1 Miami Dolphins (3-0)

First-year head coach Mike McDaniel has breathed new life into the Miami Dolphins. A week after an emotional 21-point comeback win at the Baltimore Ravens, the Dolphins stunned the Buffalo Bills 21-19 to let the rest of the NFL know they have arrived.

2 Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)

Fans serenaded quarterback Jalen Hurts with “MVP” chants at the Washington Commanders’ FedEx Field, following the Eagles’ 24-8 win. Hurts has looked like an MVP with 916 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three rushing touchdowns.

3 Buffalo Bills (2-1)

Injuries and the South Florida heat halted the Buffalo Bills. Yet, the Bills’ lone defeat came by two points to another stout team in the Dolphins. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs will regroup and get back on track. But, another AFC heavyweight battle awaits against the Baltimore Ravens.

4 Kansas City Chiefs (2-1)

Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts was the first time Patrick Mahomes missed Tyreek Hill. Growing pains were expected. Still, there’s the confidence that Mahomes and his coach Andy Reid will get back on track, eventually. Maybe not next week though as they travel to Tampa Bay.

5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)

Tom Brady is missing not one, not two, but three of his favorite targets. Rob Gronkowski may not be coming back, but Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will. To be down three of his four wide receivers and have a chance to send Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to overtime speaks volumes to Brady’s greatness.

6 Los Angeles Rams (2-1)

No one is truly talking about the Los Angeles Rams. That may be a good thing. How often is the defending Super Bowl champions considered a dark horse? Their Week 1 blowout loss to the Bills is still fresh, but the Rams have won two games with a less than 100-percent Matthew Stafford. Beware.

7 Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

Lamar Jackson is the best player in the National Football League, whether he’s a running back or quarterback. Unfortunately, he has to be Superman every week in order for his team to have a chance. Baltimore’s defense is the worst in the league, thanks largely to them yielding 353.3 passing yards per game.

8 Minnesota Vikings (2-1)

Kirk Cousins cannot win primetime games, but on Sunday afternoons, he’s Captain Kirk. More importantly, the Minnesota Vikings are 2-0 in the NFC North. Now the focus shifts to Dalvin Cook’s shoulder.

9 Green Bay Packers (2-1)

It’s Deja vu for the Green Bay Packers. Just like last year, the Packers got embarrassed in Week 1, but won back-to-back games, beating a very good team in Week 3. Let’s start listening to Aaron Rodgers and R-E-L-A-X at least until the playoffs.

10 Cleveland Browns (2-1)

Did the Cleveland Browns waste $230 million and three first-round draft picks on Deshaun Watson? The Browns are a miracle comeback by the New York Jets from being 3-0 on the season with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. That team rallying around Brissett as well. Could there be a controversy in Week 13?

11 Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)

The Jacksonville Jaguars feel like pretenders, but this team is more like sleepers. Doug Pederson’s arrival has raised the energy and football I.Q. in Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence looks like an NFL QB now and how about those free agent signings, especially wide receiver Christian Kirk?

12 Indianapolis Colts (1-1-1)

The Indianapolis Colts are unbeaten when wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. plays this season. Pittman has 17 catches and 193 yards in two games, and the Colts have a win over the Chiefs in tow. That may matter come January.

13 Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

The Dallas Cowboys were on life support after Week 1’s loss to Tampa and the thumb injury to Dak Prescott. However, Cooper Rush along with the Cowboys’ suffocating defense has revived the Star’s hopes. Now they may get Prescott back in Week 4, Week 5 at the latest.

14 Detroit Lions (1-2)

The Detroit Lions have to win close games. Yet, they’re still a team to watch out for. Just think, their two losses were to the Eagles and Vikings, two of the three best NFC teams. The Lions offense is potent even with running back D’Andre Swift hobbled.

15 Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)

The jury is still out on the defending AFC champions. The Bengals’ only win is against the Jets. We will learn a lot more about Cincinnati on Thursday night against the Dolphins.

16 Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)

The Los Angeles Chargers hype may be collapsing before our eyes. They got blown out by the Jaguars in Week 3. Franchise quarterback Justin Herbert is dealing with a rib injury. Now, they’ve lost left tackle Rashawn Slater (biceps) and wide receiver Jalen Guyton (ACL) for the season.

17 Denver Broncos (2-1)

The Broncos have to be the most depressed 2-1 team in the league. Russell Wilson looks old. The offense looks unprepared. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett is in over his head. The fact that the winless Las Vegas Raiders pose a true test for the Broncos says a lot.

18 New York Giants (2-1)

Andrew Thomas was the Giants’ best offensive player in Monday night’s loss to the Cowboys. Yet, the Giants still allowed 24 pressures and five sacks on quarterback Daniel Jones.

19 Washington Commanders (1-2)

Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz was sacked nine times in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles. Wentz accepted the blame for his role in those nine sacks. Good or bad, Wentz will expose offensive coordinator Scott Turner one way or another.

20 Carolina Panthers (1-2)

The Carolina Panthers upset the New Orleans Saints on Sunday with great defense and a run game. Carolina won despite quarterback Baker Mayfield. By the way, running back Christian McCaffrey is looking healthy for the first time since 2019.

21 New Orleans Saints (1-2)

Has Tom Brady broken the Saints? For the past two years, the Saints have predicated their seasons around beating Brady and the Buccaneers. They finally lost in the regular season to Tampa Bay in Week 2. Now the Saints look broken.

22 Tennessee Titans (1-2)

The Tennessee Titans got off the snide to get their first win of the season against the Raiders. But this team still looks bland, especially without AJ Brown. Their season is now on the back of running back Derrick Henry.

23 San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks angrier with every TV shot. And that anger could be directed at Jimmy Garoppolo, the quarterback Shanahan didn’t want but couldn’t get rid of, but needs now with the injured-Trey Lance out for the season.

24 Atlanta Falcons (1-2)

The Atlanta Falcons may be the most gritty team in the NFL. Arthur Smith’s team is giving their all until the final whistle through the first three weeks. As a result, Atlanta finally broke through with its first win of the season over the Seattle Seahawks.

25 Arizona Cardinals (1-2)

The Arizona Cardinals usually get off to a first start during the Kyler Murray era and fade later on. This year, the Cardinals opened the season with the Chiefs, Raiders, and Rams. Arizona is fortunate to be 1-2. However, they may catch a break in Week 4 as they travel to play the Panthers.

26 Chicago Bears (2-1)

The Chicago Bears are easily the worst 2-1 team. It’s hard to watch the Bears’ passing offense. It’s even harder to watch quarterback Justin Fields play. Chicago averages a net of 78.3 passing yards per game.

27 Seattle Seahawks (1-2)

Geno Smith had another strong performance in Week 3 with 325 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, the Seahawks have struggled to duplicate the urgency to win since Week 1 against their former QB Russell Wilson.

28 New England Patriots (1-2)

The Patriots’ drop into the bottom five of the league has a lot to do with the health of quarterback Mac Jones. Without Jones, this team doesn’t appear to have a shot. Head coach Bill Belichick must figure out the offensive play-calling in the meantime.

29 Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2)

Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers may not want to make a change to rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, but it’s time to move on from Mitchell Trubisky. Maybe give the reins to Mason Rudolph?

30 Las Vegas Raiders (0-3)

Josh McDaniels is getting his second chance as head coach. It’s looking a lot like his first run with the Broncos. A closed-door meeting with owner Mark Davis may be the beginning of the end for McDaniels as the Raiders’ head coach.

31 New York Jets (1-2)

The Jets failed to cash receipts in Week 3 for head coach Robert Saleh. Instead, star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was checking the receipts of his coaches on the sidelines. Maybe Williams grew frustrated with watching 37-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco throw 59 passes in a loss to the Bengals.

32 Houston Texans (0-2-1)

The Houston Texans could easily be 3-0. But bad teams find ways to lose. That’s been the team’s theme through the first three weeks. Either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud is destined to be a Texan this time next year.

The post NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Dolphins, Eagles soar to the top appeared first on DC Sports King.

Three days before one of the more whacky first Sundays of the NFL season in recent memory, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills were serving notice to the league, dismantling the Los Angeles Rams, the defending Super Bowl champions. Every team in the AFC is looking up to the Bills early on.

Meanwhile, the Week 1 results laminated just how wide open the NFC appears. But, there seem to be two teams that show promise of pulling away from the pack.

1. Buffalo Bills (1-0)

The Bills lived up to the preseason hype by winning impressively against the Rams on the road. Josh Allen kickstarted his MVP campaign, and Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis torched Jalen Ramsey and the Rams’ zone defense.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)

Patrick Mahomes didn’t need Tyreek Hill to shred the Arizona Cardinals. Mahomes threw for 360 yards and tossed five touchdowns. There are still questions about the defense, but questions about Mahomes are slowly fading away.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)

Justin Herbert is manifesting into one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. He navigated through losing Keenan Allen to injury, throwing three touchdowns in the Chargers’ win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Chargers’ defense closed out the win with three interceptions and six sacks, including three by Khalil Mack.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)

Tom Brady and the Buccaneers’ offense weren’t their best Sunday night against the Cowboys. But the defense flexed their muscles. What a difference a year makes. Last season the defense was banged. At full strength this season, that unit could re-establish its dominance from two years ago when the Bucs won the Super Bowl.

5. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

Playing Aaron Rodgers brings out the best in Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson is staking his claim as the league’s best wide receiver. The Vikings are undergoing a culture change led by new head coach Kevin O’Connell. That could make a huge difference from past years.

6. Los Angeles Rams (0-1)

Matthew Stafford had tunnel vision last Thursday night. All he saw was Cooper Kupp. For the Rams to contend for a second straight Super Bowl title, their offense needs to open up to include Allen Robinson. Sean McVay will figure it out.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

Don’t get too wrapped in the 38-35 score in the Eagles’ win over the Detroit Lions. Instead, focus on  Jalen Hurts threw for 243 while rushing for 90 and a touchdown. Prized free agent signing A.J. Brown still got his catches with 10 for 155 yards. Miles Sanders gained 96 yards on the ground, and the Eagles had four rushing touchdowns.

8. New Orleans Saints (1-0)

Even with Sean Payton gone, the Saints are one of the most dangerous NFC teams. The Saints gave Jameis Winston a plethora of weapons to use. Their receiving corps may be the league’s best with Jarvis Landry, Michael Thomas, and rookie Chris Olave. And they still have Taysom Hill as a Swiss-Army knife.

9. Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews may have some help in the passing game. The wide receiver trio of Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, and Demarcus Robinson flashed promise in Week 1 against the New York Jets. They could make Jackson and the Ravens’ offense harder to defend.

10. Indianapolis Colts (0-0-1)

Matt Ryan threw for 352 yards; Jonathan Taylor rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown, and Michael Pittman Jr. had nine catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. Yet, the Colts settled for a tie against the woeful Houston Texans. It appears Rodrigo Blankenship is owner Jim Irsay’s latest fall guy.

11. Miami Dolphins (1-0)

Mike McDaniels got his first NFL head coaching win, and the Dolphins continued their dominance of the New England Patriots in South Florida. Also, Tyreek Hill looked at home with his new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

12. Green Bay Packers (0-1)

Aaron Rodgers and Co. opened the season with a dud for the second consecutive year. Last year they proved to be okay after getting crushed by the Saints. However, this year feels different. First, the Vikings are in the same division. Plus, they have a huge piece missing, Davante Adams, who is now in Las Vegas.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

The Steelers opened the season with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals. But the victory came with a price. The Steelers’ defense forced five turnovers in the team’s win over the defending AFC champions. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky delivered his first game-winning drive as a Steeler. Yet, T.J. Watt’s pectoral injury has everyone’s attention.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)

Joe Burrow looked like a quarterback who didn’t get a lot of reps during training camp as he recovered from appendix surgery. He had all five of the Bengals turnovers, including four interceptions, and he still almost rallied his team to victory.

15. Las Vegas Raiders (0-1)

It’s easy to overreact to the Raiders’ season-opening loss to the Chargers. But keep in mind that it was the first of six AFC West battles. Davante Adams looked like he did in Green Bay with ten catches, 141 yards, and a touchdown. Head coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Derek Carr will smooth things out.

16. Washington Commanders (1-0)

The Commanders experienced the full Carson Wentz effect in his Washington debut against the Jaguars. He nearly threw the game away with back-to-back interceptions. Then, he regrouped and rallied the Commanders to victory with two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

17. San Francisco 49ers (0-1)

The Trey Lance era in San Francisco was a washout. He’ll get a redo next week at home against the Seattle Seahawks. Hopefully, he does so he can fend off the “Jimmy G” chants.

18. Arizona Cardinals (0-1)

The Cardinals looked ill-prepared to play the Chiefs. Mahomes carved the Cardinals’ defense into pieces. Kyler Murray once again looked as if he missed DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins will be out another five games, so Murray and the Cardinals must figure out how to win without their star wide receiver.

19. Seattle Seahawks (1-0)

Life without Russell Wilson started off great for the Seahawks by beating Wilson and his new team on Monday Night Football. Now Wilson’s successor, Geno Smith, will have to continue the magic beyond the emotional season-opener.

20. Cleveland Browns (1-0)

No matter who the quarterback is, the Browns can run the football. They amassed 217 rushing yards in their win over the Carolina Panthers. Even Jacoby Brissett is an upgrade from injured Baker Mayfield.

21. Denver Broncos (0-1)

Let Russ Cook! Russell Wilson went back into the future in his return to Seattle. Nathaniel Hackett overshadowed the night with his coaching decision blunder. Call it a rookie mistake, but Monday night’s gaffe stirs doubt about his longevity as a head coach.

22. Detroit Lions (0-1)

In defeat, the Lions showed their toughness and resilience. They also displayed how talented they are on offense. Quarterback Jared Goff has a strong group of skilled position players, including running back D’Andre Swift, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark, and Josh Reynolds, as well as tight end T.J. Hockenson.

23. New England Patriots (0-1)

Four extra days in South Florida still didn’t help the Patriots’ cause against the Dolphins. Now they’re on to Pittsburgh. Another loss could put them on the path of a long season.

24. Tennessee Titans (0-1)

Are the Titans regressing? The loss of AJ Brown and a home loss to the hapless Giants would suggest they are.

25. Chicago Bears (1-0)

The Bears made a splash with their win over the 49ers. Still, quarterback Justin Fields and first-time head coach Matt Eberflus have a lot to correct to prove Sunday’s win was no fluke.

26. New York Giants (1-0)

Brian Daboll was one of several coaches to win their head coach debut in Week 1. Unlike Nathaniel Hackett, Daboll bet on his playcalling and quarterback Daniel Jones by going for and converting a go-ahead two-point conversion to beat the Titans.

27. Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

The Cowboys find a way to be the Cowboys. Desperation has set in, and now they’re going to try to rush Dak Prescott back within the next four weeks after having thumb surgery.

28. Houston Texans (0-0-1)

At least the Texans didn’t lose, right? Lovie Smith’s first game as Houston’s head coach looked well assured. Then his team blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead and had to settle for a 20-20 tie against the Colts.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)

Self-inflicting wounds cost the Jaguars in Week 1 against the Commanders. Jacksonville had three red zone trips and came away with just three points. Then the defense allowed two touchdown passes from Carson Wentz to lose.

30. Carolina Panthers (0-1)

The Baker Mayfield revenge game didn’t go his way. Instead, his era with the Panthers started with a deflating loss to his former team, the Browns. Can Mayfield channel his energy and focus going forward after failing to beat his old team?

31. Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

The Falcons are the epitome of the late Dennis Green’s declaration, “They’re exactly who we thought they were.” It doesn’t matter the head coach or quarterbacks, the Falcons find a way to blow leads. They had a 26-10 fourth-quarter lead against the Saints to lose 27-26.

32. New York Jets (0-1)

The Jets may have won the offseason with the talent they brought in. However, all of it is wasted with Joe Flacco starting over Mike White at quarterback while Zach Wilson is injured. At least Robert Saleh is keeping receipts.

The post NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Bills appear to be the team to beat appeared first on DC Sports King.

Through 15 weeks there is no team standing out. The Green Bay Packers currently lead the pack but there are too many questions to answer around the league to definitively say there is a team to beat.

The Kansas City Chiefs are surging behind its defense. The same defense that couldn’t stop a nosebleed in the first quarter of the season.

The defending Super Bowl champions seem in trouble. A year that has been marred by injuries in their secondary has hit a hurdle with the season-ending torn ACL for wide receiver Chris Godwin. Fellow wide receiver Mike Evans is banged up. Running back Leonard Fournette could miss games. Oh, and linebacker Lavonte David is injured.

The Indianapolis Colts are surging at the right time. Well everyone but Carson Wentz. Who will win the AFC North? All of that and much more has to be answered in the final three weeks of the season. 

But here’s the best one can do sorting the NFL Power Rankings going into Week 16:

1. Green Bay Packers (11-3)

This could be Aaron Rodgers’ best shot at a Super Bowl in a long time. That’s saying a lot considering Green Bay has been to back-to-back NFC Championship Games. Too bad this will be the ‘Last Dance’ for Rodgers and Green Bay.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-4)

Outside of the Las Vegas Raiders, teams have at least learned how to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. However, the Chiefs defense has picked up the slack and carried Kansas City to seven straight wins and back on track to reach another Super Bowl.

3. New England Patriots (9-5)

The Patriots third? Yes. Despite their huge letdown against Indianapolis, the Patriots have a body of work that puts them square as a team to beat in the AFC. That’s even with Mac Jones as their quarterback.

4. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)

The Cowboys appear to be in the same boat as the Chiefs. Dak Prescott is struggling since coming back from a calf injury. Yet, the defense led by Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons has carried the Cowboys right into position to contend.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-4)

Buccaneers brought back all 22 starters plus Antonio Brown from their Super Bowl-winning team of last season. Unfortunately, health and the New Orleans Saints have been the team’s biggest kryptonite this season. Tom Brady steered Tampa through injuries on defense. But, it’s questionable he can through the loss of Chris Godwin.

6. Los Angeles Rams (10-4)

The Rams’ season is Super Bowl or bust. Anything short of it will be a failure. With that said, head coach Sean McVay and his coaching staff are still trying to figure out all of their pieces. It’s similar to the Buccaneers a year ago. We all know how that ended. 

7. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)

Look out for the Indianapolis Colts. They have a run game that travels with MVP-candidate running back Jonathan Taylor. Only thing standing in the way of a Colts Super Bowl run is their quarterback Carson Wentz.

8. Arizona Cardinals (10-4)

Three weeks ago the Arizona Cardinals were at the top of the list of teams in the NFL. Now, they’re fading back to the rest of the pack. Losing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins just adds to their recent struggles. Losing to the Lions could be the start of another late season collapse for Kliff Kingsbury’s team.

9. San Francisco 49ers (8-6)

The 49ers remind me of the Indianapolis Colts. They have a solid defense and a run game that travels.They also have a dynamic offensive player in Deebo Samuel. Yet, the 49ers’ season hinges on their quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

10. Buffalo Bills (8-6)

Josh Allen is an elite quarterback. The defense even without Tre’Davious White is one of the best, if not the best, in the league. Yet, the Bills have to prove they can stop the run and run on the elite teams to believe this team is a contender.

11. Tennessee Titans (9-5)

Getting back AJ Brown and Julio Jones changes the complexion of this team. It will also change the complexion and play of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has looked below average without his top two wide receivers healthy. Tennessee is 8-2 this season when Brown is on the field this season. They’re 1-3 without him.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)

The Eagles are sneaky good. When they play their style of football and quarterback Jalen Hurts is on, the Eagles can compete with just about anyone in the league. Consistency is the key. But the build of the Eagles makes them a threat to get hot and make a run.

13. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)

The best of the AFC North, for now. Joe Burrow and the Bengals are probably the most balanced team in the division. But they’ve been up and down. The bad news, their schedule down the stretch is daunting. The good news, so is everyone else in the up and down AFC North.

14. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)

The Chargers season hinges on the decisions of head coach Brandon Staley. His aggressiveness is the DNA of the team, but it can also be a hindrance much like it was last Thursday against the Chiefs.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6-1)

Mike Tomlin is one of the best three coaches in the NFL that gets the absolute most from his players. Ben Roethlisberger and Pittsburgh’s offense is hard to watch, yet, the Steelers keep finding ways to stay afloat in the playoff race. That’s a credit to Tomlin and his coaching staff.

16. Minnesota Vikings (7-7)

The Vikings currently hold the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs. But how long will they be able to hold on to it? They have a tough schedule to finish. No matter how the season finishes, this absolutely must be the last year head coach Mike Zimmer and quarterback Kirk Cousins are together.

17. New Orleans Saints (7-7)

Okay the Saints own the Buccaneers. Sean Payton’s coaching staff just knows how to out-coach Bruce Arians and his staff. New Orleans defense has the Buccaneers’ number. The question is can the Saints come to play against anyone else? 

18. Baltimore Ravens (8-6)

Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is serving notice. However, the Ravens just can’t get out of their own way. If it’s not the massive numbers of injuries, then it’s head coach John Harbaugh’s insane love for going for two-point conversions that may be insurmountable for the fading Ravens to overcome.

19. Miami Dolphins (7-7)

Six straight wins have saved the Dolphins’ season. Now at 7-7 they have a legit shot at the playoffs. However, their schedule playing at the Saints, at the Titans and closing home with the Patriots will be daunting.

20. Cleveland Browns (7-7)

COVID helped knock the Browns to the back of the race in the AFC North. But they’re not out of it. They’ll get quarterback Baker Mayfield and the score of players who were forced out of Monday’s loss to the Raiders. Anything short of 2-1 in their final three games and their playoff hopes vanish.

21. Denver Broncos (7-7)

Any chance of the playoffs in Denver may have evaporated with Teddy Bridgewater’s concussion. Focus shifts to this offseason and finding a suitable quarterback that can lead their tough defense and solid skill players on offense to contention in 2022.

22. Las Vegas Raiders (7-7)

Derek Carr saved the Raiders season with his game-winning drive Monday at Cleveland.

23. Washington Football Team (6-8)

Their COVID outbreak may have just ended their season. Look where the Eagles are ranked in this power rankings and look where I have Washington. That’s how huge that game was. Their faint playoff hopes rest on Sunday night’s game at Dallas.

24. Seattle Seahawks (5-9)

Tuesday’s loss to the Rams marked the end of the Russell Wilson era in Seattle. The quarterback will be in a different uniform in 2022. The Seahawks will reboot this offseason with a new signal-caller.

25. Atlanta Falcons (6-8)

Could we be seeing the final days of Matt Ryan in a Falcons uniform? Moving on from the 36-year quarterback would save them at least $8.1 million against the salary cap.

26. New York Giants (4-10)

It’s time for the Giants to move on from quarterback Daniel Jones and find a replacement. Jake Fromm’s audition absolutely should start this week.

27. Carolina Panthers (5-9)

Time for Cam Newton to find a new career path. The Panthers are a mess and they actually committed $60 million to head coach Matt Rhule, with no NFL head coaching experience?

28. Detroit Lions (2-11-1)

The Lions are probably the best two-win team in NFL history. Their record doesn’t reflect how tough the team plays. That’s a reflection of head coach Dan Campbell. Now if they can get Jared Goff some receivers. Josh Reynolds is a start.

29. Chicago Bears (4-10)

Until Matt Nagy is fired, there is no need to putting too much energy into the Bears or evaluating Justin Fields too intensely. 

30. Houston Texans (3-11)

The Texans own the Jaguars. David Stills has earned himself at the very least a reservation for a QB competition in training camp 2022. But everything starts with settling Deshaun Watson’s situation.

31. New York Jets (3-11)

If not for their upset wins over Cincinnati and Tennessee, the Jets would be the worst team in the league. A year under their belt should serve head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and quarterback Zach Wilson a lot of good.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)

Now that they’ve got rid of the debacle of Urban Meyer, the Jaguars have an opportunity to correct owner Shad Khan’s mistake in hiring Meyer in the first place. Then again it’s Shad Khan. Khan’s son has built more winners in All-Elite Wrestling than Shad has with the Jaguars in a decade.

The post NFL Power Rankings: Sorting through pack of teams, COVID, injuries going into Week 16 appeared first on DC Sports King.

The opening week of the 2021 season provided some unpredictable results. Who saw Jameis Winston outplaying Aaron Rodgers in a blowout win for New Orleans over Green Bay?

What about the Pittsburgh Steelers going into Buffalo and stunning Josh Allen and the Bills? Then there was the stunning comeback of Dallas Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott. He had football fans in awe the way he stood toe-to-toe with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers as he came back from the horrific ankle injury he suffered last year. 

There were a few more surprises in Week 1. Here’s my overreaction and power rankings after the first week of the season.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)

Overreaction: The Buccaneers vaunted defense may be in trouble following Sean Murphy-Bunting’s elbow injury. The front-seven couldn’t get home against the Cowboys offensive line. Thus, without their top cover corner injured, Tampa’s secondary were at the mercy of Dak Prescott. Good thing, they have the GOAT Tom Brady, who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

2. Los Angeles Rams (1-0)

Overreaction: Matthew Stafford makes the Rams the second-best team in the NFL. Finally free from the woeful chains of the Lions, Stafford balled out in his LA debut, throwing three touchdowns on 20-of-26 passing.

With their defense, the Rams could make it a second year in a row in which a team makes the Super Bowl in their home stadium. But, they will need more out of their run game in the absence of Cam Akers.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)

Overreaction: There is no deficit insurmountable for the Chiefs as long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy. Even against the surging Browns, Mahomes erased a 12-point deficit to show the Browns Kansas City is still the team to beat in the AFC.

4. Cleveland Browns (0-1)

Overreaction: Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns are still not ready to beat Mahomes and the Chiefs. His costly turnover put the icing on their flattened cake. Even when they played near perfect they still couldn’t top the Chiefs. But the Browns are contenders and will be chomping at the bits to see the Chiefs again.

5. New Orleans Saints (1-0)

Overreaction: Jameis Winston has been fixed. Once a failed investment by the Buccaneers, Winston looked sensational in his first start since the 2019 season, throwing five touchdowns in the Saints’ 38-3 blowout upset over the Packers. The Saints may be better than advertised.

6. Arizona Cardinals (1-0)

Overreaction: Kyler Murray looks like an MVP candidate. Chandler Jones has a head start on Defensive Player of the Year. The Cardinals may be Super Bowl contenders. All of this is on the minds of football fans after Arizona’s impressive 38-13 win over the Titans.

7. Seattle Seahawks (1-0)

Overreaction: This is the year Russell Wilson finally wins an NFL MVP. Through the offseason headlines of Wilson being disgruntled, the Seahawks quarterback looked impressive with four touchdowns against the Colts.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

Overreaction: The Steelers aren’t going anywhere. Ben Roethlisberger looked his age at times. But when it counted, he delivered. With their defense, asking for clutch throws from Big Ben may be the recipe of success this season.

9. Buffalo Bills (0-1)

Overreaction: Relax. Yes, the offensive line looked shaky against the Steelers. Yes, they still don’t have a run game. But they still dominated three quarters of Sunday’s game. Josh Allen is good enough to be the difference maker when it counts.

10. Green Bay Packers (0-1)

Overreaction: The Aaron Rodgers saga has been a distraction and carried over from the off-season to the regular season. Rodgers played one of his worst games of his Hall of Fame career, throwing two interceptions in the season opener. It may be time to panic and question if Rodgers’ heart is into playing football, at least in a Green Bay uniform.

11. Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

Overreaction: Dak Prescott was the best player in Week 1 through the entire NFL. Prescott picked apart the Buccaneers defense, throwing for 403 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His play had Tampa Bay on their heels.

12. Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)

Overreaction: Rookie Rashawn Slater may be the best left tackle not named Trent Williams. The Northwestern product dominated Chase Young and the highly touted Washington defensive line, giving quarterback Justin Herbert nearly all day to throw the football.

13. Las Vegas Raiders (1-0)

Overreaction: They may not know how to draft in the first round, but the Raiders have hit gold with quite a few lower-round picks. Proof is on their defensive line led by fourth rounder Maxx Crosby. He was the best player on the field Monday and Derek Carr is good enough to sneak the Raiders into the playoffs.

14. Baltimore Ravens (0-1)

Overreaction: Stuck between wondering if all the injuries at running back have handicapped the Ravens offense. Or if it’s simply the offense has not progressed. Lamar Jackson for whatever reason, physically or schematically, can’t get the ball on the perimeter throwing the football. 

15. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)

Overreaction: As long as Jimmy Garoppolo stays healthy, the 49ers could return to their 2019 self as a Super Bowl contender. For three quarters the 49ers steamrolled the Lions to build a 38-10. Then they let their foot off the gas, allowing the Lions to climb back in before shutting the door. 

16. Denver Broncos (1-0)

Overreaction: Head coach Vic Fangio made the perfect call to go with Teddy Bridgewater as the starting quarterback over Drew Lock. Bridgewater’s efficiency was on full display completing 28-of-36 passes for 265 and two touchdowns against the Giants. With Denver’s defense, Bridgewater could manage the Broncos into playoff contention.

17. Miami Dolphins (1-0)

Overreaction: Tua Tagovailoa didn’t answer any of the questions about him being a long-term answer for the Dolphins. But, the Dolphins can win games with him at quarterback nonetheless. But will 10 or 11 wins be enough to make the playoffs?

18. New England Patriots (0-1)

Overreaction: Mac Jones looked beyond his years. The Patriots rookie quarterback had command of Josh McDaniels’ offense. If not for Damien Harris’ crushing fumble, Jones was marching the Patriots to victory against the Dolphins. 

19. Minnesota Vikings (0-1)

Overreaction: Kirk Cousins may have the worst luck among quarterbacks. He was phenomenal Sunday against the Bengals, completing 36-of-49 passes for 351 yards and two touchdowns. Yet, the Vikings still lost in overtime 27-24. Davlin Cook was held in check for 61 yards, and the defense couldn’t stop Joe Burrow when it needed to the most.

20. Washington Football Team (0-1)

Overreaction: The Washington Football Team should consider signing Cam Newton, given his history with head coach Ron Rivera. However, the team is confident in Taylor Heinicke as the starter and Kyle Allen as the backup. Both are familiar with the offensive system. 

21.Chicago Bears (0-1)

Overreaction: Matt Nagy is holding up the inevitable. There is no way to sell fans and the locker room on Andy Dalton giving the Bears the best chance to win. Not over Justin Fields. It’s time to start Fields and let him roll.

The best way to learn and develop is playing. Fields is intelligent enough to play now and play well without being a detriment for himself and the team. Trade the safe Volvo for the Ferrari and enjoy the ride.

22. Indianapolis Colts (0-1)

Overreaction: There was rust for new quarterback Carson Wentz. He missed a great deal of training camp and did not play in the preseason due to a foot injury. Coupled with his psyche coming off a disastrous divorce from the Eagles last season, it may take some time for Wentz and the Colts offense to get going.

23. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

Overreaction: Jalen Hurts made a major statement to be the Eagles long-term solution at quarterback. Nick Sirriani unleashed Hurts Sunday against the Falcons to the tune of 264 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also added 62 rushing yards. Hurts along with a healthy offensive and defensive line may make the Eagles a contender to win the NFC East.

24. Tennessee Titans (0-1)

Overreaction: Julio Jones looked his age (32), and we may see why the Falcons were okay with cutting loose one of their best wide receivers ever. Meanwhile, the Titans offense misses Arthur Smith, who is now the Falcons head coach. 

25. Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)

Overreaction: Bengals got a big win for them. Joe Burrow eased the mind of Bengals faithful, as he looked great for his first action since tearing his ACL last season. The defense made timely stops and Joe Mixon continues to prove he is one of the most formidable running back in the league. Too bad they play in the tough AFC North. 

26. Carolina Panthers (1-0)

Overreaction: All Sam Darnold needed was to play for a competent franchise. His fresh start in Carolina started against his former team, the New York Jets. The same Jets that fumbled his development for three years. The Darnold revenge game wasn’t spectacular. But it showed he can win with the right pieces around him. 

27. Houston Texans (1-0)

Overreaction: The Texans may not be good this season, but they’re miles better than the Jaguars right now. Tyrod Taylor finally got his chance, and he did not disappoint with 291 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Could this team be better than expected or was it just they were playing the Jaguars?

28. Detroit Lions (0-1)

Overreaction: The Lions offense can put up points. It took them three quarters to get going, but once Jared Goff was forced to throw, the Lions showed their potential. Yes, it was against the more laid back 49ers, who were protecting a 28-point lead. But with a sense of urgency, the Lions could put pressure on opponents with their offense. 

29. New York Giants (0-1)

Overreaction: The Giants have the worst offensive line in the league. They cannot protect quarterback Daniel Jones. Meanwhile, Jones adds to the struggles by being prone to fumbles. And he is looking more like a bust, at least for the Giants. 

30. New York Jets (0-1)

Overreaction: It’s going to be a long rebuild for the Jets. But, Zack Wilson at least is a good start. The rookie QB had his share of struggles in his NFL debut. But, he also flashed bits to his ceiling which is very high. 

31. Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

Overreaction: New coach, same old Atlanta Falcons. Maybe Dan Quinn wasn’t the sole issue after all? Matt Ryan was held in check for 164 yards. From there the Falcons offense was stale. Hopes of a resurgence has been put on hold in the Dirty South after Week 1’s letdown.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)

Overreaction: Let’s be real. The Jaguars have some nice pieces on offense. Trevor Lawrence has all the tools to be great. But, the concerns are with head coach Urban Meyer and his coaching staff. The perception of them isn’t good, and could go a long way into the disastrous season that may be ahead in Jacksonville.

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