Hi everyone, just two weeks left let’s talk about our rankings shall we.
32. Texans 2-12 (Projected Record 3-12, Drew Rating: -13.80) LW: 32
Team Tejas finally got themselves a W. Many are thinking that Lovie Smith is a one and done coach and maybe he is. But after having a one and done coach last year and the Bill O’Brien mess before then wouldn’t it maybe be best for the Texans to hold onto Lovie Smith for one more year. Funny fact here the Texans have the best record in division in the AFC South. That’s how bad this division truly is.
31. Bears 3-12 (Projected Record 4-11, Drew Rating: -9.56) LW: 31
The Bears have mostly been competitive in their losses and it was much of the same on Sunday in their 35-13 loss to the Bills that was closer than the score would indicate. The Bears are still playing hard and I would not be surprised if they steal a game from the Bears or Vikings in these last two games. Justin Fields is an incredible athlete but man they have to fine tune his pocket presence in future.
30. Colts 4-10 (Projected Record 4-11, Drew Rating: -11.89) LW: 29
Well Nick Foles certainly wasn’t the answer, that was a pretty pathetic performance on national television by the Horseshoes. I am going to say without much debate that Jeff Saturday did not work out. I do not think he was an unmitigated disaster but he certainly is not an NFL caliber head coach. Truth is I overvalued this roster as they are lacking in many key spots, LT, WR, Pass rusher and QB.
29. Cardinals 4-11 (Projected Record 4-11, Drew Rating: -11.34) LW: 30
Since things are just really sad right now with the redbirds overall let’s give a shout out to the great J.J Watt. You could argue he was a pro bowl snub this year as he had his best season in five years. J.J will be a first ballot hall of famer and 2013-2016 J.J Watt may have had the best four year stretch of any Defensive lineman in league history (Aaron Donald may say hold my beer). Also such a class act.
28. Broncos 4-11 (Projected Record 6-9, Drew Rating: -5.29) LW: 27
Well that was quite pathetic, the Broncos maybe had arguably the most embarrassing performance league wide this season. Losing by 37 on Christmas Day in front of the county to a bad Rams is bad enough. But the teammates fighting the overall roster/fan base anger towards Russell Wilson is also weird. Getting him right is the only way back to respectability. Nate Hackett had to go unfortunately.
27. Rams 5-10 (Projected Record 5-10, Drew Rating: -6.35) LW: 29
Listen to me on this one. Sean McVay gets Baker Mayfield right (I think they have a real shot to upset the Chargers this week) and Matthew Stafford ends up retiring because his back injury is too serious to his long term healthy to return. Baker could be the new man in L.A and I said all along under the right system and coach Baker is an NFL caliber starter. This is a wild development to watch.
26. Falcons 5-10 (Projected Record 5-10, Drew Rating: -6.11) LW: 25
The dirty birds are right where they were expected to be this season, around a 5 win team. Johnny Venerable who I enjoy on PHNX Sports (I am an Arizona guy) put Atlanta as one of the coaching vacancies available in the offseason for Sean Payton. I love Johnny but I have to disagree here. I actually think Arthur Smith has done an exemplary job with a bad roster this year and should return.
25. Panthers 6-9 (Projected Record 6-9, Drew Rating: -5.42) LW: 26
Great win by the Panthers in a game that is humiliating to any pro team. When a team runs it down your throat for three hours and there is nothing you can do about it this is the most demoralizing thing that can happen to a team (outside of losing by 37 on national television to a 4-10). The Cats actually can win their division if they win out (at Tampa, at New Orleans), not easy but not impossible.
24. Browns 6-9 (Projected Record 7-8, Drew Rating: -2.36) LW: 21
This upstanding citizen guaranteed contract is already looking like a disaster. Now I think it is too early to say here as coming in after not playing for almost two years (also no injury to rehab from either just sitting out technically) will make anyone rusty. We will not learn too much to be honest over the past two weeks and must wait until next season to make a true assessment, Stefanski hot seat?
23. Saints 6-9 (Projected Record 7-8, Drew Rating: -1.63) LW: 23
This is as true a statement as I could make, but this team would be really good even with a C at Quarterback. Yes if Mac Jones was the Saints Quarterback they would have already won the division. Andy Dalton has just been mostly bad (sprinkle in a good performance or two here and there) he went 8-15 for 72 yards in the win over the Browns but didn’t screw it up so good job Andy!!
22. Raiders 6-9 (Projected Record 7-8, Drew Rating: -1.64) LW: 22
Because this Raiders team is just weird I actually think they have a real shot at beat the Niners this week but Sunday was the 5th time Vegas has blown a halftime lead of 7 or more points. I usually would blame the coach and I do a little here but can you blame Josh McDaniels for being so conservative when his Quarterback throws three backbreaking interceptions in the second half a big game?
21. Steelers 7-8 (Projected Record 6-9, Drew Rating: -4.90) LW: 22
Mike Tomlin’s streak is still alive and if they win at Baltimore on Sunday night there is a very strong chance somehow this Steelers team finishes 9-8. I knew the Steelers would come out and be much better in the second half but I didn’t expect a 5-2 record with the only two defeats being narrow home losses to the top two teams in their division. But give Omar Epps credit, dude just motivates.
20. Lions 7-8 (Projected Record 6-9, Drew Rating: -4.04) LW: 17
The Lions are about where I expected them to be but I’ve been hedging them to fade down the stretch and I think they are going to do just that. The issue is the defense is just not very good. Aiden Hutchinson was a hit and he will be a difference maker moving forward but they can be run on as proven in Carolina did to the tune of 320 rushing yards on Sunday afternoon, be patient the arrow is going up.
19. Bucs 7-8 (Projected Record 6-9, Drew Rating: -3.91) LW: 23
I know that Tom Brady is a real life Michael Myers as he for the second time in four weeks came back from being down double digits with under 10 minutes left in the game but man this team just stinks. I think the Panthers have a real shot to beat the Bucs in Tampa on Sunday and if that happens they will need help from Dennis Allen and Andy Dalton to win their division, NFC South is gross friends.
18. Commanders 7-7 (Projected Record 6-9, Drew Rating: -3.23) LW: 15
The Commanders have a real shot to make the playoffs still with home games against the Browns and the Cowboys backups (likely) left on the schedule. But Ron Rivera maybe messed with this teams mojo a little in going back to Carson Wentz at Quarterback. The Commanders were 2-4 and not very good on offense with the former Eagle behind center. This gets you fired if this backfires on you.
17. Titans 7-8 (Projected Record 7-8, Drew Rating: -2.86) LW: 16
Losing at home to the Texans in a game you had to have is just devastating. What makes it worse was Malik Willis was the sole reason why you lost this game. The Titans are stuck with Malik Willis and the good news is it does not matter what happens on Thursday against the Cowboys because thanks to one Matt Ryan comeback they own the tiebreaker over the Jags if they win in Jax.
16. Packers 7-8 (Projected Record 7-8, Drew Rating: -2.01) LW: 20
The Pack are one win from an upstanding citizen from controlling their own destiny to make the playoffs. I said after their bye week when they were 5-8 that they would run the table and Aaron Rodgers would somehow make the playoffs. Due to the recent developments in Dallas and Cleveland I’m not sure about them getting help but now since Carson Wentz is Washington QB, maybe?????
15. Seahawks 7-8 (Projected Record 7-8, Drew Rating: -.78) LW: 13
The Hawks could still finish with a winning record and Geno already made the pro bowl. In other words even with the recent 1-5 stretch this has been a successful season for the Hawks. But this roster is flawed and this team needs to address more on the defensive side in the draft. Also drafting a Quarterback that ends up being good (Will Levitz anyone) with the Broncos pick would be cruel but funny.
14. Jets 7-8 (Projected Record 7-8, Drew Rating: -.76) LW: 14
That was a rough one for the Jets. However, there is now clarity on Zach Wilson which clarity is a huge advantage moving forward. As crazy as this sounds the Jets with a Pats loss in their final two (likely, at Bills week 18) the propellers actually control their own destiny to make the playoffs. This is a crazy development in itself as I thought this team would win around 5 games this year, roster is good.
13. Jaguars 7-8 (Projected Record 8-7, Drew Rating: 2.64) LW: 18
Jags have played like a top ten team since their disasterous trip to London but these rankings aren’t based on what have you done for me lately. However, putting the Jags even as a whole at number 13 sounds about right and they could sneak into the Top 10 with a strong finish. Doug Pederson can coach but this late surge to a possible division title is all about Trevor Lawrence development, #fact
12. Patriots 7-8 (Projected Record 8-7, Drew Rating: 2.91) LW: 12
This Patriots team is not horrible but they are a tough watch. They do not have much talent on the offensive side of the ball but this defense is fantastic which is Bill Belichick’s calling card. But Belichick hired a defensive coordinator to call plays and is responsible for stunting the growth of Mac Jones. That being said isn’t Mac Jones kind of a dirty player. What he did to Eli Apple was disgusting.
11. Giants 8-6 (Projected Record 6-9, Drew Rating: -3.72) LW: 10
This Giants team should clinch a playoff berth this Sunday but isn’t this a team you can’t wait to be against in Round 1. You would like to think the Giants would be a frisky 10 point dog in San Fran in Round 1 but I think it’s more likely the Giants get boat raced. Their hope is they get to play they just played and lost on a 61 yard field goal to. The Vikings and Giants are evenly matched so root for G.B.
10. Dolphins 8-7 (Projected Record 8-7, Drew Rating: .21) LW: 9
The Phins have now lost 4 in a row and is officially in a free fall. The good news for them is they still control their own destiny. Bad news for them is that Tua is concussed again and may not play again during the regular season. Teddy Bridgewater is a competent backup and can certainly beat the Pats and Jets but he’s also been banged up this year. Poor Mike McDaniel, nerds are sad everywhere
9. Chargers 9-6 (Projected Record 7-8, Drew Rating: -2.21) LW: 11
We finally get to see Justin Herbert in the playoffs which is exciting to see. Herbert has carried this team but with Joey Bosa and Derwin James returning this defense is talented enough to show their 20-3 victory over the Colts wasn’t a fluke against a bad offense. Could the Bolts get to the 5 seed, that would be important so they play the Jags/Titans in Round 1. Probably Chargers a game finish #6.
8. Ravens 10-5 (Projected Record 10-5, Drew Rating: 8.37) LW: 8
The purple birds still have a chance to win their division if they can beat the surging Steelers on Sunday night (or the Bills beat the Bengals on Monday night). The key here is getting Lamar Jackson healthy for the playoffs. The Ravens are not going anywhere in the dance with Tyler Huntley behind center (sorry to all Ute fans out there). But this team is well coached and have a good d, so look out.
7. Bengals 11-4 (Projected Record 11-4, Drew Rating: 9.20) LW: 7
Most power ratings will have the Bengals higher and if they win on Monday night over the Bills I will move them up almost assuredly. Truth is this team has been sloppy over the two last two weeks and was lucky to not have one of the most epic choke jobs of the season in Foxboro on Sunday. However, 7 wins in a row and they are two wins and a wild Sunday in Vegas away from a first round bye.
6. Cowboys 11-4 (Projected Record 13-2, Drew Rating: 15.24) LW: 6
Huge win for the Cowboys on Sunday over Philly. I know Jalen Hurts didn’t play but even if he did good chance Dallas still wins with how Dak Prescott played. This team defensive play though is concerning. Following points allowed since Week 8, 29, 34, 3, 20, 19, 23, 40 and 34. Outside of the game in Minnesota this defense has been average at best for two months, could come back to bite in Jan.
5. 49ers 11-4 (Projected Record 13-2, Drew Rating: 17.07) LW: 5
Another dominant win for the Niners. I should learn my lesson but I think they are due for a letdown in Vegas this Sunday. May serve them right as no team ever in NFL History just demolishes teams for the final three months of the season. This league too fluky for that to happen. Plus you might want Brock Purdy to have a bad game before the playoffs, well see if I’m right, this team is a juggernaut.
4. Vikings 12-3 (Projected Record 8-7, Drew Rating: .95) LW: 4
Squeak by Lions after blown 4th down, win in London after a double doink, squeak by Bears after up 21-3 early, beat Skyler Thompson, beat sloppy Cards, comeback from down 10 in 4th to beat Washington, Josh Allen fumbles in own endzone running clock out to win in Buffalo, beat Pats by 7 in wild game, beat Jets by 5 (should of lost), come back from down 33 to beat Indy, 61 yarder to beat NYG, wow.
3. Chiefs 12-3 (Projected Record 12-3, Drew Rating: 13.72) LW: 3
Patrick Mahomes is going to win his second MVP award. He has been an absolute revelation this season. He will likely win at least three more MVP’s in his career and probably a couple of more Super Bowls. Even with this being said it will be almost impossible for him to ever get to the accomplishment level Tom Brady is at. Also what hurts Mahomes legacy is he is 0-2 against Brady in the playoff
2. Bills 12-3 (Projected Record 13-2, Drew Rating: 17.28) LW: 2
The Bills are a good football team that could be great. I think this game in Cincinnati is the biggest game of Josh Allen’s career up to date. That is a huge statement I know but I think the Bills will be very very difficult to beat in Buffalo in January. If the Bills lose that game a very good chance the Bills drop from the 1 seed to the 3 seed. Allen needs to win playoff games away from Buffalo, #nextlevel
1.Eagles 13-2 (Projected Record 13-2, Drew Rating: 17.45) LW: 1
Colin Cowherd just insulted every Eagles fan and most smart football people (including myself) putting the birds at six on his herd hierarchy. Why because they lost by six in Dallas a game they outplayed the Boys for the most part (with their backup Quarterback and 8 starters out mind you). This Eagles team is still awesome and when they beat the Saints by 20 on Sunday to clinch the NFC one seed I think we will all remember that. I do just love Gardner Minshew that guy is just pure fun to watch and also listen to in interviews. Dude just seems like a cool S.O.B.