I like power rankings. I’m not sure why, I just do. Could be a power ranking of breakfast cereals, or sit-coms…I just like ’em. On the eve of the NFL season I sat down with a cold beer and began developing my pre-season NFL power rankings. About 10 minutes into the exercise, I stopped typing (but finished the beer). As much as I am “in” to power rankings, I don’t love the idea of pre-season rankings. Especially with an off-season that was so heavily affected by COVID-19.
On the eve of the NFL season, I made a pledge to wait three weeks before I crafted my list. So, without further ado, I bring to you the
“Power-10, Powerless 5”.
POWER 10
- KC Chiefs
- The Chiefs absolutely toyed with the Ravens on Monday Night Football. Patrick Mahomes delivered an MVP-type performance with 385 yards and 4 passing touchdowns. Good luck everyone.
- Baltimore Ravens
- I’m not going to punish the Ravens for losing a prime-time Monday night match-up to a team that had the Ravens circled. Keep in mind, the Ravens destroyed their first two opponents by a combined score of 71-22.
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- They can beat you in so many ways. Running, passing and defense…a defense that is allowing just 54 yards on the ground this season.
- Green Bay Packers
- Eye-popping offense in year two of Matt LaFleur’s system (40.7 ppg) with a QB who is playing like an MVP. An area of concern: Run defense & injury issues at inside linebacker.
- Seattle Seahawks
- I think Russell Wilson is the best player in football right now. The Seattle defense is a problem, however. Seattle is allowing 497 yards per game this season. Ykes!
- Buffalo Bills
- A defense that is still trustworthy, paired with an offense led by early-MVP candidate Josh Allen who has a legit weapon in Stefon Diggs.
- New England Patriots
- They can still eliminate the best player on the other team. They can still do what they need to do on offense to win. Cam Newton played an average game, and they still crushed the Raiders.
- Los Angeles Rams
- Have held two of three opponents to under 20 points. Only loss was a shootout against the Bills.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- The Bucs offense receives all the attention, but the defense is outstanding. This defense will be the first to truly challenge the Packers.
- Tennessee Titans
- The Titans are 3-0, but have won by a combined 6 points. They will see the Steelers in week 4 and Bills in week 5.
POWERLESS 5
- (28) Cincinnati Bengals
- I was tempted to put the Eagles here, but I’ll stick with the Bengals. Joe Burrow is slinging it all over the place, but the team is struggling in most other areas.
- (29) Washington Football Team
- The defense is actually pretty good, but I can’t get behind the offense with Dwayne Haskins and his 28.4 QBR. Oh, did I mention that Washington leads the NFC East with a record of 1-2? Unbelievable.
- (30) Denver Broncos
- A young team with some interesting pieces on offense…until the injury bug hit hard.
- (31) New York
- (32) New York
- I’ll let you decide who is worse: The Jets or the Giants. Just awful, awful football to begin the season. Awful.