NFL Power Rankings Heading into Week 11

Photo Credit: NFL/Tennessee Titans. (249)

The race to the NFL playoffs is heating up.

In week 11, Ezekiel Elliott recorded over 200 total yards as the Cowboys had their biggest win of the season with a road victory against the Steelers. The Seahawks got some sweet revenge as they beat the Patriots on Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs extended their win streak to five games. The Rams had fans calling for Jared Goff in their 9–6 win against the Jets. Marcus Mariota recorded four touchdowns in the Titans beatdown win against the now 4–5 Packers. The Lions won even though they did not play as they are now in 1st place in the NFC North.

After ten weeks of the NFL season, here are the NFL Power Rankings heading into week 11.

1. Dallas Cowboys (8–1) — Ranked #2 last week

• Who will stop the Dallas Cowboys? The Cowboys are now on an eight game win streak and they hold a comfortable lead for the #1 seed in the NFC. Against the Steelers, Ezekiel Elliott not only confirmed his Offensive Rookie of the Year award but his performance sparked a discussion for a potential MVP award. Elliot totaled 209 yards and three touchdowns as he was tough to tackle in the open field. The offensive line was on another level once again as pass protection and run blocking derived an A+. The Cowboys next four games will be against winning teams and it starts next week against the Ravens in a showdown of Elliot vs the league’s top rush defense.

2. New England Patriots (7–2) — Ranked #1 last week

• The Patriots were a yard away from tying the game up but the Seahawks came through with five consecutive stops at the goal line. The Patriots defense had a tough time in coverage against the Seahawks receivers as Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham ran great routes and they did well when they had a safety covering them. Tom Bradyrecorded his 75th 300 yard game but it was not enough. The Patriots still hold the #1 seed in the AFC as they will now prepare for the 49ers.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (7–2) — Ranked #3 last week

• The Chiefs defense have faced Derek Carr, Andrew Luck, Drew Brees, Blake Bortles, and Cam Newton in consecutive weeks and they have averaged 263 passing yards with five interceptions. In the Chiefs five game winning streak, their defense has allowed a superb 15.2 points per game with 12 total takeaways. On offense, the Chiefs have played smart and conservative football with just one turnover in their last five games and they are turning defensive takeaways into touchdowns. The Chiefs are not blowing out opponents or supplying incredible highlight reel plays but they are getting the job done. The 1st place Chiefs will host Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers up next.

4. Seattle Seahawks (6–2–1) — Ranked #5 last week

• After a poor October, the Seahawks offense is finally playing up to their expectations. Against the Bills and Patriots, the Seahawks have totaled 62 points and 698 yards. Pass blocking has been much better as Russell Wilson has had minimal pressure over the past two games. Against the Patriots, Russell Wilson had one of the best games of his career. Wilson completed 67% of passes for a regular season career high 348 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson’s deep passes were on target to his receivers and the Seahawks did not have a problem moving the ball downfield against the Patriots aggressive defense. For the Seahawks defense, their streak continues as they have not allowed at least 30 points in a game this season and a clutch defensive stop at the end of the game was sweet revenge.

5. Oakland Raiders (7–2) — Ranked #4 last week

• With the Chiefs win over the Panthers, Kansas City are now in 1st place in the AFC West while the Raiders drop to a wild card spot. The Raiders will play the Texans next week from the Estadio Azteca in Mexico.

6. Denver Broncos (7–3) — Ranked #7 last week

• It was definitely a stressful game for Broncos fans. The Broncos “No Fly Zone” defense did their job in the 1st half with two interceptions off Drew Brees and they covered Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas like a blanket. In the 2nd half, Drew Brees cooked the Broncos defense with 20 points and a game-tying touchdown… until the Broncos blocked the PAT and returned it for two points. Trevor Siemian had a long game as he was sacked six times but two touchdown passes kept the Broncos in the game. One of the ugliest wins in Broncos recent history but they’ll take it as they have their much-needed bye week next week.

7. New York Giants (6–3) — Ranked #8 last week

• Four wins in a row for the Giants and all Giants fans must be pleased with the way the defense has performed over the last four weeks. Against the Bengals, Janoris Jenkins and the Giants secondary performed well as they were able to limit Andy Dalton to 209 passing yards and tight coverage forced constant short passes. On offense, Eli Manning recorded yet another three touchdown game while Odell Beckham Jr recorded his 5th career game with at least 10 receptions. Even though the Cowboys have been playing near flawless football, the Giants are still just two games behind Dallas in the NFC East and in this division, it is never over until the clock strikes double zero in the last week of the season.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (5–4) — Ranked #12 last week

• What is the best way to beat the #1 offense in the NFL? Keep them off the field. That is what the Eagles offense did as they executed it to near perfection as they held the ball for 38:10 and they won the game with ground and pound football. The Eagles rushed for 208 yards including 109 coming from Ryan Mathews, who also scored a couple of touchdowns. With the Eagles win over the Falcons, they are now 4–0 at home. At 5–4, the Eagles will look for their first win streak in two months as they will take on the Seahawks next week. Facing the Seahawks elite defense will be an arduous task for Carson Wentz and the offensive line will look to double-team Cliff Avril.

9. Atlanta Falcons (6–4) — Ranked #6 last week

• The Falcons #1 offense scored at least 23 points in every game this season until their matchup against the Eagles. The Falcons were limited to a season-low 15 points. The Falcons defense had a tough time getting off the field as the Eagles converted 25 first downs and they had control of possession for 17 more minutes than the Falcons. A rare Julio Jones drop in the 4th quarter and a lack of a rushing attack from Devonta Freeman led to loss #4 for the Falcons. Fortunately for the Falcons, the Saints also lost in heartbreaking fashion so their lead in the NFC South remains at a game and a half. Matt Ryan and the Falcons will have their bye week upcoming.

10. Houston Texans (6–3) — Ranked #11 last week

• The Texans have one of the worst offense in the league as they rank 29th in the NFL with 2,779 total yards and 17.9 points per game. Somehow, the Texans are 6–3 and they lead the AFC South division. Against the Jaguars, the Texans relied on their trio rushing attack of Lamar Miller, Akeem Hunt and Alfred Blue to carry the offense and the Texans defense intercepted Blake Bortles twice. The Texans have won three of their last four games by a total of 13 points. Texans will face the Raiders on Monday Night Football next week.

11. Detroit Lions (5–4) — Ranked #9 last week

• With the Lions on the bye, the Eagles and Texans picked up solid wins so the Lions dropped two spots but they should be joyous about the Vikings and Packers game results. The Vikings and Packers both lost so that means… yes, the Detroit Lions are in 1st place in the NFC North. Lions will host the Jaguars this week.

12. Miami Dolphins (5–4) — Ranked #15 last week

• From disappointing team of the year to comeback team of the year all in a span of two months. The Dolphins have now won four in a row and are now 1.5 games behind the Broncos for the 2nd wild card spot. In their last game against the Chargers, the Jay Ayaji did not have another historic rushing game but the defense stepped up with four interceptions. Cameron Wake and Mario Williams were able to pressure and rattle Philip Rivers in the pocket and they also helped in limiting Melvin Gordon to 2.9 yards per carry. The Dolphins will face the Rams and 49ers up next.

13. Washington Redskins (5–3–1) — Ranked #16 last week

• For the 4th straight game, the Redskins reached at least 100 rushing yards and their 5th win of the season with a close victory over the struggling Vikings. The emergence of rookie Robert Kelley has been clutch especially with Matt Jones being unavailable over the past couple of games. Kelley has totaled 187 rushing yards over the past two games with a touchdown. At 5–3–1, the Redskins stand at 3rd place in the NFC East with a home game against the Green Bay Packers up next.

14. Minnesota Vikings (5–4) — Ranked #10 last week

• A month ago, some NFL fans argued that the Vikings were the best overall team in the league. Now, the Vikings have dropped four in a row and the Lions now reign in 1st place in the NFC North. To make matters worse, offensive tackle Jake Long is out for the season with an achilles injury. The Vikings are also desperate for Adrian Peterson to return as the Vikings limited run game has forced Bradford to throw at least 35 times over the last four times and coincidentally, all Vikings losses. Five different Vikings players had a carry and it all totaled for a disappointing 47 yards. On defense, the Vikings have allowed at least 20 points in their four games compared to zero in their first five games. A must win game is upcoming for Minnesota this week as they host Arizona.

15. New Orleans Saints (4–5) — Ranked #13 last week

• There is no denying that the Broncos defense were able to figure out Drew Brees in the 1st half as they were had tremendous coverage on the Saints receivers and they forced erratic Brees throws into tight coverage. It was a completely different story in the 2nd half. Saints scored 20 points in the 2nd half including three clutch Brees touchdown passes. Brees also became the first player since Ben Roethlisberger last season to pass for over 300 yards against Denver’s top pass defense. In the end, Brees found Brandin Cooks for what was supposed to be the potential game-winning touchdown but then the Saints found a new and unique way to disappoint Drew Brees. A blocked PAT led to a Broncos return score and two points. It is more heartbreaking considering that the win would have put the Saints a half game back of the Falcons for 1st place in the NFC South. Sorry Drew Brees, you deserve better.

16. Baltimore Ravens (5–4) — Ranked #18 last week

• Ravens came into their game against the Browns with just one offensive touchdown in their last two games but they finished with three. The Ravens were also able to get past the 100 yard rushing mark while the Ravens rush defense once again limited the Browns rush offense. Ravens will look to make it three in a row for the 2nd time this season when they take on the Cowboys next week.

17. Tennessee Titans (5–5) — Ranked #25 last week

• There were probably more Titans fans that were surprised by the result of this game than there were Packers fans. The Titans scored 47 points and they totaled 446 yards against the Packers in one of the biggest Titans wins over the past five seasons. Marcus Mariota threw four touchdowns while DeMarco Murray also threw a touchdown pass and scored a rushing touchdown. Brian Orakpo also got in on the beatdown with two sacks to bring his season total to nine. The Titans will have another opportunity to finally reach a winning record when they visit the Indianapolis Colts.

18. Green Bay Packers (4–5) — Ranked #14 last week

• For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, fighting for the Lombardi trophy is probably the last thing on the Packers players minds. For the first time since the 2008 season, the Packers have a losing record after week 9. In their loss against the Titans, the Packers offensive line and secondary had by far their worst game of the season. At this rate, Aaron Rodgers might soon be sidelined with a back injury after carrying this team all season long.

19. Arizona Cardinals (4–4–1) — Ranked #24 last week

• Arizona Cardinals coach should be pleased that the Cardinals are back at the .500 mark but also discouraged that they needed a field goal to beat the 1 win 49ers. The Cardinals four brutal turnovers, including two C interceptions, allowed the 49ers to hang around right up until the end of the game. Scoring three points in the 2nd half and just a 2.9 yards per carry average for David Johnson against one of the worst rush defenses over the last five years is concerning. Regardless, the Cardinals will take it as a win and they will face the Vikings next week.

20. Indianapolis Colts (4–5) — Ranked #20 last week

• The Colts were on their bye this week but with the Titans crushing win over the Packers, the Colts are now behind the Titans in the AFC South standing by half a game. The Colts will host the Titans next week.

21. Buffalo Bills (4–5) — Ranked #21 last week

• The Bills were off this week but they should be concerned with the rise of the AFC West and the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots have all but secured the AFC East so the only path for the Bills to make the playoffs is through a wild card spot. Bills will travel to Cincinnati next week.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers (4–5) — Ranked #19 last week

• The Steelers defense easily had their worst performance of the season against the Cowboys. The Steelers defense were unable to limit Ezekiel Elliott’s yards after contact as the missed tackles piled up after every one of his carries on the day. On offense, Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, and Antonio Brown did their job with 30 points and 448 total yards against one of the best defenses in the NFC but it was not enough as the defense let the down once again. The game was full of errors and dumb mistakes but there are still seven games left in the season and they play in the weakest division in the AFC.

23. San Diego Chargers (4–6) — Ranked #17 last week

• Philip Rivers came into the Dolphins matchup with seven interceptions on the season with three of them coming in their 2nd game against the Denver Broncos. Against the Dolphins, Rivers uncommonly threw four interceptions including two in the 4th quarter that sealed the Chargers hopes of any comeback. The four interceptions tied a career high with his 2012 performance against the Broncos in a loss. At 5–5, the Chargers could have been in good position to fight for a playoff spot being two games under the Denver Broncos for the 2nd wild card spot but with a loss like this, the Chargers are on their way to watching the playoffs from home.

24. Cincinnati Bengals (3–5–1) — Ranked #23 last week

• Well, what can you say about the Bengals. They are the AFC’s biggest disappointment of the season so far. The Bengals are 1–5–1 against team’s with a current winning record and this team is looking for answers on where it has gone wrong. Against the Giants, the Bengals rush defense allowed 122 rushing yards to the Giants and on offense, Andy Dalton did not look comfortable in the pocket. It is “win or look forward to the draft” time for the Bengals as they face the Bills and Ravens up next.

25. Carolina Panthers (3–6) — Ranked #22 last week

• Last season, all of the credit was given to Cam Newton but it was a team effort that got them to an outstanding 15–1 record. One glaring stat for last season’s success was the turnover differential as they ranked #1 in the NFL with a +20 including 39 takeaways. This season, the Panthers are ranked 29th with a -7 in the turnover differential category. In their last game against the Chiefs, turnovers were the issue once again as two costly turnovers helped the Chiefs get back into the game and the Panthers ended up blowing a 17 point lead. At 3–6, the Panthers need to win out or they will watch the playoffs from home a year after they were the spotlight team.

26. Los Angeles Rams (4–5) — Ranked #27 last week

• Jeff Fisher, it is time to finally unleash Jared Goff. The Rams offense have totaled just 26 points over their last three games and they have struggled to score touchdowns in the redzone. Now all of the blame should not go entirely to Case Keenum as the offensive line has struggled with pass and run protection and wide receivers have dropped crucial passes but this offense needs a spark. They drafted Goff #1 for a reason and he is undoubtedly the future of the Rams so let’s see what he’s got.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4–5) — Ranked #29 last week

• Jameis Winston had one of his best games of the season against the Bears as he passed for 312 yards and two touchdowns. The Bucs defense had no problem getting to Jay Cutler and the secondary shutdown any deep pass by Cutler. Protecting Winston was once again an issue and considering that they will play Dee Ford and the Chiefs up next, Bucs offensive line will need to be ready for blitzes by the Chiefs defensive front.

28. New York Jets (3–7) — Ranked #26 last week

• Bryce Petty was not awful but he could have been better. Petty was inaccurate on some of his deeper passes and missing wide open throws will send you to the bench… unless you are in the Jets dysfunctional quarterback situation. The development of Leonard Williams has to leave the Jets front office feeling good about their top pick.

29. Chicago Bears (2–7) — Ranked #28 last week

• Well, vintage Jay Cutler returned against the Buccaneers and Bears fans are back to calling for his release and a new quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. Two interceptions against the Bucs defense and a mere 10 points were all factors in the Bears 7th loss of the season. For Bears fans, at least rookie Jordan Howard is having a fine season. Howard recorded his 4th 100 rushing yard game. In a “rebuilding” phase for the Bears, securing an all downs back like Jordan Howard is huge considering it is difficult to find a reliable running back in the draft these days.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (2–7) — Ranked #30 last week

• “I think we’re a talented team but talent is not enough,” said Gus Bradley after the Jaguars 4th straight loss. Bradley is right on the money but this team is young and far from ready. From players such as Myles Jack, Allen Robinson, Jalen Ramsey and T.J Yeldon, this team will be good but they need to develop and play smart situational football. Against the Texans, the Jaguars once again got off to a slow start with two awful interceptions from Blake Bortles. They attempted another comeback in the 4th quarter but it was too late. It is good that the Jaguars have not become a carousel of head coaches team as they have committed to Gus Bradley but now at 14–43, it is really time for a new coach to lead this team. Maybe offer Jim Harbaugh record contract and lure him out of Michigan?

31. San Francisco 49ers (1–8) — Ranked #31 last week

• You gotta give credit where credit is due. For the 1st time since their game against the Cowboys, the 49ers had a realistic shot of winning their 2nd game of the season but they fell short to the Arizona Cardinals 23–20. The 49ers finally did not allow at least 100 rushing yards and they got four takeaways but they were unable to stop Carson Palmer in the 2nd half. At this point, 49ers should be rooting for the Browns to win a game or two as the race for the #1 pick in the NFL Draft heats up.

32. Cleveland Browns (0–10) — Ranked #32 last week

• On Thursday Night Football against the Ravens, head coach Hue Jackson took out quarterback Cody Kessler in favor of Josh McCown. When Kessler left the game, the Browns were up 7–6 but with McCown running the offense, the game finished at a 28–7 loss. Now Hue Jackson stated that he “wanted a spark” on offense but it backfired. Kessler lost some important experience in a primetime game and McCown ended up with two interceptions. Other than the dysfunctional performance by the Browns offense, their defense allowed 396 total yards to a struggling Ravens offense. Browns are now eight losses away from history.