SneakerReporter NFL Power Rankings: 9/26

SneakerReporter NFL Power Rankings: 9/26

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by | Sep 26, 2019 | Featured, NFL

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

With Week 4 kicking off tonight (Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers, 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. Kansas City Chiefs 3-0 (LW: 2)

Last week’s must-see game lived up to the hype and the Chiefs used another explosive second quarter to hold off Baltimore. 

 

2. New England Patriots 3-0 (LW: 1)

They have the best defense in the league—and still haven’t allowed an opposing offense to score a touchdown—but their easy schedule compared to Kansas City is why they drop down a spot.

 

3. Los Angeles Rams 3-0 (LW: 3)

Limiting Todd Gurley might be the best option for their long-term success but the offense just hasn’t had the same mojo this season. 


4. Dallas Cowboys 3-0 (LW: 5)

They played with their food in the first half against the Miami Dolphins last week but their second half confirmed they are a legit contender. 

 

5. Green Bay Packers 3-0 (LW: 6)

The defense has been the star of the show for the Packers in their first three games. 

6. Baltimore Ravens 2-1 (LW: 4)

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The Ravens looked like a completely different team (going for it on fourth down and multiple two-point conversions) and it nearly led them to pull off the unthinkable—beating the Chiefs at home. 

 

7. Minnesota Vikings 2-1 (LW: 10)

Having a healthy Dalvin Cook has completely changed the way they play offense and so far it’s been for the better. 

 

8. New Orleans Saints 2-1 (LW: 7)

This is why Teddy Bridgewater is the highest paid backup quarterback in the NFL at the start of the year (also that Alvin Kamara guy is pretty good). 

 

9. Chicago Bears 2-1 (LW: 11)

Even though it was against the Redskins, the Bears’ defense looks once again looks capable of dragging Mitch Trubisky to a Super Bowl. 

 

10. San Francisco 49ers 3-0 (LW: 14)

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

 

11. Buffalo Bills 3-0 (LW: 15)

Buffalo gets their first real test of the season as the Patriots come to town, the outcome will tell us all we need to know about this team. 

 

12. Houston Texans 2-1 (LW: 8)

They went on the road and snuck out with a victory over the Chargers but there are still holes that this team needs to plug immediately. 

 

13. Detroit Lions 2-0-1 (LW: 22)

Could Matt Patricia be the first GOOD head coach to come from the Bill Belichick coaching tree????

 

14. Indianapolis Colts 2-1 (LW: 17)

Is Jacoby Brissett the better of the former Tom Brady backups????

 

15. Philadelphia Eagles 1-2 (LW: 10)

Back-to-back late game defeats make the record ugly but if they are able to right the ship Philadelphia is a scary team. 

 

16. Seattle Seahawks 2-1 (LW: 16)

The Seahawks are holding on to the Most Average Team title for another week. 

 

17. Cleveland Browns 1-2 (LW:12)

The early part of their schedule—and the incompetence of the offensive line—isn’t doing this team any favors. 

 

18. Los Angeles Chargers 1-2 (LW: 19)

MELVIN GORDON IS COMING BACK; NO LONGER SHALL KEENAN ALLEN HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING. 

 

19. Atlanta Falcons 1-2 (LW:13)

What a difference one week can make…again. 

 

20. Tennessee Titans 1-2 (LW: 18)

This week’s “one of these teams has to win” matchup is Tennessee traveling to Atlanta. 

 

21. Carolina Panthers 1-2 (LW: 23)

Is Kyle Allen…good?

 

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-2 (LW: 26)

Jameis Winston played two consecutive solid games but the other fatal flaw kept the Buccaneers from winning last week: the kicker. 

 

23. Oakland Raiders 1-2 (LW: 20)

We have now hit the “Blame Antonio Brown” part of the Raiders season. 

 

24. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-2 (LW: 25)

#FREEJALEN. 

 

25. New York Giants 1-2 (LW: 31)

“DAN-IEL, JONES” clap-clap-clapclap-clap. 

 

26. Pittsburgh Steelers 0-3 (LW: 21)

Steelers lost, Minkah Fitzpatrick went viral (for the wrong reasons), and they don’t have their first-round pick; everything is fine. 

 

27. Arizona Cardinals 0-2-1 (LW: 24)

So much for the Air Raid System, Arizona’s offense looks more like the Air Retreat System through three weeks. 

 

28. Washington Redskins 0-3 (LW: 27)

The fate of Jay Gruden’s coaching career likely rests in Dwayne Haskins, yet it seems like Gruden is doing all he can to NOT put the rookie in. 

 

29. New York Jets 0-3 (LW: 28)

The positive for Le’Veon Bell is at least Pittsburgh is stinking it up too. 

 

30. Denver Broncos 0-3 (LW: 30)

My poor beloved Vic Fangio.

 

31. Cincinnati Bengals 0-3 (LW: 29)

They are getting closer and closer to “Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t want to play for the Bengals” range

 

32. Miami Dolphins 0-3 (LW: 32)

They’re REALLY, REALLY tanking.

 

Sep 26, 2019 No Comments
BREAKING NEWS: Melvin Gordon Will End Holdout And Report to Team Tomorrow

BREAKING NEWS: Melvin Gordon Will End Holdout And Report to Team Tomorrow

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by | Sep 26, 2019 | Featured, NFL

As each new NFL season approaches it is often met with superstar players enacting holdouts from training camps in hopes of getting new contracts—or traded—from their current team.

This season, Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon was one of the first players to announce his intention of missing time until the team gave him a new deal or sent him to another team that would.

The Chargers held steadfast to their belief that they did not owe Gordon, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, any new money. Neither side blinked and the holdout extended into the regular season.

Now, as we prepare for Week 4 Gordon has informed Los Angeles that he plans to report back to the team on Thursday, however, he will not play this Sunday according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Despite being 1-2 on the year, the Chargers have not missed Gordon on the field. His backups Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson have combined to rush for 302 yards on 56 attempts.

Obviously the team isn’t going to turn away a Pro Bowl talent coming back but it remains to be seen what kind of role Gordon will have when he does return to action in the coming weeks.

Gordon retweeted the following photo captioned “patience…” from Le’Veon Bell who notably sat out the entirety of the 2018 NFL season. Possibly as an allusion to him choosing to sit out the first four games of this year.

Sep 26, 2019 No Comments
SR Fantasy Football Week 3: Winners/Losers & Waiver Wire Pickups

SR Fantasy Football Week 3: Winners/Losers & Waiver Wire Pickups

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by | Sep 25, 2019 | Featured, NFL

After three week of riveting football action, some trends that are starting to take place. There have been surprises, like every other year, such as the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions. The fact is that analysts really don’t know as much as they claim. So much happens on a week to week basis, making fantasy football so unpredictably awesome! 

Winners:

  • Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants

In the eyes of all NY Giants fans, Daniel Jones is the hero and savior they needed. After a deflating start to the season with injuries and terrible play, Giants fans could only hope the 6th overall pick that they booed on draft night had some game. Thankfully for them, Jones looked poised and led the Giants on an 18-point 4th quarter come from behind victory, something Eli has never done in his career. Jones also did the majority of this without his best offensive weapon, Saquon Barkley. 

  • Taylor Gabriel, WR, Chicago Bears

Gabriel stole the show on Monday Night, as he was on the receiving end of three Mitch Trubisky TD passes. Gabriel has been quiet up until week 3, only catching three passes combined in the first two weeks. In Matt Nagy’s offense there are tons of opportunities for quick slot receivers to make a difference. With Allen Robinson playing on the outside, it’s really a battle between Gabriel and Anthony Miller to become the clear #2 WR option. This was the first stand out performance for the Bears offense, so it might be smart to pump the brakes until some consistency develops. 

  • Phillip Lindsay, RB, Denver Broncos

After two mediocre performances, Denver RB Phillip Lindsay proved that his Pro-Bowl Rookie campaign was no fluke. As the first undrafted offensive player to make the Pro-Bowl in his rookie season, many still didn’t believe in his talents. Going up against an improved Green Bay defense, Lindsay went for over 100 yards and 2 TDs. The Broncos should really feature Lindsay more like they did last week, as Royce Freeman hasn’t shown the ability to consistently make plays. 

Losers:

  • James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Starting the year, Conner was considered a borderline RB1 with tremendous upside on a week to week basis. With the loss of Ben Roethlisberger and a locker room going many different directions, Conner seems to be getting hit the hardest. With new QB Mason Rudolph, game flow has been forcing them to throw the ball too much, especially in the second half. Conner isn’t able to get any rhythm and it clearly shows in his numbers. He hasn’t totaled over 65 yards in any game so far and he has only reached the end zone once. Conner is no longer an RB1, for now. 

  • Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings really devoted their off season to the run game. After being one of the most pass-heavy offenses in 2018, they are almost the complete opposite so far in 2019. This has really taken a toll on WR Stefon Diggs, who had over 1000 yards and 9 TDs last season. In week 3, he had a measly three receptions for 15 yards. If Diggs hadn’t connected on a 45 yard TD in Week 2, he might be one of the biggest busts so far this year. 

  • Robert Woods, WR, Los Angeles Rams

After an amazing season in 2018, Robert Woods has had a slow start to the 2019 campaign. He is yet to top 75 yards in a game and still has not found the end zone. Although he appears here this week, Woods does have a QB and coaching staff that can maximize his talents throughout the year, so don’t worry too much. 

Waiver Wire Pickups:

  • Darrel Williams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (85.6% Available)

As the KC backfield deals with some injuries, Darrel Williams is a great option to pick up, especially if you are a Damien Williams or Shady McCoy owner. Darrel Williams came in last week and produced over 100 yards and looked sharp. If the two starters were to miss anymore time, look no further than Williams. 

  • DJ Chark, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (41.1% Available)

The fact that DJ Chark is still available in only 40% of leagues is laughable! He is the clear #1 option for QB Gardner Minshew II, and his outstanding physicality makes him a force in the red zone. He has totaled over 15 fantasy points (0.5 PPR) and a TD in every week so far. Pick him up while you can. 

  • Wayne Gallman, RB, New York Giants (46.5% Available)

The New York Giants lost their superstar RB Saquon Barkley to a high ankle sprain on Sunday. Barkley is expected to miss 4-8 weeks with the injury. For these weeks the Giants will be starting RB Wayne Gallman. Gallman isn’t anything too special, but his volume in the new Daniel Jones led offense will surely lead to at least FLEX production. Available is just less than 50% of leagues, scoop him up now, especially if you own Barkley!

 

Sep 25, 2019 No Comments
BREAKING NEWS: New York Giants Expect Saquon Barkley to Miss Several Weeks

BREAKING NEWS: New York Giants Expect Saquon Barkley to Miss Several Weeks

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by | Sep 23, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Yesterday, the New York Giants came back from an 18-point deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their first win of the season.

It was an amazing start to the Daniel Jones era as the quarterback was the main catalyst for New York’s second half turnaround.

The reason for that was the Giants lost star running back Saquon Barkley late in the second quarter to what has been deemed a high ankle sprain.

It was a slow first half for him as he managed just 10 yards on eight carries before leaving the game.

He returned to the sideline in the second half—with crutches and his right foot in a walking boot—and had a celebration to remember following Tampa Bay kicker, Matt Gay’s missed field goal as time expedited.

Luckily, the injury doesn’t appear to be season-ending. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the team expects to be without Barkley for “the next several weeks”.

UPDATE FROM ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Sep 23, 2019 No Comments
Primetime Preview: Chicago Bears @ Washington Redskins

Primetime Preview: Chicago Bears @ Washington Redskins

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by | Sep 23, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Monday Night Football should be an interesting matchup between the Chicago Bears (1-1) on the season and the Washington Redskins (0-2). The Chicago Bears have the best defense in the NFL and have used that defense and translated it to the offense. Khalil Mack will be a busy man in the middle trying to get to Case Keenum who’s been elusive in the pocket at times. Mack interrupts everything in the run game for the opposing teams and he’s in every single quarterback’s dreams creating nightmares. This Chicago defense and team runs off the energy of Mack and when he makes plays it energizes the team as a unit.

 

 

The Bears defensive line will be trying to eat all night but they will be trying to stop one of the best running backs in NFL history in Adrian Peterson. Peterson has resurrected his career in Washington DC with the Redskins after his short stints in New Orleans and Arizona. The Redskins use Peterson’s angry running style to beat up the defenses that they play and he doesn’t look to have slowed down at all. One thing that Adrian Peterson has improved is his pass-catching out of the backfield. Chris Thompson is still in the mix but Peterson has shown that he has the hands if he needs to use them on a play. The mix of Peterson and Thompson will have to be on full display because Keenum should be under pressure all night long.

 

Case Keenum has 601 yards on the season with 5 touchdowns and has looked extremely well in the pocket showing a lot of patience. One person that Keenum has been able to rely on is the rookie sensation, Terry McLaurin. The rookie has been able to haul in 10 receptions for 187 yards with 2 touchdowns in 2 games. Mind you that’s his first two games of his young career in the NFL. The fact the team has shown a lot of trust and faith in McLaurin this early just shows how much they believe in his ability to get open at any time. The Redskins have their new number 1 receiver in McLaurin and even with a tough Bears defense, he might be able to open.

 

 

On the flip side, the Bears have Mitch Trubisky who has struggled out the gate to get his offensive game going. This could be a huge bounce-back game for Mitch and the Bears offense to get things on track to match the intensity of the Bears defense. Mitch has 348 yards on the season with 0 touchdowns and 1 interception. Mitch Trubisky needs to get back to his game from last season where he used his legs and arm to get the Bears down the field with ease. Look for Mitch to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers Allen Robinson, David Montgomery, and Tarik Cohen. This should be the game where Montgomery goes off and gets things going as the rookie will be playing in his first MNF matchup in his career with the whole NFL and world watching.

 

Both teams will have their hands full tonight in a matchup that should be very defensive. The Bears will lean on Khalil Mack and the Redkins will lead on Josh Norman. Don’t expect much offense in this game unless we see some missed coverages in the secondary. The Monday night matchup could be decided by the defense and special teams something that teams don’t usually prioritize like these two teams. Cohen should be dangerous in the return game and I would look for his impact in this game tonight.

 

Score Prediction: Chicago Bears 17-10

Sep 23, 2019 No Comments
BREAKING NEWS: Antonio Brown Says He’s Done Playing in the NFL

BREAKING NEWS: Antonio Brown Says He’s Done Playing in the NFL

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by | Sep 22, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Another day, another twist in the 2019 Antonio Brown NFL saga. He made the headlines once again when he was released by the New England Patriots on Friday afternoon.

It would stand to reason that if he wasn’t able to stick with the Patriots that none of the other 31 teams–especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders–would want to have him and the drama surrounding him off the field on their team going forward.

Today, Antonio Brown took the time to share his stance on his future in the NFL:

It’s been reported that New England was not planning on giving Brown his full $9 million signing bonus and on top of the $30 million of guaranteed money voided by the Raiders, that accounts for the $40 million that Brown refers to in his tweets.

The NFLPA will represent Brown as he attempts to recoup that money but he followed his unofficial retirement announcement with a prolonged Twitter rant. In the said rant, Brown took aim at the likes of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, NFL Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, and former teammate Ben Roethlisberger for their past sexual indiscretions:

One can assume that Brown feels that him being shunned by the league in the face of the civil lawsuit he’s facing for an alleged sexual assault (along with a second accusor coming forward) his hypocritical compared to the treatment of other NFL players and owners who faced sexual assault charges in their past.

This latest news makes it clear that the Antonio Brown storyline is nowhere near complete even though he is no longer on a roster.

Sep 22, 2019 No Comments