I stopped writing NFL Power Rankings a couple of seasons ago ’cause nobody was reading ’em. You know – every sports media website in the world has some form of these power rankings up, so there’s a lot of competition, and the little guys like us lose out in those scenarios. It makes it somewhat pointless to do stuff like this, but whatever happened with Google’s core web vitals update back in May seems to have kicked our traffic into another gear. I guess they like us? Anyway, it made me think that maybe it was worth giving these bad boys another try. So, like I said before I stopped writing these, my NFL Power Rankings are based solely on what has happened on the field so far. I’m not taking preseason expectations or projections into consideration. These rankings are based strictly on what I’ve seen so far this season. Let’s get to it.
NFL POWER RANKINGS: WEEK 12, 2021
1. Arizona Cardinals (9-2) – The Cardinals had the week off, and they still boast the best record in the NFL, so no change at the top this week. They travel to Chicago for a date with the Bears on Sunday, and absolutely should get their 10th win of the season.
2. Green Bay Packers (9-3) – No little toe injury is going to slow Aaron Rodgers down. The Packers got an impressive win over another contender in the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams, on Sunday. They get to their bye week, needing to get healthy, this week.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3) – The Bucs stopped a skid by handling their business against a red hot Indianapolis Colts team and getting back on track in the NFC race. It was a firm reminder of just how talented and dangerous this team is, and that they should be a factor come January.
4. New England Patriots (8-4) – I don’t know that anyone in the AFC is looking particularly great right now, so maybe the Patriots are just the hottest of the bunch right now, but the way they’re playing football translates to success in January – safe decision-making at the quarterback position and good defense. They’re the only team in the AFC without a glaring flaw right now.
5. Los Angeles Rams (7-4) – After three straight losses, is it time to start worrying about whether or not this super team has what it takes to go on the road and win a Super Bowl? They get the chance to get right on Sunday against the lowly Jags.
6. Dallas Cowboys (7-4) – The Cowboys dropped an electric shootout to the pesky Raiders that just won’t go away in the AFC playoff race. But, this team is still loaded with talent and should rebound against the reeling Saints on Thursday Night Football.
7. Baltimore Ravens (8-3) – Baltimore has the best record in the AFC right now, but they haven’t looked particularly good getting there, losing to the Dolphins, beating the Bears by three, and the Browns by six in their last three contests. They travel to Pittsburgh to play a Steelers team that will be out for blood after getting their asses kicked on Sunday.
8. Tennessee Titans (8-4) – They’re just too injured right now, and it finally caught up with ’em. As long as they are this hurt, it’s hard to trust them in a big game. If we’re projecting, I think this can still be the most complete and balanced team in the AFC, but it is imperative that they get healthy. Luckily for them, they get the week off.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) – I’m still not completely sold on the idea that the Chiefs are back quite yet, but they do possess the talent to turn it on and go on a run come January. Coming off a bye, they host the Broncos on Sunday Night Football.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) – Man, this team is fun as hell to watch. With the AFC looking as wide open as it does right now, there’s no reason to think this offense can’t make some noise down the stretch. They deserve their flowers. They host the Chargers in a game that has huge AFC playoff ramifications on Sunday.
IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY…
AFC
- (1) Baltimore Ravens (BYE)
- (7) Los Angeles Chargers @ (2) New England Patriots
- (6) Buffalo Bills @ (3) Tennessee Titans
- (5) Cincinnati Bengals @ (4) Kansas City Chiefs
NFC
- (1) Arizona Cardinals (BYE)
- (7) Washington Football Team @ (2) Green Bay Packers
- (6) San Francisco 49ers @ (3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- (5) Los Angeles Rams @ (4) Dallas Cowboys
PREDICTIONS
- Top 5 NFL Draft order: 1. Lions, 2. Jaguars, 3. Texans, 4. Jets, 5. Bears
- AFC Championship: Chiefs @ Patriots
- NFC Championship: Buccaneers @ Cardinals
- Super Bowl: Chiefs vs. Cardinals
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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