Causion's NFL Power Rankings: Pre - Week 14
Today I reveal my weekly NFL power rankings heading into week 14 of the season. I will take into account everything I know about these teams, and give heavy consideration to what was displayed on the field so far this season. This gives an accurate assessment of where teams are at in my opinion.
This Week's Rankings
1. Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton is playing at an MVP level. Going undefeated looks like a real possibility.
Cam Newton is playing at an MVP level. Going undefeated looks like a real possibility.
2. Arizona Cardinals
They are the highest scoring team in the league. It's hard to imagine that offense being stopped.
They are the highest scoring team in the league. It's hard to imagine that offense being stopped.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
If the playoffs started today, they'd be the top seed in the AFC. They have a big one against the Steelers this week.
If the playoffs started today, they'd be the top seed in the AFC. They have a big one against the Steelers this week.
4. New England Patriots
The last two weeks have dropped them to the third spot in the AFC. They've had so many injuries.
The last two weeks have dropped them to the third spot in the AFC. They've had so many injuries.
5. Denver Broncos
Brock Osweiler is 3-0 and is making a case to be the starter when Peyton Manning returns. The running game has improved to help him.
Brock Osweiler is 3-0 and is making a case to be the starter when Peyton Manning returns. The running game has improved to help him.
6. Seattle Seahawks
They're getting better because Russell Wilson is better. He's been on fire.
They're getting better because Russell Wilson is better. He's been on fire.
7. Green Bay Packers
Was that a season-saving miracle against the Lions? It might just be what they need to get going.
Was that a season-saving miracle against the Lions? It might just be what they need to get going.
8. Kansas City Chiefs
Six consecutive victories has the Chiefs as one of the hottest teams in the league. The defense has made big strides.
Six consecutive victories has the Chiefs as one of the hottest teams in the league. The defense has made big strides.
9. Minnesota Vikings
They just aren't getting enough out of their passing game. Teddy Bridgewater has regressed.
They just aren't getting enough out of their passing game. Teddy Bridgewater has regressed.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
That offense is unstoppable. The question is if the defense can hold up on the back end.
That offense is unstoppable. The question is if the defense can hold up on the back end.
11. New York Jets
The Jets would be in the playoffs if they started today. Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing good football.
The Jets would be in the playoffs if they started today. Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing good football.
12. Buffalo Bills
They are 6-6 and alive in the playoff chase. Now they have to surge the final four weeks.
They are 6-6 and alive in the playoff chase. Now they have to surge the final four weeks.
13. Houston Texans
They have a huge one this week with the Patriots. Bad lost last week, and the Pats are out for blood.
They have a huge one this week with the Patriots. Bad lost last week, and the Pats are out for blood.
14. Tampa Bay Bucs
At 6-6, they're alive in the playoff chase. Jameis Winston is playing good football.
At 6-6, they're alive in the playoff chase. Jameis Winston is playing good football.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
That win at New England saved their season. At 5-7, they are far from done.
That win at New England saved their season. At 5-7, they are far from done.
16. Washington Redskins
With a chance to take over first place in the division, they choked at home against Dallas. That's a bad loss.
With a chance to take over first place in the division, they choked at home against Dallas. That's a bad loss.
17. New York Giants
They blew a chance to take hold of the division with the loss at Washington. Now they have a big game with the cross-town rival, the Jets.
They blew a chance to take hold of the division with the loss at Washington. Now they have a big game with the cross-town rival, the Jets.
18. Indiannapolis Colts
So much for all that talk that Matt Hasselbeck should keep the job. He looked like an old backup QB.
So much for all that talk that Matt Hasselbeck should keep the job. He looked like an old backup QB.
19. Chicago Bears
That was a bad loss at home to the 49ers. That can't happen when the playoffs were still possible.
That was a bad loss at home to the 49ers. That can't happen when the playoffs were still possible.
20. Oakland Raiders
Their playoff hopes are pretty much over. But they have a lot of talent to build around.
Their playoff hopes are pretty much over. But they have a lot of talent to build around.
21. Detroit Lions
They've had two brutal losses this season. If not for those, they'd be in the playoff race. Hopefully that Hail Mary doesn't kill their spirit. Jeez. Ravens of the NFC.
They've had two brutal losses this season. If not for those, they'd be in the playoff race. Hopefully that Hail Mary doesn't kill their spirit. Jeez. Ravens of the NFC.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
It's a shame they have no defense. That offense is explosive -- and getting better by the week.
It's a shame they have no defense. That offense is explosive -- and getting better by the week.
23. St. Louis Rams
This season can only be classified as disappointing. They fired offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti. Are bigger changes coming?
This season can only be classified as disappointing. They fired offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti. Are bigger changes coming?
24. Atlanta Falcons
It's gone bad, bad, bad. That early-season start looks like a long time ago. With two games left with Carolina, we will see what they are made of. I'm not impressed.
It's gone bad, bad, bad. That early-season start looks like a long time ago. With two games left with Carolina, we will see what they are made of. I'm not impressed.
25. San Francisco 49ers
Blaine Gabbert is playing well as the starter. Is he doing enough to keep the job?
Blaine Gabbert is playing well as the starter. Is he doing enough to keep the job?
26. Dallas Cowboys
They are still alive at 4-8 after beating the Redskins. But they suck either way so there is no upside.
They are still alive at 4-8 after beating the Redskins. But they suck either way so there is no upside.
27. New Orleans Saints
They competed against the Panthers, but that defense is awful. Hard to win with so many guys wide open every week.
They competed against the Panthers, but that defense is awful. Hard to win with so many guys wide open every week.
28. Miami Dolphins
It's too late to compete for anything, but the defense played better against the Ravens. Ryan Tannehill needs to pick it up.
It's too late to compete for anything, but the defense played better against the Ravens. Ryan Tannehill needs to pick it up.
29. Baltimore Ravens
They've lost eight close games. For a team that's as banged up as they are, that's pretty amazing. King Pick-6, Smh.
They've lost eight close games. For a team that's as banged up as they are, that's pretty amazing. King Pick-6, Smh.
30. San Diego Chargers
This team looks nothing like we've expected. Injuries have crippled it. Sad to watch.
This team looks nothing like we've expected. Injuries have crippled it. Sad to watch.
31. Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota is showing off what he can do for an offense. They have so much to be hopeful for in the future.
Marcus Mariota is showing off what he can do for an offense. They have so much to be hopeful for in the future.
32. Cleveland Browns
Mike Pettine finally will play Johnny Manziel. Why wouldn't he?
Mike Pettine finally will play Johnny Manziel. Why wouldn't he?