NFL Power Rankings: Week Twelve, Time To Delve"

There's old saying around NFL coaches: "you want to play your best 
football in November." Well ladies and gentlemen, this proves to be true 
by all accounts. Playoff push is underway, as teams vie for top 
contenders; while some pretend serious playoff expectations. This 
week's top ten teams held their own, while some didn't overcome 
relapses in judgement.

1. Los Ángeles Rams: 8-2 (Wk 11 ranking: 1st) 
A big home win against division rival Seattle; as the Rams sit alone in 
1st place. A good vice grip and arriving on schedule to keep distance. 
Again, I love this team's championship pedigree from coaching to roster 
construction. Quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to make his case 
for MVP; while leading the Rams in a brutal NFC West. There's still 
plenty of football left as LA's next two games are going to be give/take 
hosting Tampa Bay before an east coast trip in Carolina; who've 
become a sneaky spoiler team. 

2. New England Patriots: 9-2 (Wk 11 ranking: 3rd)  
A lot to like about New England; as the Patriots jump one spot in my 
rankings. Blowout win versus the New York Jets on Thursday night 
football, head coach Mike Vrabel has turned this team into true 
contenders. Second year quarterback Drake Maye has been very good 
and strong supporting cast around him. This running back room is the 
unsung heroes far as I'm concerned. It doesn't get enough credit by any 
means. Wide receivers can give home run plays and make it a highlight 
reel. Defensively, among the best in football. A pretty favorable 
schedule: at Cincinnati before hosting the New York Giants to close out 
November.

3. Denver Broncos: 9-2 (Wk 11 ranking: 9th) 
A statement win Sunday afternoon versus Kansas City; in a chess 
match winning 22-19. Building confidence and defeating the "Wicked 
Witch" Chiefs who've tormented everyone in Mahomes' tenure. Not the 
prettiest game, but this Broncos defense... Mercy! Sacking Mahomes'
multiple times and making life miserable. What a performance and
deserves to be given credit. Second year quarterback Bo Nix has been
good but I still need to see if he can play from behind; which he's done
but can it be against playoff caliber teams? Headed into their bye week,
it's needed to regroup. A trip to Washington followed by Las Vegas,
Green Bay, Jacksonville. If Denver is for real, this stretch will pose
degree of difficulty.

4. Indianapolis Colts: 8-2 (Wk 11 ranking: 4th)
Coming out of their bye this week, Indianapolis will have some hurdles
to jump. MVP candidate running back Johnathan Taylor has been the
catalyst for Indy's success. Quarterback Shane Steichen has done a
great job preparing this team each week. Defensively, it's sixth overall
and will be ready for a huge playoff push. Traveling to Kansas City, all
hands need to be on deck. The Chiefs are on life support after losing in
Denver and Indy needs to stifle KC's playoff hopes. With a resurgent
Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis' playoff hopes will
test their best against two divisional games.

5. Chicago Bears: 7-3 (Wk 11 ranking: 7th)
Don't look now, but Chicago's first place in the NFC North is real. Yes, a
winning record since 2018 with the playoff push looking pretty good.
Head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams have flipped
a switch. A rocky start early on, but now this team can step on any field
and win. Williams' growth and maturity have been a positive. This
fanbase has been starving for a true franchise quarterback and
relevance for a very long time. I really like this Bears defense led by

coordinator Dennis Allen. They can create turnovers, get home to the
opposing quarterback. For Chicago's big statement games: hosting
Pittsburgh and traveling to Philadelphia will test the morale if the Bears
can handle prosperity.

6. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-2 (Wk 11 ranking: 6th)
Another ugly win for the Eagles; after defeating Detroit 16-9 on Sunday
night. A defensive battle and keep away, Philly didn't need a lot of home
run plays. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been subject of interest to how
this offense has been operating. Frustrations within teammates and
rumblings from reporters. Wide receiver AJ Brown let it be known about
not having any impact. Defensively, it's going to be difficult in scoring
points against a stifling front seven. With guys getting healthy and
rotations are potent, Philly's going to rely on defense; but... How long
can this be sustainable in keeping everyone happy? A division road
game in Dallas and home versus Chicago, this gauntlet has been
treacherous.

7. Buffalo Bills: 7-3 (Wk 11 ranking: 10th)
A crazy game Sunday in Buffalo; as the Bills won a high scoring
matchup versus Tampa Bay. Reigning MVP Josh Allen had a career day
but not without playing "basketball" with a chest pass interception early
on. Everyone thought Allen had cured his turnover issue... I guess not,
but it's going to happen at least once a week. The biggest and glaring
red flag: defense. They couldn't stop Tampa Bay and problematic every
single week. With a short week, a trip to Houston and play a very well
coached defense that'll flip field position. A road game in Pittsburgh will
be the make/break game if the Bills are for real.

8. Detroit Lions: 6-4 (Wk 11 ranking: 5th)
A crushing loss to Philadelphia Sunday night put Detroit in third place
with the NFC North. Not much to be desired, the Lions made a switch in

play calling. Head coach Dan Campbell took over and it was flat-lined.
What's even more alerting is how the Lions will control their own playoff
destiny. With Chicago in first place, Green Bay second, there's no room
for error. The window for mistakes is crucial and this team knows it. As
they prepare to host the New York Giants, nothing is safe. A primetime
Thanksgiving matchup with Green Bay is entertaining as usual.

9. Seattle Seahawks: 7-3 (Wk 11 ranking: 2nd)
A road disaster Sunday in SoFi Stadium; as Seattle blew a golden
opportunity to vice grip the NFC West. Sam Darnold arguably played his
worst game, as the Seahawks fell behind 21-0 early in the first quarter.
Great as Seattle has been on the road, it was obvious the game and
stage was too big. Defense was horrible, which had been peanut butter
to jelly for a vast majority of the season. Overall, a hiccup game in which
eggs hatched and let off a rotten odor. In the grand scheme of things,
my biggest concern: Darnold's on brand mistakes when it matters most
can be detrimental for team success. It's JSN or bust in this passing
game, as the run game will need to travel in order for Seattle's keys
winning games. Even though it was a two point loss to the Rams, that
game could've easily been a blowout. Small margins of error can put
your team in harm's way; but if you're sunken deep into heavy thoughts,
there's no return. As Seattle looks to turn this around, Tennessee is a
get right game with an eastern time zone flight. Minnesota will be in
desperation mode sailing into town; as Darnold faces a vaunted Vikings
defense.

10. Los Ángeles Chargers: 7-4 (Wk 11 ranking: 8th)
A crushing loss in Jacksonville, as LA Chargers failed to build cushion in
the AFC West. This game would've meant more by distancing
themselves from Kansas City. A east coast flight and all the mishaps
occurred from start to finish. Justin Herbert was turnover prone and
defense was gassed. No fight, poise, it felt as if the Chargers took a

school field trip and participated. From an optics standpoint, I said this a
couple weeks ago the Chargers needed this game to keep pace. Going
into a bye week, LA needs to relight their competitive fire. A team who
had Super Bowl aspirations have found themselves in this spot. The
Raiders will be a game to get back on track before a big home game
versus Philadelphia early December. If there's a legitimate chance LA
makes the playoffs, every game matters from here on out.

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