Ravens, Steelers in top five of latest Ebony Bird power rankings
By Darin McCann
4. Baltimore Ravens, 5-1 (6)
They seemingly strengthened their team over the bye week with the trade for Yannick Ngakoue, and have been pretty stellar on defense and special teams, with the offense being, well, above average, to this point.
They could have been ranked anywhere from 3-to-6 here, and we could have justified it, but we’re placing them here because Green Bay has been more consistent, the Ravens’ only loss came to our top-ranked team, Seattle’s defense scares us a little, and Tennessee has shown a crazy habit of needing to storm back to wins, while the Ravens have largely been in control of theirs.
Many of these teams face off against one another so there will be some clarity in the coming weeks, and the Ravens get a shot this week at the league’s last unbeaten team, blood-rival Pittsburgh. Time will tell if this year’s team blows through the league following its bye like last year’s edition did.
3. Green Bay Packers, 5-1 (5)
After a disheartening loss to Tampa Bay, the Packers got their game back together and rolled the Texans. They are this high because they’ve been terrific in five games, with one very ugly outing their only questionable performance so far.
Next. 3 things Baltimore Ravens must do against Pittsburgh Steelers. dark
2. Pittsburgh Steelers, 6-0 (4)
They looked like world-beaters in the first half of their match-up with the previously-undefeated Titans and then had to hold off a furious comeback to escape with the win. Sixty minutes later, it resulted in a good win against a tough opponent. That counts for the good.
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 6-1 (2)
They beat Denver with their offense, defense, and special teams, taking back over the title of best team in the league once again. They are fast and explosive coming at you from every corner and have brilliant quarterbacking and coaching. That makes them the best.