Top 5
#1. Arizona Cardinals (9-2)
Previous Rank: #4
The Cardinals are the league’s lone nine-win team, and they continue to find ways to win games without their two best offensive players. You know what that tells me? It’s pretty obvious. It tells me this team knows how to win regardless of who’s running the show. No Kyler Murray and Deandre Hopkins, no problem. Arizona also boasts a salty defense that’s allowing opponents to muster a mere 18.4 points per game. Some part of you has to love this team.
After a timely bye in week 12, both Murray and Hopkins are finally expected to return for a road contest with the Bears on Dec. 5. The future looks bright for this bunch.
#2. Green Bay Packers (8-3)
Previous Rank: #1
The Packers spent one week in the top spot before dropping a road game 34-31 to division rival Minnesota. Green Bay’s defense had been so good, but they didn’t show up on Sunday when the offense needed them. Add some penalties to the equation and that’s how the loss came to be. It’s also important to point out that the Vikings have won two-straight and are learning to finish games after dropping five games by seven-points or less earlier this season. The Packers lost a three-point road game to a rival that’s playing well, I’m willing to give them a pass.
The Packers host the (7-3) Rams on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST in one of Week-12’s better matchups. The Rams have lost consecutive games and need this one bad to prevent a three game skid. Sign me up, I’ll be watching.
#3 Tennessee Titans (8-3)
Previous Rank: #2
For the time being, I’m also giving the Titans a pass following their 22-13 home loss to the pitiful Texans. It was simply a bad game. If this season has taught us anything it’s that every team is going to have one or two losses that just don’t make sense. The Titans lost the turnover battle 5-0, recorded 26 first-downs to Houston’s 15, and outgained their opponent 420-yards to 190-yards. I repeat, it was just a bad game.
Since Derrick Henry’s injury, the defense has been the bright spot and they continue to thrive, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the rushing attack. Running the ball is such a big part of what the Titans want to do offensively and it opens up the play-action passing game for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Titans released veteran Adrian Peterson this week, so I guess it’s now D’Onta Foreman’s show?
The Titans head north to Foxboro in Week-12 to throw down with the Patriots who are currently on the NFL’s longest winning streak at five-games. While the Jets, Chargers, Panthers, Browns and Falcons don’t necessarily form murders row, winning five-straight games in the NFL isn’t easy. It’s also worth mentioning that the Patriots outscored that bunch 175-50. Points should be hard to come by Sunday.
#4. Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
Previous Rank: #3
Much like the Packers and Titans, the Cowboys also lost in Week-11. The Chiefs got the best of the Cowboys 19-9 in a low-scoring, uncharacteristic game at Arrowhead. Kansas City has turned things around and they are looking more more formidable with each passing week, so it’s not a bad loss. Dallas still has loads of talent on the offensive side of the ball and the defense continues to surprise after being historically bad last season.
The Cowboys hold a comfortable lead in the NFC East and face a manageable schedule throughout the rest of the regular season, which includes games with the reeling Saints and Raiders who are both on three-game skids, two games against Washington and games with the Cardinals and Eagles. Outside of the Cardinals, that’s a relatively easy stretch. Dallas should get back on track and win at least four of their next six-games.
#5. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
Previous Rank: NR
Speaking of the Chiefs, here they are in the fifth and final spot. I’m going with the Chiefs because of the potential I see in this team. The offense hasn’t been as lethal as it’s been in past years, but much like they did last season, the defense is stepping up big time and it’s resulting in wins. Kansas City has also been blessed with a favorable schedule throughout the rest of the regular season.
In no particular order, I chose the Chiefs over the Patriots (7-3), the Rams (7-3) and the Bucs (7-4).
Bottom 5
#28 – New York Giants
#29 – Houston Texans
#30 – New York Jets
#31 – Jacksonville Jaguars
#32 – Detroit Lions
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