Power Rankings & Tiers:
Tier 1: Super Bowl Favorites
Chiefs (7-2)
Mahomes continues to prove he’s the best offensive player in the league and has most likely had the hottest start to a career as any quarterback ever. He also has a ton of weapons at his disposal.
Mahomes threw for 331 yards with touchdown passes to four different receivers, and the Kansas City offense piled up nearly 500 yards despite three turnovers in a 27-17 victory Sunday. (ESPN)
Tier 2: Clearly contending for a championship
2. Eagles (8-1)
The undefeated talk finally goes to rest, but this is still a super bowl contender.
3. Vikings (8-1)
I have to come to grips with the fact that the Vikings are actually really good. It was easy to see how adding a new, bright, offensive mind in the building at head coach would give the offense a boost, but I don’t think anyone predicted 8-1. They haven’t lost a game since week 1 against Philadelphia. Unreal.
4. Bills (6-3)
Yikes, Josh Allen. Yikes. Besides a couple of key injuries on defense and the putrid play of Josh Allen in the past 3 weeks, this is still a really good team.
5. Dolphins (7-3)
Wunderkind Mike McDaniel and his signal caller Tua are having a blast as they make their joint cases for MVP and coach of the year. Add Tyreek to the equation and this offense can look unstoppable some sundays. My only concern about the Phins is if their style of play will hold up in rough weather conditions. Well, tis the season, and their schedule gets pretty tough here quick. We’ll see how Mike adapts as the style of football in December starts to change a bit, but I believe in him 100%. He’s firing on all cylinders.
6. Ravens (6-3)
This team confuses me. They have a ton of talented players, starting with Lamar Jackson. Why hasnt he been paid? Seems wrong. They have lead in most of the games they’ve played, and I trust their QB and Head Coach. We shall see how things play out in the AFC North with the Bengals.
7. 49ers (5-4)
One of the best teams in the NFC, but their quarterback situation is a bit shaky, Regardless, their offense can light up the scoreboard most Sundays. Their defense is really good, especially their front seven. Both units are incredibly coached, by Kyle Shanahan and DeMeco Ryans respectively.
Tier 3: Sneaky and Scary
Playoff probables, sneaky contenders (but probably not)
8. Bengals (5-4)
As long as this offense can get by without Jamar for a few more weeks, I still think they can make a serious run. Joe Mixon being a big component of their offense is hey in accomplishing that.
9. Cowboys (6-3)
That was an emotonial loss for Mike McCarthy, a guy I’ve never really loved as a play caller or a late game decision maker. Tony Pollard is definetly their best running back. Dak is fine. At least their defense is really good!
10. Seahawks (6-3)
The Hawks came out super flat in Germany and the Bucs had their much needed comeback game. Geno made a mistake but he also almost lead a comeback. It’s going to take more than a close loss to Tom Brady for me to completely write off the Hawks.
11. Titans (6-3)
Defense is elite. Their head coach is incredible. Derek Henry is still running over everyone. The Titans have proven over the past few seasons that they can ugly up games and beat good teams. Do I think they will in the playoffs? No.
12. Bucs (5-5)
That defense (when healthy) + Tom Brady in December = scary. I wouldn’t bet on them to win the super bowl, but after clinching that awful division I like their chances to win at least a playoff game.
