Baltimore Ravens climb back up in latest power rankings
By Darin McCann
4. Green Bay Packers, 6-2 (6)
They smashed the 49ers a week after getting run over by the Vikings, and I’m of the opinion that Aaron Rodgers is the frontrunner for MVP at this point. If they can stop the run and get their own backs healthy, the sky is the limit with this team.
3. Baltimore Ravens, 6-2 (5)
That was a remarkable defensive showing by the Ravens against the Colts. Having Marlon Humphrey out with COVID, much of the unit participating via Zoom out of protocol, one starting linebacker out with an injured finger and star Calais Campbell knocked out during the game’s first series, the Ravens shut down the Colts and Philip Rivers, keeping the team close in an offensively-challenged first half and helping them cruise to a win in the second.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson found success with a quick-hitting passing game to the middle of the field in the second half, which opened up some outside runs for him the rest of the way. The Colts field a very fast defense, and the Ravens were able to make headway by getting the ball out on time and thrown to a specific spot.
They still have yet to hit their offensive stride, unless — and this is something Ravens fans must consider — this is the stride. This is as good as it gets with an offensive line pieced together and missing their second and third best players from a year ago in Ronnie Stanley and Marshal Yanda.
Still, this team can win with defense, special teams, and some breathtaking plays from Jackson if they find consistency running the ball, don’t turn it over, and find some chunk plays to help ease the burden.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8-0 (2)
They’re still undefeated because of a few reasons: they’ve played good defense; they’ve spread the ball around on offense; they’ve been a little fortunate with calls and bounces; and, most importantly, they are very, very, very good. They win for a reason, and that reason is they are usually the better team.
Next. Awarding superlatives for Baltimore Ravens at mid-season mark. dark
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 8-1 (1)
They are the best team in the NFL because… wait for it… they are the best team in the NFL! They can score a ton of points in a hurry, they rarely make mistakes out of panic and they have the best quarterback in a league where that matters a lot. The Chiefs are the best team, and it’s not close. They can be beaten. They aren’t invincible. But they can beat any team on this list by three touchdowns, and that matters.