WordsWorth created two different power ranking for the teams of the NFL over the course of two months. The first set of power rankings was made before week one kicked off. The second set was created shortly after week eight ended.
Preseason
- Miami Dolphins
Miami ended last year’s season at a reasonable but disappointing 7-9, and after trading away two key offensive players in WR Kenny Still and LT Laremy Tunsil, it’s clear that the Miami Dolphins have gone into rebuild mode, meaning their 7-9 record will only get worse, and so they’re not expected to move up on our list.
31.Cincinnati Bengals
Finishing at the bottom of their division last season, Cincinnati has made minimal moves to improve their average- to-below-average roster. On top of that, the team is stuck with an aging Andy Dalton (QB) through 2021, but it’s only a matter of time before they decide to move on to a younger talent. The one spark of hope on this team is their new Head Coach, Zac Taylor. If the Bengals want any chance at staying competitive in the AFC North, they need to make roster changes now.
- Detroit Lions
With the hiring of Matt Patricia, former New England Patriots Defensive Coordinator, Lions fans had reasons to believe that their franchise is starting to make the moves needed to turn this franchise around. This Lions team is not a bad team. They are just not a superstar team, either. Younger players such as RB Kerryon Johnson (Age 22), WR Kenny Goladay (Age 25), and CB Darius Slay (Age 28) are key players that the Lions need to build around in order to find success this season. This offseason the Lions also managed to bring in some veteran talent in WR’s Danny Amendola and Jermaine Kearse, as well as RB C.J. Anderson, which should make this year very interesting for Lions Fans. If Matt Patricia can have some success in his sophomore season as head coach, we could see a big jump on this list for the Lions.
- San Francisco 49ers
The loss of Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending knee injury last year threw away any hopes 49ers fans had for a winning season. However, this season could end up being a completely different narrative. With the second overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the 49ers added DE Nick Bosa to a defense with other star-studded talent such as CB Richard Sherman, DE Solomon Thomas, and DT DeForest Buckner. In addition to this, the 49ers also added DE Dee Ford, and LB Kwon Alexander during the offseason.
Despite all of this, the issues for the 49ers lie in their offense. While the 49ers do have currently one of the top TE’s in football in George Kittle, they lack other offensive weapons, such as a strong receiving core. On top of that, Jimmy Garoppolo has not looked the same since returning from his injury, so any success for the 49ers this season relies on whether or not this offense can get going.
- Arizona Cardinals
Currently in rebuild mode, The Cardinals have made some rather promising moves as of late. They started this offseason by hiring former Texas Tech Head Coach Kilff Kingsbury, and followed it up by drafting college football sensation Kyler Murray with the number one overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Adding Murray to their other offensive weapons such as RB David Johnson and WR’s Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, and Michael Crabtree, the cardinals have managed to build a solid offensive core. On the defensive side, adding players such as LB Jordan Hicks, S D.J. Swearinger, and LB Terrell Suggs to their defense this offseason should result in immediate improvements.
The main reason why the Cardinals rank so low down on this list is because there are concerns from all different aspects of this team, such as how Kingsbury will translate into the NFL and if Murray’s below average height will affect him in the pocket. If these various concerns are fixed throughout the season, we could be seeing a promising Arizona Cardinals team in the near future.
- Oakland Raiders
The stars of this year’s edition of HBO’s Hard knocks, the Oakland Raiders proved to be one of the more interesting and complex teams heading into the 2019-2020 season. Under Head Coach Jon Gruden, the Oakland Raiders finished a pathetic 4-12 last season. Yet the reason they are not last on the list is simply this: they have the potential to be a good team in the NFL.
When you break down the Raiders roster, there’s lots of young talent such as rookie RB sensation Josh Jacobs, WR’s Hunter Renfrow and Tyrell Williams, and a promising TE in Darren Waller, you’ve got yourself a pretty solid offensive unit that can compete for the next couple years. On top of that, with the Antonio Brown saga well over in Oakland, this Raiders team has nothing but the games ahead of them to worry about.
- Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are an interesting team. Despite being in a rebuilding phase, they have a talented roster. When you look at this team on paper, they just brought in Joe Flacco, who seems to have lost his touch, yet they have two emerging RB’s in Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, and an above decent WR in Emmanuel Sanders. In addition to that, their defense is solid with superstar caliber players such as CB Chris Harris Jr., and LB’s Von Miller and Bradley Chub. This team has talent, just not enough of it to make the playoffs.
- New York Giants
The Giants traded away WR Odell Beckham Jr., a generational talent, getting nothing in return. On top of that, QB Eli Manning has gotten worse and worse over the past couple of years, yet the Giants front office strongly stands by their decision that he will be their starter over their new rookie QB, Daniel Jones. Virtually all of the Giants WR’s are banged up and bruised, and their defense is below sub-par. The only good thing going for the Giants right now is Saquon Barkley. The 2018 rookie of the year RB is arguably one of the best backs in the league, and it’s up to him to save this Giants team from a total disaster.
- Washington Redskins
A complicated team, the Redskins have many problems to solve but not nearly enough time to fix them. Starting with their quarterback situation, the Redskins have three different QB that are all fighting for the starting job during the season. While Case Keenum was given the job and put up an overall good outing against the Eagles in week one, it was at the end of this game that we started to see flashes of the Case Keenum that we saw with the Denver Broncos last season, struggling under pressure and throwing inaccurate passes. Depending on how Keenum performs this week, we could be seeing rookie Dwayne Haskins sooner than expected. As for the rest of their team, the Redskins have a promising young RB in Derrius Guice, but due to his history with injuries, it’ll be interesting to see if he can stay on the field for all 16 games. The one positive for the Redskins is their defense, arguably the most underrated in the league.
- Tennessee Titans
A team that has made the playoffs over the past couple years, the Titans remain a team that always seems to have the talent to be a playoff team. Going into this season, the roster seems as solid as it ever has been. With the emergence of RB Derrick Henry and WR Corey Davis last season, QB Marcus Mariota will have some serious weapons to work with. Defensive stars such as CB Malcolm Butler and DT Jurrell Casey will give the Titans one of their better teams of the past few years.
- Buffalo Bills
After years of rebuilding, the Bills are starting to put themselves on the map this year. Second year QB Josh Allen has had a great camp and after flashes last year Buffalo fans have a lot to be excited for. Buffalo’s defense flew under the radar last year as one of the best in the league, and expect no different this year with the addition of rookie defensive tackle, Ed Oliver, to what is already a solid front seven. Still even with their solid defence the Bills missed out on the playoffs last year. So all eyes remain on this offence and it’s success this season.
- New York Jets
Jets QB Sam Darnold is heading into his sophomore season, and after a bumpy first season, Jet’s fans are hoping to see more from their young quarterback this season. Under new general manager Joe Douglas, the Jets front office was all business this year, signing superstar RB Le’Veon Bell for the next four years to play alongside Darnold and WR Robby Anderson. Douglas and the front office also made it a priority to build upon their defense. First by acquiring former Baltimore Ravens LB C.J. Mosley in free agency and later drafting Alabama’s DL Quinnen Williams to play alongside all pro safety Jamal Adams. Jets fans have lots to look forward to over the next few seasons and have a definite shot at sneaking into the wildcard this season.
- Indianapolis Colts
Before preseason the Colts looked poised for a deep playoff run, but now that their franchise QB Andrew Luck has left for good the team is in an awkward position. Taking over under center is second time starter is Jacoby Brissett. Last time he took over, the Colts went 4 and 12, but this year could be different given the young and elite talent he has around him this year. Even though they lost to the Chargers in overtime in week one, they put up a
- Seattle Seahawks
Coming off of a 10-6 record, the Seahawks are expected to take a step back this season. Losing key players such as WR Doug Baldwin and S Kam Chancellor, and having a slow offseason with the exception of acquiring DE Jadeveon Clowney, the Seahawks roster seems to have regressed from last year. On top of that, the Seahawks are one Tyler Lockett injury away from having to have QB Russell Wilson throw to himself. While their defense may hold up this year, there offensive holes will be too large and end up being the reason why the Seahawks may miss the playoffs.
- Carolina Panthers
While they have a talented roster, there are many reasons for Panthers fans to raise questions about this year’s team. Last year RB Christian McCaffery proved to be the real deal, but if the Panthers offense relies on him as heavily as they did last year, the rest of their offense will be shut down.
- Baltimore Ravens
Much like the Bills the Raven’s offence will be the X factor, as their defence was among the best in 2018. While they did lose veteran free safety Eric Weedle, this secondary got even better with the additions of long time Seahawk star safety Earl Thomas, and cornerback Justin Bethal. As for the offence they will most likely be all in on the running game, with the addition of running back Mark Ingram, and the departure of their WR1 Michale Crabtree. The Ravens expect their mobile QB Lammar Jackson to take the reins of the franchise going into his second year after the trading of Joe Flacco to the Broncos. Though their running game will certainly be potent their passing production will be vital to this offence’s success.
- Houston Texans
The Texans should be in contention for the 1 spot in what should be a highly competitive AFC south. Deshaun Watson looked like the league’s next big thing in his rookie season after a season-ending ACL tear, he returned last season as a shell of his former self.
- Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars in 2017 had their best defense in franchise history, and played in the AFC championship, but then last year they took a step back on both sides of the ball finishing in the basement of the AFC south. This year they finally have ditched Blake Bortles and will be rolling with former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles at QB. The question for the Jags is: can Foles thrive outside of Philly, and become a true starting QB?
- Pittsburgh Steelers
The black and gold two brightest stars have both found new homes in the AFC east. Le’veon Bell’s contract holdout ended with him leaving in free agency, and the Steelers front office decided the drama out weighed the talent, and traded Antonio Brown for 3rd and 5th round draft picks. Reports say that for the first time in a long time the Pittsburgh facility is drama free. If James Conner and JuJu Smith can at least somewhat fill the massive shoes left by ⅔ of the killer B’s, this team will be just fine.
- Green Bay Packers
As Aaron Rodgers’ time continues to run out, packers fans are hoping for at least one more championship run. The issue the last few years has been the defense. Free agency acquisitions Za’darius Smith and Adrian Amos will go a long way in improving what was a mediocre defense. Their domination of the Bears offense on opening night convinced many, now it’s just a matter of keeping up that level of play throughout the season .
- Atlanta Falcons
Coming off a tough 2018 season due to numerous injuries on the offensive and defensive end, the Falcons hope to turn the tables in the 2019 season. With the return of star running back, Devonta Freeman, the Falcons offense will hope to create noise in the upcoming season. Along with Freeman, Julio Jones a top wide receiver and Matt Ryan a hall of fame caliber quarterback, the Falcons will give many defenses a nightmare.
- Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings took a step back in 2018, missing out on the playoffs. Outside of the additions of WR Josh Docctson and OL Garret Bradbury, this roster has not changed significantly. Minnesota’s main weakness was the pass protection. Last year the O- line allowed 259 pressures, the most during HC Mike Zimmer’s 5 year tenure in Minnesota.
- Cleveland Browns
Wow. The Browns are the unofficial winners of the offseason. After a promising 2018 their GM, John Dorsey, went out and brought in former Chief, Kareem Hunt. He will be suspended for the first half of the season. Also in the biggest move of the offseason Cleveland traded for Odell Beckham Jr.
- Dallas Cowboys
Zeke isn’t going anywhere, much to the dismay of the rest of the NFC east. This defense is solid, and the offense isn’t too shabby either. Dak’s success will be the success of this team. He had a great first game, if he keeps up this level of play the cowboys may repeat as NFC East champs for the first time since 1996.
- Los Angeles Chargers
Overall this maybe among the most talented rosters in the league, even without their RB1. Their main obstacle remains the chiefs, as capturing the AFC West will be the key to their success in the postseason.
- Chicago Bears
The Chicago defense was the best in the league in 2018, and outside of Adrian Amos this squad didn’t suffer many major departures. The Bears 2018 record of 12 and 4, was their best since 2006. While their roster is solid, Mitch Trubisky’s ability to lead this Chicago offense has been called into question. Can Trubisky prove the doubters wrong and have a positive effect on the team?
- Los Angeles Rams
The NFC champs had an explosive offense in 2018, but were held back at times by their defense. This offseason they saw the departures of safety, LaMarcus Joyner, and DT Ndamukong Suh after his first year with the team. LA did acquire Safety, Eric Weddle, and linebacker, Clay Mathews. Both coming off long stints with their respective teams. Expect this team to still be in the conversation this year for the NFC crown, especially if Todd Gurley can return to his 2018 pre playoff ways.
- New Orleans Saints
The Saints are coming off being on the receiving end of what was maybe the worst blown call in the modern football era. Last year they were SB favorites, this year expect no less as this roster has improved. Outside of RB Mark Ingram and TE Ben Watson, New Orleans didn’t lose much this offseason. They did add TE Jared Cook, adding yet another weapon to the massive pass- catching arsenal Drew Brees has at his disposal.
- Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles made moves this season as they picked up WR DeSean Jackson and Made a three-year contract with DT Malik Jackson. They also acquired RB Jordan Howard from the Bears as well, giving them another back to have in rotation. Lastly of the big moves in the off-season is getting a three-year extension with Brandon Graham. With many good additions to the team the Eagles are expected to do very well this season and most likely make the playoffs.
- New England Patriots
After the retirement of Rob Gronkowski and key departures of LT Trent Brown, and DE Trey Flowers, the six time champs began to look less intimidating. But as they always do the patriots reloaded, trading for veteran Eagles DE Michael Bennett, and adding former Patriots TE Benjamin Watson and LB Jamie Collins, TE Matt LaCosse, and SS Terrance Brooks via free agency. Additionally with what should be a loaded draft class the Patriots look primed for another AFC title run. With WR Josh Gordon returning and AB being acquired after being released from the Raiders, the Patriots will be boasting one of their best rosters in recent memory.
- Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning MVP, Patrick Mahomes, is expected to have another great year, as his great offensive didn’t suffer any significant loss. Though this offence was the most explosive in the league last year, and is expected to be just as explosive, the defense was among the league’s worst. Although the defense was horrendous, the d line was one of the best in the league, and has improved, with the addition of Frank Clark. KC added Tyrann Mathieu to the secondary, who will be replacing veteran Eric Berry at safety. Despite these defensive changes being for the better, the linebackers have seen the departures of Dee Ford and Justin Houston. If the defense can hold up as an average squad, and do just enough to let the offense do their thing, the Chiefs could be a serious threat to the Patriots come late January.
Week 10 Power Rankings
- Cincinnati Bengals (0 – 9)
A rebuild on the horizon.
- Miami Dolphins (2 – 7)
Even losing in the race for the top draft pick.
30 New York Jets (2 – 7)
The hype during the offseason was more than unrealized; this season has been a disaster for New York.
- Washington Redskins (1 – 8)
The worst run organization in football.
- Atlanta Falcons (2 – 7)
Severe disappointment in Georgia, but hey, they did just beat the Saints.
- New York Giants (2 – 8)
Performed about as expected, but their head scratching first round QB, Daniel Jones, is defying expectations.
- Denver Broncos (3 – 6)
Another year, another quarterback, another losing season.
- Cleveland Browns (3 – 6)
The hype train has been derailed. Can an easy second half of the schedule provide a much needed spark?
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 – 6)
Winston’s tenure in Tampa most likely coming to an end by the end of this season after a turnover – filled first half of the season.
- Chicago Bears (4 – 5)
Mitch Tribisky appears to not be the answer at the QB position, as a talented roster is let down by disappointment after disappointment.
- Arizona Cardinals (3 – 6 – 1)
Kyler Murray is having a strong first half of his rookie season, leading the Cardinals a record better than the one they had at this point last year.
- Los Angeles Chargers (4 – 6)
Another very talented roster with high expectations crashing and burning. Though a dominant defensive performance against the Packers should raise their confidence going into the rest of the season.
- Oakland Raiders (5 – 4)
Considering the Raiders have been in rebuilding mode, a .500 record isn’t a complete disappointment.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (5 – 4)
It turns out a culture change cannot replace the production of Antonio Brown and Le’veon Bell.
- Detroit Lions (3 – 5 – 1)
After a strong offseason Detroit had hopes to escape the basement of the highly competitive NFC North. While they have done this with a .500 record, they still sit in 3rd place, far under two teams with much superior records.
- Tennessee Titans (5 – 5)
Marcus Mariota’s time seems to have expired, the time is now to prove himself a capable leader. Can an upset against the Chiefs rejuvenate the Titans for a possible playoff run?
- Jacksonville Jaguars (4 – 5)
After a week one injury to Nick Foles, the Jags looked to be in big trouble for the foreseeable future. Enter Gardner Minshew. He has brought life to a very depleted Jags offense, though they still sit at below .500, in 3rd place in a competitive AFC south.
- Buffalo Bills (6 – 3)
The Bills have certainly impressed on defense, but many have questioned their legitimacy as they have benefited from playing easy opponents.
- Philadelphia Eagles (5 – 4)
Inconsistency continues to be the main issue for the Eagles; one week they lose to the winnless Falcons, and the next they beat the undefeated Packers.
- Los Angeles Rams (5 – 4)
Dropping games at home to inferior opponents will certainly lower their playoff expectations, as they play in what is the best division in football.
- Dallas Cowboys (5 – 4)
The Cowboys have benefited from a weak division, as they have been the only team in the NFC East with an above .500 record for much of the year, but now with the Eagles starting to heat up their spot at the top is in jeopardy.
- Carolina Panthers (5 – 4)
Kyle Allen may have already taken Cam Newton’s job, at this point the only qualification for being the starting QB in Charlotte is the ability to get the ball to Christian Mccaffrey.
- Indianapolis Colts (5 – 4)
Brisset has proven himself capable of leading this indianapolis offense, but after a week 9 injury and a loss to the 2-7 Miami Dolphins, the Colts better bounce back to keep their playoff hopes alive.
- Kansas City Chiefs (6 – 4)
An easy division has appeared to give the Chiefs a one way ticket to a top 4 seed. How detrimental will the loss of Patrick Mahomes be to the postseason success of the Chiefs? A stunning loss to the Titans in Patrick Mahomes return game will for sure be detrimental to morale. How will they bounce back?
- Houston Texans (6 – 3)
Deshaun Watson has so far this year been able to replicate the success we saw from him in his rookie year and then some, leading his team to the top of the AFC South.
- Minnesota Vikings (7 – 3)
After some controversy surrounding star WR Stephon Diggs and a loss to the struggling Bears, the Vikings are playing at a level fans haven’t seen since their 13- 3 season in 2017.
- Seattle Seahawks (8 – 2)
Russell Wilson is having an MVP season, will it be enough to overtake the 49ers and win the NFC West? A thrilling win against the 49ers certainly indicates they are capable.
- Green Bay Packers (8 – 2)
Rodgers finally has a defense capable of winning games.
- New Orlean Saints (7 – 2)
With their franchise QB out, they were expected to undergo a dip, yet with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm the Saints did not lose a game. Now with Brees back the Saints look unstoppable. Though an unexpected loss the Falcons have certainly negatively affected their ranking, expect them to bounce back in the coming weeks.
- The New England Patriots (8 – 1)
After a disappointing loss to the Ravens many have questioned the legitimacy of their opponents. Still, even with a tough four-game stretch, the Patriots most likely will do Patriot things and the road to the Superbowl will once run through Foxborough in the AFC.
- San Francisco 49ers (8 – 1)
A fantastic defence and a great offence has made them the only undefeated team in the NFL, though they have certainly benefited from an easy schedule. Can they continue their dominance against more intimidating teams after their first loss of the season?
- Baltimore Ravens (7 – 2)
Lamar Jackson is developing into a franchise, playmaking quarterback, and the frontrunner for MVP after a dominant performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson paired up with the Ravens defense will be a formidable force come January.
