It looks like we will continue to see unexpected outcomes in numerous NFL games this season. The trend started in Week 9 and continued leading into Week 10. The Baltimore Ravens had a significant letdown when they were taking on the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was pressured throughout the entire night, and he made throws that he would go on to regret against Miami.
Due to the game’s outcome, the Dolphins believe that they have a legitimate shot at qualifying for a playoff berth. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were expected to have no issues defeating the Washington Football Team after coming off their bye week on the NFC side. However, it was another way around as the Football Team forced Tom Brady to turn the ball over on three separate occasions. T
Tampa Bay would lose 29-19 but would remain on top of the NFC South due to the Saints losing to the Tennessee Titans 23-21. By the time I am done writing the opening paragraph, a third upset of the week could be on the horizon. With 3:58 left in the fourth quarter, the San Francisco 49ers were up 31-3 on the Los Angeles Rams. The game between the two teams was being billed as the debut of Odell Beckham Jr. playing in a Rams uniform. The Rams signed Beckham after being released by the Cleveland Browns last week. Here are the top 15 team power rankings for Week 11.
1. Tennessee Titans: 8-2 (Previous Ranking no.2)
They continue to find ways to win football games without the presence of running back Derrick Henry. As previously stated, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has not been required to do a whole lot in the passing game because of the exceptional output by the defense.
2. Dallas Cowboys: 7-2 (Previous Ranking no.7)
The Dallas Cowboys took their anger out on the Atlanta Falcons after losing last week’s contest at home against the Denver Broncos. The game was over before it started. Dak Prescott threw for 296 yards and two touchdown passes while fellow teammate Ezekiel Elliot rushed for another two touchdowns on the ground.
3. Green Bay Packers: 8-2 (Previous Ranking no.5)
The outcome wasn’t pretty, but Green Bay advanced to 8-2 after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 17-3.
4. Buffalo Bills: 6-3 (Previous Ranking no.14)
Like the Cowboys, the Bills were angry after a shocking 9-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10. Buffalo ended the Jets Mike White experiment when they left MetLife Stadium with a 45-17 victory. Rookie QB Zach Wilson will be back under center for New York real soon.
5. Arizona Cardinals: 8-2 (Previous Ranking no.1)
Arizona could not have a repeat performance without players such as Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. The game against Carolina set the stage for the return of QB Cam Newton playing in a Panthers uniform. Carolina would win 34-10. Barring a setback with their injuries, it would probably be the last time you see the Cardinals without Murray and Hopkins.
6. Los Angeles Rams: 7-3
Sean McVey wanted to make a big splash on Monday night by showing off newly acquired wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. However; the plan blew up in his face. San Francisco reverted to their 2019 ways by defeating inner-state rival Los Angeles 31-10. If Matthew Stafford continues to have games like this, the Rams will be one and done in the postseason.
7. Kansas City Chiefs: 6-4 (Previous Ranking no.13)
With how wide-open the AFC is right now, the Chiefs could go on a run and get back to the Super Bowl without needing the elements of Arrowhead Stadium. It has not been mentioned a lot, but their defense has played better over the past three weeks. A huge test awaits them this Sunday when they host the Dallas Cowboys.
8. New England Patriots: 6-4 (Previous Ranking no.9)
New England has outscored it’s opponents by a total of 69 to 13 in their last two games. The Patriots have the identity of previous teams in their history. Not a lot of big names on defense, but they will make their opponents earn every inch until the game is over.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-3 (Previous Ranking no.4)
Last year around this time, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went on a loosing skid, but they were able to recover and win the Super Bowl. Will that be the case in 2021?
10. Baltimore Ravens: 6-3 (Previous Ranking no.3)
Not saying that he has been “figured out” yet, but defenses have slowed down Lamar Jackson in the games lost by the Baltimore Ravens. However, they are still a very good football team. Their offensive line is an area to pay attention to as we advance.
11. New Orleans Saints: 5-4
New Orleans continues to find ways to beat themselves in games that they should have won this season. However, despite the loss to Tennessee, they are still the sixth seed in the NFC playoff picture. A loss against Philadelphia this Sunday and the season could go off the rails fast.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers: 5-3-1
If Ben Roethlisberger was playing last Sunday against Detroit, the Steelers would be 6-3 instead of 5-3-1 plain and simple. One thing that is for sure is that Mason Rudolph is not the heir apparent to Big Ben.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: 5-4 (Previous Ranking no.12)
Their interim head coach’s inexperience in big games is starting to show for the Las Vegas Raiders. The team had no answers for the Kansas City Chiefs as they were routed 41-14 on Sunday Night Football.
14. Carolina Panthers: 5-5
Cam Newton is back with the Carolina Panthers as they pursue a playoff berth in the NFC. They are currently the seventh seed right now. With Newton back in the fold, it will be interesting to see how things will turn out within the NFC South.
15. Cleveland Browns: 5-5
Last week the narrative was that “Baker was not the problem.” The following week after loosing to New England, the latest narrative is that “OBJ was not the problem.” It is not really none of that to be honest. The Browns went up against a really good football team in the New England Patriots, simple as that.
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