I pre-wrote a whole thing about how the Patriots are depressingly the best team in the AFC, and a breakdown of all the teams who might keep them out of the Super Bowl (because, Jesus Christ, could we all use a Super Bowl free from the Patriots). Then, they went and looked like dogshit against the Dolphins last night, and it didn’t seem very timely, so we’ll move on.
For the record, I still think the Patriots deserve the top spot in the rankings, as they were due – just like every other team who’s lost recently – to drop a game before the playoffs. I’m more than convinced they’ll take down the Steelers this week, so yeah. On to the rankings:
- New England (10-3)
- Carolina (9-4)
- Minnesota (10-3)
- New Orleans (9-4)
- Pittsburgh (11-2)
- Jacksonville (9-4)
- Philadelphia (11-2)
- L.A. Rams (9-4)
In spite of my questioning of Cam Newton, I was very impressed by what they were able to do against the Vikings this weekend. Giving up nearly 40 points to the Ravens? Now you know why I have so little respect for the Steelers. Philly gets dropped bigtime as they face a Nick Foles future.
- L.A. Chargers (7-6)
- Atlanta (8-5)
- Seattle (8-5)
- Baltimore (7-6)
- Green Bay (7-6)
- Detroit (7-6)
- Dallas (7-6)
- Tennessee (8-5)
Look for the Chargers to jump into the Top 8 next week. Green Bay continues to climb the ladder as Brett Hundley continues to find a way to beat crappy teams. Dallas is in an interesting position, particularly if they can win one more and get Zeke back. Look for the Titans to fall out of this grouping as they continue to look terrible.
- Kansas City (7-6)
- Buffalo (7-6)
- Miami (6-7)
- Arizona (6-7)
- Oakland (6-7)
- N.Y. Jets (5-8)
- Washington (5-8)
- Cincinnati (5-8)
Everyone is all hyped up on the blizzard bowl between the Bills and Colts, but I feel like if I had to watch the whole affair, it would’ve been torture. I saw the overtime period, and that was exactly the right amount. It’s crazy how the Cards keep hanging around, even though they’re still definitely out of the playoff hunt. Ugly loss for the Bengals to end their playoff hopes.
- San Francisco (3-10)
- Denver (4-9)
- Chicago (4-9)
- Tampa Bay (4-9)
- Houston (4-9)
- Indianapolis (3-10)
- N.Y. Giants (2-11)
- Cleveland (0-13)
Exciting times for the 49ers, as they get to not only enjoy a quality draft pick, but a ton of hype heading into next year, as they’ll certainly be the darlings of the dark horse circuit in pre-season predictions. The Bears stole one with their defense, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they did it again before the year is out. Tough, hard-luck loss for the Colts, who probably would’ve won that game if there wasn’t 90 feet of snow. Boy, that Giants offense is brutal, Eli or no Eli. REALLY tough, hard-luck loss for the Browns, who might reverse run the table. Josh Gordon looks good though!