Power Rankings - Week 7
Oct 27, 2020 16:06:09 GMT -5
Colts GM (Darryl), Packers GM (Derek), and 2 more like this
Post by Panthers GM (Jesse) on Oct 27, 2020 16:06:09 GMT -5
Not a ton of movement in the rankings this week as most teams simply took care of business. Not very many games this week were even close, frankly. We have a new #32 and a bit of movement in the lower-mid and the top 10, but not much outside of that. Next week, divisional matchups. Side note, we have a TON of 5-2 teams!
32. (-2) Minnesota Vikings (0-7)
I’m ranking the Vikings as 32nd this week because I think with the loss to the Colts, the Vikings are out of realistically beatable opponents this year. Is it possible that Sam Darnold is replaced by Trevor Lawrence both in real life and in Legacy this offseason?
31. (=) Cincinnati Bengals (0-7)
With the Colts beating Minnesota this week, only Cincy and Minnesota remain winless. Aside from a possible week 12 trip up game versus the Browns, the Bengals have a fairly tough schedule that should keep them searching for a win.
30. (+2) Indianapolis Colts (1-6)
It happened! It finally happened! YOURRRR Indianapolis Colts take the victory! Behind dominant performances from Richard Rodgers (6/85), Jayon Brown (23.5 pts), TJ Watt (20.75 pts) and Noah Brown (1 tackle), the Colts have upset the Vikings for their first victory. Kind of a bummer for the Colts I imagine, but I mean..it’s a win!
29. (=) Cleveland Browns (1-6)
Some good news for the Browns, rookies Harrison Bryant and JaMycal Hasty look like they might have something to cook with. Considering how shallow the Browns offensive talent pool is that’s a huge deal.
28. (=) San Francisco 49ers (1-6)
The time is finally here, week 8 will feature the debut of the future face of the 49ers in Tua Tagovailoa. Aside from the impressive rookies the 49ers still don’t have a bunch of talent on the offense, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some pop weeks from this team soon. Tua, Swift, Claypool and Kmet are all sitting with arrows pointing up right now.
27. (=) Houston Texans (2-5)
Houston would be put in an even rougher spot if Gardner Minshew ends up biting the dust this season. Houston is currently some LBs and a TE away from being a pretty decent team. A lot of offseason capital has to be expended for a QB and that would be a struggle for Houston.
26. (=) Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
Good to see some offensive fireworks from AJ Brown, he will be a vital component to Arizona’s likely quick turnaround rebuild. You don’t want to waste Mahomes and Kittle.
25. (-6) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
A valiant effort by the defense to carry the pass catchers (Especially TEs) this week, but the Jaguars couldn’t get the job done versus a hot Packers team. Now 2-5, the Jaguars have been one of the unlucky teams in Legacy this season.
24. (=) Chicago Bears (3-4)
After a 3-1 start, the Bears have officially lost 3 straight to secure a losing record for the time being. Injuries have stifled whatever flame was left in Chicago after the selloff trades a month ago.
23. (=) San Diego Chargers (2-5)
The Chargers losses are piling up to the point where a high pick should be in the cards for the struggling team. Finding answers at QB needs to be the priority this offseason if none of the guys on roster find themselves a spot somewhere.
22. (=) Buffalo Bills (3-4)
The Bills had some guys go off this week in a demolishing of the Cardinals. They seem poised to play a spoiler role to finish the season with the Patriots, Steelers and Jets on the schedule.
21. (+1) Kansas City Chiefs (3-4)
The Chiefs could be in for a very fast rebuild with the offense they’re putting out every week if they can find a few solid defenders and, most importantly, a QB.
20. (-2) Baltimore Ravens (2-5)
If Crowder wasn’t hurt the Ravens might have pulled out the upset over Tampa this week. Alas, that was not the case and they fall to 2-5. Still only two back from the Steelers, the Ravens have a dangerous roster. The Ravens have plenty of beatable teams left on the schedule and get an equalizer match with Pittsburgh in week 12.
19. (+1) Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
The Cowboys probably need a solid offseason in order to step up to the rest of their division rivals. The WRs just aren’t doing it, even with big name Dynasty WRs like Gallup and Slayton. The pair combined for 4.3 points this week (All by Slayton)
18. (+3) Denver Broncos (3-4)
The Broncos took an L this week but scored over 200 points on great defensive performances and some very nice games from guys like Donovan Peoples-Jones and Albert O and obviously Baker’s excellent day. The Broncos would have beat every team in the league this week other than NYG, PHI, LAR, WAS.
17. (-3) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
Stuck in a bit of a weird no-mans land this season being a league managed roster, Pittsburgh has enough good players to beat plenty of teams, but they just don’t have what it takes to beat meticulously managed teams when it’s gonna matter in a few weeks. They will still be coasting to an AFC North title.
16. (+1) New Orleans Saints (4-3)
The Saints are one game behind the Falcons and Panthers in the NFC South and still alive in the NFC Wildcard race. Unfortunately for the Saints, they may have the hardest schedule in the league from here on out. CAR, SEA, TB, LAR, ATL loom.
15. (+1) Detroit Lions (5-2)
The Lions have an emerging star in Tee Higgins. More guys need to step up on that offense as the Lions head into the ringer. The Giants, Packers, and Eagles are all looming, with the Packers just one game back.
14. (-3) New England Patriots (4-3)
Despite the loss to Seattle this week, New England still holds sole possession of the 2nd wildcard spot in the AFC at 4-3. The Patriots have an easy route to finish the year other than Jets (week 10) and Dolphins (Week 12).
13. (=) Green Bay Packers (4-3)
Green Bay is on a 3 game winning streak that has them officially chasing Detroit for the division. We have to wait until week 10 for that head to head rematch. Either way, the defending champs have put themselves back into the conversation after a 1-3 start and that’s huge. Aside from Detroit, the Packers still have the Cowboys and Football Team on the schedule, but Detroit has the Eagles and Giants. Pick your poison.
12. (=) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)
The Buccaneers still have life this season. Frankly, they need to beat Atlanta this week for that to be the case. If they can beat Atlanta and take care of business over the lesser scoring 49ers, Saints and Cardinals, it sets up a week 12 showdown with Carolina. The question is, would 8-4 secure a playoff spot in the NFC? 7-5 would not.
11. (+4) New York Jets (5-2)
The Jets improved to 5-2 this week and saw Antonio Brown sign with Tom Brady’s Buccaneers. If Brown is 75% of the player he used to be, he would give the Jets some serious offensive oomph that they currently lack. They still need some of those rookie RBs to play more consistently.
10. (=) Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
The Seahawks failed to score 100 points last week finishing with 95 with Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett on bye. This week, Wilson and Lockett combined for 96 points. That’s it. That’s the commentary.
9. (=) Tennessee Titans (5-2)
A nearly 200 point performance without bye week Lamar Jackson officially has Tennessee in cruise control with only time separating them from an AFC South title. Their opponents to finish the year boast a combined 10-25 record. It will be interesting to see if Evan Engram is moved from the Giants to a contender this week, that would be another boon for this offense.
8. (=) New York Giants (5-2)
New York made some massive trades about a month ago in an effort to close the gap and win a championship. Since then they’ve become the #4 overall scoring team in legacy. With the Football Team still undefeated, the NFC East title is looking tougher by the week. All that can change if a Giants team hobbled by bye weeks and injuries can pull out the win over Washington this week. Stay tuned.
7. (=) Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
Although they are 2 games back from the division lead and locked into an absolutely brutal NFC wildcard race, the Eagles are a top team. They proved that this week by destroying the previously undefeated Raiders. If they can grind out a playoff spot, they should be adding Nick Chubb for that run.
6. (-3) Miami Dolphins (5-2)
It feels like every week I write the Dolphins blurb and am forced to point out that while the Dolphins are playing extremely well, they still have two all world pieces in CMC and MT coming back…soon? Eventually, in MT’s case? Both of those timelines just keep moving back. The Dolphins lost to the Rams this week running without Thielen and Ingram. One of my games of this week will be the 5-2 Dolphins vs the 5-2 Jets.
5. (+1) Atlanta Falcons (5-2)
Atlanta beat the Bengals on their QB bye week to stay hot on the Panthers tail, with only a 275-244 loss to Carolina keeping them from being current division champs. Upcoming slate: Buccaneers, Rams, Panthers. Assuming Allen Robinson is healthy after a headshot late on Monday night, the Falcons have the juice to come out of this month still shining.
4. (=) Carolina Panthers (5-2)
The time is almost here for Carolina to rely on all those TEs. A season ending injury to Odell Beckham is a huge deal to an already not elite offense that is now relying on continued playing time from Saints UDFA Marquez Callaway. The path of least resistance for Carolina is to hold on to the division. There’s a very good chance that could involve rooting for a Falcons loss or two. A week 10 ATL/CAR matchup may be a decisive one for the divisional crown.
3. (+2) Washington Football Team (7-0)
It’s high time we put some real respect on the Football Team. I don’t think Blaine thought he had a 7-0 team when the season began, but some early success and some great trades have turned the ‘Team into a dangerous squad. An emergent Rob Gronkowski is beginning to come out for them to add even more depth to the talented offense. This week they face a Kylerless, Kickerless Giants team who have a few defensive starters on bye as well. Washington is at the point where even if they do lose that undefeated record sometime late season, they are still a playoff team with the firepower to take people out. Masterful job by Blaine this season.
2. (=) Las Vegas Raiders (6-1)
The Raiders finally find their first L of the season by the hand of the Eagles this week. No Mixon and a disappointing week defensively contributed to the loss. In other news, the Raiders have essentially clinched their division now 3 games over DEN/KC and they have a very light schedule to close the season.
1.(=) Los Angeles Rams (7-0)
On top of the usual Rams brand dominance this week, they may be in the midst of a Christian Kirk breakout. The Rams also added Jared Cook and Latavius Murray recently. My interesting note for the Rams this week, they play a 49ers team that will feature Tua’s first start and a few young guys that are beginning to turn the corner. This isn’t the 49ers team we’ve seen in the early half, and the Rams will be without *inhale* Hopkins, Kirk, McLaurin, Shenault. Van Jefferson and Mike Thomas will be the Rams wideouts this week, though the defense is bye week free.
32. (-2) Minnesota Vikings (0-7)
I’m ranking the Vikings as 32nd this week because I think with the loss to the Colts, the Vikings are out of realistically beatable opponents this year. Is it possible that Sam Darnold is replaced by Trevor Lawrence both in real life and in Legacy this offseason?
31. (=) Cincinnati Bengals (0-7)
With the Colts beating Minnesota this week, only Cincy and Minnesota remain winless. Aside from a possible week 12 trip up game versus the Browns, the Bengals have a fairly tough schedule that should keep them searching for a win.
30. (+2) Indianapolis Colts (1-6)
It happened! It finally happened! YOURRRR Indianapolis Colts take the victory! Behind dominant performances from Richard Rodgers (6/85), Jayon Brown (23.5 pts), TJ Watt (20.75 pts) and Noah Brown (1 tackle), the Colts have upset the Vikings for their first victory. Kind of a bummer for the Colts I imagine, but I mean..it’s a win!
29. (=) Cleveland Browns (1-6)
Some good news for the Browns, rookies Harrison Bryant and JaMycal Hasty look like they might have something to cook with. Considering how shallow the Browns offensive talent pool is that’s a huge deal.
28. (=) San Francisco 49ers (1-6)
The time is finally here, week 8 will feature the debut of the future face of the 49ers in Tua Tagovailoa. Aside from the impressive rookies the 49ers still don’t have a bunch of talent on the offense, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some pop weeks from this team soon. Tua, Swift, Claypool and Kmet are all sitting with arrows pointing up right now.
27. (=) Houston Texans (2-5)
Houston would be put in an even rougher spot if Gardner Minshew ends up biting the dust this season. Houston is currently some LBs and a TE away from being a pretty decent team. A lot of offseason capital has to be expended for a QB and that would be a struggle for Houston.
26. (=) Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
Good to see some offensive fireworks from AJ Brown, he will be a vital component to Arizona’s likely quick turnaround rebuild. You don’t want to waste Mahomes and Kittle.
25. (-6) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
A valiant effort by the defense to carry the pass catchers (Especially TEs) this week, but the Jaguars couldn’t get the job done versus a hot Packers team. Now 2-5, the Jaguars have been one of the unlucky teams in Legacy this season.
24. (=) Chicago Bears (3-4)
After a 3-1 start, the Bears have officially lost 3 straight to secure a losing record for the time being. Injuries have stifled whatever flame was left in Chicago after the selloff trades a month ago.
23. (=) San Diego Chargers (2-5)
The Chargers losses are piling up to the point where a high pick should be in the cards for the struggling team. Finding answers at QB needs to be the priority this offseason if none of the guys on roster find themselves a spot somewhere.
22. (=) Buffalo Bills (3-4)
The Bills had some guys go off this week in a demolishing of the Cardinals. They seem poised to play a spoiler role to finish the season with the Patriots, Steelers and Jets on the schedule.
21. (+1) Kansas City Chiefs (3-4)
The Chiefs could be in for a very fast rebuild with the offense they’re putting out every week if they can find a few solid defenders and, most importantly, a QB.
20. (-2) Baltimore Ravens (2-5)
If Crowder wasn’t hurt the Ravens might have pulled out the upset over Tampa this week. Alas, that was not the case and they fall to 2-5. Still only two back from the Steelers, the Ravens have a dangerous roster. The Ravens have plenty of beatable teams left on the schedule and get an equalizer match with Pittsburgh in week 12.
19. (+1) Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
The Cowboys probably need a solid offseason in order to step up to the rest of their division rivals. The WRs just aren’t doing it, even with big name Dynasty WRs like Gallup and Slayton. The pair combined for 4.3 points this week (All by Slayton)
18. (+3) Denver Broncos (3-4)
The Broncos took an L this week but scored over 200 points on great defensive performances and some very nice games from guys like Donovan Peoples-Jones and Albert O and obviously Baker’s excellent day. The Broncos would have beat every team in the league this week other than NYG, PHI, LAR, WAS.
17. (-3) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
Stuck in a bit of a weird no-mans land this season being a league managed roster, Pittsburgh has enough good players to beat plenty of teams, but they just don’t have what it takes to beat meticulously managed teams when it’s gonna matter in a few weeks. They will still be coasting to an AFC North title.
16. (+1) New Orleans Saints (4-3)
The Saints are one game behind the Falcons and Panthers in the NFC South and still alive in the NFC Wildcard race. Unfortunately for the Saints, they may have the hardest schedule in the league from here on out. CAR, SEA, TB, LAR, ATL loom.
15. (+1) Detroit Lions (5-2)
The Lions have an emerging star in Tee Higgins. More guys need to step up on that offense as the Lions head into the ringer. The Giants, Packers, and Eagles are all looming, with the Packers just one game back.
14. (-3) New England Patriots (4-3)
Despite the loss to Seattle this week, New England still holds sole possession of the 2nd wildcard spot in the AFC at 4-3. The Patriots have an easy route to finish the year other than Jets (week 10) and Dolphins (Week 12).
13. (=) Green Bay Packers (4-3)
Green Bay is on a 3 game winning streak that has them officially chasing Detroit for the division. We have to wait until week 10 for that head to head rematch. Either way, the defending champs have put themselves back into the conversation after a 1-3 start and that’s huge. Aside from Detroit, the Packers still have the Cowboys and Football Team on the schedule, but Detroit has the Eagles and Giants. Pick your poison.
12. (=) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)
The Buccaneers still have life this season. Frankly, they need to beat Atlanta this week for that to be the case. If they can beat Atlanta and take care of business over the lesser scoring 49ers, Saints and Cardinals, it sets up a week 12 showdown with Carolina. The question is, would 8-4 secure a playoff spot in the NFC? 7-5 would not.
11. (+4) New York Jets (5-2)
The Jets improved to 5-2 this week and saw Antonio Brown sign with Tom Brady’s Buccaneers. If Brown is 75% of the player he used to be, he would give the Jets some serious offensive oomph that they currently lack. They still need some of those rookie RBs to play more consistently.
10. (=) Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
The Seahawks failed to score 100 points last week finishing with 95 with Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett on bye. This week, Wilson and Lockett combined for 96 points. That’s it. That’s the commentary.
9. (=) Tennessee Titans (5-2)
A nearly 200 point performance without bye week Lamar Jackson officially has Tennessee in cruise control with only time separating them from an AFC South title. Their opponents to finish the year boast a combined 10-25 record. It will be interesting to see if Evan Engram is moved from the Giants to a contender this week, that would be another boon for this offense.
8. (=) New York Giants (5-2)
New York made some massive trades about a month ago in an effort to close the gap and win a championship. Since then they’ve become the #4 overall scoring team in legacy. With the Football Team still undefeated, the NFC East title is looking tougher by the week. All that can change if a Giants team hobbled by bye weeks and injuries can pull out the win over Washington this week. Stay tuned.
7. (=) Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
Although they are 2 games back from the division lead and locked into an absolutely brutal NFC wildcard race, the Eagles are a top team. They proved that this week by destroying the previously undefeated Raiders. If they can grind out a playoff spot, they should be adding Nick Chubb for that run.
6. (-3) Miami Dolphins (5-2)
It feels like every week I write the Dolphins blurb and am forced to point out that while the Dolphins are playing extremely well, they still have two all world pieces in CMC and MT coming back…soon? Eventually, in MT’s case? Both of those timelines just keep moving back. The Dolphins lost to the Rams this week running without Thielen and Ingram. One of my games of this week will be the 5-2 Dolphins vs the 5-2 Jets.
5. (+1) Atlanta Falcons (5-2)
Atlanta beat the Bengals on their QB bye week to stay hot on the Panthers tail, with only a 275-244 loss to Carolina keeping them from being current division champs. Upcoming slate: Buccaneers, Rams, Panthers. Assuming Allen Robinson is healthy after a headshot late on Monday night, the Falcons have the juice to come out of this month still shining.
4. (=) Carolina Panthers (5-2)
The time is almost here for Carolina to rely on all those TEs. A season ending injury to Odell Beckham is a huge deal to an already not elite offense that is now relying on continued playing time from Saints UDFA Marquez Callaway. The path of least resistance for Carolina is to hold on to the division. There’s a very good chance that could involve rooting for a Falcons loss or two. A week 10 ATL/CAR matchup may be a decisive one for the divisional crown.
3. (+2) Washington Football Team (7-0)
It’s high time we put some real respect on the Football Team. I don’t think Blaine thought he had a 7-0 team when the season began, but some early success and some great trades have turned the ‘Team into a dangerous squad. An emergent Rob Gronkowski is beginning to come out for them to add even more depth to the talented offense. This week they face a Kylerless, Kickerless Giants team who have a few defensive starters on bye as well. Washington is at the point where even if they do lose that undefeated record sometime late season, they are still a playoff team with the firepower to take people out. Masterful job by Blaine this season.
2. (=) Las Vegas Raiders (6-1)
The Raiders finally find their first L of the season by the hand of the Eagles this week. No Mixon and a disappointing week defensively contributed to the loss. In other news, the Raiders have essentially clinched their division now 3 games over DEN/KC and they have a very light schedule to close the season.
1.(=) Los Angeles Rams (7-0)
On top of the usual Rams brand dominance this week, they may be in the midst of a Christian Kirk breakout. The Rams also added Jared Cook and Latavius Murray recently. My interesting note for the Rams this week, they play a 49ers team that will feature Tua’s first start and a few young guys that are beginning to turn the corner. This isn’t the 49ers team we’ve seen in the early half, and the Rams will be without *inhale* Hopkins, Kirk, McLaurin, Shenault. Van Jefferson and Mike Thomas will be the Rams wideouts this week, though the defense is bye week free.