NFL: Weekly Power Rankings
1. New Orleans Saints (9-1, +0): The Saints are honestly just making it look easy at this point, blowing out the defending champions Philadelphia Eagles, 48-7, in a game that many believed would come down to the wire. Obviously the Eagles aren't as good this year as last, sitting at just 4-6, but New Orleans made QB Carson Wentz look downright bad, and that's a rare sight. On the other hand, QB Drew Brees has continued to look like one of the few MVP candidates that are still in contention to win the award. He was more than impressive with a game-high 363 yards. One of the breakout stars for this team has been WR Tre'Quan Smith who compiled 157 yards. The Saints will go for their 10th win versus the Atlanta Falcons on Thanksgiving.
2. Los Angeles Rams (10-1, +0): The Rams' offense is inarguably the second best in the league behind that of the Saints. QB Jared Goff has been remarkable in his third year and one of the main reasons for this team being so dangerous, is because of how efficient he is. Goff can sit in the pocket and wait for plays to develop and then put the ball exactly where it needs to be, as good as anyone in the league. And some of that can be attributed to his offensive line, who has played extremely well. Goff went for 413 passing yards on 63.2 percent passing for four touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling 54-51 victory. Now, that 51 points given up isn't exactly good, but the defense will get a bye week to clean things up heading into Week 13.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (9-2, +0): The Chiefs lost their second game of the year, but you really can't fault them for either one. Their two slip ups have arguably been the two best games of the season, and they hung in their right to the bitter end, with two of the top teams on the road. This Monday Night Football showdown with the Rams was the highest-scoring MNF game of all-time and the first game in NFL history that both teams dropped 50+ points. QB Patrick Mahomes is credited with an unbelievable six (!) passing touchdowns, and a just-as-wild 478 yards through the air. We know he threw three picks, but still, he did more than enough to give his team an opportunity. Kansas City also gets a bye, before facing the Oakland Raiders on December 2nd.
4. New England Patriots (7-3, +0): The Patriots had a week off so they stay with a 7-3 record, but their last outing against the Tennessee Titans was a poor showing. The bye occurred at a perfect time for a team that just gave up 34 points and 228 passing yards to QB Marcus Mariota, who came into the game struggling more than ever. Meanwhile, New England was only able to muster up 10 points to a .500-level team. It was a bad game for the Pats. And that happens. The bye week should have given them some time to take a breath and get prepared for a road trip to play the New York Jets. The loss to the Titans isn't anything to worry about, but if the Jets come out with a win over New England? Maybe we'll actually start to worry a bit.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2-1, +0): The Steelers were coming off a 52-21 win over the Carolina Panthers and have been rolling for nearly two months, but then all of a sudden, they ran into the Jacksonville Jaguars. Going back to last year, the Steelers tend to struggle with the Jaguars' defense. Most notably, QB Ben Roethlisberger doesn't play up to his normal standards against this team. But then the second half came, and Pittsburgh woke up. Roethlisberger threw for 314 yards and completed the comeback with a game-winning running touchdown. He and WR Antonio Brown continue to look like one of the best QB-WR duos in the league as Brown totaled 117 yards against the Jags. Pittsburgh now heads to Denver with a match with the Broncos.
MVP Standings:
1. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
2. Drew Brees (Saints)
3. Jared Goff (Rams)
4. Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)
5. Tom Brady (Patriots)
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated.
