Power Rankings - Week 12
Nov 22, 2022 15:20:10 GMT -5
Colts GM (Darryl), Titans GM (Ricky), and 1 more like this
Post by Panthers GM (Jesse) on Nov 22, 2022 15:20:10 GMT -5
1 New York Giants 10-1 (Previous ranking in Week 7 article: 1)
The funniest part about this Giants team is their depth. Injuries have been fairly kind to them, but even if they do strike their top reserve offensive players are Michael Carter and Greg Dortch who would be perfectly fine starters on most teams in this league. Kyler needs to get healthy for the final stretch, Giants don’t have depth there.
2 San Francisco 49ers 9-2 (Prev : 3)
Like their brothers in Los Angeles, the Niners have been bashing lesser teams for the last month, including a 314 point effort vs Chicago with no Ja’marr Chase. This team has become a true beast featuring probably the best defense in Legacy to compliment Burrow, Adams, Chase and the gang.
3 Tennessee Titans 10-1 (Prev: 4)
Four weeks ago the Titans comments here voiced concern for their week 14 bye weeks. I think at this point the Titans are the heavy favorites for the #1 seed in the AFC and need to be ranked accordingly. The Titans will enter the divisional round of the playoffs with Patrick Mahomes, Jonathan Taylor, Alvin Kamara, Zaire Franklin, and Bobby Okereke fresh off their bye week.
4 Los Angeles Rams 10-1 (Prev: 2)
Dropping the Rams 2 spots after a 4-0 month is a debatable call, but the Rams have been slaughtering some bad teams lately and the point scored totals leave something to be desired. There are some injuries racking up, but there are also some good depth players about to step in to more prominent roles on their real life teams on this roster. A huge matchup looms week 13 vs the 49ers.
5 Carolina Panthers 9-2 (Prev: 5)
The Panthers have run hot and cold through the bulk of the bye week schedules exemplified by a week 10 loss to Dallas that likely ended their hopes for the #1 seed followed by their 2nd 300 point week of the year in week 11. Justin Fields and the young WR core are the pieces that can take Carolina from “Good” to “Great” any given week, and they will be without a chunk of that formula (Fields, Mooney, Olave) in a potential week 14 game.
6 Cleveland Browns 9-2 (Prev: 8)
A month ago I referenced the “Little Engine That Could” energy present in Cleveland these days..It looked more like a freight train the past 6 weeks. The Browns have put up respectable 220-250 point performances consistently, easily enough to take out 6 teams in a row including their upset vs the Rams week 7. Wan’Dale Robinson and Khalil Herbert injuries hurt their chances of breaking out elite performance over the balance of the year, but they can beat anybody any given week.
7 Las Vegas Raiders 8-3 (Prev: 10)
The Raiders have taken command of the AFC West over the past month. A completely dominant week 8 that saw the Raiders score 331 points shifted the window on what the Raiders are capable of doing with a healthy roster. They get a chance to knock out a big dog this week vs NYG. If they fall to NYG, the Raiders and Chiefs could head for a winner take all final in week 13.
8 Miami Dolphins 9-2 (Prev: 6)
The good news in Miami is the Dolphins have clinched the AFC East. The bad news is, this Dolphins team is going to struggle over the next 3+ weeks without Cooper Kupp. This is still a solid roster without Kupp at every position other than WR. The Dolphins are in “Survive and advance” mode unless Kupp returns.
9 Philadelphia Eagles 8-3 (Prev: 7)
It’s been a weird month in Philadelphia! The Eagles took care of business against Washington, then were blown out by Carolina, edged out the undefeated Giants, and lost heavyweight bout against the Bucs this week on judges' decision (266-238). With Matt Ryan back as their starter the Eagles should soon clinch a playoff spot
10 Detroit Lions 9-2 (Prev: 11)
Where is the ceiling for the Lions? It’s certainly lower if Leonard Fournette is injured and/or slotted for a reduced role to end the year. This is a good team, but they haven’t proved to me they are capable of beating a great team on a good week.
11 Kansas City Chiefs 6-5 (Prev: 9)
The Chiefs are still one of the more dangerous teams in the AFC by my estimation. They hit a bit of a skid last month with a stat change loss to Baltimore and bye week stacked week 11 loss to Pittsburgh. As we venture into the middle of these power rankings we’ll meet “The Seven” 6-5 teams locked into scenario heavy bids for playoff spots. The best of these Seven in my estimation is Kansas City, who should comfortably take care of Washington this week before an electric match up with Vegas in week 13.
12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-5 (Prev: 12)
Like an action movie protagonist, the Bucs had been hanging on and struggling to keep above water with four losses to elite teams. Three weeks ago Tampa lost to Dallas by 0.09 points.. Last week they erupted for 266 points to beat a really good Eagles team. I have a feeling the Broncos cutting Melvin Gordon could end up a positive move for the Bucs. The NFC’s 4 members of “The Seven” are all competing for one playoff spot. Tampa currently controls their destiny and can take that spot..All they have to do is knock off the top tier Browns and Panthers back to back.
13 Indianapolis Colts 5-6 (Prev: 18)
Your favorite team’s favorite team, the Colts. Darryl’s squad has won 4 straight since starting 1-6 and suddenly they’re in playoff contention but with 5 wins they will need help. Indy is in must win mode in week 12 against the 9-2 Lions. Already down Kyle Pitts, Indy really needs Rondale Moore to play this week to keep the dream alive.
14 Dallas Cowboys 6-5 (Prev: 17)
Currently playing about as good as any team in the league, Dallas has rounded into form. The bad news? They’re one of “The Seven” and they need help to make the dance. Dallas should coast by the Chargers this week setting up for what could be a win and you’re in scenario versus the Eagles to end the year. Dallas’ secret weapon: a month ago, did you think of Parris Campbell, Allen Lazard, Christian Watson and Michael Gallup as a potentially top 10 WR stable? Is this too little too late?
15 Green Bay Packers 6-5 (Prev: 20)
Since calling me out in the week 7 rankings post, Josh has been on a steady 3-1 roll. No trades occurred and no free agents were signed, but the best Packers have been even better lately. Davis Mills has successfully bridged Green Bay to Deshaun Watson and they have to be ready right away with Tennessee and Detroit on tap.
16 Baltimore Ravens 6-5 (Prev: 19)
Baltimore has been a very good team over the last month. A razor thin win over the Chiefs had them at 6-3 before back to back close losses to the Browns and Raiders set the stage for this member to become a part of “The Seven”. The Ravens SHOULD be able to punch their ticket to the playoffs by beating Atlanta and Pittsburgh back-to-back.
17 New England Patriots 6-5 (Prev: 13)
After a 6-1 start, the wheels have fallen off the cart in New England in terms of seeding. Luckily for Randall, he closes the year with two very winnable games against the two worst teams in Legacy.
18 New Orleans Saints 4-7 (Prev: 24)
The Saints wont make it to the dance this year. This might be a high ranking for a four win team but they belong at 18. I have them ranked above two of “The Seven” because I think they’ll finish at 6-7 right in line with some of those teams anyways.
19 Chicago Bears 6-5 (Prev: 15)
The good news is Chicago showed how close they are to being competitive. When Hall was healthy this was a dangerous team on a warpath with Detroit. Since Hall was injured, they’ve slid to 6-5 and they aren’t putting up the weekly point totals one would get excited about in a playoff spot. If they win out against Jacksonville and Minnesota, all they need is Tampa to lose to either Cleveland or Carolina to make the playoffs.
20 Denver Broncos 4-7 (Prev: 14)
I still love this roster. The Chiefs, Raiders and Browns teamed up to knock them out of the playoff race over the last month, but the future is BRIGHT bright.
21 Jacksonville Jaguars 6-5 (Prev: 16)
“A solid defensive team, the Jaguars walk in the door and accept a goose egg from one offensive position a week assuming there are no byes or injuries creating more 0s. They have the cap to get at least something on offense. Sign a fullback, Shane! A 1 yard TD reception from your fullback on a Sunday night is a good feeling.”
Just quoting my week 7 feelings here. No effort was made to fix this issue so I won’t spend any time on their potential path to a 1st round loss.
22 Cincinnati Bengals 5-6 (Prev: 25)
Bengals have a lot of talent on defense, but they have the lousiest offensive roster in all of Legacy. They have Daniel Jones and Cole Kmet. The rest of their offensive players should probably be on the waiver wire. Much work is needed to fix this mess.
23 Pittsburgh Steelers 5-6 (Prev: 23)
Steelers fans will be watching Kadareus Toney to see if they have a genuine building block in him or not. Steelers will finish the year with a tough record, but the pieces are there for a talented GM to turn this around.
24 New York Jets 4-7 (Prev: 21)
Mmm…ouch. A loss to the Texans in week 11 truly puts the Jets 2022 season to bed. This is a team full of prospects, but some effort will be needed to bring bigger guns to the fight in 2023.
25 Atlanta Falcons 3-8 (Prev: 22)
Injuries to Dobbins and Hollywood Brown, plus Jamison Williams pre existing injury lasting until at least week 12 left the Falcons wanting points a lot this year. They could finish 3-10 and add a top 10 draft pick to a talented team next year.
26 Seattle Seahawks 2-9 (Prev: 26)
If Seattle had their own 2022 1st rounder, they might have a decision to make at QB in a few months with Zach Wilson looking like he may not be taking 1st team snaps in training camp next year. Tough spot to be in for them, a real motherf-
27 San Diego Chargers 1-10 (Prev: 27)
The Chargers have gone 0-5 since waiving the white flag and trading their useful pieces at the deadline. They should be in line for a top 5 pick. This isn’t a horrible team thought, and if they get a talented QB with that pick and add a few useful offensive pieces they should be a lot scerier in ‘23. They still have the WR1 in Tyreek Hill for 3 years.
28 Washington Commanders 0-11 (Prev: 28)
With the Chiefs and Giants on tap to end the year, the Commanders should end the year 0-13. Time for the rebuilt to begin!
29 Houston Texans 3-8 (Prev: 29)
It’s a miracle the Texans have won three games, but it’s also fine since they don't own their 1st round pick anyway.
30 Minnesota Vikings 0-11 (Prev: 30)
I remain almost impressed that the Vikings have avoided a win. This is a team with probably 8 genuine young building blocks who put up weekly points. Najee and Dameon Pierce are a better RB duo than most of the league has. This should be a fun offseason to watch.
31 Arizona Cardinals 1-10 (Prev: 31)
It’s been an interesting year in Arizona. We can sing praises for the gambles that have paid off, but I am genuinely curious to see how many of the players currently employed by this team will be around by week 1 next year.
32 Buffalo Bills 0-11 (Prev: 32)
What can we really say? I’m proud the Bills have put up 160+ points back to back, and it’s good to see Treylon Burks and Skyy Moore show some juice this week. Here’s to 2023 and to new ownership.
The funniest part about this Giants team is their depth. Injuries have been fairly kind to them, but even if they do strike their top reserve offensive players are Michael Carter and Greg Dortch who would be perfectly fine starters on most teams in this league. Kyler needs to get healthy for the final stretch, Giants don’t have depth there.
2 San Francisco 49ers 9-2 (Prev : 3)
Like their brothers in Los Angeles, the Niners have been bashing lesser teams for the last month, including a 314 point effort vs Chicago with no Ja’marr Chase. This team has become a true beast featuring probably the best defense in Legacy to compliment Burrow, Adams, Chase and the gang.
3 Tennessee Titans 10-1 (Prev: 4)
Four weeks ago the Titans comments here voiced concern for their week 14 bye weeks. I think at this point the Titans are the heavy favorites for the #1 seed in the AFC and need to be ranked accordingly. The Titans will enter the divisional round of the playoffs with Patrick Mahomes, Jonathan Taylor, Alvin Kamara, Zaire Franklin, and Bobby Okereke fresh off their bye week.
4 Los Angeles Rams 10-1 (Prev: 2)
Dropping the Rams 2 spots after a 4-0 month is a debatable call, but the Rams have been slaughtering some bad teams lately and the point scored totals leave something to be desired. There are some injuries racking up, but there are also some good depth players about to step in to more prominent roles on their real life teams on this roster. A huge matchup looms week 13 vs the 49ers.
5 Carolina Panthers 9-2 (Prev: 5)
The Panthers have run hot and cold through the bulk of the bye week schedules exemplified by a week 10 loss to Dallas that likely ended their hopes for the #1 seed followed by their 2nd 300 point week of the year in week 11. Justin Fields and the young WR core are the pieces that can take Carolina from “Good” to “Great” any given week, and they will be without a chunk of that formula (Fields, Mooney, Olave) in a potential week 14 game.
6 Cleveland Browns 9-2 (Prev: 8)
A month ago I referenced the “Little Engine That Could” energy present in Cleveland these days..It looked more like a freight train the past 6 weeks. The Browns have put up respectable 220-250 point performances consistently, easily enough to take out 6 teams in a row including their upset vs the Rams week 7. Wan’Dale Robinson and Khalil Herbert injuries hurt their chances of breaking out elite performance over the balance of the year, but they can beat anybody any given week.
7 Las Vegas Raiders 8-3 (Prev: 10)
The Raiders have taken command of the AFC West over the past month. A completely dominant week 8 that saw the Raiders score 331 points shifted the window on what the Raiders are capable of doing with a healthy roster. They get a chance to knock out a big dog this week vs NYG. If they fall to NYG, the Raiders and Chiefs could head for a winner take all final in week 13.
8 Miami Dolphins 9-2 (Prev: 6)
The good news in Miami is the Dolphins have clinched the AFC East. The bad news is, this Dolphins team is going to struggle over the next 3+ weeks without Cooper Kupp. This is still a solid roster without Kupp at every position other than WR. The Dolphins are in “Survive and advance” mode unless Kupp returns.
9 Philadelphia Eagles 8-3 (Prev: 7)
It’s been a weird month in Philadelphia! The Eagles took care of business against Washington, then were blown out by Carolina, edged out the undefeated Giants, and lost heavyweight bout against the Bucs this week on judges' decision (266-238). With Matt Ryan back as their starter the Eagles should soon clinch a playoff spot
10 Detroit Lions 9-2 (Prev: 11)
Where is the ceiling for the Lions? It’s certainly lower if Leonard Fournette is injured and/or slotted for a reduced role to end the year. This is a good team, but they haven’t proved to me they are capable of beating a great team on a good week.
11 Kansas City Chiefs 6-5 (Prev: 9)
The Chiefs are still one of the more dangerous teams in the AFC by my estimation. They hit a bit of a skid last month with a stat change loss to Baltimore and bye week stacked week 11 loss to Pittsburgh. As we venture into the middle of these power rankings we’ll meet “The Seven” 6-5 teams locked into scenario heavy bids for playoff spots. The best of these Seven in my estimation is Kansas City, who should comfortably take care of Washington this week before an electric match up with Vegas in week 13.
12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-5 (Prev: 12)
Like an action movie protagonist, the Bucs had been hanging on and struggling to keep above water with four losses to elite teams. Three weeks ago Tampa lost to Dallas by 0.09 points.. Last week they erupted for 266 points to beat a really good Eagles team. I have a feeling the Broncos cutting Melvin Gordon could end up a positive move for the Bucs. The NFC’s 4 members of “The Seven” are all competing for one playoff spot. Tampa currently controls their destiny and can take that spot..All they have to do is knock off the top tier Browns and Panthers back to back.
13 Indianapolis Colts 5-6 (Prev: 18)
Your favorite team’s favorite team, the Colts. Darryl’s squad has won 4 straight since starting 1-6 and suddenly they’re in playoff contention but with 5 wins they will need help. Indy is in must win mode in week 12 against the 9-2 Lions. Already down Kyle Pitts, Indy really needs Rondale Moore to play this week to keep the dream alive.
14 Dallas Cowboys 6-5 (Prev: 17)
Currently playing about as good as any team in the league, Dallas has rounded into form. The bad news? They’re one of “The Seven” and they need help to make the dance. Dallas should coast by the Chargers this week setting up for what could be a win and you’re in scenario versus the Eagles to end the year. Dallas’ secret weapon: a month ago, did you think of Parris Campbell, Allen Lazard, Christian Watson and Michael Gallup as a potentially top 10 WR stable? Is this too little too late?
15 Green Bay Packers 6-5 (Prev: 20)
Since calling me out in the week 7 rankings post, Josh has been on a steady 3-1 roll. No trades occurred and no free agents were signed, but the best Packers have been even better lately. Davis Mills has successfully bridged Green Bay to Deshaun Watson and they have to be ready right away with Tennessee and Detroit on tap.
16 Baltimore Ravens 6-5 (Prev: 19)
Baltimore has been a very good team over the last month. A razor thin win over the Chiefs had them at 6-3 before back to back close losses to the Browns and Raiders set the stage for this member to become a part of “The Seven”. The Ravens SHOULD be able to punch their ticket to the playoffs by beating Atlanta and Pittsburgh back-to-back.
17 New England Patriots 6-5 (Prev: 13)
After a 6-1 start, the wheels have fallen off the cart in New England in terms of seeding. Luckily for Randall, he closes the year with two very winnable games against the two worst teams in Legacy.
18 New Orleans Saints 4-7 (Prev: 24)
The Saints wont make it to the dance this year. This might be a high ranking for a four win team but they belong at 18. I have them ranked above two of “The Seven” because I think they’ll finish at 6-7 right in line with some of those teams anyways.
19 Chicago Bears 6-5 (Prev: 15)
The good news is Chicago showed how close they are to being competitive. When Hall was healthy this was a dangerous team on a warpath with Detroit. Since Hall was injured, they’ve slid to 6-5 and they aren’t putting up the weekly point totals one would get excited about in a playoff spot. If they win out against Jacksonville and Minnesota, all they need is Tampa to lose to either Cleveland or Carolina to make the playoffs.
20 Denver Broncos 4-7 (Prev: 14)
I still love this roster. The Chiefs, Raiders and Browns teamed up to knock them out of the playoff race over the last month, but the future is BRIGHT bright.
21 Jacksonville Jaguars 6-5 (Prev: 16)
“A solid defensive team, the Jaguars walk in the door and accept a goose egg from one offensive position a week assuming there are no byes or injuries creating more 0s. They have the cap to get at least something on offense. Sign a fullback, Shane! A 1 yard TD reception from your fullback on a Sunday night is a good feeling.”
Just quoting my week 7 feelings here. No effort was made to fix this issue so I won’t spend any time on their potential path to a 1st round loss.
22 Cincinnati Bengals 5-6 (Prev: 25)
Bengals have a lot of talent on defense, but they have the lousiest offensive roster in all of Legacy. They have Daniel Jones and Cole Kmet. The rest of their offensive players should probably be on the waiver wire. Much work is needed to fix this mess.
23 Pittsburgh Steelers 5-6 (Prev: 23)
Steelers fans will be watching Kadareus Toney to see if they have a genuine building block in him or not. Steelers will finish the year with a tough record, but the pieces are there for a talented GM to turn this around.
24 New York Jets 4-7 (Prev: 21)
Mmm…ouch. A loss to the Texans in week 11 truly puts the Jets 2022 season to bed. This is a team full of prospects, but some effort will be needed to bring bigger guns to the fight in 2023.
25 Atlanta Falcons 3-8 (Prev: 22)
Injuries to Dobbins and Hollywood Brown, plus Jamison Williams pre existing injury lasting until at least week 12 left the Falcons wanting points a lot this year. They could finish 3-10 and add a top 10 draft pick to a talented team next year.
26 Seattle Seahawks 2-9 (Prev: 26)
If Seattle had their own 2022 1st rounder, they might have a decision to make at QB in a few months with Zach Wilson looking like he may not be taking 1st team snaps in training camp next year. Tough spot to be in for them, a real motherf-
27 San Diego Chargers 1-10 (Prev: 27)
The Chargers have gone 0-5 since waiving the white flag and trading their useful pieces at the deadline. They should be in line for a top 5 pick. This isn’t a horrible team thought, and if they get a talented QB with that pick and add a few useful offensive pieces they should be a lot scerier in ‘23. They still have the WR1 in Tyreek Hill for 3 years.
28 Washington Commanders 0-11 (Prev: 28)
With the Chiefs and Giants on tap to end the year, the Commanders should end the year 0-13. Time for the rebuilt to begin!
29 Houston Texans 3-8 (Prev: 29)
It’s a miracle the Texans have won three games, but it’s also fine since they don't own their 1st round pick anyway.
30 Minnesota Vikings 0-11 (Prev: 30)
I remain almost impressed that the Vikings have avoided a win. This is a team with probably 8 genuine young building blocks who put up weekly points. Najee and Dameon Pierce are a better RB duo than most of the league has. This should be a fun offseason to watch.
31 Arizona Cardinals 1-10 (Prev: 31)
It’s been an interesting year in Arizona. We can sing praises for the gambles that have paid off, but I am genuinely curious to see how many of the players currently employed by this team will be around by week 1 next year.
32 Buffalo Bills 0-11 (Prev: 32)
What can we really say? I’m proud the Bills have put up 160+ points back to back, and it’s good to see Treylon Burks and Skyy Moore show some juice this week. Here’s to 2023 and to new ownership.
