projected Record 11-4) LW: 6
The Chefs are cooking up some gourmet stuff. Many will argue that the Chiefs should higher on this list and the unquestionably are the best team in the AFC at this point but that mid season skid still has me ranking them below the top three NFC teams at this point. But is there any team playing better than the Chiefs are right now? This side of south beach (and probably even in South Beach) the obvious answer is no.. Also what happened to the league figuring out Patrick Mahomes. Well I think those critics have been silenced.
3. Bucs 11-4 (Drew Rating: 15.41 Projected Record 11-4) LW: 2
That was a very workman like 32-6 victory in Charlotte over the corpse that is the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The return of Antonio Brown helped but how can you not be concerned with Antonio Brown from a mental health standpoint. I know I have mentioned this to friends but I am going to sport a theory on Antonio Brown. Antonio Brown was a quiet, workman like receiver before he got laid out and concussed in a playoff game on a dirty highside hit by Vontaze Burfict of the Bengals. His behavior has been bizarre to be kind on many occasions since that moment. I am not a doctor and cannot insinuate correlation to this but we know football is a dangerous sport, I’ll leave it at that.
2. Cowboys 11-4 (Drew Rating: 16.25 Projected Record 12-3) LW: 4
That gets the crown for the ass whopping of the year award. Dak Prescott barely broke a sweat throwing for 350 yards and four touchdowns in a 56-14 annihilation of the Washington unprofessional football team on Sunday night in Arlington Texas. Now the wounded Cardinals come limping into the big D for a game that the Cowboys are expected to roll in. I am likely taking Dallas as well ATS, is this a trap? Jerry are you trapping us? Were you thinking about trapping us in the Shower Jerry? That came out wrong or did it, we shall find out.
1. Packers 12-3 (Drew Rating: 7.02 Projected Record 9-6) LW: 1
The Packers again found a way to win a game they weren’t dominant in, beating the Browns 24-22. Let’s dissect the Packers who are 11th in point differential and Drew Rating. They have not won a single game by more than 18 this season (the Bills who have three less wins overall have 5 such victories this season). Yet on Christmas Day the narrow victory over the Brownies was only the third game of the season (other two wins at San Francisco at Arizona) that the Packers won a game that was in doubt in the final seconds. They have been the definition of winning games comfortably without blowing a team completely out this year. They are still a good team that has to be put in the top spot with the best overall record and most consistent play this season (sans Week 1). But that run defense could be a problem in January. Aaron Rodgers has a jeapordy answer for us, what is back to back MVP awards. I’ll take the Lombardi trophy for 56 please Alex.