Baltimore Ravens in top 12 of current NFL power rankings
By Darin McCann
The Top 12:
12. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
I’m not sure why they are this high, to be honest with you. I like the potential of their defense and running game, but need to actually see them again. Their passing game should be better than this. This ranking is entirely based on a hunch that they will play better.
11. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
The Baltimore Ravens looked good against Cincinnati, even though the Bengals do tend to make their opponents look better. Lamar Jackson can take over a game at any time, and one can sense that he is driven to do just that after some hiccups this season. The defense is starting to play a little more consistent, though certainly not dominant, and the running game can travel to any stadium.
The Baltimore Ravens need to clean up penalties and turnovers, make easy tackles and convert red-zone opportunities if they truly want to be a contender. They have the talent. A tough road game against Seattle this week gives them the opportunity to put up a good game against a quality opponent. Reality check time.
10. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Do you remember how I said some teams could climb? Well, Chicago could fall. Like a brick. I’m not sold on the quarterback, and Oakland showed that Khalil Mack can be somewhat controlled if you dedicate seven offensive linemen and a chipping back to him. They can rise or fall quickly.
9. Buffalo Bills (4-1)
People aren’t talking about them much, but the Bills are good. Their defense is absolutely for real, as is their running game. Quarterback Josh Allen and receiver John Brown are a scary combination at any time and this is a well-coached team. Look out for the Bills.
8. Minnesota Vikings (4-2)
This is one of those high-ceiling, low-floor teams. They have been impressive on offense these past few games and sport a talented defense. They could win the NFC or bottom out in flames. I’m guessing they contend when all is said and done.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (4-2)
They lost two in a row, to the Colts and Texans, respectively. Want to bet that they don’t figure it out and get rolling again? They are too good, coached too well and have a quarterback that is ridiculous. They will get this turned around.
6. Green Bay Packers (5-1)
They are here because of that record and their dynamic quarterback, even though I’m not entirely sold on them. They are light on receivers, and get stagnant on offense sometimes, but Rodgers can fix things each game with one miracle throw.
5. Houston Texans (4-2)
They have the quarterback. They are developing a running game. They have a superstar receiver, a speed threat and a budding offensive line. They have one of the best game-wreckers in NFL history on defense, and they can win any number of ways. The Texans seem like a problem for the AFC.
4. Seattle Seahawks (5-1)
At this point, Russell Wilson is my pick for MVP, and we know they will compete for every yard on defense. They still enjoy a great home-field advantage, and they have excellent coaching in every room of their building. This is another team that could win a Super Bowl this year.
3. New Orleans Saints (5-1)
I feel like these last three teams are the true cream of the crop to this point. Without Drew Brees, the Saints keep plugging along, and this might be the best defense in New Orleans since Pat Swilling and company. This team is dangerous.
2. San Francisco 49ers (5-0)
Their defensive line conjures memories of the Fearsome Foursome and Doomsday Defense. They can dominate every team they line up against, and that changes offenses. With good running, speedy receivers and a solid quarterback, they can do enough on offense to win.
1.New England Patriots (6-0)
I don’t like them. You don’t like them. But there they sit.