Week 11 NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs are BACK? Brand New No. 1!

This was a very telling week for the NFL playoff race, and as an obvious result, the power rankings see a lot of change once again week-to-week. Let's get right into these new rankings including a brand new no. 1!

1. Tennessee Titans (8-2)
Previously #2 +

For the first time all season, the Titans have found themselves at the very top of the rankings. We've seen the Bucs, Rams, Cardinals, and Bills occupy the top spot for multiple weeks each but now we get the rare occurrence of a first-time no. 1 team all the way in week 11! The Titans simply can't lose. I don't know how, but it appears to be true. It's almost like they've somehow gotten better even as they continue to lose key offensive pieces (Derrick Henry and Julio Jones). As far as rosters in the league go, this isn't even one of the best, but they are playing elite football on both sides, especially defense, and continue to win. The Titans claim our top spot for the first time all year! 

2. Dallas Cowboys (7-2)
Previously #7 +

After quite the embarrassing blowout loss last weekend, the Cowboys bounced back in every way possible to register a blowout win of their own. 43-3 was the final score... Everyone was hungry and ready to bounce back. That shows just how different this 2021 Cowboy team is. They are true contenders. Not many teams in the playoffs will be able to keep up with such a well-rounded club. 

3. Green Bay Packers (8-2)
Previously #3

The Packers continue to tighten their grip on a potential second straight NFC #1 seed. While it was a close, sloppy 3-0 game until the 4th quarter, the Packers pulled away for a massive home win over Seattle. When Aaron Jones went down with injury, understudy AJ Dillon was arguably even better. It was a big win to show they can win games defensively when their offense isn't clicking. Even without CB1 Jaire Alexander, GB's CB depth has been unreal. Both Kevin King and Rasul Douglas had INTs of Russell Wilson. This Packer team might be the best one we've seen in the past few years because of where their defense finally is.

4. Arizona Cardinals (8-2)
Previously #1 -

The injuries finally caught up to them. We can't drop them too far because in a second-straight game with Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins, they finally faltered. Backup QB Colt McCoy even got hurt and so we saw a bit of 3rd stringer Chris Streveler. The Cardinals are clearly one of the top teams in the league when healthy, but they need to make it there. There is still some doubt Murray and DHOP will be able to go this weekend in Seattle. The Cardinals do not want to drop a second-straight right now in a close NFC playoff picture at the top.

5. Buffalo Bills (6-3)
Previously #8 +

While it was against the Mike White-led Jets, the Bills rolled on Sunday. A win is a win. They just lost recently to the Jags so you can't count anyone out, really. The way they played may have been a result of the opponent, but things just looked cleaner overall. Stefon Diggs finally had the big game we've all been waiting for. The Bills are at their best when he is cooking. Maybe he finally starts getting those kind of looks every week again. The Bills have been weird lately, but I think are starting to trend in the right direction.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Previously #4 -

While dropping two straight might seem like a cause for concern, we aren't too worried. Tom Brady-led teams have their random struggles every regular season and we get the same questions every single year "is Brady washed", "it's finally over", etc. The answer is always no. The Bucs have one of the deepest rosters in the league and are bound to get hot going into the final stretch again just like they did last year. All that being said, this coming Monday's game against the Giants is must win for them. If they drop a third straight, THEN, I'll be concerned. 

7. New England Patriots (6-4)
Previously #11 +

The Patriots are here. After playing some promising football over the past few weeks, it has been confirmed that they are for real after they romped the Browns at home this weekend. Bill Belichick really is the greatest coach ever. With a rookie QB and a revamped overall roster, the team looks back and better than ever after a sort of one year hiatus. Just a game back of the Bills in the AFC East with two matches remaining, the Pats might not just be wildcard contenders, but AFC East ones at that. Mac Jones is suddenly making a strong case to unseat Ja'Marr Chase in the rookie of the year race with 4-straight victories for the Pats.

8. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4)
Previously #16 +

Could the Chiefs be back? After such a strange start to the season, it appears they may be. Patrick Mahomes had been in the biggest slump of his career but on Sunday Night he was incredible. The former MVP and Super Bowl MVP tossed any effortless 405 yards and 5 TDs with 0 picks through the air. When he's playing like that, remember, even with a suspect defense, the Chiefs can win games. Somehow and someway, the Chiefs have found their way back in sole possession of first place in the AFC West. Maybe this adversity was good for them and they will return to the playoffs on a mission. December 16th at the Chargers will determine a lot...

9. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
Previously #5 -

What an embarrassing showing for the Ravens on Thursday Night. Maybe the quick turnaround was just tough for them after the tough win vs the Vikings. Either way, they played worse than the Dolphins who had just two wins coming into the game. Lamar Jackson fell out of the MVP race for the time being with a poor performance. The Ravens have shown they can come back and win almost any game so it's strange to see them at the hands of one of the worst upsets of the season.

10. Los Angeles Rams (7-3)
Previously #6 -

Ever since the Rams made the blockbuster deal for former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, things have subsequently gone downhill. They played awful vs the Titans that Sunday Night and then played even worse this Monday against the seemingly lowly Niners. Maybe adding all of this star talent has disrupted the foundation of this team. They have the best roster in the league and one of the best coaching staffs, it remains to be seen if they will be able to get back on track or if they are in danger of losing a third straight when they return from a much needed bye week. This is the lowest they've been all season.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)
Previously #14 +

The bye week came at a good time for the Bengals who were once the hottest team in the league but have dropped a couple lately and now look in danger of a potential fall out of the playoffs. For their sake, hopefully the bye week helped them iron out some of their larger issues. I believe in this Bengals team, especially their offense that I know can get so hot and their defense that has looked so improved this season. The Bengals move up in the rankings simply by not even playing a game this week and not losing.

12. Los Angeles Chargers (5-4)
Previously #9 -

Just when we thought the Chargers had broken their slump, they appear to be right back in it. This team just can't figure out how to click on both offense and defense at the same time. They really need to return to feeding Mike Williams who dominated at the beginning of the season. We know this is one of the best and most talented offenses in the league, but they need to show it, especially to make up for the up and down defense. This team could be a real problem in the playoffs if they get hot at the right time.

13. Cleveland Browns (5-5)
Previously #10 -

After delivering a major blowout to the Bengals, the Browns turned around and then got blown out by the Patriots. 45-7. A brutal loss. The Browns just feel off. Ever since losing badly to the Cardinals early in the season, they just haven't been able to get hot and string wins together. To be fair, they were without one of the best RBs in the league in Nick Chubb, but backup D'Ernest Johnson had another near 100-yard performance so I'm not sure the run game was the problem. The Browns have some massive divisional games looming that they must win. If they don't, expect Cleveland to make some major changes this off-season, including the seemingly inevitable jettisoning of Baker Mayfield who continues to slump and hold this team back.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3-1)
Previously #12 -

I don't care if Big Ben was out of the game with COVID, you can't tie with the Detroit Lions. Hell, they are lucky they didn't lose as the Lions missed a potential game-winning field goal in the early stages of OT. The fumble near the end of OT was also just something that can't happen. They win if that ball stays possessed. Mason Rudolph is just terrible and the team needs to pray for the return of Big Ben this weekend or they are almost a lock to lose. To make matters worse, superstar edge rusher TJ Watt got injured in this one and could miss a few weeks. In an insanely tight AFC North, the Steelers just lost a major step in the race.

15. Carolina Panthers (5-5)
Previously #23 +

One of the biggest risers of the week, the Carolina Panthers. Now back at .500, things are really looking up for a team that just a week ago looked shot. The return of Cam Newton was wildly entertaining as he played just a few snaps of offense but had 2 TDs (1 rushing, 1 passing). He will assume the QB1 position this Sunday vs Washington and his former HC Ron Rivera. While the Cardinals were very banged up, they've proven to still be good with their backups in and so to see the Panthers dominate the way they did was super impressive. This throwback Panthers team might sneak into the playoffs and give us some 2015 vibes.

16. New Orleans Saints (5-4)
Previously #13 -

The Saints have lost two-straight since Jameis Winston went down with a season ending ACL injury. This team just doesn't have the firepower on offense anymore to win against quality teams. Its tough to see as they started out so well with Winston. While they aren't out of it yet with a good record over .500 at the moment, they absolutely must start winning right away to stay in this. A matchup against the Eagles who are also in the NFC playoff hunt this Sunday is going to say so much for the playoff outlook of this team. To be honest, I don't have a ton of faith in them right now. 

17. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)
Previously #19 +

While they won, it wasn't pretty. The Jags pushed these Colts to their limits. The good news is that they still won and got back to .500 for the first time on the season. The bad news is that they have won recently against bad competition like the Jets and Jags and are yet to really close a game against a true contender. They are going to have to do that at least once or twice to get into the post-season. It's possible but we are yet to see this level of play from them. Sidenote: Jonathan Taylor is INSANE!

18. Las Vegas Raiders (5-4)
Previously #15 -

The Raiders missed a golden opportunity to beat the Chiefs in Vegas and take over the division for the moment. This team just isn't all that good. There's not much more to it. Their record has them still in the race for a playoff spot and even the division, but they have some serious ground to make-up as they have lost once to both the Chargers and KC. They need the September version of Derek Carr and this defense to return. 

19. San Fransisco 49ers (4-5)
Previously #22 +

Deebo Samuel is that guy. He continues to build on his breakout season week after week and is blossoming into one of the better pure offensive players in the league. He can play outside, in the slot, at RB, you name it. The Niners rode him to their biggest win in a year over the hyped up Rams. It wasn't even close. Their defense really stepped up for the first time since the Super Bowl season too. They will hope to ride this wave and continue winning the way they just did. If they do, this team could have a shot to grab a 6 or 7 seed in the NFC playoffs which are really the only spots up for grabs right now in the conference.

20. Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
Previously #21 +

Just when you think they are good, they disappoint and then just when you think they are done for they shock everyone. They did that this weekend as they went to SoFi stadium and came out with a gritty win. The offense looked better and the defense held Justin Herbert. I don't know what to think of this team that remains on the edge of the playoff picture. Like we've said over and over again, they will need to prove they can string together a series of impressive wins to get in. Could this win finally be that start or will they drop another goose-egg this week vs the Packers.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)
Previously #26 +

What a difference a week can make. After losing a close one to the Chargers, the Eagles rebounded so well and dominated the Broncos on the road. Devonta Smith had his best game as a pro as he continues to show why he won the Heisman last year and was worthy of a top 10 draft pick. He's going to be box office very soon. Jalen Hurts continues to look more poised by the week, he should be their long-term starter. The Eagles defense also finally came to play, headlined by a massive Darius Slay 83-yard scoop and score. The Eagles are as up and down as teams come, but at their best, they've looked really good. They aren't out of the playoff chase just yet.

22. Denver Broncos (5-5)
Previously #18 -

Right when we thought they were back on track, the Broncos got dominated once again like many of their losses this season. They were firing on all cylinders in a major victory vs Dallas a week ago and then just got flat-out outplayed the next week by Philly. Their record is why they aren't closer to the bottom. They rarely have shown the ability to hang with great teams and Teddy Bridgewater continues to show week after week that he is not the long-term answer at QB. 

23. Seattle Seahawks (3-6)
Previously #17 -

Not what a lot of fans probably expected from Russell Wilson in his return. The rust was evident as he had arguably the worst game of his pro career. The Hawks are banged up and finally returning some players. We expect a much more functioning offense this week with Wilson having more time. As much as that loss probably stung, the Hawks aren't necessarily out of it yet. They have the 3rd easiest schedule remaining in the league with 5 very very winnable games (Washington, San Fransisco, Houston, Chicago, Detroit) and then 2 more against the Cards and one against the Rams. If they can go 5-0 in those other ones and steal just one of those other 3, they could make a late push for the 7 seed in the NFC. Sunday at home against a banged up Cardinal team is a major chance to have one of those steals...Never count out Russell Wilson...
Sidenote: Jamal Adams finally got an INT for Seattle! He's the real winner here.

24. Washington Football Team (3-6)
Previously #30 +

One of the most unexpected wins of the season just came from the WFT. Taylor Heinicke channeled a bit of 2020 playoff football and played his best game of the season. This time, Washington actually won though! It was great to see the way some of their best guys played. Antonio Gibson had his first great game in awhile. The defense looked like itself from last year. It was an awesome win that should have the team inspired going into a stretch of must-win games if they still want to make a playoff push. No team is really fully out of it yet (other than Detroit). One bad thing was how star DE Chase Young was lost for the season with a torn ACL in this one.

25. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
Previously #20 -

The Falcons offense has never been the problem, but their defense has been. For years really. However, as of late, the Falcons were winning some games and their D seemed to be improving (headlined by the elite development of second-year CB AJ Terrell). That all changed on Sunday when the Falcons were absolutely smoked by Dallas. It was never a game. Never. The final score ended up being 43-3. No words for that. The Falcons by record are still in this, but with a defense that bad, they probably aren't.

26. Chicago Bears (3-6)
Previously #25 -

Hopefully the bye week helped ease the pain for losing that MNF game last week that they deserved to win but were screwed out of it by the refs. The Bears are still at least a year away, but the recent development of rookie 1st-round QB Justin Fields has been wildly intriguing. He is starting to show signs of developing into that elite dual-threat signal caller we all expected him to be coming out of OSU. The Bears defense is hurting, but their offense is heating up. I don't expect any magical playoff runs from this team again this season, but there's always a chance. 

27. New York Giants (3-6)
Previously #24 -

Again, by record, the Giants are still in the playoff picture for the NFC. Whether they will string together the wins to need to get in or not is a much different story. They are coming off a big win vs the Raiders before their bye week this week but they will need to pull off a few big upsets to make a run. I don't see it from this team, even if they are starting to get healthy right now. This Monday night vs the Bucs gives them a chance for upset, but if they don't, their season is over.

28. Miami Dolphins (3-7)
Previously #29 +

What an upset. The Dolphins started the week off by delivering a shocker to the NFL world when they beat the Ravens at home on TNF. The Dolphins D came to play and has been coming to play for weeks now. Xavien Howard continues to ball out. I'm also starting to like what I'm seeing from Tua Tagovailoa. He might in fact be their franchise QB. He's looked a lot more comfortable of late and is making the throws you look for in your guy. Miami might be a year or two away, but what a week it was for them by beating the Ravens. 

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-7)
Previously #28 -

I'm not calling the Jags good by any means, but they have been playing much better as a whole lately. The Bills win was obviously huge last week but then this week they almost stunned the Colts. They didn't close it out but it was a great game. We are seeing some real promise from the young team that suggests maybe Urban Meyer will get another crack in 2022. Sidenote: They gotta keep using Jamal Agnew whenever they can, he's lightning in a bottle

30. New York Jets (2-7)
Previously #28 -

We thought they might have had something in Mike White. We were all wrong. The guy who played really well over the past two weeks off the bench just completely fell apart against the elite Bills' defense this Sunday. 4 INTs. With Zach Wilson still injured, it's looking like it might be Joe Flacco this week at QB. Oh boy Jets' fans, it DOES get worse...

31. Houston Texans (1-8)
Previously #31

Not much to say here. It was a bye week for the team meaning they couldn't lose!

32. Detroit Lions (0-8-1)
Previously #32

The Lions didn't lose this week! No, it wasn't their bye either!! They also didn't win but that is besides the point. In a game with terrible weather conditions, no one could score. D'Andre Swift had over 35 touches for Detroit to try and CARRY them to the win and it couldn't be done. In OT they had a chance to hit the game winning kick and couldn't convert. The Lions have been bad most of the year, but also pretty unlucky. It was crazy to see them in a moment where they controlled their own fate and could have won. That is something. They may finally be on the come up?