Play.
The Ravens are slipping in Mina Kimes' power rankings.
Kimes is concerned about the Ravens' playoffs hopes after Lamar Jackson was injured. (1:03)
6:30 AM
We decided to tell the story of each team using the Football Power Index, which is more than the usual numbers in this week's NFL Power Rankings. The reporters evaluated the offense, defense and special teams to understand why the teams are in the race.
Some reporters got to talk about the fun things, such as the GOAT and the New England Pats' defense, which is led by Bill Belichick. The Houston Texans' sputtering offense, the New York Jets' defense, and the Lions andJaguars were all things that weren't fun to discuss. The Buffalo Bills' disappointing 6-7 record despite every unit ranking in the top seven is not a good example of how the FPI rankings haven't yet translated into what they suggest. It's a lot, but it will make sense at the end.
Our power panel, made up of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities, evaluates how teams stack up throughout the season to determine our Power Rankings.
The previous rankings were: 14; 13; 11; 10; 9; 8; 7; 6; 5; 4; 3; 2; Preseason.
Jump to:
Ari, BAL, BUF, CAR, CHI, and CIN are included.
DAL, DEN, DET, GB, HOU, and IND are abbreviations.
The following cities are included: JAX, KC, LV, LAC, LAR, MIA.
NYG, NYJ, PHI, PIT, and SF are not included.
*SEA, TBR, TEN, WSH
There is a method for this.
1. The Buccaneers are 10-3.
The previous ranking was 3.
The offense was 1
Defense: 8.
Special teams are 26.
The best in the NFL is the one the Bucs have, with an average of 31.54 points and 410.15 yards per game, and their defense is starting to get healthy at the right time. They're giving up 22.85 points per game, which is 19th in the league, but it's on par with where they were at this time last year. Their rating is not great in special teams. Their 81% field goal rate is 20th in the league, and their opponent kick return yardage is third worst in the league, but they have done well in punt coverage. The numbers are fair.
2. The ArizonaCardinals (10-3) are doing well.
The previous ranking was 1
The offense was 6.
Defense: 3
Special teams are 12.
The offense is high-powered, high-octane, and it's not the only reason the Cards are one of the best teams in football. According to these numbers, their defense is just as good. Their special teams are middle of the pack, which could be a concern for the rest of the season and into the playoffs. The offense and defense are good enough to cover any special teams deficiencies.
Play.
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3. The Green Bay Packers are 10-3)
The previous ranking was 2.
The offense had 2.
Defense: 16
Special teams are 30.
The defense has been good, the offense is good, and the special teams are terrible. Green Bay gave up a 97-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first half and allowed Chicago to recover an onside kick in the fourth quarter, yet the Packers scored 45 points and returned an onside kick. If the Packers don't get the third part fixed, it could ruin their season.
4. The Kansas City Chiefs are 9-4.
The previous ranking was 5.
The offense had 3.
Defense: 15
Special teams are 11.
It's difficult to see how the rankings of the Chiefs are affected by their season on both sides of the ball. It's been a long time since the offense felt like it was top 3 in the league. The defense, which has allowed 12 points per game over the past six, is better than the middle of the pack. After a win over Las Vegas, the Chiefs appear to be in a good place for the stretch run.
5. New England is 9-4
The previous ranking was 4.
The offense was 16.
Defense: 1.
Special teams are 3.
The three phases of the game are woven together to help produce wins, as Bill Belichick often talks about. The numbers show how the Pats have mostly done that, with strong defense and special teams aiding an offense that has brought Mac Jones along masterfully as he learns the job.
Play.
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6. The Dallas Cowboys are 9-4.
The previous ranking was 7.
The offense was 11.
Defense: 7
There are 9 special teams.
The defense is the strong point of this team. At the beginning of the season, nobody would have said that. The Cowboys were hoping to finish in the top half of the league, which would be a huge improvement over 2020. The defense is having its best season in recent years, and the offense is not performing as well as it could. To be a real contender in January, the offense has to get back to putting up points, and that means big plays, which have been cut way back in recent weeks.
7. The TennesseeTitans (9-4) are doing well.
The previous ranking was 10.
The offense had 15.
Defense: 13
Special teams are 25.
Significant players missing time due to injury affect the ratings on offense and defense. Tennessee started to run the football with a committee approach after losing a running back. The passing game should get a boost with the return of A.J. Brown and the health of wide receiver Julio Jones. After the bye week, the defense seemed to get back into gear. Getting Bud Dupree back will help further improve it. Special teams have been mediocre. A healthy team will be in a good position to make a push.
8. The Los Angeles Rams are 9-4.
The previous ranking was 9.
The offense was 5.
Defense: 5
Special teams are 28.
The numbers make sense. The Rams have been inconsistent this season. Matthew Stafford and the offense are unstoppable at times, with the 13th-year quarterback using his arm to create plays. He was susceptible to multiple turnovers in three losses. The 49ers and Packers stayed on the field too long because the defense was able to get stops. And special teams? They've been a problem all season, and the low ranking reflects that.
9. The Buffalo Bills are 7-6)
The previous ranking was 8.
The offense was 7.
Defense: 2
Special teams have one.
The Bills have performed well in all three phases at various times of the season but have fallen just short in too many games, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The special teams ranking reflects an impressive season from place-kicker Tyler Bass and why the team likes punter Matt Haack. The ratings show a team that should have a better record but is 0-5 in one-score games.
10. The Baltimore Ravens are 8-5
The previous ranking was 6.
The offense had 17 points.
Defense: 14
Special teams are 2.
Both sides have carried the Ravens at times this season, and they lead the division with a middle-of-the-pack offense and defense. The Ravens have lost seven starters to season-ending injuries. Over the past month, the defense has been the strongest. If Lamar Jackson can get back on track, Baltimore can make the playoffs for a fourth straight year.
11. The 49ers are 7-6).
The previous ranking was 14.
The offense scored 8.
Defense: 17
Special teams are 29
The 49ers have been a mediocre team this season, capable of beating or losing to anyone. The Niners have excelled when the offense is in control of the ball and the defense is able to make timely stops. The Niners have lost at least two games because of special teams, and though the unit was much improved against the Bengal in Week 14, continued improvement will be needed to elevate the team beyond what looks like a limited ceiling at the moment.
Everything you need this week.
The full schedule is Standings.
Every team has depth charts.
Transactions and injuries.
Football Power Index rankings.
There is more coverage of the NFL.
12. The Los Angeles Chargers are 5-5.
The previous ranking was 13
The offense scored 4.
Defense: 25.
There are 32 special teams.
The Bolts' offense is as good as Herbert's arm, as evidenced by the 59-yard touchdown pass to Guyton in Sunday's win. Herbert is a star, Austin Ekeler has stepped up his game and the Chargers are capable of beating anyone when they're clicking. The defense needs to be more consistent if the Bolts are going to make a run in the playoffs. The special teams are not as good as their ranking would suggest.
13. The Indianapolis Colts are 4-7.
The previous ranking was 12.
The offense was 9.
Defense: 20
There are 14 special teams.
The Colts are ranked in the top 10 on offense and have Jonathan Taylor at running back. The Colts will be tested in their next three games by the Raiders, Raiders, and the Pats, because the Colts will be tested on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders are trying to stay in the playoff hunt while the other teams are trying to stay in their divisions.
14. The Cincinnati Bengals are 4-7.
The previous ranking was 11.
The offense had 20.
Defense: 11
Special teams are 7.
This shows that Cincinnati's offense is the team's worst unit. A combination of both has been the problem for the Bengal's as they have struggled to either start games well or maintain a level of consistency. The Cincinnati offensive line ranks next to last in pass block win rate, and the team often seems to be caught between establishing the zone running scheme and airing it out with quarterback Joe Burrow. The defense and special teams have been very solid under third-year coordinators Lou Anarumo and Darrin Simmons, with the exception of two muffed punt returns in Sunday's loss to the 49ers.
Play.
Rex Ryan doesn't think that the Browns will have success with Baker Mayfield as their quarterback.
15. The Cleveland Browns are 4-7.
The previous ranking was 19
The offense was 13
Defense: 23
There are 24 special teams.
The defense is starting to hit its stride just in time to make a push for the playoffs. Two weeks ago, the Browns scored a defensive touchdown after intercepting Lamar Jackson four times, and on Sunday, they did it again. The problem is that the offense continues to struggle. If Kevin Stefanski can get the offense going again, the Browns could become a tough out in the playoffs.
16. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 6-6
The previous ranking was 15.
The offense had 26.
Defense: 10.
16 special teams.
It's hard to fully explain the ratings of the 2021 PittsburghSteelers. They looked like a ranked team in the first three quarters. They played like they were in the top 10 in the fourth quarter. This is not the first time that has happened. The offense looks stagnant until it goes no-huddle, and the defense can't stop anyone on the ground for a full four quarters. Pressley Harvin III has been inconsistent on punts, but special teams has been responsible for game-changing plays. Like the ratings, the Steelers are all over the place.
Tom Brady, Davis Mills, and T.J. Watt are on the show.
17. The Denver Broncos are 7-6)
The previous ranking was 20.
The offense had 19 points.
Defense: 9
Special teams are 18.
The Broncos have played good enough defense to make the playoffs despite a lot of injuries, but they have lost to Las Vegas, Cleveland and Philadelphia. The Broncos have run hot and cold depending on their willingness to run the ball and push the issue downfield in the passing game. More big plays have been surrendered by the special teams units. If the Broncos can maintain their defensive consistency, be who they are on offense more often and keep the special teams from ruining a potentially good thing, they might just hang around in the playoffs.
18. The Miami Dolphins have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 17
The offense had 22.
Defense: 12
Special teams are 21.
The fact that Miami's defense has a negative rating is a testament to how poorly it played in the first eight weeks of the season. The defense has carried the Dolphins to five victories in a row and is currently playing well. The Dolphins have relied on big plays and efficient play from Tua Tagovailoa, but they have not yet shown the ability to win a shootout. Miami needs to win out to have any chance of making the playoffs, but with its defense playing at this level, anything is possible.
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19. The Washington football team is.
The previous ranking was 16.
The offense had 21.
Defense: 18
Special teams are 23.
The first-half struggles reflected a 2-6 record. The defense last in points and yards and was last in points and yards for most of the period. In the past six games, Washington's defense has ranked fourth in yards and eighth in points allowed. The special teams have been hurt by having five kicks or extra points blocked. The struggles are shown by the offensive ranking. Washington has lost key players to injury, and has yet to have the desired impact, as evidenced by the fact that potential star Curtis Samuel missed eight games with a groin injury.
20. The Philadelphia Eagles have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 21.
The offense was 18.
Defense: 19
Special teams are 17
The Eagles are the top rushing team in the league, but are third worst in passing, which explains why they're near the middle of the pack. They are 12th in points per game and have been solid since coach Nick Sirianni switched to a more ground-based attack in Week 8. The defense has been moving in the right direction thanks to the play of corner Darius Slay, who has three touchdown returns on the season. The Eagles have limited opponents to 17 points per game over the past four weeks, an encouraging sign as they hit the home stretch, with three of their final four games coming against Washington and the Giants. It's fair to say that the special teams are average, but kicker Jake Elliott has excelled.
21. The Minnesota Vikings have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 23.
The offense was 10.
Defense: 26
Special teams are 20.
Minnesota has played in 10 one-score games in a row. The Vikings have been beaten four times on their opponent's final drive, and they nearly allowed the largest comeback in NFL regular-season history. The offense has been a top 10 unit due to the production it has seen from Kirk Cousins and the production it has seen from Justin Jefferson. The Vikings have struggled to put together a complete game on offense and defense, which has left them on the outside looking in at the playoffs.
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The picture and scenarios of the playoffs.
The interactive NFL Playoff Machine was created by ESPN.
The Football Power Index is a measure of standings.
22. The New Orleans Saints have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 22.
The offense had 24.
Defense: 4
There are 8 special teams.
This season has been strange as compared to past campaigns when the offense and defense were dominant and the Saints were held back. They've been without their QB1, WR1,RB1,TE1 and OT1 for long stretches, so these numbers make perfect sense. The good news is that the Saints should be in good shape for the playoffs, as they have been all season on both offense and defense.
23. The Las Vegas Raiders are.
The previous ranking was 18.
The offense was 14.
Defense: 29
Special teams are 22.
Bill Parcells once said, "You are what your record says you are." These figures are exactly what they are. The offense and quarterback are in the middle of the pack. The defense is still a bottom-feeder. Rich Bisaccia is one of the more respected special teams coaches in the NFL, so perhaps the most damning figure here is for the special teams. At the end of the day, it's about wins and losses. "Just compete, baby!" is a phrase used by another Hall of Famer, Al Davis.
24. The Atlanta Falcons have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 24.
The offense had 23.
Defense: 27
Special teams are 27.
If you've watched the way the Falcons have performed this season, there's no reason for these ratings to surprise you. Their wins have been one-possession games, while their losses have been large. Atlanta is one of two teams with no phases of football in the top 20. The lowest-rated team in the playoffs is the Falcons. What does this say about the Falcons? They are being well-coached despite the struggles of the other side of the ball, and they are performing well as a group.
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25. The Seattle Seahawks are winless.
The previous ranking was 25.
The offense had 12.
Defense: 21
Special teams are 5.
It's a little better than you might think because of how the group has been while dealing with injuries to Russell Wilson and Chris Carson. They struggled in two of Geno Smith's three starts and in the first three games of Wilson's return, but have hit their stride over the past two. Their defense is that low despite allowing the fifth-fewest points in the league. Most of their success has come against lesser quarterbacks, with the exception of Rodgers. The Texans were held to 13 points on Sunday, but Seattle will face a tougher test this week against Matthew Stafford and the Rams.
26. The Carolina panthers are 5-8.
The previous ranking was 26.
The offense was 30.
Defense: 6
Special teams are 10.
The offensive rating shows where the team went wrong and what will prevent it from being successful. The loss to Atlanta was a perfect example of the year in which quarterbacks CamNewton and P.J. Walker combined for two turnovers and 13 points. There have been a lot of turnovers since Sam Darnold started. The numbers are offensive.
27. The New York Giants are 4-9.
The previous ranking was 27.
The offense was 25.
Defense: 22
Special teams are 15.
Looks right. The Giants will get a top 10 draft pick because they aren't really good at anything. They are scoring 17.8 points per game, they can't run consistently, and their passing game hasn't been good with everyone in and out of the lineup. The defense can't handle good quarterbacks if they don't have a pass rush. Their best unit is their special teams. Judge was a special teams coach. This is how you end up with a losing record.
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28. The Chicago Bears are 4-9.
The previous ranking was 28.
The offense had 28.
Defense: 24.
Special teams are 6.
The lack of talent surrounding the offensive line, the receiver, and the quarterback is why Chicago's offense is dead last in passing. The Bears need to focus their efforts in the draft to support Fields, as his development was put into question by his first season. The once-vaunted defense has been marred with injuries, and the window to win with it has closed. The Bears' return teams have kept things interesting. Jakeem Grant's 97-yard punt return for a touchdown was the first such return for a score this season.
29. The New York Jets are 3-10).
The previous ranking was 29
The offense was 27.
Defense: 32.
Special teams are 31
There is no hope for the present, only the future. The defense is historically poor. It won't improve until the Jets have high draft choices on that side of the ball. They have talent on the offense, but they are on the injured list. The final four games will be difficult for Wilson.
Play.
Stephen A. Smith says that Urban Meyer needs to go.
30. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a 2-11 record.
The previous ranking was 31
The offense had 31 points.
Defense: 28.
13 special teams.
The offense has been bad since the bye week, and the defense has had to be perfect to give the team a chance to win. The defense doesn't have the personnel to play at that high of a level every week, but that happened once, in which the offense managed just three field goals. The quarterback hasn't played well, but he hasn't been helped by his pass-catchings or the benching of the running back for fumbling. Since beating Miami 23-20 in London to end their 20-game losing streak, the Jags have averaged 9.1 points per game.
31. The Detroit Lions are 1-10.
The previous ranking was 30.
The offense had 29 points.
Defense: 31.
The teams are special.
The Lions have the best chance of getting the first pick. This team might have been able to achieve a five-win campaign with the current roster in place. The poor ratings on offense and defense can be explained by injuries to key guys such as Jeff Okudah, Frank Ragnow and Romeo Okwara. The final four games of the season could be rough for the Lions as they try to rebuild under first-year coach Dan Campbell.
Each of Tom Brady's Super Bowl appearances has been given a first-hand account. Man in the Arena: Tom Brady will be broadcasted on the Disney Channel.
32. The Houston Texans are 2-11.
The previous ranking was 32.
The offense had 32.
The defense is 30.
Special teams are 19
The Texans changed quarterbacks, but it didn't help the offense that is last in the league. Houston's defense has been gashed all season. Ka'imi Fairbairn made a 61-yard field goal in the Texans' loss to the Seattle.
