Tag: Las Vegas Raiders

Last week, the Power Rankings looked at the best-case scenario for all 32 NFL teams, but it’s late in the season and we’ve had to watch so many bad Jets quarterbacks that it’s taken all the optimism out of us. So this week, we’re looking at the worst-case scenario for each team as the season heads down the stretch.

Obviously, the real answer for most teams would be an injury to their starting quarterback and/or superstar, but we don’t want to jinx anyone (and we certainly don’t want to hear about it in the comments) so we’re trying to be more creative than that in most cases.

In the case of our new No. 1, though, we couldn’t come up with anything because, man, the 49ers looked like a monster on Sunday.

1. San Francisco 49ers (9-3)

(Last week 4)

Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 42-19

Worst case: Bumps and/or bruises

When the 49ers are healthy, they are scary. They hoped to prove that Brock Purdy’s injury in the NFC Championship Game was the only reason they didn’t beat the Eagles and advance to the Super Bowl last season. Mission accomplished. Deebo Samuel, who talked the most trash coming into the game, scored three touchdowns. When he, Purdy and left tackle Trent Williams are all healthy, San Francisco has scored at least 27 points this season.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

GO DEEPER

The MVP race through 13 weeks and Brock Purdy’s growing case: Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: Roquan Smith regression

Since the Ravens sent the Bears second- and fifth-round picks for Smith on Oct. 31 last year, Baltimore is first in the NFL in yards per play allowed (4.5), third in defensive success rate (62 percent) and third in EPA per snap (12.8). In that span, the linebacker is fourth in the league in defensive splash plays (66), according to TruMedia. Sure, Lamar Jackson is integral to Baltimore’s success, but don’t overlook Smith’s impact.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 5)

Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 41-35

Worst case: Down day from Dak

The Cowboys can beat anybody when Dak Prescott plays like he did Thursday night against the Seahawks. Prescott was 29-for-41 for 299 yards and three touchdowns, and Dallas scored on eight of its nine possessions. For the season, he is second in EPA per attempt (0.30) and passer rating (108.3). However, Dak does have “those days.” He’s had a negative EPA per attempt twice this year. The Cowboys have lost both games (to Arizona and San Francisco).

Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-15

Worst case: Any tweak for Tyreek

Tyreek Hill remains on pace to be the first player in league history with more than 2,000 receiving yards in a season after catching five passes for 157 yards Sunday. He had 78- and 60-yard touchdown catches and leads the NFL with 1,496 yards from scrimmage. More than half of his touches go for a first down or touchdown, but he’s such a finely tuned speed machine that you constantly worry that even the slightest imbalance might throw the whole thing out of whack.

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

GO DEEPER

What we learned in Week 13: The 49ers’ playoff potential, Tyreek’s target in sight and more

5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 42-19

Worst case: Run game reversal

Philadelphia is third in the league in rushing EPA this season, according to TruMedia, but when its run game falters, it usually isn’t pretty. The Eagles have been held to a total of 126 rushing yards and 3.2 yards per carry in their two losses. The results were a loss to the Jets and Sunday’s drubbing by the 49ers.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 33-28

Worst case: It was all a mirage

After losing to Green Bay on Thanksgiving, Detroit had to hold on to beat reeling New Orleans on Sunday. The Lions are probably fine. They remain fourth in the league in touchdowns per drive (29.3 percent). Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta had nine catches for 140 yards Sunday, and he’s tied for the most touchdowns by a tight end (six) and has the fourth-most receiving yards among tight ends (679). But it would be cruel to this team’s fan base if it doesn’t finish strong.

Up next: at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 27-19

Worst case: Patrick Mahomes can’t do it all alone

It sure looked like he could when Kansas City won the Super Bowl the year after trading Tyreek Hill, but the Chiefs slipped to 11th in the league in scoring Sunday (22.9 ppg). The Chiefs have scored fewer than 20 points in six games this season. That happened only six times total in Mahomes’ first five seasons as the starter. Inconsistency at receiver is the main culprit. Justin Watson, a fifth-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2018 who signed as a low-money free agent in the offseason, is the second-leading wide receiver with 332 yards on 20 catches.

Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

GO DEEPER

Jones: NFL officials face impossible task — we or league must make change

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: They’re living it

This team was 13-3 last season and came into this season with similar expectations, but Josh Allen has had some rough moments and the defense has lost pillars Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano for the season because of injury. In fact, more than 16 percent of Buffalo’s salary cap is on injured reserve, according to Spotrac. The Bills could still make the playoffs, but the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins all remain on the schedule.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 22-17

Worst case: C.J. Stroud and the rookie wall

It’s easy to forget that Stroud is a rookie. He overtook Sam Howell for the league’s passing lead Sunday, throwing for 274 yards to get to 3,570 for the season. He and Dak Prescott are the only quarterbacks in the league with a passer rating above 100 and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of four or higher. We’re getting into uncharted territory for Stroud, though. He never played more than 13 games in a season at Ohio State. His next one in Houston will be No. 13.

Up next: at New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 36-19

Worst case: San Francisco playing for home-field advantage

There’s a decent chance the Rams will head into Week 18 having to beat the division-rival 49ers to get into the playoffs. San Francisco will have a playoff spot locked up by then and will be tempted to rest its stars unless it has a first-round bye on the line. That got closer to reality when the Niners beat the Eagles on Sunday. Why is this such bad news? The Rams have lost nine of their last 10 to the 49ers.

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

GO DEEPER

NFL playoff picture after Week 13: Jaguars lose control of AFC’s top seed

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 31-28

Worst case: Wasting a year

The Colts could make the playoffs this season. They would be the sixth seed if the season ended today, and their five remaining games are winnable (Houston, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Cincinnati). But what this year was really supposed to be about was developing Anthony Richardson. If Gardner Minshew leads the Colts to the playoffs this year, then the pressure is really on Richardson next season.

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

“We’re very gritty. We’re gonna find a way. It’s not always gonna be sexy, but dang, it’s good.”

– Gardner Minshew with a potential soundbite of the year with @AJRoss_TV following the @Colts W pic.twitter.com/yDfOS5Kikz

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 3, 2023

12. Green Bay Packers (6-6)

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Beat Kansas City Chiefs 27-19

Worst case: Flipped turnover luck

The Packers have turned their season around with three straight wins, the most recent two coming against Super Bowl contenders. It might be a sign of great things to come. Or it might just be turnovers. The Packers are second in the league in turnover margin in the last three weeks (plus-five). The remaining schedule is in the Packers’ favor as 6-6 Minnesota is the only team that doesn’t have a losing record.

Up next: at New York Giants, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

13. Seattle Seahawks (6-6)

(Last week: 12)

Thursday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 41-35

Worst case: They missed their chance

Seattle needed to steal at least one game during this current four-game stretch that includes the 49ers twice, the Cowboys and the Eagles. It missed the chance against Dallas, wasting a 406-yard offensive day and a six-catch, 134-yard, three-touchdown effort from DK Metcalf. Seattle now gets the 49ers and Eagles back-to-back while sitting one spot out of the playoff race.

Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 8)

Monday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 34-31 (OT)

Worst case: It happened late Monday night

Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft and one of 10 quarterbacks to throw for more than 3,000 yards this season, went down with what appeared to be a significant injury after his right ankle was stepped on by one of his offensive linemen. Lawrence slammed his helmet to the turf and then made a slow and painful walk to the locker room with lots of help. If Lawrence is done for the season, so are the Jaguars. Backup C.J. Beathard has a career passer rating of 80.3.

Up next: at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

If Trevor Lawrence can’t play Sunday, FOUR of the 7 current AFC playoff teams will start a backup QB in Week 14.

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) December 5, 2023

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 22-17

Worst case: Running out of gas

The Broncos came back from the dead thanks to a five-game winning streak, but that took a lot of energy and the tank finally ran dry Sunday. They were plus-13 in the turnover margin during their winning streak. Against the Texans, that number flipped and the Broncos lost the turnover battle 3-0. They play only one more team with a winning record (Detroit), so they’re still alive, but they’ll have to get their momentum back.

Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 36-19

Worst case: Exposed defensive weaknesses

Since Week 10, the Browns and their formerly fearsome defense are 26th in the league in points allowed (26.5 ppg) and 28th in point margin (minus-29), according to TruMedia. With Joe Flacco now the quarterback (23-for-44 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and an interception Sunday), Cleveland needs this defense more than ever. It has given up five yards per carry in the last month, which ranks 26th in the league while recording only seven sacks (20th).

Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

17. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 13-8

Worst case: Unfulfilled promise

Tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson — all drafted in the top 10 in the last three seasons — were supposed to be a three-headed monster. Each has been electric at times, but it has never happened simultaneously, and Atlanta’s offense certainly isn’t scaring anyone. Robinson surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage on Sunday (1,022, which ranks 13th in the league and second among rookies), but the Falcons are 24th in scoring (18.8 ppg).

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 24-10

Worst case: Matt Canada wasn’t the problem

Pittsburgh got a bump the first week after firing its beleaguered offensive coordinator, but it was back to business as usual Sunday. The Steelers scored 10 points against an Arizona defense that ranks 30th in points allowed (25.5 per game). On top of that, quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out multiple weeks. The AFC North lead looks a long way away now.

Up next: vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday

19. Cincinnati Bengals (6-6)

(Last week: 20)

Monday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 (OT)

Worst case: A quarterback controversy

Just kidding, but Jake Browning was excellent on Monday night against a decent Jacksonville defense. Browning was 32-for-37 for 354 yards and a touchdown in his second game since replacing Joe Burrow. If he keeps playing like that, the Bengals can get back into the playoff mix and also could attract something on the trade market once Burrow is healthy. Cincinnati racked up a season-high 491 yards behind Browning.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

20. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: Kirk doesn’t come back

Since Kirk Cousins became a regular starter in 2015, he is sixth in the NFL (among quarterbacks with more than 1,000 attempts) in passer rating (99.9) and 10th in EPA per pass attempt (.21). After beating two NFC South teams in the first weeks without Cousins, the Vikings have lost their last two, and it’s clear how much they miss Captain Kirk. There’s every reason to believe Cousins will return at basically full strength from his torn Achilles, but he’s scheduled to be a free agent in 2024. Minnesota should fix that.

Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 21-18

Worst case: Losing Mike Evans

The Buccaneers didn’t get a contract extension done with Evans this offseason, and he is the best thing this team has going right now. On Sunday, he extended his own NFL record of most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin a career with 10. Evans had seven catches for 162 yards Sunday, accounting for 80.2 percent of Tampa Bay’s passing game. A Buc since the team drafted him in 2014, he should stay a Buc, but he might want a shot at another ring.

Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

The catch to make history 🙌

📺: #CARvsTB on CBS pic.twitter.com/ldFzSwkAHQ

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 4, 2023

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 6-0

Worst case: Wasting Justin Herbert

There are a lot of people who aren’t Herbert believers because he’s .500 in his career, 31-31 after Sunday. That’s not on Herbert, though. He’s as physically talented as any quarterback in the league, and he already has 11 fourth-quarter comebacks in his career, which is only two fewer than Patrick Mahomes and more than Lamar Jackson, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow among others. He starts getting really expensive in 2025, though, and it’s going to be even harder for the team to win then.

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4:05 p.m. Sunday

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: Quarterback conundrum

The Raiders are already there. The benched Jimmy Garoppolo counts $28.5 million against the cap for the next two seasons and would cost $33.7 million to cut before June 1. Rookie Aidan O’Connell is 2-3 as a starter, 26th in the league in yards per attempt (6.7) and has more interceptions than touchdowns (six to four). However, if Las Vegas wins a couple more games, it’s going to be outside the ideal spot to draft a sure-fire quarterback prospect this offseason.

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

24. New Orleans Saints (5-7)

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 33-28

Worst case: Paying their credit card bill

The Saints keep kicking the salary-cap can down the road. It hasn’t gotten them double-digit wins since 2020, and that isn’t changing this season. New Orleans is $71 million over the 2024 salary cap at the moment and looks like it will be starting Jameis Winston at quarterback for a while after Derek Carr was injured Sunday. That might not be so bad considering Saints fans booed loudly this week when Carr replaced Taysom Hill at quarterback during the game.

Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: NFC East obscurity

Division rivals Philadelphia and Dallas already have doubled up New York in wins this season. They have franchise quarterbacks on (Jalen Hurts) or about to be on (Dak Prescott) long-term deals. Even the Commanders have new ownership and some juice. What do the Giants have? A big question about what to do with Daniel Jones when he’s healthy and a hometown, feel-good quarterback fill-in in Tommy DeVito who is due to turn into a pumpkin at any time.

Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

26. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24-10

Worst case: Winning more games

Seriously, this is enough. The Cardinals are third in the draft order after winning Sunday for the second time in four games. That might be right on the borderline to acquire an elite player in this draft, and Arizona needs elite players, whether that’s a quarterback or not. Since returning in Week 10, Kyler Murray is 10th in the league in passing yards (864) and seventh among quarterbacks in rushing yards (106). Unfortunately for Arizona, that’s been good enough for a couple of wins.

Up next: Bye

27. Chicago Bears (4-8)

(Last week: 27)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: A bad quarterback choice

It’s looking like Chicago will have its choice of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or … Justin Fields. The incumbent has thrown for 386 yards and rushed for another 163 in two games since returning from a thumb injury. He’s undeniably dynamic and will be tough to give up on, but he’s also 50th in the NFL in passing EPA per dropback (0.07) in the three seasons he has been Chicago’s starter, according to TruMedia.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 31-28

Worst case: Will Levis is not the guy

There was a brief glimmer of hope when Levis took over in Week 8 and beat the Falcons. He had four touchdowns that day. He’s had three since, and he’s 32nd in the league in completion percentage (56.4 percent) and 29th in passer rating (77.6). On Sunday, he completed 16 passes and was arguing with DeAndre Hopkins on the sideline. The only other quarterbacks on the roster are Ryan Tannehill (who may want out of town) and Malik Willis (who isn’t the answer).

Up next: at Miami Dolphins, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

Will Levis and DeAndre Hopkins 👀

🎥: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/FBD9HG8xTN

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) December 3, 2023

29. Washington Commanders (4-9)

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 45-15

Worst case: A distracted new owner

Josh Harris, who bought the team this offseason, has a lot on his plate. He might change the team name again, and he has to get a new stadium built somewhere. It’s possible all this would prevent him from moving on from Ron Rivera. Possible, but not likely. Since a surprising 2-0 start, Washington is 2-9 and last in the NFL in point margin (minus-140).

Up next: Bye

30. New York Jets (4-8)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 13-8

Worst case: Another Aaron Rodgers issue

Look, the guy is 40 years old. He’ll be coming back from a torn Achilles whenever he does come back. It will probably be fine, but we’ve seen what it looks like when Rodgers is not fine. The Jets played Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian against the Falcons on Sunday, and it was so bad they might go back to Zach Wilson this week. New York is 30th in the league in scoring (14.25) and hasn’t topped 13 points in a game since Oct. 15.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 6-0

Worst case: Bill Belichick staying stubborn

Bill Belichick has earned the right to have a large say in how he exits New England after six Super Bowl titles. He could make it difficult on owner Robert Kraft if he wants to, but that would be a shame. The Patriots, and probably Belichick, need a change. New England is 30th in offensive EPA per play and 31st in special teams EPA in the league. It’s gotten bad enough that drafting Caleb Williams or Drake Maye is an option, but the Patriots don’t appear to be a young-quarterback-friendly environment.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21-18

Worst case: Ruining Bryce Young’s confidence

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft hasn’t been good, but it’s not all his fault. Carolina has given up 47 sacks this season. Only three teams have given up more. Thirty-three-year-old Adam Thielen is the only wide receiver on the team with more than 34 catches. Next year’s coach will be charged with developing Young, but it’s going to be tough if he’s beaten down before this season ends.

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Top photo of Deebo Samuel: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

The homestretch of the NFL season is upon us, and the Power Rankings are in an optimistic mood. That means that this week we’ll look at the best-case scenario for all 32 teams the remainder of the season.

For some, it’s a Super Bowl ring, for some, it’s a postseason appearance and for some, it’s a new head coach under the Christmas tree.

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Beat Buffalo Bills 37-34 in overtime

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Three coaches in NFL history have started 10-1 in back-to-back seasons, according to Elias Sports. They are Don Shula, Tony Dungy and … Nick Sirianni. The Eagles, who played without offensive tackle Lane Johnson (groin), have beaten the Cowboys, Chiefs and Bills in consecutive games, and their next three are against the 49ers, Cowboys and Seahawks. Jalen Hurts, who had five touchdowns Sunday, is second in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (11) and has 18 passing touchdowns. This team can erase the bad taste of last year’s Super Bowl loss.

Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 12 takeaways: Are Bills’ playoff hopes over after OT loss to Eagles?

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 20-10

Best case: Super Bowl ring

The Ravens are the most balanced team in the AFC. They are second in scoring defense (15.6) and defensive success rate (62.9 percent). Offensively, they lead the league in rushing (158.6 per game) and are seventh in yards overall (366.1 ypg). Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen each have more than 100 tackles, and Jadeveon Clowney has 7 1/2 sacks. Baltimore hasn’t advanced past the divisional round since its 2012 Super Bowl win. That looks like it’ll change.

Up next: Bye

3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 31-17

Best case: Super Bowl ring

It would be the second in a row for the Chiefs. Any worries about the state of Kansas City’s wide receiving corps should be offset by the fact that this team won its last Super Bowl with the same group plus JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has 24 catches this season for 159 yards for the Patriots. Rashee Rice was a bright spot Sunday, catching eight passes for 107 yards. With Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the best case is a ring. On Sunday, Reid became the first coach in NFL history to become the winningest coach for two franchises.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

4. San Francisco 49ers (8-3)

(Last week: 5)

Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 31-13

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Since acquiring defensive end Chase Young at the trade deadline, the 49ers are second in the league with 15 sacks. They have at least four sacks in each game since then, and they got Geno Smith six times on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, they still have Brock Purdy and that offense. San Francisco has played one other contender this season. It beat the Cowboys 42-10 in that game. This team could finally get Kyle Shanahan his championship.

Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

(Last week: 7)

Thursday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-10

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Dallas hasn’t been able to do better than regular-season rings for a while now, so there’s some understandable skepticism about this team, but the Cowboys are a very real threat. They lead the NFL in scoring margin (162). They are second in offensive EPA, third in defensive EPA and 10th in special teams EPA. Dak Prescott received PFF’s highest game grade (97) of any quarterback since 2007 for his Thursday performance. He has topped 300 yards passing and a 115 passer rating four times in the last five games.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 6)

Friday: Beat New York Jets 34-13

Best case: Super Bowl

The Dolphins are second in the league in scoring (30.82 ppg) despite having 19 turnovers (the sixth most in the league). If Miami’s offense plays cleanly, this team can beat anyone. However, a defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed (22.82 per game) and lost Jaelan Phillips to an Achilles injury Friday combined with the fact that the Dolphins didn’t top 20 points against the Bills, Eagles or Chiefs makes it hard to think this group can beat three really good teams in a row.

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 3)

Thursday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 29-22

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Even Jared Goff’s most ardent fans get nervous this time of year, and Goff wasn’t great Thursday against the Packers. Still, in an off game, he produced 332 yards, two touchdowns and a 103.6 passer rating. The Lions play the Saints, Bears, Broncos and Vikings (twice) down the stretch. If Detroit can get home-field advantage, it can make a run with this offense, which ranks second in the league in yardage (405.5).

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Explaining the inexplicable Denver Broncos and other NFL mysteries: Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 24-21

Best case: Two playoff games

Jacksonville’s stars are getting hot at the right time. Linebacker Josh Allen had 2 1/2 sacks Sunday and now is second in franchise history with 38 for his career. On the offensive side, Calvin Ridley has 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks. Jacksonville has won seven of its last eight with the only loss coming to San Francisco.

Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

9. Buffalo Bills (6-6)

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 37-34 in overtime

Best case: Super Bowl

We’re having a hard time giving up on the Bills even though they lost for the third time in four games Sunday. The reason? That very game. Buffalo gained 505 yards and went toe-to-toe with the defending NFC champions in Philadelphia. The Bills are fifth in scoring (27.33 per game) and fourth in scoring margin (101). It’s not going to be easy to claw back into the picture with the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins still on the schedule, but if they do …

Up next: Bye

The #Bills are the 40th team since the 1970 Merger to have 500 yards, 10 third down conversions and a positive turnover margin in a game.

They are the first team to lose in that scenario. Teams were 39-0 entering today, per @ESPNStatsInfo

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) November 27, 2023

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 24-21

Best case: Two playoff games

This team will be dangerous in the playoffs, if it makes it, because of C.J. Stroud. The rookie topped 300 yards passing for the fourth consecutive game (an NFL rookie record) and sixth time this season Sunday and also led Houston in rushing with 47 yards. The Texans are one spot outside the playoff picture but still play the Titans twice and the Jets once down the stretch.

Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 16-10

Best case: Two playoff games

Firing Matt Canada seems to have served its purpose. After failing to top 400 yards in 44 games with Canada as the offensive coordinator, the Steelers gained 421 the week after firing him. Pairing an actual offense with a defense that ranks fifth in points allowed (18.6 ppg) is a winning formula, but it’s hard to imagine Kenny Pickett (31st in EPA per attempt, minus-.05) making much of a playoff run.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Who could Panthers target as next head coach? Jim Harbaugh, Belichick and more candidates

12. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

(Last week: 11)

Thursday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 31-13

Best case: Playoffs

There was a time not long ago when the Seahawks looked like a threat to San Francisco in the NFC West. That thought died Thursday when Seattle had three first downs compared with San Francisco’s 16 in the first half. It was the Seahawks’ third loss in the last four games, but they are holding onto the sixth seed in the NFC right now. Still, a defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed (22.6) puts a ceiling on this team.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

13. Denver Broncos (6-5)

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 29-12

Best case: Playoffs

Denver won its fifth straight Sunday, giving it the longest active winning streak in the league. In that stretch, the Broncos are third in the league in scoring defense (16.8 ppg allowed). Prior to the winning streak, Denver was giving up 33.3 points per game, which ranked last in the league. Russell Wilson threw for only 134 yards Sunday, but he’s fifth in the league in passer rating (103.4). The Broncos only play two more teams with a winning record — the Lions and Texans. They are a very real playoff contender, but it’s hard to forecast much more considering all the energy it will take to get there.

Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 29-12

Best case: Playoffs

The Browns would be the No. 6 seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today. Now, they just have to see if they can hold on to that spot. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was knocked out of Sunday’s game with a head injury and was replaced by P.J. Walker, who completed 6 of 13 passes for 56 yards. That puts more pressure on a defense that ranks first in the league in success rate (67.6 percent) and sack percentage (10.6) and seventh in points allowed (19 per game).

Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20

Best case: Playoffs

The Colts are the seventh seed at the moment and play only two more teams with a winning record — the Steelers and Texans. And this is with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Jonathan Taylor had his second 90-plus-yard rushing game of the season (91 on 15 carries), and Indianapolis is 11th in the league in scoring (23.3). Shane Steichen has entered the Coach of the Year conversation.

Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Green Bay Packers (5-6)

(Last week: 23)

Thursday: Beat Detroit Lions 29-22

Best case: Playoffs

After upsetting the Lions on Thanksgiving, the Packers are only one spot out of the playoff picture. The reason is the improvement of Jordan Love, who is fourth in the league in EPA per attempt (.32) and passing yards (1,193) in November. He threw three touchdowns versus no interceptions on Thanksgiving against the Lions. After throwing eight interceptions in the first seven games, he has only two in the last four games.

Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 24-15

Best case: Playoffs

The Falcons are in first place in the NFC South despite winning for the first time since Oct. 22 on Sunday. The run game produced a season-high 228 yards against New Orleans. Combining more of that with a defense that ranks sixth in the league in success percentage (61 percent) might be enough to keep the Falcons in front in this division. The best part of the weekend for Atlanta was the team’s celebration of 50 years of hip-hop music at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Ludacris even came out of the ceiling.

Up next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

This was absolutely LUDACRIS pic.twitter.com/fR8k1M7GsX

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 27, 2023

18. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

(Last week: 14)

Monday: Lost to Chicago Bears 12-10

Best case: Playoffs

Despite Josh Dobbs throwing four interceptions and despite losing to the Chicago Bears, the Vikings are still in the playoffs as the No. 7 seed for the moment. The problem is they still have to play the Lions twice. The Dobbs story was fun for a while, but the Vikings should have started working on a new deal for Kirk Cousins at some point in the second half Monday night.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 37-14

Best case: Playoffs

The Rams are in the ninth spot in the NFC after their second consecutive win. Kyren Williams had 143 yards on 16 carries and led the team with six catches (for 61 yards) in his first game since Week 6. Williams has topped 100 rushing yards in three of the last four games he has played, and Los Angeles looks like a different team with him in the lineup. “That was a big deal getting him back,” coach Sean McVay said.

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

QB future of all 32 NFL teams: Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and other intriguing scenarios

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 16-10

Best case: Marvin Harrison Jr.

They’ve probably already won too many games to get into the top three of the draft, but we are talking about the best-case scenario after all. The Joe Burrow-less Bengals have the second-toughest remaining schedule in the league. They aren’t going to the playoffs, so why not solve their Tee Higgins problem in the best possible way? Lose out. Root for the Patriots, Bears, Commanders and Giants to stumble into a few wins, let Higgins walk and put Harrison, the Ohio State star, with Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

21. New Orleans Saints (5-6)

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 24-15

Best case: Playoffs

Three of the four teams in the NFC South remain in the playoff hunt simply because the division stinks. The Saints had 444 yards of offense but failed to get into the end zone against Atlanta on Sunday. The performance dropped them to 24th in the league in scoring (18.17 ppg). That’s even with Chris Olave having seven catches for 114 yards before leaving with a concussion in the third quarter.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 27-20

Best case: Playoffs

The Buccaneers have lost six of their last seven. We should be able to count them out of the playoff race, but they’re only one game back in the win column for first place in the NFC South. Mike Evans is second in the NFL with nine receiving touchdowns after two more Sunday, but Tampa Bay is 23rd in the league in scoring (19.27 ppg). The rest of the Buccaneers have only 13 touchdowns combined.

Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 31-17

Best case: Jim Harbaugh

The Antonio Pierce interim coach bump appears to be over. Las Vegas went up 14-0 on Kansas City on Sunday but was outscored 31-3 in the final 37 minutes and has now dropped two in a row. They trail the Broncos in the division and have four teams between them and sniffing a playoff spot. Harbaugh is the type of big name the Raiders love to hire. He’s 49-22-1 all-time in the NFL. And there are reasons to believe his time at Michigan is short.

Up next: Bye

24. Los Angeles Chargers (4-7)

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 20-10

Best case: Ben Johnson

The Chargers were flagged for having 12 men on the field on their first defensive snap Sunday night, which may be their only hope defensively. Los Angeles is last in the league in defense (390.6 ypg allowed), and Justin Herbert’s talents are being wasted. Herbert is fifth in the league in EPA per attempt (.19) and ninth in passing yards (2,826). Herbert needs an offensive-minded head coach, and the Lions’ offensive coordinator looks like the perfect match. The problem is the Panthers might outspend the Chargers for Johnson.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

QB future of all 32 NFL teams: Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and other intriguing scenarios

25. New York Giants (4-8)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 10-7

Best case: Stop winning

Tommy DeVito has more passing touchdowns (seven) than Zach Wilson and Kenny Pickett (six each) this season. DeVito, the undrafted free agent who is living with his parents, has started the last three games, and New York has won two of them. The problem is that has cost them valuable draft positioning. They now sit sixth in the order. The good news is they still have to play the Eagles twice.

Up next: Bye

The Giants made history on Sunday during their 10-7 win over the Patriots 👀

New York is the first team in the Super Bowl era to win a game in which they:

◽️ Scored 10 or fewer points
◽️ Were sacked six or more times
◽️ Had fewer than 20 rushing attempts

H/T @optastats pic.twitter.com/auxLrOsJEj

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 26, 2023

(Last week: 21)

Thursday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 45-10

Best case: Dan Quinn

Washington fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer on Friday. Head coach Ron Rivera is almost certainly next. Quinn, the former Falcons head coach and current Cowboys defensive coordinator, would bring the kind of energy and confidence-building style this organization desperately needs. Quinn might even be able to keep pass-happy offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on board.

Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

27. Chicago Bears (4-8)

(Last week: 27)

Monday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 12-10

Best case: Brian Johnson

Jalen Hurts is a powerful, athletic, strong-armed quarterback. Justin Fields is a powerful, athletic, strong-armed quarterback (who is faster than Hurts). In Brian Johnson’s three seasons with the Eagles — two as quarterbacks coach and this one as offensive coordinator — Hurts has gone from a question mark at the position to an MVP candidate. It’s folly to assume Fields could follow the same path, but at least Johnson knows what the path looks like. Or, they could just draft Caleb Williams.

Up next: Bye

28. Tennessee Titans (4-7)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 17-10

Best case: Losing out

Right now, Tennessee would have the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft, but it can do better than that. Its five remaining opponents all have winning records, and it’s not inconceivable that Sunday’s win could be the Titans’ last. That would leave them picking in the top five, where they could nab one of the top tackles available — Olu Fashanu of Penn State or Amarius Mims of Georgia.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. New York Jets (4-7)

(Last week: 26)

Friday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 34-13

Best case: A media blackout

No one needs to see the rest of this season, for their sake or for the Jets’. Having Robert Saleh do a television interview moments after New York gave up a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown on a Hail Mary attempt to end the first half against Miami felt cruel. Of course, the Jets bring a lot of this on themselves by doing things like starting Tim Boyle over Trevor Siemian (or a long list of other quarterbacks who could have been acquired during the season).

Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 37-14

Best case: A beneficial Kyler Murray trade

The Cardinals got a Murray bump in his first game back from a torn ACL, but they have returned to form now. Murray had an 83.2 passer rating, rushed for only 2 yards and was sacked four times Sunday. The Cardinals are in position to draft either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, and Murray is dynamic enough that he can bring them a good return on the trade market.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

31. New England Patriots (2-9)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to New York Giants 10-7

Best case: An amicable parting

The Patriots are 4-14 in their last 18 games. Their best quarterback options are Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Both played Sunday, and neither topped 100 passing yards. Bill Belichick spoke for four minutes in his postgame news conference before he walked out. Owner Robert Kraft has been quiet about Belichick’s job status, but it’s hard to imagine him coaching in New England next year.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-10)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Lost to Tennessee Titans 17-10

Best case: Ben Johnson

In what may be the weirdest stat in the league right now, Carolina has seen its point total stay level or decrease in each of the last six games — 24, 21, 15, 13, 13, 10. That’s the kind of thing that gets a head coach fired, and it did Monday as the Panthers dismissed Frank Reich. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young could use a dose of Johnson’s offense. Carolina won’t be the most attractive job this offseason, but Panthers owner David Tepper can afford to pay to lure Johnson, and now he has a head start on the competition.

Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Who will make the 2023 NFL playoffs? Our confidence (or lack thereof) in 20 teams

(Top photo of DaRon Bland, left, and Dak Prescott: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

Spoiler alert: Players around the NFL think Patrick Mahomes is pretty good.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and two-time MVP was our runaway winner as the best player in the game today, according to the 85 players our beat writers from The Athletic spoke to over the past month. That’s no surprise, but the rest of the answers weren’t so obvious, as we set out to conduct our first anonymous NFL player poll.

We asked each player we spoke to the same set of questions, although not every player answered them all. They were granted anonymity in order to candidly offer their opinions on the league’s players, coaches, commissioner and some of the biggest topics facing the league today — including running back salaries, the grass versus turf debate and more.

Players were polled on who dishes the best trash talk, which coach besides their own they’d like to play for and who are the most underrated players in the league. Some of the more entertaining responses came when players were asked which team has the most annoying fan base.

“Buffalo,” one player responded. “They be mooning folks and it’s like, ‘Why y’all showing y’all ass?’ F— outta here with that.”

Sorry, Bills fans, just like the standings right now, that wasn’t enough to get you into first place.

Throughout this player poll — and upcoming stories that will dive deeper into some of the questions — we hope you learn more about what today’s NFL players really think.

(Editor’s note: In some cases, the combined percentages of all the answers to a question may not add up to 100 percent, because individual percentages have been rounded up or down to the nearest tenth of a percentage point. Half-votes were awarded if a player gave two answers to a question.)

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Did you really expect anybody else? Nearly half of the respondents selected Mahomes, many without giving it much thought.

“He’s Patrick Mahomes,” said one player.

“Don’t you have to say him?” added another.

“There’s nobody like him,” one more said.

As if any justification for this vote was needed, one player offered this: “No matter how much you’re down, he still can bring your team back.”

GO DEEPER

The lessons Patrick Mahomes learned as a high school safety that helped him become an elite QB

That said, more than half of the 84 respondents to this question went a different direction, with Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald earning runner-up honors.

“It’s self-explanatory on that one. No one can stop him,” offered one player.

Said one player who chose the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett: “I was gonna sit here and debate quarterbacks, but there’s your answer. The guy is out of this world.”

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Talking trash is a part of sports, but there are some players in the NFL more inclined to ruffle feathers with their on-field chatter.

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is now with the Detroit Lions after spending last season with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl run, tops the list. He did so despite not playing since Week 2, when he injured a pectoral muscle.

“I think that’s just kind of like his schtick,” one player said. “I don’t know if it necessarily works, but it’s what he reverts to.”

Jalen Ramsey, who also missed extended time before returning to the field last month for the Miami Dolphins, received the second-most votes. “He has a lot to say,” one player opined.

And don’t for a second think trash talk is limited to just defensive players. The Los Angeles Chargers’ Keenan Allen, one of the NFL’s most consistent wideouts, is known to have a thing or two to say during games. “Big-time s— talker,” one player said. “It’s nonstop.”

Offensive linemen tend to get in on the act, too. Said a player of Carolina Panthers guard Austin Corbett: “I think his trash-talking is pretty elite. It’s the psychological warfare. It’s so nice you don’t even know what’s going on.”

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When in doubt, go with the head coach who remarkably has never had a losing season. That continues to be the distinction for Mike Tomlin, who again has the Pittsburgh Steelers well on their way to a 17th consecutive .500 or better campaign with him in charge.

“His messaging, leadership and attitude seem consistent with a winning formula,” one player said.

“He’s tough and accountable, and he demands that out of his players,” added another.

From the veteran, Super Bowl-winning coach in Tomlin, players shifted to the young, quirky offensive mastermind in Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.

“He seems like a pretty fun coach to play for,” one player said of the 40-year-old in his second season in Miami.

Not far behind were Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Detroit’s Dan Campbell, the latter of whom might be the favorite for this season’s NFL Coach of the Year award.

“A guy who really loves ball,” said a player who chose Reid. “So I think that’s a really good coach.”

Of Campbell, another player said: “I appreciate coaches that are players’ coaches and get the best out of their players.”

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Sometimes on-field production doesn’t always lead to players getting the respect they deserve. Regardless of how well some perform, their names aren’t brought up as much when discussing the top guys at their respective positions.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins led the vote, but there are a multitude of players who received recognition among their peers for being underrated.

“His production speaks for itself, and nobody ever talks about him when the topic of best RBs in the league comes up,” one player said of Chargers dual-threat running back Austin Ekeler. “He’s vital to that offense running and also in the pass game,” another player added.

And though the tight end discussion is normally dominated by Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce, players feel the San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle and Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews should get even more credit than they already do.

“I think he’s the best tight end in the league,” one player said unapologetically about Kittle.

“I don’t know how underrated he is, but everybody is always talking about Kelce and Kittle, not him,” another player said in regard to Andrews.

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It turns out players aren’t scared away from the sight of the stadium that’s hosted five consecutive AFC Championship Games. (Then again, maybe Arrowhead Stadium’s steady presence on their TV is influencing their decision.)

Whatever the reason, players love playing in the NFL’s third-oldest stadium (opened in 1972) even if some did mention issues with Kansas City’s cramped locker rooms.

“That place is electric,” one player said. “That’s one of the coolest places to play. In my opinion, the loudest in the NFL.”

Minnesota’s seven-year-old U.S. Bank Stadium — despite being an indoor stadium with turf — was lauded for many of the same ear-rattling reasons.

“That place was f—ing loud,” one player said.

Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium also fared well, along with Green Bay’s historic Lambeau Field — “The fans and the atmosphere are the best in the league.” — and Seattle’s Lumen Field.

“If it was grass — whoo! — it would be perfect,” one player who chose Seattle said, while another added: “It almost feels like you’re in a bird’s nest. Gotham City.”

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Arrowhead and U.S. Bank led the way for best stadiums, but players had opposite viewpoints of MetLife Stadium, FedEx Field and Highmark Stadium, which were the top vote-getters for worst to play in.

The Commanders’ home field has never been a popular playing destination, and this poll solidified that even before Sunday, when there wasn’t any hot water or sufficient water pressure for players to shower after the New York Giants’ win over Washington.

“Almost everything about (FedEx) is below the standard of what an NFL stadium should be,” one player said. “The place is just a dump,” said another.

As for MetLife, where both the Giants and Jets play, a player voiced that the “turf sucks and the whole place is lame.” Another agreed about the turf, adding that the “fans are horrible. Everything about that place is horrible.”

Though Lambeau Field was among the top five for best stadium, it was also top five for the worst stadium — for one obvious reason: “F—ing Green Bay, because it’s super cold!”

Meanwhile, the Oakland Coliseum hasn’t been used since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020 but still managed to pick up a couple of votes.

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The Eagles and Cowboys apparently aren’t just competing on the field, with both grabbing about a quarter of the votes from the 73 players who answered this question.

“Just loud, rude and obnoxious,” one player said of Eagles fans, who might be nodding along in agreement at this moment. “They just swear they’re the biggest football gurus on earth,” added another.

Said a player who picked the Cowboys: “They usually think they should win the Super Bowl every year.”

As for the AFC East battle for third place between the Bills and Jets, while mooning in Buffalo earned Bills fans demerits, the classic “J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets” chant drove one player to pick New York.

“That J-E-T-S stuff. They were doing that during warmups,” he said.

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From the outside looking in, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t appear to be beloved across the league. But when talking with players for our poll, the majority of voters gave him their seal of approval.

“He continues to elevate the league and make everyone more money,” one player said.

Another player said he’d give Goodell a thumbs up because of “the way he’s growing the game right now, the way he’s expanding it. Because at one point when I was in college, and all of the concussion stuff was coming out, I was scared, like, ‘Hey, football might not last,’ but now, I don’t feel that way.”

Not everyone polled was in favor of Goodell’s approach.

“Thumbs down. He’s done fined me too many times,” one player added, while another mentioned Goodell “forgets too often that the league is about the players.”

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The biggest story here might be that two players — among the 81 who responded — gave NFL officials a 10 out of 10 rating. Overall, though, the results are largely what you’d expect, with the vast majority of scores falling in the middle range, as 57 players (70.4 percent) selected between a 4 and 7.

“They miss some calls, but it’s a really hard job,” said one sympathetic player who rated them an 8.

“Either they’re missing obvious calls or they’re calling everything,” said a player who rated them a 4. “There’s no in-between, and it varies so much between crews that you never know what to expect.”

One player who gave a 2 rating offered a solution for improvement: “They all should be full-time employees. It’s a no-brainer.”

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There’s no disputing how players across the league feel about the ongoing turf versus grass debate. Nearly 83 percent of those who gave an answer said it’s a real concern.

“You wake up in the morning feeling 10 times better after you played on grass compared to when you played on turf,” said one player.

“I’ve been vocal about it. I think our locker room is pretty unified on it,” another player added. “It sucks, and there’s enough money to eliminate it. It’s time.”

Some say they can feel the difference not only after games but before the first snap is taken.

“Even warming up on the turf field in Minnesota hurt my knees,” a player declared.

“You feel like s—,” a lineman added. “Especially being a big guy, running on turf, your knees hurt. When you fall and trip, you don’t want to get up. You feel it the next day a lot.”

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The positional value of running backs was a hot topic this offseason with the contract situations of Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor. Only Taylor earned a long-term extension (and only after a messy standoff). While running backs across the league gathered on Zoom to discuss solutions, there are few options until the collective bargaining agreement expires in 2030, when the NFL Players Association could try to seek changes to the franchise tag.

Running backs have complained about how the tag unfairly impacts them — only punters and kickers make less on a franchise tag — but the reality is they would need support from their locker room to enact changes. An increase in pay for running backs could reduce salaries at other positions. Though our results show that support exists to some degree, it’s not overwhelming.

“What? No. What makes them better than me?” offered one player.

Another, who already sounds like he has an executive future in mind, painted an even bleaker picture.

“I know that running backs complain about the market,” he said. “But from an insider’s perspective, if I was ever a GM, I would never pay a running back. There’s a lot of talented backs that come out in the draft every year — at any place in the draft. I would never draft a running back in the first round.”

Other players were more understanding of the running backs’ plight.

“Yeah. Because they’re definitely underpaid,” one said. “The franchise tag for a lineman is like, what, $15 (million), $16 million? I mean, s—, that’s more than great money. So, yeah, I definitely feel like they should be paid more.”

Others supported a change, but not exclusively for running backs: “The whole franchise tag rule has to be changed in general. It’s become too powerful of a tool.”

GO DEEPER

The value of NFL running backs keeps falling. How did we get here?

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The NFL has been doing its best to expand its reach beyond the United States. This season, there were five games played internationally (three in London and two in Frankfurt, Germany). Games were also played in Mexico City in previous seasons.

After years of hearing the rumors, what if there really were a team located outside the United States? Would players be interested in the possibility of playing for one? The majority said no, but more than one-third of those we spoke to said they would be open to the idea.

“Hell yeah! Because overseas they’re gonna pay that money,” said one player who may have forgotten a salary cap would still exist. “Think about a team in Saudi Arabia. I know that’s far as f—, but whatever. Think about Saudi Arabia and the soccer players. They’re giving out billions of dollars, so hell yeah I’ll play in Saudi Arabia.”

One player on the fence said it would depend on where the team was located. “Probably. That’d be cool. Only in England, though. I’m not going to f—ing Germany.”

“Hell no. I’d retire,” another player said.

He wasn’t alone. Said another player: “No. I like dropping my kids off at their really nice school and ordering pizza from the place down the street. If I was 23, maybe (it would be) different. But that’s just not for me.”

(Top illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic;
photos of Mike Tomlin, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Donald
by Cooper Neill and Justin Edmonds / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

It’s Week 11 in the NFL, and it’s time to start thinking about who among the current head coaches has a future that will extend into the 2024 season.

The Las Vegas Raiders have already made a coaching change, replacing Josh McDaniels with Antonio Pierce, at least on an interim basis. The Power Rankings are weighing in this week with a status check on Pierce and the other 31 head coaches to determine who’s “solid,” who’s “safe” and who’s “shaky.”

Remember, that it takes a lot for a coach to reach “solid” status in the NFL, and don’t be surprised by the very famous name low on the list who is on shaky ground.

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Bye

Coach status: Safe

Since going 9-8 in 2021, Nick Sirianni is 22-4 as the Eagles’ coach. He took Philadelphia to the Super Bowl last season and is beloved in the city for his fiery personality on top of it. It’s hard to imagine a better marriage of city and coach than what the Eagles have at the moment, just like it’s hard to imagine Sirianni not being in Philadelphia for a long time.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Nick Sirianni is FIRED up after tonight’s win against the Dolphins 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4aqSuyHReA

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 23, 2023

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Bye

Coach status: Solid

Andy Reid is 254-140 in 25 seasons as a head coach, which puts him fourth on the all-time wins list. He’s had eight straight double-digit wins seasons, and he is the only coach in NFL history to lead two franchises to 10 or more playoff wins. By his standards, this year’s Chiefs are struggling on offense (13th in scoring, 23.11 points per game), and not a single person is worried that Reid and company won’t figure it out.

Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Why Chiefs coach Andy Reid runs the NFL’s hardest training camp

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 41-38

Coach status: Safe

All the kneecap-biting jokes were on us. Plenty of people wrote off Dan Campbell after his bombastic introductory news conference, but he’s 15-4 in his last 19 games. The Lions went for it on fourth down five times Sunday against the Chargers and converted four times, including an early fourth-and-5 with a run play and then on fourth-and-2 with 1:47 left in a tie game when in field goal range. Converting that last one allowed Detroit to run the clock down and kick the game-winner as time expired. “He’s got big …” (confidence, let’s say confidence), quarterback Jared Goff said after the game.

Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3

Coach status: Solid

There’s no doubt Kyle Shanahan is one of the best offensive designers and play callers in the NFL, maybe in the history of the NFL, but is he a great head coach? After Sunday, Shanahan is 58-49 in seven seasons in San Francisco. Eleven current head coaches with at least six years on the job have a better career winning percentage than Shanahan’s .539. But when it looks good, it looks good, and it looked good Sunday. The 49ers had 437 yards and are now third in the league in scoring (28 ppg).

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 33-31

Coach status: Safe

What are we supposed to do with Kevin Stefanski? Sunday’s win over the Ravens, which put Cleveland in a tie with Pittsburgh for second place in the AFC North, may have moved him from shaky to safe. It was the Browns’ fourth win in the last five games in a season that has included season-ending injuries to running back Nick Chubb and offensive tackle Jack Conklin and whatever is going on with Deshaun Watson’s shoulder. Cleveland’s win total went down in each of Stefanski’s first three seasons, but he’s close to stopping that trend after Sunday’s win.

Up next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 33-31

Coach status: Solid

John Harbaugh is on his way to a sixth winning season in the last seven years, and he may very well be on the way to the Super Bowl even after losing to the Browns on Sunday. After making home run hires at defensive coordinator (Mike McDonald) and offensive coordinator (Todd Monken) in the last two seasons, Harbaugh is now 154-98 in his 16th season with the Ravens.

Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, 8:15 p.m.

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 10 takeaways: C.J. Stroud enters the MVP race; day of mayhem in the AFC North

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Bye

Coach status: Safe

What Mike McDaniel is doing in the NFL should not go unappreciated, and we’re not talking about running an offense that is averaging 7.1 yards per play, the most by any team in at least the last 20 years. We’re talking about having a personality. In a league in which too many coaches behave like they’re working on a cure for cancer, McDaniel has the self-assurance to have a sense of humor, and he’s 15-11 in two seasons in Miami.

Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

😂 Mike McDaniel is the best pic.twitter.com/gnahbuwdyG

— Sky Sports NFL (@SkySportsNFL) November 4, 2023

(Last week: 5)

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 30-27

Coach status: Safe

Zac Taylor has the lowest wins-to-respect ratio in the NFL. Without question, much of the Bengals’ success in the last three seasons (27-15 with a Super Bowl run) should be credited to Joe Burrow, but the extent to which Taylor has been erased from the equation is pretty remarkable. The Bengals remained in last place in the AFC North thanks to Sunday’s loss, but Taylor remains safe in Cincinnati.

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 29-26

Coach status: Solid

Pete Carroll, the world’s youngest 72-year-old, has taken Seattle to the postseason in 10 of his 13 seasons as head coach and right now they’d be the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. He is 17th all-time with 167 wins. And what Carroll has done for Geno Smith’s confidence is part of his secret sauce. After a dud offensive performance in Week 9, Smith passed for 369 yards Sunday, and Seattle had the 11th most-productive offensive yardage game of the season in the league (489 yards).

Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 30-27

Coach status: Safe

It looks like everyone who’s been saying that DeMeco Ryans was going to make a great head coach was right. It’s not just that Ryans is one game out of first place in the AFC South in his first year in Houston, it’s that he hasn’t taken a misstep since getting the job in January. The Texans took the right quarterback (C.J. Stroud) with the No. 2 pick in April, and that led to 544 yards on Sunday against the Bengals and one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Bears, Giants or Patriots: Which can maximize the NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick? Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 8)

Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 34-3

Coach status: Safe

Doug Pederson has made a nice career of replacing the big splash college coach hire by just being a pro. In Philadelphia, he replaced Chip Kelly and won a Super Bowl in his second year. In Jacksonville, he replaced Urban Meyer and has the Jaguars in first place in the AFC South in his second season. Sunday was a down day, though. The Jaguars offensive EPA (minus-21.07) was the fourth worst in Pederson’s 118 games as a head coach.

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 49-17

Coach status: Shaky

Mike McCarthy is 30-13 in the regular season in the last three years as Cowboys coach. He sold Dallas owner Jerry Jones on the notion that giving him more control of the offense would result in better overall team play, and the formula worked Sunday for sure. They outgained the Giants 640-172 and outscored them 109-17 this season, but it hasn’t worked against the teams it will need to in the playoffs. Jones has been more patient with head coaches than his public persona would suggest, but McCarthy has won only one playoff game in Dallas.

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 27-19

Coach status: Safe

Kevin O’Connell didn’t get a lot of credit for Minnesota’s 13-4 record in his first season as head coach because of the Vikings’ crazy luck in one-score games and ensuing playoff flameout, but what he’s done in the two games since Kirk Cousins suffered an Achilles injury is impressive. Two weeks ago, Minnesota scored 31 points with a quarterback, Josh Dobbs, who had not taken a snap with the team until that day. On Sunday, the Vikings followed that up with another win under Dobbs, who had a 101.1 passer rating.

Up next: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

What we learned in NFL Week 10: Vikings’ positive trajectory, Patriots’ plummet and more

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 23-19

Coach status: Solid

Mike Tomlin’s status is unchanging. He’s planted in Pittsburgh as long as he wants to be, and it makes sense considering he seems to be on the way extending his streak of never-had-a-losing-season to 17 years. Steelers fans, though, can be forgiven for wondering if Tomlin shouldn’t be judged on a different scale. Such as: What has he won lately? The answer to that is no playoff games in six years. This year’s Steelers are minus-26 in point differential, the lowest in the league for any team with a winning record.

Up next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 27-19

Coach status: Shaky

Dennis Allen won’t be going anywhere if the Saints win the NFC South, and it’s somehow in first place in the division despite losing Sunday. However, he’s 12-15 in two seasons with the Saints, which makes him 20-43 all time as a head coach. Allen is an excellent defensive coordinator, but New Orleans can do better for a head coach and might if Allen doesn’t win the division this season.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 11)

Monday: Lost to Denver Broncos 24-22

Coach status: Safe

Fifteen coaches in NFL history have coached more than 100 games and have a winning percentage of higher than .630. Sean McDermott is one of them. There’s some anxiety in Buffalo that the Bills’ championship window is going to close in frustrating fashion. That anxiety was not alleviated by a sloppy, four-turnover performance on Monday night, but McDermott has earned some benefit of the doubt after winning double-digit games in each of the last four seasons.

Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

17. Los Angeles Chargers (4-5)

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 41-38

Coach status: Shaky

Brandon Staley went from being the defensive coordinator at John Carroll University, a 3,600-student private college in Ohio, to an NFL head coach in five years, and it’s possible that the ascent was too fast. Staley’s background is on defense, but the Chargers are 24th in points allowed (23.9 ppg) after Sunday, which dropped Staley to 23-20 as a head coach. Justin Herbert had a 114.9 passer rating and the Chargers scored touchdowns on their final five possessions against Detroit, and they still lost.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

18. Las Vegas Raiders (5-5)

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 16-12

Coach status: Shaky

The only team so far to make a coaching change, the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels last week, and are now 2-0 under interim coach Antonio Pierce on Sunday. Pierce will win the team over down the stretch simply because he’s not McDaniels, so he has a shot to have that interim tag removed. It’s more likely, though, that Las Vegas tries to make a splashier hire, and who would be splashier than Jim Harbaugh?

Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Raiders’ Josh Jacobs, Robert Spillane embody new coach’s toughness in win over Jets

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 10-6

Coach status: Safe

After finishing last season 30th in scoring with 17 points per game, the Colts are ninth with 24.2 points per game despite an offensive stinker Sunday in Germany. New coach Shane Steichen is managing that despite losing quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season and missing tailback Jonathan Taylor for a month. Steichen got a win over Bill Belichick on Sunday with Gardner Minshew as his starting quarterback. He gets some points for that.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 29-26

Coach status: Shaky

Barring a 7-0 finish to end the season (which seems very unlikely), Ron Rivera is going to have a losing record when his fourth season in Washington is complete. Rivera should get some sort of medal for surviving Dan Snyder’s ownership with such grace, but his results with the Commanders can’t be what new owner Josh Harris is looking for. There’s a chance Harris sticks with Rivera to maintain some consistency while he figures out other things, but it feels like a small one.

Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 20-6

Coach status: Shaky

Todd Bowles is an excellent defensive coordinator, but he is 38-55 in seven years as a head coach. He was 8-9 last year with Tom Brady at quarterback. Predictably, it has not gotten better with Baker Mayfield at quarterback although Tampa Bay did stop a four-game losing streak on Sunday. The sample size on Bowles’ head coaching career is large enough that we know what he is now — a great defensive coordinator.

Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

22. Denver Broncos (4-5)

(Last week: 27)

Monday: Beat Buffalo Bills 24-22

Coach status: Safe

The Broncos sent a first- and second-round draft pick to New Orleans in the offseason for the right to hire Sean Payton, so he’s not going anywhere, especially with Denver playing the way it is now. The Broncos won their third straight despite getting outgunned 7.1 yards per play to 4.2 yards per play by the Bills.

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-6

Coach status: Safe

Coming off his first losing season in his five years as the Titans’ head coach, Mike Vrabel looks like he’s on his way to another. There was a moment of hope after quarterback Will Levis beat the Falcons in his NFL debut in Week 8, but Levis’ completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating and EPA per dropback all have dropped each week since. Vrabel is now 51-40 in Tennessee. His job is secure, but things are trending in the wrong direction.

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

24. Atlanta Falcons (4-6)

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 25-23

Coach status: Shaky

Arthur Smith will be Atlanta’s head coach in 2024 barring a complete collapse down the stretch, but this is not what the Falcons had in mind in his third year. They are 18-26 under Smith after losing to a one-win Cardinals team on Sunday. The Falcons have drafted an offensive skill player in the top 10 in each of the last three years, and for that, they are 24th in the league in scoring (18.9 ppg). Smith can take himself into the “safe” category by winning the NFC South this year. If he doesn’t, next season will start on shaky ground.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 23-19

Coach status: Safe

Matt LaFleur with Aaron Rodgers: 47-18. Matt LaFleur without Aaron Rodgers: 3-7. The Packers’ fifth-year coach has enough equity to survive a down year, but if Jordan Love doesn’t make progress, LaFleur’s status could be downgraded soon. Love, who is in his fourth year in the system, threw his ninth and 10th interceptions Sunday. No quarterback has thrown more this season, and Love is also 34th in the league in completion percentage (58.7).

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Raiders’ Josh Jacobs, Robert Spillane embody new coach’s toughness in win over Jets

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Bye

Coach status: Safe

How can Sean McVay be in his seventh year as an NFL head coach? The 37-year-old seems like a grizzled veteran. This year has been a struggle with Matthew Stafford suffering a thumb injury and the bill coming due for the chips-all-in 2021 season that resulted in a Super Bowl win. McVay is 8-18 since that championship but still 63-44 overall, which gives him the 32nd-best winning percentage of all time among coaches with more than 100 games coached.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 16-12

Coach status: Shaky

The Aaron Rodgers injury was a tough break. The defense, which is Robert Saleh’s specialty, is great. But Saleh is now 15-28 in his third year in New York. The Jets may be forcing quarterback Zach Wilson on Saleh, but having the third-fewest rushing attempts in the league (198) while Wilson is at quarterback and Breece Hall is on the team does fall at Saleh’s feet.

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

28. Arizona Cardinals (2-8)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 25-23

Coach status: Safe

At this moment, the Cardinals have a quarterback who looked pretty good in his return from an ACL injury (Kyler Murray threw for 249 yards and rushed for 33 and a touchdown) and the Nos. 4 and 20 picks in the 2024 draft. Jonathan Gannon’s biggest blunders this year are beating the Cowboys and the Falcons (which is keeping Arizona from having the No. 1 pick), but he should probably be given some grace for that.

Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 28)

Thursday: Beat Carolina Panthers 16-13

Coach status: Shaky

Matt Eberflus matched his win total from a year ago by beating Carolina on Thursday night. That makes him 6-21 in his second season. Sure, Justin Fields’ health has been an issue, but that’s not the main reason the Bears defense ranks 27th in points allowed (25.5). That’s not a good sign for a guy who got the job because of his success as a defensive coordinator.

Up next: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. New York Giants (2-8)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 49-17

Coach status: Safe

Brian Daboll’s 2022 coach of the year award gives him some cushion, but that cushion is slowly being eaten away by losses like Sunday’s. The Cowboys outgained the Giants by 468 yards, the largest yardage differential in the league in the last 44 years. Daboll can’t be expected to do much down the stretch with Tommy DeVito as the starting quarterback — he had 86 passing yards Sunday — but maybe that’s the point. The Giants are very much in the running for a draft pick that could get them one of the top two college quarterbacks available.

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 10-6

Coach status: Shaky

The fact that Bill Belichick is on shaky ground after six Super Bowl wins in New England illustrates just how ephemeral NFL coaching careers can be. And exactly how contingent they can be on having the right players. After Sunday, Belichick is 81-95 (and 1-2 in the postseason) without Tom Brady as his quarterback versus 219-64 (30-11 in the postseason) with Tom Brady as his quarterback. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini indicated last week there could be a mutual parting of the ways at the end of the season, but owner Robert Kraft looked Sunday like he might not be able to wait even that long. The Patriots have a bye this week.

Up next: Bye

Could Bill Belichick be fired midseason?

Sources believe that outcome would be unlikely, writes @DMRussini. But don’t rule out a move coming at the end of the year…

🔗https://t.co/8uqbCecbWn pic.twitter.com/xms8FDJIHO

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 11, 2023

32. Carolina Panthers (1-8)

(Last week: 32)

Thursday: Lost to Chicago Bears 16-13

Coach status: Shaky

The Panthers, who traded DJ Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, for the right to draft Bryce Young No. 1, have scored two offensive touchdowns in the last three games. Frank Reich, who was hired to provide a veteran quarterback whisperer for Young, has already turned over play-calling duties to try to change this team’s fortunes, but nothing is working. Carolina doesn’t get much benefit from stinking this year thanks to the Young trade. Based on the current standings, the Panthers wouldn’t pick until No. 34, and owner David Tepper may have a new coach by then.

Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

NFL Draft Film Room: How LSU’s offensive stars dominated against Florida

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 10 best and worst coaching decisions: Panthers’ indecisiveness proves costly

(Top photo of Shaquill Griffin, left, and DeAndre Houston-Carson: Michael Allio / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

We’re through nine weeks of the NFL season, and that means the Power Rankings can start handing out report cards. Be warned, we are grading on a curve, which is why you’ll see the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 3 with a B-plus while the Arizona Cardinals at No. 31 got an A.

The Chiefs are Super Bowl contenders as long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy and in his prime, and they have some flaws you can see under a harsh light. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are executing a nearly flawless pivot. After amassing tons of draft capital in the offseason, they are in the process of making those picks very valuable by not winning many games while also not looking like a total joke.

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 37-3

Report card: A-plus

The Ravens outgained a good Seattle team 515-151. Baltimore has won four games in a row by an average of 20 points (including a 32-point win over the Lions) and is first in the league in offensive EPA (32.21) and third in defensive EPA (44.73) in that period. It has allowed nine touchdowns (first in the league) and scored 27 (third in the league) this season, and its point differential (plus-115) is the best in the league and 35 points higher than second place.

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 28-23

Report card: A

Philadelphia fans are not going to be happy falling a spot after a win over the Cowboys. That’s fair, but the Eagles were outgained 406-292 by Dallas on Sunday, and there are a couple of areas of concern to monitor. The Eagles have averaged fewer than 100 rushing yards in their last four games (86.8), and they are 20th in the NFL in yards per play allowed (5.3). Big picture though, they are 24-5 dating to 2022 and have established themselves as the clear favorite in the NFC.

Up next: Bye

GO DEEPER

NFL Coach of the Year, MVP candidates and biggest surprises at midseason: Sando’s Pick Six

3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 21-14

Report card: B-plus

You can’t have a loss to the Broncos in the last month and get an A. Sorry, these are the rules. Travis Kelce became Kansas City’s all-time leading receiver Sunday in Germany (10,941 yards), but the story was the defense, which held the Dolphins 138 yards under their season average. The Chiefs are third in the NFL in defensive EPA per drive (.70), according to TruMedia. If there’s a worry, it’s that four of Kansas City’s seven lowest offensive success rate games in the Patrick Mahomes era have come this season. Sunday was its third lowest in that span (36.1).

Up next: Bye

4. Detroit Lions (6-2)

(Last week: 5)

Sunday: Bye

Report card: A-plus

The Lions have gone from 3-13 to 9-8 to now 6-2 in head coach Dan Campbell’s three seasons. Detroit’s only two losses have come against Seattle and Baltimore, and it is second in the league in yards per game (390.6) and fifth in yards allowed per game (296.9). And this is not a team that has mortgaged its future. The Lions are eighth in the league in available cap space for 2024 ($73.3 million), according to Over the Cap.

Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Sunday: Beat Buffalo Bills 24-18

Report card: A-minus

Cincinnati has won four in a row and has beaten the 49ers and Bills in the last two weeks. Since Week 5, Joe Burrow leads the NFL in completion percentage (75.8), is third in offensive EPA per dropback (.15) and has 10 touchdowns against two interceptions. Getting Tee Higgins unlocked Sunday night, with a season-high 110 yards, feels like a notable development for this team.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. San Francisco 49ers (5-3)

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Bye

Report card: B-minus

A month ago, this was a solid A, but the 49ers have lost three straight games. They averaged 33.4 points in their first five games and started 5-0. They have scored 17 points in each of the last three weeks and lost all three of them. Quarterback Brock Purdy is shouldering a lot of the blame, but the running game might be the real culprit. From Week 6 through Week 9, San Francisco was 17th in the league in rushing (95.3 ypg). Before that, it was third (156.4 ypg).

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

7. Miami Dolphins (6-3)

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 21-14

Report card: B-plus

The Dolphins have played three teams this season that currently have a winning record. They are 0-3 and averaging 17 points per game in those games. Against everyone else, the Dolphins are 6-0 and averaging 39 points per game. Miami still leads the league with 435.3 yards per game, but it has been held under 300 yards by the Eagles and now the Chiefs in the last three weeks.

Up next: Bye

GO DEEPER

What we learned in NFL Week 9: Ravens team to beat, Dobbs’ big day; was McDaniels the problem?

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Bye

Report card: B-plus

Don’t look now, but Jacksonville is 12-3 in its last 15 games. The Jaguars aren’t dominant in any one area of the game. They are 18th in the league in yards per play allowed (5.2) and 19th in yards per play (5.1). But they have created more turnovers (2.25 per game) than anyone in the league and are ninth in point differential (plus-37). Their matchup this week with the 49ers with both teams coming off a bye is the game of the week.

Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Seattle Seahawks (5-3)

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 37-3

Report card: B-plus

Adding defensive tackle Leonard Williams at the trade deadline didn’t have the desired effect, at least immediately. Seattle was eighth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (96.9 per game) entering Sunday’s game. Baltimore rushed for 298, the second-most surrendered by any team in a game this season. Still, we’ll give Pete Carroll the benefit of the doubt on defense, and the Seahawks still are tied for the NFC West lead.

Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 27-0

Report card: B-minus

Cleveland held Arizona to 58 yards Sunday. That’s the third-lowest total in a game in the last 10 years. Quarterback Deshaun Watson also returned from his shoulder injury and threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns are looking like they are going to be a real part of the postseason mix. The only reason their grade is not higher is the production doesn’t quite match the investment. Only the Ravens are investing more cash into this season than the Browns ($281.4 million).

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

11. Buffalo Bills (5-4)

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 24-18

Report card: C-plus

Buffalo spends more salary-cap space on its defense ($111 million) than any team in the NFL other than Pittsburgh. Yet it has a defense that ranks 14th in the league in total defensive EPA (27.09). Josh Allen has to be Super Josh Allen for this team to win big games, and he wasn’t that Sunday, completing 26-for-38 for 258 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

12. Dallas Cowboys (5-3)

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 28-23

Report card: C-plus

The Cowboys always get graded harshly because of their place in the league’s history and owner Jerry Jones’ penchant for drawing a bull’s-eye on his squad. This year, the spotlight is all the brighter because Mike McCarthy jettisoned offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and designated himself the man to take Dallas over the top. Instead, the Cowboys are now 0-2 in their showdown games (against San Francisco and Philadelphia) and they are middle of the pack offensively (14th in yards per play, 5.3).

Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)

(Last week: 12)

Thursday: Beat Tennessee Titans 20-16

Report card: B-minus

Yes, the Steelers are two games above .500, but we can’t forget the hype surrounding this team’s preseason offensive performance, and the subsequent uptick in expectations it caused. Through that lens, this team (which ranks 26th in the league at 4.7 yards per play), feels less than what it should be. Pittsburgh is the 34th team since 1933 to be outgained in each of its first eight games and is the only team from that list to have a winning record after eight games, according to ESPN.

Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 9 takeaways: Chiefs win despite quiet offense; is C.J. Stroud already a top-15 QB?

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 24-17

Report card: B

The Saints lead the NFC South, but that still doesn’t equate to more than a B because of the state of the NFC South. All of New Orleans’ wins have come against teams with losing records, and it was outgained by the Bears on Sunday (368 to 301). After Paulson Adebo’s two interceptions against the Bears, the Saints lead the league in that category (12).

Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

“I thought that part of my life was over,” @camjordan94 got one more hit in on Matt Ryan 🤣

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/JhiIm566GU

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 5, 2023

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 39-37

Report card: A

Houston has its quarterback. That’s an automatic A. On Sunday, C.J. Stroud set an NFL rookie record with 470 passing yards. He also threw five touchdowns (versus no interceptions), including the game-winner with six seconds remaining. He became the sixth player in NFL history to have more than 450 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in a game, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Overall, he is seventh in the league in passing yards (2,270) and third in yards per attempt (8.1).

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Monday: Beat New York Jets 27-6

Report card: C-minus

The Chargers hired Brandon Staley because he was a defensive innovator, but in his third year, Los Angeles is 27th in the league in defensive EPA per snap (minus-2). And that’s even after playing the Jets on Monday night. A better defense to go along with quarterback Justin Herbert might have given the Chargers something this year. Instead, they’re in the middle of the pack. On a positive note, defensive end Joey Bosa seems to be rounding into form. He had 2 1/2 sacks Monday night. On the offensive side, Keenan Allen crossed 10,000 receiving yards for his career.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 31-28

Report card: B

On Sunday, Josh Dobbs was 20-for-30 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 22 seconds remaining. Why is that so impressive? It was his first day taking a snap in Minnesota’s offense. Dobbs was acquired via trade Tuesday but did not take a snap in practice because the Vikings were starting rookie Jaren Hall. However, Hall got injured on the first series of the game, leading to Dobbs’ heroics. He also led the Vikings in rushing with 66 yards.

Up next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 14)

Thursday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 20-16

Report card: C-minus

This team, which is ranked 25th in defensive EPA per game (minus-.60), is 10-15 in its last 25 games. Mike Vrabel has had two double-digit win seasons in his five seasons in Nashville, and this is not looking like it’s going to be the third time. Rookie quarterback Will Levis has provided some hope in the last two weeks — throwing for 500 yards, four touchdowns and one interception — but this is still a team struggling to be average (21st in point margin at minus-12).

Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 30-6

Report card: C

The Raiders really didn’t like Josh McDaniels, did they? After failing to score more than 21 points under McDaniels in the first eight games of the season, they had 24 at halftime Sunday. Josh Jacobs rushed for a season-high 98 yards and two touchdowns to help Las Vegas stop a two-game slide and give Antonio Pierce his first victory as an (interim) head coach.

Up next: vs. New York Jets, Monday, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Raiders were smoking celebratory cigars after their first win without Josh McDaniels 💨

Mark Davis was loving it 😂

🎥 ig/maxxcrosby pic.twitter.com/3zlvqGVm8n

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 6, 2023

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 27-13

Report card: B

Kenny Moore became the first Colt to return two interceptions for a touchdown in a game Sunday. That helped an offense that gained only 198 yards and helped Indianapolis keep its streak of scoring at least 20 points in every game this season alive. Since returning from his holdout/injury, Jonathan Taylor is 17th in the league with 50.8 yards per game.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Germany)

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 20-17

Report card: C-minus

Sam Howell has more passing yards than anyone in the NFL in the last two weeks (722). More surprisingly, he has been sacked only four times in those two games. Still, the Commanders haven’t beaten anyone with a winning record and their four victims have a combined record of 10-25.

Up next: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 31-28

Report card: C-minus

In the third year under coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot, the Falcons have lost three of four. They have given up a season high in points in each of the last two weeks, and a quarterback change this week didn’t change their offensive fortunes. Taylor Heinicke threw a critical interception against Minnesota, and Desmond Ridder might get his job back this week.

Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

(Last week: 27)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 20-3

Report card: C-minus

The Packers had their highest yards per play average (5.8) and third-highest offensive success rate (40.5) of the season Sunday. The reason? They took some load off Jordan Love, running the ball a season-high 47.1 percent of the time. This team is much better with a healthy Aaron Jones getting 20 carries and could be on the rise if that continues.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

.@Showtyme_33 takes it in for the score!

TOUCHDOWN 🙌#LARvsGB | #GoPackGo

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/Jwat4Qj3NY

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 5, 2023

24. New York Jets (4-4)

(Last week: 21)

Monday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 27-6

Report card: C-plus

How do you not have a better backup plan when you sign a 39-year-old quarterback? The Jets loaded up this season, building a dynamite defense and getting running back Breece Hall back from injury. Aaron Rodgers’ injury is not New York’s fault, but not having a better Plan B than  Zach Wilson is. The Jets knew Wilson was what they saw again Monday night, which resulted in seven punts and another wasted defensive effort. New York leads the NFL with 5.88 punts per game.

Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 39-37

Report card: B-minus

Not many people expected the Bucs to be good this year, and they aren’t. After a 3-1 start, Tampa Bay has lost four in a row. On a positive note, Mike Evans is still getting it done. The 10th-year wide receiver is 15th in the league in receiving yards (594) and 11th in yards per catch (16.1).

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 20-3

Report card: C

With Brett Rypien starting in place of injured Matt Stafford (thumb), the Rams gained 187 yards. That’s their second-lowest total since 2020. (The lowest was 156 yards against the Packers last season with Baker Mayfield at quarterback.) Los Angeles has a bye this week, and Stafford could come back in Week 11. Stetson Bennett, who was drafted in the fourth round, remains on the non-football injury list and is not likely to return this season, Sean McVay said.

Up next: Bye

27. Denver Broncos (3-5)

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Bye

Report card: D-plus

Denver traded three players, three first-round draft picks and three second-round draft picks to acquire Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. For all that, the Broncos are 26th in the league in point differential (minus-54). Wilson, at least, has made strides from his disastrous first season in Denver. He has 16 touchdowns versus four interceptions, is fifth in the league in passer rating (101.7) and has the second-lowest off-target percentage among starters (6.9 percent).

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

28. Chicago Bears (2-7)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 24-17

Report card: D-plus

Why don’t the Bears get credit for having the Nos. 2 and 3 picks, at the moment, in the upcoming draft when Arizona gets an A? Because it feels more like the result of Carolina’s panic than a discernible Chicago plan. The Bears have only three picks in the top 100 of the 2024 draft. Tyson Bagent is a fun story, but he’s not a plan. He’s thrown five interceptions in the last two weeks. Justin Fields might be back this week, and the Bears need him.

Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

29. New York Giants (2-7)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 30-6

Report card: F

It’s gotten so bad that the Giants aren’t even fun to pick on anymore. Daniel Jones returned from a neck injury Sunday and promptly suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Backup quarterback Tommy DeVito gives New York a great chance to get into the top-two pick conversation, but would the Giants take a quarterback high after giving Jones a big contract in the offseason? The answer is probably yes because New York can get out of the deal relatively cheaply ($22.2 million in dead money) after next season.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to Washington Commanders 20-17

Report card: F

The Patriots have the same record as the Giants yet are still fun to pick on. That’s the cost of having dominated the league for so long. Folks tend to savor your ensuing misery more, and things are pretty miserable in New England. Mac Jones, the Patriots’ first-round quarterback from 2021, is not good and for some reason threw the ball 44 times Sunday. He is ninth in the NFL in attempts this season (304) and 29th in yards per attempt (6.1). Why?

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Germany)

31. Arizona Cardinals (1-8)

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 27-0

Report card: A

Right now, the Cardinals are set to have picks No. 1, 16, 33, 65, 72 and 80 in the upcoming draft. They have executed their rebuilding plan exactly how they planned. They had to trade away Josh Dobbs and start Clayton Tune (who had 58 yards and a 20.8 passer rating Sunday) to keep the tanking train on track, but so be it. Now, all eyes turn to how Arizona handles Kyler Murray, who is healthy enough to play but might help this team win games.

Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-7)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 27-13

Report card: F

The F is not for Frank, and Frank (Reich) might not be for the Panthers for more than one season. Rookie Bryce Young had his lowest passer rating of the season (48.3) Sunday against a Colts team that has the 26th-ranked defense in the league by yards allowed. In what has become a weekly occurrence, Carolina coaches and teammates rallied behind Young after the game, but somebody is going to take the fall for this soon it seems.

Up next: at Chicago Bears, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Top photo of Gus Edwards and Ronnie Stanley: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time is on sale now. Order it here.

Happy Halloween, NFL fans.

The Power Rankings are getting into the spirit of the season by picking out something scary associated with each team. Some of these are scary for fans of a given team, while others should be scary for the team’s upcoming opponents.

We hope all of them give you insight into where we stand with the NFL season nearly halfway complete.

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 38-31

Something scary (for others): A.J. Brown

The 6-foot-1, 226-pound wide receiver/cyborg is playing at a historic level. He had eight catches for 130 yards Sunday against Washington and now has topped 125 receiving yards in six consecutive games, becoming the first NFL player in history to do that. He is second in the league in receiving yards (939) behind only Tyreek Hill.

Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Brooks Kubena: Going the extra mile to cover the Philadelphia Eagles

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 31-24

Something scary (for others): Lamar Jackson under Todd Monken

The Ravens’ new offensive coordinator has the Ravens’ old quarterback playing at an MVP level. In the last three weeks, no quarterback in the league has more total expected points added (24.98) than Jackson, according to TruMedia, and his completion percentage (70.5) and yards per attempt (7.8) are on pace to be career highs.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 31-17

Something scary (for others): Jalen Ramsey is back.

The veteran safety returned against the Patriots, just 94 days after suffering a meniscus tear in the preseason. The seventh-year cornerback had an interception that he returned 49 yards in his Dolphins debut, which will open up even more options for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The Dolphins are 16th in the league in defense (allowing 329.4 yards per game). If that improves and the offense keeps humming, Miami will be a problem.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Frankfurt, Germany)

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 24-9

Something scary (for them): Anything happening to Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City fans know what it’s like to hold their breath over news of their quarterback’s health. More than at any time since the Chiefs’ run began, Kansas City seems completely carried by its quarterback this season. With Mahomes suffering from the flu and posting the second-lowest passer rating of his career (59.2) Sunday, the Chiefs lost to the Broncos for the first time in 17 meetings.

Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Frankfurt, Germany)

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 26-14

Something scary (for others): A playoff game at Ford Field

There has never been one. The last time Detroit hosted a playoff game was on Jan. 8, 1994, and their home field was the Pontiac Silverdome then. The Silverdome has since been demolished, and General Motors doesn’t even make Pontiacs anymore. But the Lions are good again, and their home field was raucous for “Monday Night Football” as rookie Jahmyr Gibbs had a breakout game with a season-high 152 rushing yards. Imagine it for a playoff game. The Eagles should make sure the Lions stay in their rearview mirror.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 5)

Sunday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 31-17

Something scary (for them): This losing streak

After starting 5-0, the 49ers have lost three in a row for the first time since October 2021. Brock Purdy is 26th in the league in passer rating (77.9) during the losing streak. In Weeks 1-5, he led the league in passer rating (123.1) Having offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) out again Sunday didn’t help the top-heavy Niners. (Of course, San Francisco fans shouldn’t fret too much. That 2021 team went to the NFC Championship Game.)

Up next: Bye

GO DEEPER

Rating 16 NFL teams’ QB crisis levels after an injury-laden Week 8: Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 24-20

Something scary (for others): Boye Mafe’s ascent

The second-year outside linebacker is starting to look like an old-school Seattle defender. He has at least one sack in five consecutive games, the second-longest streak in team history. On Sunday, he had eight tackles, four quarterback hits and a fumble recovery. Seattle offensive tackle Charles Cross apparently said he’s more of a challenge to block than Myles Garrett.

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

#Seahawks Offensive Linemen Charles Cross tells the Media

“Myles Garrett was honestly not as good as i thought he was, my teammate Boye Mafe in training camp was more of a challenge than him”

Is this a strike at Myles Garrett? pic.twitter.com/7KizuGGQ1j

— jah 🌬️ (@jahinterlude) October 30, 2023

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 31-17

Something scary (for others): Joe Burrow is back.

And he’s bringing Ja’Marr Chase with him. Burrow was 28-for-32 for 283 yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers on Sunday. Chase had 10 catches for 100 yards. Since shaking off a preseason calf injury, Burrow has led the Bengals to three consecutive wins, and he leads the league in passer rating (111.8) in that span. Chase is averaging 124 receiving yards in those games.

Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 8:20 ET

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 43-20

Something scary (for others): This version of Dallas

The Cowboys led Sunday’s game 33-3 late in the second quarter. We’ve seen them do this to teams. Their first three wins were by a combined 108-13, but this was the best team the Cowboys have done this to. Cornerback Daron Bland returned his third interception for a touchdown this season, joining Derrick Brooks and Darren Sharper as the only players to do that in a single season in NFL history.

Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 20-10

Something scary (for others): Trevor Lawrence getting hot

We could have just added “in the playoffs” to this one because Jacksonville feels as good a bet for the postseason as any team right now. After Sunday, they have three more wins than the other three teams in the AFC South. The Jaguars have won five in a row, and Lawrence, who was 24-for-32 for 292 yards against the Steelers, looks like he’s starting to find his groove.

Up next: Bye

GO DEEPER

What we learned in NFL Week 8: Feed Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown; Jets in playoff hunt?

(Last week: 10)

Thursday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-18

Something scary (for them): The injuries

Since Week 5, when linebacker Matt Milano was lost for the season with a knee injury, Buffalo is 25th in the league in defensive EPA per play (minus-.02). In Weeks 1-4, the Bills were fourth in the league in defensive EPA per play (.20). It’s not just Milano who’s gone either. All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White (Achilles) is also out for the year, and defensive tackle Daquan Jones (pectoral) probably is, too.

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 20-10

Something scary (for them): Mike Tomlin’s loyalty

Kenny Pickett had to leave Sunday’s game with a rib injury, but does it matter who the quarterback is with offensive coordinator Matt Canada in charge? Canada has been in charge of Pittsburgh’s offense since 2021. In that time, the Steelers are 29th in the NFL in scoring (18.63 ppg). Since the start of last season, Pittsburgh is dead last in scoring (17.5 ppg), and still, there’s no indication that Tomlin is going to get rid of Canada.

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 24-20

Something scary (for them): The Deshaun Watson contract

Every time someone in Cleveland tries to explain what’s going on with Watson, it gets more confusing. The quarterback missed another game Sunday because of a shoulder injury, and no one is saying how long it will take to heal enough for him to play. Cleveland is committed to giving Watson $63.9 million of salary-cap space for each of the next three seasons and does not have a realistic financial out until after the 2026 season. In Watson’s 10 starts, the Browns are 6-4 and averaging 21 points per game. That fully guaranteed deal is a lot to pay for mediocrity.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 28-23

Something scary (for others): Mike Vrabel may have a QB.

Rookie Will Levis made his first appearance Sunday, and he became the third player in league history to throw four touchdown passes in his debut. Two have done it for the Titans (Levis and Marcus Mariota). The other is Fran Tarkenton. Levis’ scores came from 47, 16, 61 and 33 yards out. Ryan Tannehill (high ankle sprain) may not get his job back. In fact, the Titans might see if they can trade Tannehill to the Vikings this week.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 30-13

Something scary (for others): Joey Bosa could be getting there.

The veteran defensive lineman hasn’t looked like himself in a while, but he had a season-high five pressures against the Bears, and his pressure percentage (23.5) was his second-highest of the season. Bosa has four sacks this year and only 6 1/2 in the last two seasons, but if he can get back to his 2020 form (10 1/2 sacks), it’ll be a boost for a Chargers defense that needs some help.

Up next: at New York Jets, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Lost to Tennessee Titans 28-23

Something scary (for them): A quarterback controversy

The Falcons really want Desmond Ridder to take control of the starting job, but Ridder committed his seventh turnover in the last three weeks Sunday and was taken out of the game after a halftime concussion evaluation. Ridder was cleared by the medical staff, but the Falcons stuck with Taylor Heinicke in the second half anyway. Heinicke led four scoring drives in six possessions. Ridder’s eight possessions totaled 89 yards and three points. Coach Arthur Smith did not commit to a starter after the game.

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 8 takeaways: CeeDee Lamb delivers for Cowboys, Eagles find a way again

(Last week: 17)

Thursday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 24-18

Something scary (for them): The run game

Tampa Bay is last in the NFL in rushing success rate (26.5). That’s on pace to be the worst in the league since the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 (24.6). Rachaad White, the Bucs’ leading rusher, is averaging 3.3 yards per carry and doesn’t have a run longer than 15 yards. The Bucs’ second-leading rusher? Baker Mayfield.

Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 43-20

Something scary (for them): Turning back into a pumpkin

After a surprisingly OK start, the Rams have lost three of their last four, beating only the Cardinals in that span. Matthew Stafford left Sunday’s game with a thumb injury, and if he’s out for very long, Los Angeles is in real trouble. Leading rusher Kyren Williams has already gone on injured reserve and won’t be eligible to return until at least Week 12.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 38-27

Something scary (for others): Taysom Hill

Like the horror movie villain who seems to move very slowly but constantly gains ground on his prey, Hill just keeps coming and coming. He had 44 yards passing and led the Saints in rushing (nine carries, 63 yards) on Sunday. In his seventh season, Hill has the highest rushing success rate (65.5 percent) of his career. On top of that, Alvin Kamara showed some flashes of being the Alvin Kamara of old Sunday.

Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Taysom Hill runs 20 yards for the @Saints TD!

📺: #NOvsIND on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/EJGV7Kpela

— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023

20. Denver Broncos (3-5)

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Beat Kansas City Chiefs 24-9

Something scary (for others): The defense is getting better.

After allowing 36.2 points per game through their first five games, the Broncos have given up 15 per game in the last three, and two of those games were against the Chiefs. Combine that with Russell Wilson’s continued quiet competency, and Denver could be a tough out in the second half of the season. Wilson had his 43rd career game with three touchdowns and a passer rating above 100 on Sunday, tying Tom Brady for third all-time in that category.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 13-10

Something scary (for them): Wasting this defense

The Jets held the Giants to 194 yards Sunday, but they gained only 251 themselves. Somehow, a team that includes Breece Hall was led in rushing by Zach Wilson. The Jets are allowing 4.8 yards per play, which ranks fourth in the NFL, but unless Aaron Rodgers makes a miraculous recovery, it might not matter. Wilson completed 47 percent of his passes Sunday. He’s 31st in the league in completion percentage (58.3) for the season.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Lost to Carolina Panthers 15-13

Something scary (for them): An offensive drought

After averaging 24 points per game in the first month of the season, Houston is averaging 17.3 points per game in its last three. Rookie C.J. Stroud has a passer rating of 84.8 in that span, which is lower than Kenny Pickett, Bryce Young and Tyrod Taylor, among others. No one is worried about Stroud in the long run, but the Panthers held him to a season low in yards (140) on Sunday.

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 38-27

Something scary (for them): The pass defense

Indianapolis gave up 354 passing yards to the Saints of Derek Carr and Taysom Hill. The Colts are the only team in the league to score 20 or more points in every game this season, but it’s been wasted the last three weeks by the defense, which has allowed an average of 38 points in those three games. The Colts are 25th in the league in passing yards (247.3 per game) and yards per attempt (7.6) allowed this season.

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

24. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 24-10

Something scary (for them): Kirk Cousins’ injury

Cousins was playing perhaps the best football of his career before suffering a torn Achilles on Sunday. He is second in the league in passing yards per game (291.8), and that will end up being the second-highest single-season number of his career. Rookie Jaren Hall finished the game Sunday, but coach Kevin O’Connell indicated after the game that all options, including signing a street free agent or making a trade, are on the table to fill Cousins’ large shoes.

Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Vikings locker room was pretty emotional. Multiple players, leaders, tearing up over how much Kirk Cousins has meant and means to them and to the locker room.

“I can’t describe it,” Harrison Smith said. “You really just have to experience it to know.”

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 29, 2023

25. Washington Commanders (3-5)

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 38-31

Something scary (for them): The trade deadline

New owner Josh Harris might decide to go full fire sale before today’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. Defensive lineman Montez Sweat is rumored to be on the market, and nobody should be off limits. Sam Howell does not look like the solution at quarterback, and Washington might be looking for draft capital. The Commanders are in position to have the 11th pick in next year’s draft and probably need to get a little higher to have a shot at a difference-maker at quarterback.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 24)

Monday: Lost to Detroit Lions 26-14

Something scary (for them): The head coach hiring track record

Remind me, why did the Raiders fire Rich Bisaccia again? After taking over following the abrupt resignation of Jon Gruden in 2021, Bisaccia went 7-5 and took the Raiders to the playoffs. That makes him one of only three Raiders head coaches since 2001 to leave the job with a winning record. The others were Gruden (22-31 in his second stint) and Jack Del Rio (25-23). In that same time frame, seven coaches have left with losing records. Josh McDaniels fell to 6-12 in the role Monday night.

Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 27)

Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 24-10

Something scary (for them): Jordan Love’s play

The man Green Bay hoped would take over (somewhat) seamlessly for Aaron Rodgers is 32nd in the league in completion percentage (57.7). Only Zach Wilson has had a worse rate in any season since 2020. And it’s not because Love is taking deep shots. His 6.4 yards per attempt rank 26th in the league, and he’s tied for the league lead in interceptions (eight).

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

28. New York Giants (2-6)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Lost to New York Jets 13-10

Something scary (for them): Saquon Barkley’s health

Down to their third quarterback (undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito) because of injury, the Giants gave the ball to Barkley 36 times Sunday. That’s the most carries in a game in the last two seasons, and the second most was Barkley’s 35 carries last year against the Texans in Week 10. After that game, Barkley didn’t top 90 yards the rest of the season. The Giants finished with minus-9 passing yards against the Jets, so it’s going to be tempting to try to ride Barkley the rest of the season. That might not be possible, though.

Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

29. New England Patriots (2-6)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 31-17

Something scary (for them): Bill Belichick’s staples

Mac Jones has been bad (30th in EPA per dropback), but he’s not the only reason New England is four games under .500. The defense and special teams, Belichick’s specialties, also stink. The Patriots are allowing 26 points per game, which ranks 26th in the league. They’ve held just one opponent under 20 points, and that was the Jets. On top of that, New England’s special teams EPA is minus-19.68, which ranks 31st, according to TruMedia.

Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Arizona Cardinals (1-7)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 31-24

Something scary (for others): Kyler Murray has a lot of value

Murray was healthy enough to play Sunday but did not, so it’s still not clear if the new regime envisions him as their quarterback of the future or as a trade chip. Either way, he’s a valuable commodity for a Cardinals team that right now owns the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft. The rash of quarterback injuries means Murray might command more than usual on the trade market, and his skills on the field are undeniable.

Up next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 30-13

Something scary (for them): The quarterback decision-making

Tyson Bagent is a great story, but how can the Bears go into the season with an undrafted rookie from Division II college football as the only option behind Justin Fields, who plays a style that makes him vulnerable to missing time? Fields, who missed Sunday’s game with a thumb injury, has already been ruled out for this week. The Bears need him back. Bagent threw two interceptions and had a passer rating of 62 against the Chargers.

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-6)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 15-13

Something scary (for them): The defense

Maybe the bye week turned things around because the Panthers did hold the Texans down. Still, this defense was supposed to give Bryce Young some room to grow. Instead, it’s 30th in the league in points allowed (28.4 per game) even after Sunday’s game. Edge rusher Brian Burns was dominant in his first game of the season, but he’s had more than two quarterback pressures in a game only once since Week 3.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Ranking NFL GMs by trade deadline aggression, while wondering why Chicago Bears rank at the top

(Top photo of Eagles receiver A.J. Brown: Kyle Ross / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

The Power Rankings have a new No. 1.

And also some questions — 32 questions to be precise, one for each team. Some of these are big questions that affect the long-term future of the teams, and some are more specific. Either way, we’re hoping the final 11 weeks of the season will give us some answers.

As for our new No. 1, they’ll feel pretty familiar.

(Last week: 5)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 31-17

One question: Is the defense for real?

Kansas City won the Super Bowl last season with a defense that ranked 14th in success rate (58.3 percent). This year’s group ranks fifth (61.6). The offense seems fully engaged now. Travis Kelce caught 12 passes for 179 yards Sunday, and Patrick Mahomes had his fifth career game with 400-plus yards and four or more touchdowns. Plus, Mahomes and Kelce connected for their 50th career touchdown, the fourth-most by a quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history. If this defense is for real, the Chiefs will stay in this spot for a while.

Up next: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 31-17

One question: Should the Tush Push be outlawed?

The Eagles converted two fourth-and-1 plays on their decisive drive against Miami on Sunday night using their signature scrum play. There’s a growing sentiment that the NFL’s competition committee is going to ban the play in the offseason, but why? What is more of a football play than your big guys pushing their big guys back a yard, or two or three in the Eagles’ case? There should be a benefit to getting to third- and fourth-and-short plays. In case it’s not clear, our answer to this question is, “No!”

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Beat Detroit Lions 38-6

One question: Can we give Lamar Jackson his due?

The Ravens quarterback won his 50th career game in his 68th career start Sunday. Only Ken Stabler, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Roger Staubach got to 50 wins in fewer starts. And Jackson did it in style, becoming the fourth player in league history to have at least 350 passing yards, three touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown and a passer rating above 150 in a game. After seven games in new coordinator Todd Monken’s offense, Jackson is third in the league in passer rating (101.9) and fifth in yards per game (281.9), according to TruMedia.

Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

4. Miami Dolphins (5-2)

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 31-17

One question: Are the Dolphins for real?

This is the point where some of the devoted Power Rankings commenters can (and probably will) say, “We told you so.” The five teams Miami has beaten are a combined 8-25. None of them is even within two games of .500. Yes, Miami’s offensive line injuries are piling up, but the two winning teams the Dolphins have played have beaten them by an average of 21 points. We may not have an answer to this question for a while. They play only one team with a winning record (the Chiefs) between now and their game against the Cowboys on Christmas Eve.

Up next: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 2)

Monday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 22-17

One question: Just how valuable is Trent Williams?

Say what you will about Deebo Samuel being sidelined, but the 49ers’ biggest absence (literally and figuratively) Monday night was left tackle Trent Williams. With the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder on the sideline because of an ankle injury, San Francisco rushed for a season-low 65 yards and had a season-worst minus-4.95 in rush EPA, according to TruMedia. Williams was limited for much of last week’s game against Cleveland by the injury, and the Browns had a pressure percentage of 50 percent.

Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 38-6

One question: How will they bounce back?

After being the league’s feel-good story through the first third of the season, Detroit got pummeled Sunday. Baltimore had 503 yards and averaged 9.1 yards per play, the most by any team not named the Dolphins in a game this season. Jared Goff had a quarterback rating of 68.4. The Lions were third in the league in yards (383.7) and fourth in points (28) through six weeks but fell behind 35-0 Sunday. Coach Dan Campbell said he thinks the game will “re-center” his team, but they don’t have a lot of institutional confidence to fall back on.

Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 39-38

One question: What’s the deal with Deshaun Watson?

After missing Weeks 4, 5 and 6 with a bruised shoulder, Watson returned Sunday but threw only five passes (completing one to each team) before leaving after a big hit. He cleared an in-game concussion evaluation but did not return to the game, which continues a pattern of the Browns saying Watson is uninjured but not playing him. Coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game that Watson will start this week against Seattle, but is that good news or not? Since joining the team in Week 13 last year, he has a passer rating of 81.3, which ranks 36th among qualifying quarterbacks in that time, according to TruMedia.

Up next: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Thursday: Beat New Orleans Saints 31-24

One question: Is Trevor Lawrence elite?

The Jaguars’ third-year quarterback has been good. He’s 11th in the league in passer rating (92.8), and he was a just-fine 20-for-29 for 204 yards and one touchdown (and led Jacksonville in rushing with 59 yards) in beating the Saints this week, but Lawrence was drafted No. 1 in 2021 because he was supposed to be great. Granted, he’s the only thing saving a 2021 quarterback class that also included Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones in the first 15 picks, but he still misses throws and makes reckless decisions. If Lawrence can be one of the true dudes in the league, it changes Jacksonville’s outlook this year and into the future.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Where are we on Dak Prescott?

In the last two weeks, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and star edge rusher Micah Parsons have felt the need to come to the defense of their eighth-year quarterback. It feels like a lot of angst about a quarterback who is 14th in the league in passer rating (91) and leading a team in the top 10 of these rankings. Are there quibbles? Sure. Prescott’s yards per attempt (7) are the second-lowest of his career, his air yards per attempt (6.9) are the lowest, and he’s throwing to wide receivers at the lowest rate of his career (58.1 percent). But that all seems like a product of Mike McCarthy’s offense, not Prescott’s play.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Lost to New England Patriots 29-25

One question: Where do they fit in the AFC East?

Buffalo has now beaten division leader Miami and lost to bottom dwellers New York and New England. The Bills have totaled 10 points in their last three first halves and have lost two of those games. They have the seventh-hardest remaining schedule in the league, according to Tankathon. This team is still fourth in the league in yards per play (5.9) so it’s probably fine, but it can’t afford to give away games to bad teams like it did Sunday.

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Is the running game OK?

Joe Burrow seems fixed. Now about that run game. The division-winning Bengals teams of the last two seasons didn’t lean on the run, but they could run the ball. Cincinnati was eighth in the league in rushing success rate in 2022 (41.1 percent) and 23rd in 2021 (37.3). This year, the Bengals sit 30th at 30.9 percent, and Joe Mixon is the only back with more than five carries this season.

Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

12. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 20-10

One question: Is Devon Witherspoon going to hurt somebody?

The Seahawks rookie cornerback already is one of the most exciting players in the league. He doesn’t have a gaudy stat line — he had an interception and a sack wiped out by penalty Sunday — but he’s been one of the impactful defenders in the league already. And he’s one of the feistiest. He knocked Arizona’s Rondale Moore for a loop Sunday.

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Hello, Devon Witherspoon pic.twitter.com/lKSlDdtFo7

— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) October 22, 2023

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 24-17

One question: Who will win defensive player of the year?

We ask this question in the Steelers section because T.J. Watt is at or near the top of the list. Watt still is on pace to break his own single-season sacks record of 22 1/2 despite not having a sack for the first time Sunday. He did grab his first interception of the season, though, to keep the Steelers in the game. Watt is tied for fifth in the league with 22 defensive splash plays, according to TruMedia, which is three more than Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, Watt’s main competition.

Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

14. New York Jets (3-3)

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Could Aaron Rodgers return?

As soon as Rodgers was seen throwing a football, albeit gingerly, last week before the Jets’ game, earnest speculation began about whether he could return this season from Achilles surgery. Coach Robert Saleh says Rodgers is “manifesting” himself toward a speedy recovery and hasn’t counted out his starting quarterback’s return. Marty Jaramillo, described by CBS Sports HQ as an “injury expert,” says Rodgers is “moving almost three times as fast” as a normal player through the recovery process. If Rodgers can return, these Jets become a real contender. The only certain thing, though, is that Rodgers is going to play out the drama on this question as long as he can.

Up next: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16-13

One question: Will Desmond Ridder keep his job?

Probably, but the second-year quarterback has turned the ball over six times in the last two weeks. Ridder fumbled three times inside the Tampa Bay 11-yard line Sunday, including twice at the 1. His final fumble came just as he was about to score a rushing touchdown that likely would have put the game away. Instead, Atlanta needed a 51-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo at the buzzer. The Falcons are in first place in the NFC South after the win, and Ridder has the support of coach Arthur Smith at least for now, but until he cleans up the turnovers, this question will remain.

Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)

(Last week: 26)

Monday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 22-17

One question: Who designs the Vikings’ turnover celebrations?

Whoever it is should get a raise. Minnesota forced three turnovers Monday night against the 49ers but got to do four celebrations because one was called back when Brock Purdy was ruled down by contact. On the first, the Vikings defenders did a limbo line using 198-pound cornerback Akayleb Evans as the limbo pole. On the second, the defenders all sat in a circle in the end zone and played duck, duck, goose. On the third one, Camryn Bynum and teammates did the worm in the end zone. On the fourth, Bynum and friends celebrated finishing off the upset.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

limbo limbo limbo pic.twitter.com/oilKoJ4S1f

— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2023

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 16-13

One question: Is this the real Tampa Bay?

After a surprising 2-0 start, the Buccaneers are 1-3 in their last four games, averaging 14 points per game in that span. Baker Mayfield is 23rd in the league in passer rating (81.5), his off-target percentage (15.4) is the fourth-worst in that stretch, according to TruMedia, and the running game is not helping him. Tampa Bay is last in the league, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and has only five rushing touchdowns, the fewest in the league.

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 24-17

One question: Can Puka Nacua lead the NFL in catches?

The Rams rookie receiver has gone well past feel-good story. He still fits that description with the most catches by any player in his first seven NFL games (58), but it’s time to start looking at him as a really good player. Nacua, who had eight catches Sunday, leads the NFL in receptions and is on pace to have the fourth-most catches in a single season in league history. His 752 receiving yards trail only Tyreek Hill.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Is this a playoff team?

The Texans are one game back in the AFC South (with a win against division leader Jacksonville) and have the 30th-toughest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon. Houston’s .500 record is not smoke and mirrors. The Texans are 11th in offensive EPA and 21st in defensive EPA, according to TruMedia, and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud looks the part. Stroud is fourth in the league in passing yards per game (276.7) and has the 10th-best passer rating (96.4).

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 39-38

One question: Should Shane Steichen be coach of the year?

He won’t win the award because this team probably will finish with a losing record, but he deserves some recognition. In his first season as Colts head coach, Steichen has had to juggle quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew because of Richardson’s injuries, which have now ended the promising rookie’s season. Plus, the Colts didn’t have running back Jonathan Taylor for the first month of the season, and they just put up 38 points on a Browns defense that held the 49ers to 17 a week earlier.

Up next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

21. New Orleans Saints (3-4)

(Last week: 19)

Thursday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 34-21

One question: When is the reboot coming?

New Orleans is a projected $83.7 million over the 2024 salary cap (that’s twice as much as any other team), according to Over the Cap, and for what? The Saints’ only wins this year have come against the Titans, Panthers and Patriots, and the $60 million they guaranteed to quarterback Derek Carr in the offseason is looking like a bad investment. Carr is 27th in the league in yards per attempt (6.3) and 20th in passer rating (82.8) and seems to be blaming everyone but himself on the sideline. The Saints might be stuck with him through next season because it would be $52 million in dead money to cut him before June 1, 2024, and $35.7 million after June 1.

Up next: at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

22. Tennessee Titans (2-4)

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Bye

One question: What’s the plan at quarterback?

Eleven-year veteran Ryan Tannehill has the lowest winning percentage (.333), passer rating (71.9, 31st in NFL) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (2-6) of his career. Malik Willis, the Titans’ 2022 third-round pick, hasn’t looked like the answer in limited fill-in duty, and Will Levis, the 2023 second-round pick, can’t even get on the field. Tennessee looks like it will be bad enough to draft the No. 3 quarterback in this upcoming class (whoever that turns out to be), but how much capital do the Titans have to invest to get the position figured out?

Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 31-17

One question: Are the Chargers really a bad team?

Hear us out. The Chargers have lost to only one team with a losing record. Three of their four losses came against the Dolphins, Cowboys and Chiefs, and only Sunday’s loss came by more than three points. Justin Herbert is getting a lot of heat lately, but he’s ninth in the league in passer rating (97.1) and sixth in yards per attempt (7.5). We haven’t given up on the Chargers just yet.

Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Lost to Chicago Bears 30-12

One question: Why is Josh McDaniels still the coach?

Maybe “Why was he ever?” is the real question. McDaniels was 11-17 in two years as Denver’s coach. He’s now 9-15 in Las Vegas after losing Sunday to a Bears team led by backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, a rookie out of Division II. McDaniels’ offense is fine. The Raiders are eighth in the league in points per drive (2.17), but the defense is 22nd in points per drive allowed (2.22), according to TruMedia. It might be that McDaniels is better suited to be an offensive coordinator.

Up next: at Detroit Lions, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Lost to New York Giants 14-7

One question: Is this team in the chase for a top-two pick?

The Commanders would be picking 14th if the season ended right now, so they’ve got work to do, but there’s plenty of time. Washington has the fourth-toughest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon, and it needs a quarterback. Sam Howell had a rating of 60.5 and was sacked six more times on Sunday. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen has clearly had enough (see below). You know new owner Josh Harris would love a shot to draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.

Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Jonathan Allen expressed his frustration with his team’s lack of success in recent years following a 14-7 loss to the Giants on Sunday….@BenStandig shares details ⤵️https://t.co/RxqvqoS7PK pic.twitter.com/eKl1BkVADq

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 22, 2023

26. Denver Broncos (2-5)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 19-17

One question: How many points will the Chiefs score?

The Broncos defense is not good despite the Packers only scoring 17 points against them Sunday. Denver is giving up the most rushing yards (167.3) and the third-most passing yards (257.4) this season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, who visit Denver on Sunday, are starting to click on all cylinders. On a positive note, Russell Wilson is seventh in the NFL in passer rating (99) and has 13 touchdown passes versus four interceptions.

Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

27. Green Bay Packers (2-4)

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 19-17

One question: What happened to Jordan Love?

The Packers quarterback looked like he was growing into the starting job early in the season, but since Week 3, he is 33rd in the league in passer rating (64.9) and completion percentage (58.2). Nobody has thrown more than Love’s seven interceptions in that time period, and his 14.2 percent off-target percentage is the fifth highest. On Sunday, Love was 21-for-31 for 180 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against a Denver defense that is last in the league, giving up 424.7 yards per game.

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 14-7

One question: Is Tyrod Taylor better than Daniel Jones?

This year he is. Taylor, who has started the last two weeks, has a passer rating of 95.4 this season. Jones has a passer rating of 71.7, and after Sunday they have the same amount of wins as New York’s starter. This is your weekly reminder that Jones signed a four-year contract in the offseason with $81 million of guaranteed money. Jones missed Sunday’s game because of a neck injury, and the Giants may let him take his time rehabbing it.

Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. New England Patriots (2-5)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Beat the Buffalo Bills 29-25

One question: Will Bill Belichick catch Don Shula?

Belichick, whom NFL Network reported on Sunday signed a multiyear extension in the offseason, became the third coach in NFL history with 300 regular-season wins, joining Don Shula and George Halas. Belichick is up to 331 wins, including the playoffs, leaving him 16 short of tying Shula for the all-time record of 347. That doesn’t seem like a big deficit, but at the pace the Patriots are on this season, it could take a while, and Belichick is 71 years old.

Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Chicago Bears (2-5)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Beat the Las Vegas Raiders 30-12

One question: Who is Tyson Bagent?

Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in a win Sunday. In his previous start, he threw for 165 yards for Shepherd University in a 44-13 loss to the Colorado School of Mines in the Division II playoffs. The Bears added him as an undrafted free agent after this year’s draft, and he won the backup job in the preseason. He now has as many wins for the Bears as Justin Fields in the last calendar year.

Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6)

(Last week: 27)

Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 20-10

One question: What will they do with Kyler Murray?

The prospect of drafting either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye got even closer Sunday, as the Cardinals would pick second if the season ended today. Arizona opened the window for Murray to return from injured reserve last week, but there’s no firm timetable on when or even if he’ll return. The quarterback, who tore his ACL in December, has an up-and-down history with the organization. Murray’s talent is undeniable, and the word is he’s getting along OK with the new coaching staff, but committing to Murray and the five years and $182 million he has left on his deal might not be a good move for a franchise that could turn the page with a coveted quarterback on a rookie deal.

Up next: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (0-6)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Is Bryce Young a bust?

You’re right, Panthers fans, this is not a fair question in Week 8 of Young’s rookie year, but it has to be asked. Young’s 5.3 yards per attempt are on pace to be the 10th-lowest total in the NFL since at least 2000. His passer rating (78.7) ranks 29th in the league. Carolina, which traded receiver DJ Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks to Chicago for the right to the first pick in the draft, is going to be patient with Young. It has to be, but Panthers fans have to be worried.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Top photo of Patrick Mahomes: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

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