SR NFL Power Rankings (11/21)

SR NFL Power Rankings (11/21)

Featured

Each week, SneakerReporter will put out their power rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

With Week 12 kicking off tonight (Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans), 8:20 PM EST on Fox and NFL Network) it’s time to unveil where each team sits.

The fun begins below and be sure to check back each Thursday to track how far up or down your favorite team moves from week-to-week.

 

1. Baltimore Ravens 8-2 (LW: 1)

La-MVP-ar Jackson, put it on a t-shirt.

 

2. New England Patriots 9-1 (LW: 2)

The clock has turned all the way back and the Patriots are now led by their defense once again.

3. San Francisco 49ers 9-1 (LW: 3)

6 MORE GAMES JIMMY GAROPPOLO, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

 

4. Seattle Seahawks 8-2 (LW: 6)

Russell Wilson won the bye week as only he can.

5. Green Bay Packers 8-2 (LW: 5)

Aaron Rodgers vs Jimmy Garoppolo might be the best-looking quarterback matchup in Sunday Night Football history.

 

6. New Orleans Saints 8-2 (LW: 6)

This team looks like a Super Bowl contender.

7. Minnesota Vikings 8-3 (LW: 8)

What a comeback win over the Denver Broncos last week.

8. Kansas City Chiefs 7-4 (LW: 10)

G.O.A.T. in Spanish loosely translates to Patrick Mahomes.

 

9. Buffalo Bills 7-3 (LW: 9)

The Bills are a virtual lock for the playoffs now.

 

10. Indianapolis Colts 6-4 (LW: 14)

Jacoby Brissett is back and things are good again in Indianapolis.

11. Houston Texans 6-4 (LW: 7)

Deshaun Watson might need an even more superhuman effort to keep Houston at the top of the AFC South.

12. Tennessee Titans 5-5 (LW: 12)

Their bye week leaves them right in the thick of things in the AFC South, just like every year.

13. Dallas Cowboys 6-4 (LW: 16)

Dallas is slowly becoming Dak Prescott’s team, now will Jerry Jones pay him like that is the case?

 

14. Oakland Raiders 6-4 (LW: 17)

Jon Gruden has embraced the “JUST WIN BABY!” culture of Oakland.

 

15. Carolina Panthers 5-5 (LW: 11)

Kyle Allen had his worst performance to date against the rejuvenated Atlanta Falcons defense.

 

16. Los Angeles Rams 6-4 (LW: 18)

TODD GURLEY IS BACK (maybe?).

 

17. Philadelphia Eagles 5-5 (LW: 15)

Think Philadelphia is wishing for Nick Foles to come back?

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 5-5 (LW: 13)

Though it happened on the field, I’m sure that the Steelers wish there was less media attention on them.

19. Cleveland Browns 4-6  (LW: 23)

PLEASE BE GOOD AGAIN!

20. Jacksonville Jaguars 4-6 (LW: 19)

NICK FOLES IS MEDIOCRE!

 

21. Chicago Bears 4-6 (LW: 20)

The defense did its part but the offense remains inept.

 

22. Detroit Lions 3-6-1 (LW: 24)

Jeff Driskel and Bo Scarborough nearly pulled off the impossible.

 

23. Denver Broncos 3-7 (LW: 21)

They blew their chance at a season-defining win.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-7 (LW: 22)

Tampa Bay needs to move on from Jameis Winston this offseason.

 

25. Atlanta Falcons 3-7(LW: 27)

Are the Falcons GOOD now?

 

26. New York Jets 3-7 (LW: 30)

Sam Darnold and Jamison Crowder are the most dynamic duo that New York sports have had in a few years.

 

27. Arizona Cardinals 3-7-1 (LW: 25)

Kyler Murray is going to be GOOD and SOON.

 

28. Los Angeles Chargers 4-7 (LW: 26)

This just isn’t Philip Rivers’ year.

 

29. Miami Dolphins 2-8 (LW: 29)

Maybe they don’t have to tank as hard for Tua Tagovailoa anyway now.

 

30. Washington Redskins 1-9 (LW: 28)

Dwayne Haskins and Derrius Guice got their first touchdowns of their careers, so that’s a good thing.

31. New York Giants 2-8 (LW: 31)

A bye week doesn’t change that this team is 0-8 WITH Saquon Barkley this year.

32. Cincinnati Bengals 0-10 (LW: 32)

Congratulations to Cincinnati on winning the Joe Burrow sweepstakes.

Nov 21, 2019 No Comments
Primetime Preview: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (MNF Week 11)

Primetime Preview: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (MNF Week 11)

Featured

The Week 11 finale comes to you live from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as the 6-4 Kansas City Chiefs look to keep their lead in the AFC West as they battle the 4-6 Los Angeles Chargers. After last years Mexico City game was relocated due to bad field conditions, the Chiefs had to make sure they weren’t risking the health of superstar Quarterback Patrick Mahomes by putting him on the field. Conditions aside, both teams are looking to rebound from tight losses in week 10. These teams are no strangers to close games, as their combined 10 losses have all been one possession games. 

With starting Left Tackle Eric Fisher finally healthy for the Chiefs, this will be the first time since week 1 that all of their offense will be at full strength. This is crucial as the Chargers have a star-studded defensive line including Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, who have combined for a total of nine sacks over the last four games. The re-addition of their star LT won’t help with their ball security issues, as the Chiefs have surrendered 28 points off turnovers in their four losses, primarily coming from fumbles. 

Over the past few weeks the Chargers have made a concerted effort to establish a presence on the ground, as Melvin Gordon has logged over 20 carries in the previous two games. This will be an area the Chargers look to exploit as the Chiefs are allowing 148 Yards/game on the ground at a rate of 5.1 yards/carry. 

On the other side, the Chiefs will look to expose the Chargers struggling secondary, who are in desperate needs of their all pro safety Derwin James who is still recovering from injury. The Chargers rank in the bottom 7 in categories such as Completion Percentage, QB Rating, and Yards/Attempt. The Chiefs have had lots of success in the vertical passing game against the Chargers Cover 3 defense, and with the speed of Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman on the outside, expect to see Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes takes some shots downfield.

Both teams should be able to move the ball at a good pace, but the winner will be determined by who can capitalize and turn their possessions into touchdowns. If the Chiefs can keep Mahomes protected throughout the game, they should be able to connect on some big plays. Phillip Rivers and the Chargers offense has been a wild card so far this season, and they need the absolute best out of him if they want to leave Mexico City with a victory.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Chargers 24

Nov 18, 2019 No Comments
Primetime Preview: Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams (SNF Week 11)

Primetime Preview: Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams (SNF Week 11)

Featured

Sunday Night Football this week comes from Los Angeles as the 5-4 Rams look to keep pace in the crowded NFC West as the 4-5 Chicago Bears come to town. This game will be a match up between young quarterbacks in turmoil. Both Jared Goff and Mitch Trubisky have experienced a roller coaster of a season so far. The reigning NFC Champions and their high powered offense look like a shell of themselves, with a noticeable inability to run the ball. With Robert Woods showing up as a healthy scratch on the inactive list, Cooper Kupp will be the only one of their starting WRs available to play. Look for Josh Reynolds and Gerald Everett to get more opportunities.

The Bears come into this game riding an impressive performance from Mitch Trubisky as he tossed for 3 Touchdowns in the 20-13 victory over the Detroit Lions. Trubisky’s play has been the talk of media critics for some time now, but could last week prove to be a turning point?

The Bears’ defense has been their sturdy self, ranking in the top 10 in points/game as well as rushing yards allowed/game. The problem has been when the offense cannot maintain drives, resulting in the defense being on the field all game. This will be a test for both of their units, as the Rams defense has elite players on both the inside and outside.

Given this game is in Los Angeles, this is a must win for the Rams as they look to chase the 49ers who stand in first place in the division. Goff will rebound from a tough week 10 in which the Rams only produced 12 points against the Steelers.

Prediction: Rams 24, Bears 17

Nov 18, 2019 No Comments
NFL SR Week 11: Preview and Predictions

NFL SR Week 11: Preview and Predictions

Featured

1:00 PM EST

New York Jets at Washington Redskins

Our week 11 Sunday starts with a match up between the 2-7 Jets and the 1-8 Redskins. With both teams struggling, these types of games usually end up being more exciting than you think. The Jets defense has been solid against the run in 2019, but they still give up 26.4 points/game. The Redskins has been the opposite, as they are very susceptible to the running attack while their secondary is stronger. Nevertheless, both defenses have given up tons of scoring while their offenses have been extremely inefficient. If the Jets can get Le’Veon Bell going early, they should be able to keep control of this game. 

Prediction: Jets 20, Redskins 17

Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts

With Nick Foles and Jacoby Brisset both returning to the lineup, both offenses will be at full strength once again. Gardner Minshew served as a wonderful replacement, helping the Jags to a 4-4 record as a starter. With Foles back under center the Jaguars will surely take more shots downfield, but the Colts are no easy match up. The Colts give up the 10th least receiving yards/game at just 223 yards/game. In Indianapolis, the Colts will have just enough to squeak by with the victory. 

Prediction: Colts 24, Jags 20

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

The Bills suffered a tough loss last week in Cleveland, as the offense couldn’t get anything going all day. This week will be a different story, as the Bills will be able to run all over the Dolphins. Establishing the run is the most important part of the Bills success, as it allows their defense to rest while controlling time of possession. The Dolphins pulled off a miracle last week in Indianapolis, but they just don’t have the weapons on the offensive side to consistently produce, and Buffalo will make them pay.

Prediction: Bills 21, Dolphins 14

Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions

Another week without Matthew Stafford spells doom for Detroit. As the Cowboys come into town after a tough defeat to the Vikings, Dallas will be ready to go. Expect to see a lot of Ezekiel Elliott this week, as the Lions have given up an average of 129 yards/game on the ground. Without Stafford under center, the Lions just don’t have the firepower to keep up with one of the league’s best offenses. 

Prediction: Cowboys 31, Lions 17

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

The first professional match up between Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson should make for one of the best games of the week. Two explosive offenses with marginalized defenses will lead to plenty of points. Both Jackson and Watson have been sensational this year, leading their teams to the top of their division while playing at an MVP level. The hometown Ravens will have just enough to grab the win here, although it’s hard to bet against Deshaun Watson in close games. 

Prediction: Ravens 28, Texans 27

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers

The Falcons are coming off a very impressive road win against the Saints last week. They will be without their star TE Austin Hooper, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Their offense looked rejuvenated last week, but consistently has been their issue. The Panthers suffered a tough loss in the snow at Lambeau Field, but they were never out of the game. Although Kyle Allen didn’t lead them to overtime on the last drive, there was a lot to like about his performance and composure in such a big moment. Back at home in better weather, Carolina takes this one by a field goal.

Prediction: Panthers 27, Falcons 24

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Saints look to bounce back from that humiliating 26-9 home loss to the Falcons. Tampa Bay has been a strange team this year. They are very strong in the passing game on offense while also shutting down the run on defense. Seems like a good formula for success, but their secondary has been so weak that they still give up tons of points. The Saints will get back on track on the road. Expect a huge game from Michael Thomas on the perimeter, as the Bucs have no one who can cover him.

Prediction: Saints 31, Bucs 24

Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings

If Kirk Cousins continues his excellent play, this game could be over quickly. Denver always seems to keep it close though, as their gritty defense can force stops and turnovers on anybody. The Vikings run defense has been solid this year, and although the secondary has struggled, expect to see them playing with a lead which will help play calling. Brandon Allen will still be taking snaps for the Broncos, as rookie Drew Lock is still recovering from a hand injury. 

Prediction: Vikings 28, Broncos 17

4:05 PM EST

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers 

A rematch of the week 9 divisional game when the 49ers took the 27-24 victory. One story line coming out of Arizona this week is the David Johnson dilemma, as the running back appears to be healthy while Kenyan Drake was taking first team reps in practice. Something is going on there and Kliff Kingsbury remains to call to backfield a ‘committee’. No matter who is in the game, the 49ers are one of the best teams at stopping the run. Kyler Murray will have to be special if Arizona wants any chance to take down the 1-loss 49ers.

Prediction: 49ers 27, Cardinals 20

4:25 PM EST

New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles 

America’s game of the week begins at 4:25 PM EST as the Patriots march into Philadelphia looking to rebound from their worst performance of the year. The Bye week came at a perfect time for New England, as their next four games come against very strong opponents. This is the first fans will see of N’Keal Harry, as the first round wide out will make his NFL regular season debut after being on injured reserve. The Eagles are also coming off their bye week, fully rested and looking to make strides towards the top of the NFC East. The Patriots defense was really thrown off guard with Lamar Jackson, but Belicheck will have a better game plan for Carson Wentz.

Prediction: Patriots 30, Eagles 20

Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders

The other 4:25 PM EST kickoff will be from Oakland, as the Raiders will look to keep the Bengals win-less. The Raiders have been one of the pleasant surprises so far this year, as Jon Gruden has them playing smash mouth football at a high level. After all of the Antonio Brown drama and management decisions, I’ll be the first to say I thought the Raiders would be a dumpster fire, was I ever more wrong? The 5-4 Raiders just keep proving people wrong, as they stand only 1 game back of the Chiefs in first place of the AFC West. 

Prediction: Raiders 21, Bengals 14

 

Nov 17, 2019 No Comments
Breaking News: NFL Hands Out Suspensions for TNF Fight

Breaking News: NFL Hands Out Suspensions for TNF Fight

Featured

The NFL did not wait long to announce the punishments for three key players involved in last night’s scuffle at the end of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns Thursday Night Football game.

On the Browns side, defensive linemen Myles Garrett and Larry Ogunjobi were suspended. Ogunjobi was suspended one game for his contributions and Garrett has been banned for the rest of the 2019 season (including the playoffs if Cleveland should make it) at minimum.

Maurkice Pouncey was the lone Pittsburgh player to get a suspension and he will miss three games for the punches and kicks he aimed at Garrett after the latter swung a helmet at Rudolph.

To top things off, both teams will be fined $250,000 dollars by the NFL:

In the statement released by the league, they mention that there could potentially be more fines handed out to other players that partook in the skirmish.

With Garrett’s actions being the most egregious the punishments seem to be handed out properly, and swiftly, by the NFL. Along with his indefinite suspension, Garrett must speak with and be cleared by commissioner Roger Goodell before he can be reinstated in the future.

Nov 15, 2019 No Comments
Fight Breaks Out At End of Thursday Night Football

Fight Breaks Out At End of Thursday Night Football

Featured

When rivals play the games are often hard fought and very physical. Tonight’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns was no different. A rugged back-and-forth affair ended with the Browns winning 21-7.

However, before the clock hit zero, the fight between the two sides developed into a literal one.

On third down, Myles Garrett came crashing into the backfield forcing Mason Rudolph to quickly get rid of the ball. Garrett was wrapped around Rudolph and proceeded to take the quarterback to the ground.

That’s when everything started:

Soon Rudolph and Garrett were tied up in a skirmish on the ground. It quickly escalated and as Garrett got off the ground he grabbed Rudolph’s helmet and ripped it off. The two continued to talk and a Steelers lineman came between them and Garrett took Rudolph’s helmet and swung it at the quarterback making contact with his head.

More players on both teams came over and Garrett was taken to the ground where Pittsburgh offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey took swings and kicks at him. As that continued, Larry Ogunjobi ran up to a protesting Rudolph and knocked him to the ground but didn’t escalate any further.

There were still eight seconds left when the third down play was whistled over and after review, Garrett, Ogunjobi, and Pouncey were all ejected from the game.

The NFL has already stated that the entire incident is under review and all players involved in the scrum face potential fines and suspensions.

Nov 15, 2019 No Comments