Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.
The top five in the power rankings throughout the season has been a rotating carousel of teams. The Patriots surged from the back half to the top five thanks to six consecutive wins. The Rams and Titans both were in the top 3 at some point this season, but slipped down because of losing streaks.
The only ones who are consistent this season are the Lions and Jaguars: They’re consistently bad.
With just six weeks left in the regular season, there is a lot that is left to be decided in the NFL, whether it be divisional races, wild card races, or the top seed in either conference. Two of the top five teams in the power rankings didn’t even play in Week 12. The bottom two wish they had not.
#32: Detroit Lions
Week 12 vs. CHI: L, 14-16 | Record: 0-10-1
Previous Rank: #32
The Lions keep finding new ways to lose. Their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Bears is another one of those painful losses. After scoring a touchdown to pull ahead by a point, they allowed a game-winning drive that took the last eight-and-a-half minutes of the game. Then came consecutive timeouts by the Lions that resulted in a delay of game penalty on a critical 3rd down. Not to mention they had six holding penalties on their O-line and a busted coverage on one touchdown. But the double timeout was perhaps the most baffling part of their loss. Dan Campbell tried to explain the gaffe to reporters after the game: “Obviously can’t do that. But we had miscommunication. Half of our secondary had one call and half had the other. It was a check by what they were doing, so you don’t get it until in the middle of the play, but it’s something we had talked about. You don’t get it pre-snap. It’s a call and it’s got basically a check on it to what they’re going to do and what they line up in offensively.” That shows. While he has his players fighting hard week after week, it’s not just his guys who need to learn how to close out a game. Miscommunications and mental errors reflect poorly on the coaching staff. Combine that with a lack of elite talent, and now you see why they don’t have a win this season, even though they had golden opportunities to snag a win in each of their last three games. The defense has overachieved, but the offense has not been able to take care of business. And now D’Andre Swift is hurt.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Jared Goff
RB: Jamaal Williams
WR: Kalif Raymond, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds
TE: TJ Hockenson
OL: Taylor Decker (LT), Jonah Jenkins (LG), Evan Brown (C), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (RG), Penei Sewell (RT)
DL: Michael Brockers (LDE), Alim McNeill (NT), Da’Shawn Hand (RDE)
EDGE: Julian Okwara (WLB), Charles Harris (SLB)
ILB: Alex Anzalone (LILB), Derrick Barnes (RILB)
CB: Amani Oruwariye (LCB), Jerry Jacobs (RCB)
S: Will Harris (SS), Tracy Walker III (FS)
ST: Riley Patterson (K), Jack Fox (P), Scott Daly (LS)
RS: Godwin Igwebuike (KR), Kalif Raymond (PR)
#31: Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 12 vs. ATL: L, 14-21 | Record: 2-9
Previous Rank: #31
The Jaguars’ 2021 season has been miserable. Even in a year where it has been one low after another, getting manhandled by the Falcons is another low. The Falcons scored as many touchdowns in this game as they scored points in the last two weeks: 3. The Falcons allowed at least 25 points in each of their last three games. They gave up just two touchdowns against the Jags. Trevor Lawrence once again struggled, finishing 23-for-42 for 228 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a passer rating of 68.4. He has had few open receivers to throw to this season, and he has lost the only guy who seemed to get consistent separation on a weekly basis in Dan Arnold, further putting Lawrence in a tougher position in what has been a frustrating year for him. However, Urban Meyer insisted that the addition of a faster offensive tempo and more option plays helped Lawrence take a step forward, even in the loss. That step forward looked more like a baby step as it seemed the hot seat may be starting to warm up again. Passing offense and defense has consistently been a problem for the Jags this season—the Jags rank 31st in passing offense and 29th in passing defense. There are promising players in the secondary, but it’s fair to wonder if Meyer is holding the team back. He admitted that the receivers are running the wrong routes and he didn’t know why James Robinson was benched in the 2nd half. His off-field issues are one thing, but he is not showing a lot of promise in his first year as head coach.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Trevor Lawrence
RB: James Robinson
WR: Marvin Jones Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., Laquon Treadwell
TE: James O’Shaughnessy
OL: Cam Robinson (LT), Andrew Norwell (LG), Brandon Linder (C), Ben Bartch (RG), Jawaan Taylor (RT)
DL: Malcom Brown (LDE), DaVon Hamilton (NT), Dawuane Smoot (RDE)
EDGE: Josh Allen (WLB), Jihad Ward (SLB)
ILB: Damien Wilson (LILB), Myles Jack (RILB)
CB: Tyson Campbell (LCB), Rudy Ford (RCB)
S: Rayshawn Jenkins (SS), Andrew Wingard (FS)
ST: Matthew Wright (K), Logan Cooke (P), Ross Matiscik (LS)
RS: Jaydon Mickens
#30: Houston Texans
Week 12 vs. NYJ: L, 14-21 | Record: 2-9
Previous Rank: #29
In Week 11, the Texans pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2021 season in taking down the Titans at Nissan Stadium. In Week 12, they came back down to earth. Against the Titans, they managed just 190 yards of offense. Against the Jets, they had 202. Without the five turnovers against the Titans that gave them short field after short field in Week 11, the Texans could not do much of anything. There’s no doubt Tyrod Taylor makes the Texans more competitive, but don’t mistake basic competence with actual quality. Taylor threw two touchdowns in the 2nd quarter as the Texans took an early 11-point lead against the Jets, but the offensive attack went to sleep in the 21-14 loss. They managed just 45 yards in the 2nd half and could not score a point in the final seven drives against the league’s 32nd-ranked defense. Justin Reid is also wanting to know why he isn’t getting playing time. Offense has been a problem for them, as the Texans rank last in Football Oustiders’ DVOA metric on that side of the ball—they rank last in rushing offense and 30th in passing offense. With Taylor suffering an injury early in the season and uneven play from both him and Davis Mills, the passing offense is disastrous. They need a long-term answer at QB and get him some pass catchers than the ones Taylor and Mills have been throwing to. While the defense has turned a corner (props to Jonathan Greenard), the offense is holding the Texans back. David Culley is doing his best to have the team play competitive despite the lack of talent.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Tyrod Taylor
RB: David Johnson
WR: Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Chris Conley
TE: Pharaoh Brown
OL: Tytus Howard (LT), Lane Taylor (LG), Justin Britt (C), Max Scharping (RG), Charlie Heck (RT)
DE: Jonathan Greenard (LDE), Jacob Martin (RDE)
DT: Maliek Collins (LDT), Roy Lopez (RDT)
LB: Zach Cunningham (WLB), Christian Kirksey (MLB), Kevin Pierre-Louis (SLB)
CB: Desmond King II (LCB), Terrance Mitchell (RCB)
S: Eric Murray (SS), Justin Reid (FS)
ST: Ka’imi Fairbairn (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Jon Weeks (LS)
RS: Desmond King II
#29: New York Jets
Week 12 @ HOU: W, 21-14 | Record: 3-8
Previous Rank: #30
Given how little Jets fans have enjoyed this season, they should be thrilled watching their team beat the Texans. However, when looking at any number except the final score, the smiles start disappearing. Zach Wilson has struggled once again in his return to action after missing time with a knee injury, going 14-for-24 with an interception and four sacks, with the Jets getting just 266 yards of offense. But there are reasons for optimism too. Despite the absence of Michael Carter, the Jets rushed for 157 yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry. The defense also played its best game of the season, allowing just 202 yards and shutting out the Texans in the 2nd half, even allowing just 45 yards in that same half too. It was a much-needed confidence boost for the defense, but the concerns remain with Wilson, who struggled with accuracy and decision-making. Give props to offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur on adjusting the game plan that put Wilson on the back seat. Growing pains are expected with a rookie QB under center, but his has been really uncomfortable. But a win sparked by his rushing touchdown will be a confidence booster to close the season, hopefully fully healthy.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Zach Wilson
RB: Tevin Coleman
WR: Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Jamison Crowder
TE: Ryan Griffin
OL: George Fant (LT), Alijah Vera-Tucker (LG), Connor McGovern (C), Greg Van Roten (RG), Morgan Moses (RT)
DE: John Franklin-Myers (LDE), Shaq Lawson (RDE)
DT: Sheldon Rankins (LDT), Quinnen Williams (RDT)
LB: Del’Shawn Phillips (WLB), CJ Mosley (MLB), Quincy Williams (SLB)
CB: Isaiah Dunn (LCB), Bryce Hall (RCB)
S: Ashtyn Davis (SS), Elijah Riley (FS)
ST: Alex Kessman (K), Braden Mann (P), Thomas Hennessy (LS)
RS: Braxton Berrios
#28: Chicago Bears
Week 12 @ DET: W, 16-13 | Record: 4-7
Previous Rank: #28
Coming into the Thanksgiving Day, there were reports that this game would be Matt Nagy’s last with the Bears. Now imagine his relief when the Lions kicked away another chance at a win by calling back-to-back timeouts in the final minute, which helped the Bears escape with a 16-14 win. He is still in the organization, and is likely going to have his job safe for just six more weeks in what has been another lost season in Chicago. Nagy lauded his team’s ability to overcome the “distractions” after the win over the Lions. “Everybody understands with the distractions that we had, that we fought through it,” said Nagy. “So, there was a report that came out and that was false and that’s where it started. And then we had practice and we continued with our days. We had our practices like we normally would, and I cleared it up with the team.” That the Bears needed a last-second field goal to beat a winless team does more harm than good. One would be naïve to think that this would be the last time we would hear about Nagy’s hot seat, especially with the Cardinals, Packers, and Vikings on their schedule in the next three weeks. Everything that happens the rest of the season should be viewed on what it means for the Bears’ future—one that likely is not going to involve Nagy.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Andy Dalton
RB: David Montgomery
WR: Darnell Mooney, Damiere Byrd, Jakeem Grant
TE: Cole Kmet
OL: Jason Peters (LT), Cody Whitehair (LG), Sam Mustipher (C), James Daniels (RG), Larry Borom (RT)
DL: Angelo Blackson (LDE), Eddie Goldman (NT), Bilal Nichols (RDE)
EDGE: Cassius Marsh (WLB), Robert Quinn (SLB)
ILB: Roquan Smith (LILB), Alec Ogletree (RILB)
CB: Jaylon Johnson (LCB), Artie Burns (RCB)
S: Tashaun Gipson Sr. (SS), Eddie Jackson FS)
ST: Cairo Santos (K), Pat O’Donnell (P), Patrick Scales (LS)
RS: Jakeem Grant
#27: Seattle Seahawks
Week 12 @ WSH: L, 15-17 | Record: 3-8
Previous Rank: #26
It’s fair to wonder if the Pete Carroll era is coming to an end in Seattle. After losing their third straight game in Washington, they are now 3-8 and are all but finished, even in an NFC where the 7th seed is at the wrong side of .500. Ever since Russell Wilson has returned to the lineup, the offense has been falling off a cliff. They scored 28 points in their last three games combined. Wilson once again struggled with accuracy and one can say that his middle finger on his throwing hand has not fully healed. The ground game was stuck in mud. DK Metcalf was entirely taken off the game plan, having just one catch against one of the worst secondaries in the league. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron could not make the necessary adjustments. This offensive performance was an abomination: They had just five first downs before their final offensive possession began with 2:19 left, and 96 of their 267 total yards came on that one drive alone. Wilson isn’t hitting the deep, explosive plays the way he’d like. There is no easy way to fix the Seahawks. Pete Carroll is 70, the oldest coach in the league. If this is the end of his time in Seattle, given Wilson’s unhappiness last offseason, the question is if he will try and force his way out if major changes are coming. The same goes for high-priced veterans like Bobby Wagner. Nobody expected the Seahawks’ season to turn out like this.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Alex Collins
WR: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Freddie Swain
TE: Gerald Everett
OL: Duane Brown (LT), Kyle Fuller (LG), Ethan Pocic (C), Gabe Jackson (RG), Brandon Shell (RT)
DE: Rasheem Green (LDE), Kerry Hyder Jr. (RDE)
DT: Poona Ford (LDT), Al Woods (RDT)
LB: Jordyn Brooks (WLB), Bobby Wagner (MLB), Benson Mayowa (SLB)
CB: DJ Reed (LCB), Sidney Jones IV (RCB)
S: Jamal Adams (SS), Quandre Diggs (FS)
ST: Jason Myers (K), Michael Dickson (P), Tyler Ott (LS)
RS: DeeJay Dallas (KR), Freddie Swain (PR)
#26: Atlanta Falcons
Week 12 @ JAX: W, 21-14 | Record: 5-6
Previous Rank: #27
While their win over the Jaguars got them one win back of .500, the truth is the Falcons are not a good team on either side of the ball. About the only bright spot for them in a disappointing season has been Cordarrelle Patterson. For the majority of his career, he has altered between a disappointing wide receiver and an excellent kick returner. However, with the backfield in complete disarray, the Falcons leaned on him to be a do-it-all running back. He carried the ball a season-high 16 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns on the way to 135 total yards. With Calvin Ridley absent and Kyle Pitts being a hit-or-miss contributor, Patterson has been the most reliable weapon the Falcons have all season. The results have not been pretty for Matt Ryan and head coach Arthur Smith, but they have already improved from their win total from last season. Smith even praised Patterson for his efforts. “Obviously, having CP back adds an element,” said Smith. “He’s a warrior. He’s a big, physical presence that can do a lot for us. And that’s clear. Good to have him back.” One area of concern is both lines. Ryan has been hit more than any QB in the NFL and the ground game has been stuck on neutral when Patterson is not running the ball. The O-line has issues to work through, but they’re still young. They’re also last in the league in sacks and pressure rate, per TruMedia. Some blitzes were schemed, but they don’t have a pass rusher that can impact a game.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Matt Ryan
RB: Cordarrelle Patterson
WR: Russell Gage, Tajae Sharpe, Olamide Zaccheaus
TE: Kyle Pitts
OL: Jake Matthews (LT), Jalen Mayfield (LG), Matt Hennessy (C), Chris Lindstrom (RG), Kaleb McGary (RT)
DL: Mike Pennel (LDE), Tyeler Davison (NT), Grady Jarrett (RDT)
EDGE: Dante Fowler Jr. (WLB), Adetokunbo Ogundeji (SLB)
ILB: Deion Jones (LILB), Foyesade Oluokun (RILB)
CB: AJ Terrell (LCB), Fabian Moreau (RCB)
S: Duron Harmon (SS), Erik Harris (FS)
ST: Younghoe Koo (K), Thomas Morstead (P), Josh Harris (LS)
RS: Avery Williams
#25: Carolina Panthers
Week 12 @ MIA: L, 10-33 | Record: 5-7
Previous Rank: #21
When Cam Newton signed with the Panthers, it was a great story to come by. In the days and weeks ever since, it was apparent that he was not going to save their season. Their game against the Dolphins was a doomsday. Consider everything that happened in the 33-10 loss: Newton was absolutely dreadful, completing just five of 21 passes for 92 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. He had a career-low passer rating of 5.8 before getting benched by PJ Walker. It led once again to Matt Rhule answering questions on who his starter will be going forward. The defense, the supposed backbone of the team, became pushovers for the second straight week. And then there’s Christian McCaffrey, who suffered yet another injury, this one to the ankle, and deemed to be severe enough to end his season. He has now lost back-to-back years of his prime because of different injuries. When Rhule spoke to reporters, he says that no one person was solely responsible for the collapse. “As it evolved, or devolved I should say ... I purely believe Miami outplayed us today, outcoached us today,” said Rhule. “They were better than us today. Pretty simple to me.” It’s not helping them that they rank second-to-last in Football Outsiders’ passing offense DVOA, ahead of only the Lions. From Teddy Bridgewater last season to Sam Darnold earlier this season to Newton, Rhule and his guys have been searching for an answer at QB. They have one of the best defenses in the league and have run the ball well, but the passing game is holding them back until they have an answer at QB. It’s been a tale of two entirely different seasons, and it’s one that will only get tougher. Not-so-fun fact: Ever since he became the highest-paid running back in the NFL, McCaffrey has missed 23 of the Panthers’ last 33 games.
Week 14 Projected Starters
QB: Cam Newton
RB: Christian McCaffrey
WR: DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Brandon Zylstra
TE: Ian Thomas
OL: Dennis Daley (LT), Michael Jordan (LG), Pat Elflein (C), John Miller (RG), Taylor Moton (RT)
DE: Brian Burns (LDE), Morgan Fox (RDE)
DT: Derrick Brown (LDT), DaQuan Jones (RDT)
LB: Shaq Thompson (WLB), Jermaine Carter Jr. (MLB), Haason Reddick (SLB)
CB: AJ Bouye (LCB), Stephon Gilmore (RCB)
S: Juston Burris (SS), Jeremy Chinn (FS)
ST: Zane Gonzalez (K), Lachlan Edwards (P), JJ Jansen (LS)
RS: Ameer Abdullah (KR), Alex Erickson (PR)
#24: New York Giants
Week 12 vs. PHI: W, 13-7 | Record: 4-7
Previous Rank: #25
As it showed, Jason Garrett was part of the problem, but it hardly did anything to fix the Giants’ offense. With interim coordinator Freddie Kitchens calling the plays, they averaged just 2.6 yards per carry and had 264 yards of offense against the Eagles. Still, that, combined with a solid defensive effort that included four takeaways (including some Jalen Reagor-related luck), which was enough to get a six-point win over the Eagles. As hard as it may sound, they are just one game back of the 3rd wild card spot in the NFC, though it would take a miraculous turnaround from the offense to end the team’s five-year playoff drought. The win came on the day former Giants legend Michael Strahan had his no. 92 jersey retired, and head coach Joe Judge said that the team used it as motivation. One player who benefitted from Kitchens’ promotion was Kenny Golladay, who had two end zone targets and converted a pair of 18-yard completions on the Giants’ final field goal drive. While the current situation may not seem salvageable, as they have the same record as they did last season, at 4-7, the NFC East is a lot better. Instead of fighting for a division title, they’re last in the division. The next six weeks are going to be hard to come by. They have the Dolphins, Chargers, Cowboys, Eagles, Bears, and Washington still looming large. A late-season surge is very unlikely, especially considering how bad the O-line is. They have a lot of problems to fix under coach Joe Judge.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Daniel Jones
RB: Saquon Barkley
WR: Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton, Collin Johnson
TE: Evan Engram
OL: Andrew Thomas (LT), Matt Skura (LG), Billy Price (C), Will Hernandez (RG), Nate Solder (RT)
DL: Dexter Lawrence (LDE), Austin Johnson (NT), Leonard Williams (RDE)
EDGE: Lorenzo Carter (WLB), Azeez Ojulari (SLB)
ILB: Tae Crowder (LILB), Reggie Ragland (RILB)
CB: James Bradberry (LCB), Adoree’ Jackson (RCB)
S: Xavier McKinney (SS), Julian Love (FS)
ST: Graham Gano (K), Riley Dixon (P), Casey Kreiter (LS)
RS: Adoree’ Jackson
#23: Philadelphia Eagles
Week 12 @ NYG: L, 7-13 | Record: 5-7
Previous Rank: #18
The Eagles entered Week 12 on a roll. They won three of their last four games to get back to within one game of .500 and back in the playoff race in the NFC. Then came their tilt against the Giants, and every bit of momentum they built up evaporated in a cloud of Jalen Hurts turnovers. Hurts was a mess, throwing three interceptions and finishing with a passer rating of 17.5. He tried forcing the action and threw a lot of risky passes, with calamitous results. He even admitted to reporters after the game that his mistakes cost the team. “Today, I put us in a bad situation with those turnovers I had in the first half, especially going in with the opportunity to get points before halftime,” said Hurts. “It’s something we have to overcome and we will.” Boston Scott had a costly fumble and Jalen Reagor let two well-placed Hurts passes slip off his hands near the goal line in back-to-back plays. Those are tough catches, but balls that a player who was drafted one pick before Justin Jefferson is expected to come down with. Turnovers have been a problem for the Eagles throughout the season. In their first nine games, they turned the ball over seven times. In their last three games, they committed six turnovers. Their playoff chances are starting to slip away, but they’re not out of the conversation with the last playoff team currently sitting under .500. They will stay put at MetLife Stadium in their match against the Jets, and will have another shot against the Giants plus two games against Washington. As long as they stop beating themselves, they could get back on track to possibly take a wild card spot.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Gardner Minshew II
RB: Miles Sanders
WR: DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Jalen Reagor
TE: Dallas Goedert
OL: Jordan Mailata (LT), Landon Dickerson (LG), Jason Kelce (C), Jack Driscoll (RG), Lane Johnson (RT)
DE: Josh Sweat (LDE), Derek Barnett (RDE)
DT: Javon Hargrave (LDT), Fletcher Cox (RDT)
LB: Alex Singleton (WLB), TJ Edwards (MLB), Genard Avery (SLB)
CB: Darius Slay Jr. (LCB), Avonte Maddox (RCB)
S: K’Von Wallace (SS), Anthony Harris (FS)
ST: Jake Elliott (K), Arryn Siposs (P), Rick Lovato (FS)
RS: Jalen Reagor
#22: New Orleans Saints
Week 12 vs. BUF: L, 6-31 | Record: 5-6
Previous Rank: #19
The Saints are falling. Even if they started 5-2, with most of their players healthy, it was clear that they had significant limitations. However, Jameis Winston’s season-ending knee injury forced Trevor Siemian and now Taysom Hill at the starting QB role. With Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram II both out, they were forced to turn to Tony Jones Jr. and Ty Montgomery at running back. The wide receiver core has been without Michael Thomas for the entire season. After mustering just 190 yards of offense against the Bills, the Saints have now lost four in a row and have fallen below .500 for the first time this season. The Saints mustered just 44 rushing yards (1.8 yards per carry) in the loss. They have already sustained too many personnel losses to operate an efficient offense. They are dealing with a lot of injuries to key players to be competitive. They played without multiple starters on the O-line too. Sean Payton told reporters after the game that he isn’t exactly sure how to stop the losing streak. “We’ll look at everything right now. Obviously, we have to,” said Payton. “We’ve got to look closely at everything we’re doing and who we’re doing it with.” Payton reportedly wants to switch QBs, and it makes sense: Siemian is a journeyman, and logic dictates that they have an extended look at Hill before making important decisions in the offseason. At the very least, Hill can provide an offensive attack, but given the injuries and the drop in performance, it might not matter what happens, even with a defense not being able to maintain the tight winning formula.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Taysom Hill
RB: Mark Ingram II
WR: Marquez Callaway, Tre’Quan Smith, Deonte Harris
TE: Nick Vannett
OL: James Hurst (LT), Calvin Throckmorton (LG), Erik McCoy (C), Cesar Ruiz (RG), Jordan Mills (RT)
DE: Cameron Jordan (LDE), Carl Granderson (RDE)
DT: David Onyemata (LDT), Shy Tuttle (RDT)
LB: Kwon Alexander (WLB), Demario Davis (MLB), Zack Baun (SLB)
CB: Paulson Adebo (LCB), Marshon Lattimore (RCB)
S: Malcolm Jenkins (SS), Marcus Williams (FS)
ST: Brett Maher (K), Blake Gillikin (P), Zach Wood (LS)
RS: Deonte Harris
#21: Miami Dolphins
Week 12 vs. CAR: W, 33-10 | Record: 5-7
Previous Rank: #24
There was a lot said about the Dolphins’ QB situation for the future. But if Tua Tagovailoa keeps having games like what he did against the Panthers, the notion of moving on from him will make less sense. Granted, he threw just one touchdown pass against the Panthers, but he completed 27 of 31 passes for 230 yards, and his passer rating in his 4th straight win was 108.3. What we saw in this game was the Dolphins team we expected to see. The defense is getting in sync and the offense is on the rise. In his 16th start, Tua’s career numbers will surprise you: 67 percent completion rate, 3,515 yards, 27 total touchdowns, 12 turnovers, and a 90.5 passer rating. That’s the production of an above-average starter, and given that he is 23 and has limited experience, one can expect him to improve. After the game, Tua told reporters that the Dolphins team seen in this game was much like the Dolphins team that was expected to be seen back in September. “We look like the team that we kind of wanted to be at the beginning of this year,” said Tua. “You know, it looked like a lot of guys went out there confident knowing what to expect offensively, defensively, and in the kicking game. I would say this is the best that we’ve played complementary football yet, but there’s still some plays that were left out there on the field that we can fix.” There’s one problem: This four-game winning streak came after a seven-game losing streak that tore apart their playoff hopes. But the Deshaun Watson trade talks are now a pipe dream. Now Tua can flip the script with a strong close to the season. It’s an uphill battle for the playoffs, and the biggest concern is pass protection. They are allowing pressure on 39.5% of dropbacks—only the Seahawks have a worse percentage. Given Tua’s growing injury history, getting better protection for him should be a priority in the offseason.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Tua Tagovailoa
RB: Myles Gaskin
WR: Jaylen Waddle, DeVante Parker, Albert Wilson
TE: Mike Gesicki
OL: Liam Eichenberg (LT), Austin Jackson (LG), Austin Reiter (C), Robert Hunt (RG), Jesse Davis (RT)
DL: Christian Wilkins (LDL), Emmanuel Ogbah (RDL)
EDGE: Andrew Van Ginkel (WLB), Jaelan Phillips (SLB)
ILB: Elandon Roberts (LILB), Jerome Baker (RILB)
CB: Xavien Howard (LCB), Byron Jones (RCB), Justin Coleman (NB)
S: Eric Rowe (SS), Jevon Holland (FS)
ST: Jason Sanders (K), Michael Palardy (P), Blake Ferguson (LS)
RS: Jaylen Waddle
#20: Washington Football Team
Week 12 vs. SEA: W, 17-15 | Record: 5-6
Previous Rank: #20
NEWSFLASH, WASHINGTON: The Capitals and the Football Team are still alive. With the Football Team, they are now on a winning streak, which is up to three after their win over the Seahawks. If the season ended today, they would be the 7th seed in the playoffs. That’s not a typo. Not long ago, they were viewed by many as one of the biggest disappointments of the season—a 2-6 mess at its bye week with an inconsistent offense and one of the biggest disappointments of the entire league. But then something happened. They haven’t lost since coming out of the bye. After stunning the Buccaneers in Week 10, they outlasted the Panthers and the Seahawks to get back to within one game of .500, within two games of the Cowboys in the division and in the NFC playoff picture. Washington beat the Seahawks using Ron Rivera’s best formula: Running the ball and playing stout defense. Washington’s defense forced the Seahawks into five consecutive three-and-outs at one point, leading to over 41 minutes of possession time for Taylor Heinicke and co. With Antonio Gibson running hard and Heinicke limiting mistakes, the offense is moving the ball at will. The defense is playing better without Chase Young and Montez Sweat than they were with him. With two meetings with the Cowboys in the last month, repeating as NFC East champions, something that was laughable a few weeks ago, suddenly is not as laughable as it was. They may not have the most talented team on paper, but they are a team that plays with heart and passion.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Taylor Heinicke
RB: Antonio Gibson
WR: Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Adam Humphries
TE: John Bates
OL: Charles Leno Jr. (LT), Ereck Flowers (LG), Keith Ismael (C), Brandon Scherff (RG), Saahdiq Charles (RT)
DE: James Smith-Williams (LDE), Casey Toohill (RDE)
DT: Da’Ron Payne (LDT), Jonathan Allen (RDT)
LB: Cole Holcomb (WLB), Jamin Davis (MLB), Khaleke Hudson (SLB)
CB: Kendall Fuller (LCB), William Jackson III (RCB)
S: Deshazor Everett (SS), Kamren Curl (FS)
ST: Brian Johnson (K), Tress Way (P), Camaron Cheeseman (LS)
RS: DeAndre Carter
#19: Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 12 @ CIN: L, 10-41 | Record: 5-5-1
Previous Rank: #16
The Steelers need some Icy Hot after the beating their former little brother in the Bengals gave them. They are now at a three-game winless streak that includes the defense giving up 40 points in back-to-back games. In the last two weeks, they gave up a staggering 903 yards. After years—decades, actually—of battling it with the Ravens while beating up also-rans in the Bengals and Browns, the script has flipped. There are no more guarantees for the Steelers. The Bengals reminded them of that in the rudest way possible, building a 31-3 halftime lead before cruising to a 41-10 beatdown to complete the first Bengals’ sweep of the Steelers since 2009. When speaking to reporters after the game, Cameron Heyward preached patience while simultaneously showing frustration with how the team is playing. “There is a lot of football to be played,” said Heyward. “But if we do what we did out there today, we won’t win another damn game.” TJ Watt was no less blunt. “We have to stop this before it continues to unravel and become a bigger issue than it already is,” said Watt. “We can’t keep playing like this. It’s absolutely embarrassing.” The schedule is not doing the Steelers any favors—every team they face the rest of the way came into Week 12 with at least as many wins as losses. A playoff push is still within reason, given the wide-open nature of the NFL this season, but the reality is impossible to ignore: The problems are extensive, and Ben Roethlisberger is hardly the only issue.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Ben Roethlisberger
RB: Najee Harris
WR: Diontae Johnson, James Washington, Chase Claypool
TE: Pat Freiermuth
OL: Dan Moore Jr. (LT), BJ Finney (LG), Kendrick Green (C), Trai Turner (RG), Chukwuma Okorafor (RT)
DL: Chris Wormley (LDL), Cameron Heyward (RDL)
EDGE: TJ Watt (WLB), Alex Highsmith (SLB)
ILB: Devin Bush Jr. (LILB), Joe Schobert (RILB)
CB: James Pierre (LCB), Cam Sutton (RCB), Tre Norwood (NB)
S: Terrell Edmunds (SS), Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS)
ST: Chris Boswell (K), Pressley Harvin III (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
RS: Ray-Ray McCloud
#18: Cleveland Browns
Week 12 @ BAL: L, 10-16 | Record: 6-6
Previous Rank: #15
First, it was Odell Beckham Sr. sounding off on Baker Mayfield. Then it was Kareem Hunt’s father who went public that the Browns are incapable of running their offense with a physically compromised QB. And there’s a solid point: He deserves credit for gutting it out through several injuries, but he is not making enough plays to justify his stay on the lineup. With Odell Beckham Jr. gone and the injuries piling up, the Browns have arguably the weakest array of passing game talent in the league. Mayfield is not playing well, in part because he is visibly injured. The vaunted one-two punch at running back of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt had just 36 yards on 15 carries against the Ravens. While the Browns get to go on the week off, they have been battered, and no player is dealing with more pains than Mayfield. He has completed less than 53% of his passes in each of the past three games and is averaging less than seven yards per attempt in that span. He has also thrown three interceptions and has fumbled twice during the rough stretch. Head coach Kevin Stefanski should decide if starting him is really the best course for the team if they want to remain in the playoff race. In Case Keenum, they have a well-compensated backup who once nearly took the Vikings to the Super Bowl with Stefanski as his QBs coach. Yes, benching Mayfield could lead to hurt feelings and possible estrangement, but if it means winning football games, it should be time for him to be benched and for him to heal up.
Week 14 Projected Starters
QB: Baker Mayfield
RB: Nick Chubb
WR: Jarvis Landry, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Rashard Higgins
TE: Austin Hooper
OL: Jedrick Wills Jr. (LT), Joel Bitonio (LG), JC Tretter (C), Wyatt Teller (RG), Blake Hance (RT)
DE: Myles Garrett (LDE), Jadeveon Clowney (RDE)
DT: Malik Jackson (LDT), Malik McDowell (RDT)
LB: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (WLB), Anthony Walker Jr. (MLB), Sione Takitaki (SLB)
CB: Denzel Ward (LCB), Greg Newsome II (RCB)
S: Ronnie Harrison Jr. (SS), John Johnson III (FS)
ST: Chase McLaughlin (K), Jamie Gillan (P), Charley Hughlett (LS)
RS: Demetric Felton
#17: Denver Broncos
Week 12 vs. LAC: W, 28-13 | Record: 6-5
Previous Rank: #23
It’s rare to see a team win convincingly when their QBs combine for 155 yards. But that’s what happened with the Broncos. With Teddy Bridgewater banged up and Drew Lock playing dreadful, the Broncos were forced to lean to the ground game and the defense. Thanks to 137 yards from Melvin Gordon III and Javonte Williams plus two interceptions from rookie Pat Surtain II (including a pick six), the Broncos blasted the Chargers to move to 6-5 and back in the playoff discussion. When the Broncos traded Von Miller to the Rams, it signaled the start of a new era for the defense. They had four rookies on defense and harassed Justin Herbert to the tune of three sacks, 10 QB hits, and the aforementioned two picks. They now have a chance to move into a first-place tie in the AFC West with a win over the division-leading Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. But keeping those playoff aspirations are not going to be easy. Five of their last six games on their schedule are against teams with winning records. Four of them are inside the AFC West, including two with the Chiefs and a Week 17 rematch with the Chargers. There is also the concern about Bridgewater’s health, although Vic Fangio made it clear that if he is able to play, he is that guy under center. “Teddy’s toughness is unquestioned when you talk about him and I didn’t question it in the big picture,” said Fangio. “And like I said, some [of] you have asked me, he’s our quarterback and it’s as simple as that.”
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Teddy Bridgewater
RB: Javonte Williams
WR: Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick
TE: Noah Fant
OL: Garett Bolles (LT), Dalton Risner (LG), Lloyd Cushenberry III (C), Quinn Meinerz (RG), Bobby Massie (RT)
DL: Shelby Harris (LDE), Mike Purcell (NT), Dre’Mont Jones (RDE)
EDGE: Bradley Chubb (WLB), Stephen Weatherly (SLB)
ILB: Kenny Young (LILB), Baron Browning (RILB)
CB: Ronald Darby (LCB), Pat Surtain II (RCB)
S: Kareem Jackson (SS), Justin Simmons (FS)
ST: Brandon McManus (K), Sam Martin (P), Jacob Bobenmoyer (LS)
RS: Diontae Spencer
#16: Las Vegas Raiders
Week 12 @ DAL: W, 36-33 (OT) | Record: 6-5
Previous Rank: #22
The Raiders didn’t have a lot to be thankful for November. They entered their Thanksgiving match having not won a game since Week 7. However, after a wild overtime victory over the Cowboys, they are back over .500 and back in the mix for both the AFC West and the wild card race. The hero of the win was one of the most underrated QBs in the league—Derek Carr entered the game second in the league in passing yards per game, and after throwing for 373 yards against the Cowboys, he won’t be dropping the rankings. The DeSean Jackson signing is also looking great now, and even at 35, he is still making a huge impact. He started the scoring with a 56-yard touchdown and was a key factor during the win. The release of Henry Ruggs III left a huge hole on the attack, but Jackson possesses the skill to fit it—if he can stay on the field. Carr’s 373 passing yards was thanks to connections with Jackson, and also because of the portions of the field opened up by the deep strike ability. This win was the Raiders’ first win on Thanksgiving Day since 1968, and Carr told reporters afterward that getting a win on Turkey Day was special. “It kind of gave me goosebumps, I’m not going to lie,” said Carr. “When that kick went through, I had a lot of memories as a kid.” Some of those goosebumps have come in the form of having their playoff hopes revived. They just need to be consistent. The win wasn’t all that pretty, it was enough to snap their losing skid. Now the question is if they can put consecutive good games for the first time since October.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Derek Carr
RB: Josh Jacobs
WR: Bryan Edwards, Zay Jones, Hunter Renfrow
TE: Foster Moreau
OL: Kolton Miller (LT), John Simpson (LG), Andre James (C), Alex Leatherwood (RG), Brandon Parker (RT)
DE: Maxx Crosby (LDE), Yannick Ngakoue (RDE)
DT: Johnathan Hankins (LDT), Quinton Jefferson (RDT)
LB: Cory Littleton (WLB), Denzel Perryman (MLB), KJ Wright (SLB)
CB: Nate Hobbs (LCB), Casey Hayward Jr. (RCB)
S: Johnathan Abram (SS), Tre’von Moehrig (FS)
ST: Daniel Carlson (K), AJ Cole III (P), Carson Tinker (LS)
RS: Kenyan Drake (KR), Hunter Renfrow (PR)
#15: Minnesota Vikings
Week 12 @ SF: L, 26-34 | Record: 5-6
Previous Rank: #14
You had to know that the Vikings would be in a close game in Week 12. Only one of their 11 games this season has been decided by double digits. As has been the case in 2021, the Vikings came up short once again, dropping back below .500 after allowing over 200 yards on the ground. They’ve shown they can beat anyone in the NFL when they are at their very best. Unfortunately, they are just not consistent. They jumped out to another seven-point lead in this game, but found themselves on the wrong side of a one-score loss to the 49ers, who now have a potentially critical head-to-head tiebreaker in the NFC wild card race. The inability to stop the run was a killer in the mind of Eric Kendricks. “They came with it,” Kendricks told reporters. “We knew that their run game was really good. Very complex, very confusing. They have a lot of people to block and open up for it. It was about eliminating that and we didn’t do it.” Thanks to a week in which they weren’t the only playoff contender taking the L, they are tied with Washington for the last playoff spot, but if the season were to end today, the Vikings would be watching the playoffs from their couches. But in addition to possibly barely getting knocked out of the playoffs, the injury news is bad: Dalvin Cook was carted off with a shoulder injury and was diagnosed with a dislocated and torn labrum, leaving his status moving forward in doubt. Alexander Mattison is a quality backup running back, but Cook’s extended absence is going to have a trickle-down effect on the offense. The best-case scenario is that Cook’s injury won’t keep him out for long, because the Vikings need him. Without him, they will have to lean heavily on Kirk Cousins and focus more on Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. There are criticisms with Cousins, but he has been playing at MVP levels this season, with just three interceptions on over 400 passing attempts.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Kirk Cousins
RB: Dalvin Cook
WR: Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, KJ Osborn
TE: Tyler Conklin
OL: Rashod Hill (LT), Ezra Cleveland (LG), Garrett Bradbury (C), Oli Udoh (RG), Brian O’Neill (RT)
DE: DJ Wonnum (LDE), Patrick Jones II (RDE)
DT: Armon Watts (LDT), Sheldon Richardson (RDT)
LB: Nick Vigil (WLB), Eric Kendricks (MLB), Anthony Barr (SLB)
CB: Patrick Peterson (LCB), Bashaud Breeland (RCB)
S: Harrison Smith (SS), Xavier Woods (FS)
ST: Greg Joseph (K), Jordan Berry (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)
RS: Kene Nwangwu (KR), Dede Westbrook (PR)
#14: Los Angeles Chargers
Week 12 @ DEN: L, 13-28 | Record: 6-5
Previous Rank: #12
After putting up 47 points against the Browns in Week 5, the Chargers looked to be a Super Bowl contender. Now it’s becoming a fair question on if they are even a playoff contender at all. Their defense, which has allowed 147 rushing yards in their loss to the Broncos, struggled to stop the run through the majority of the season. Errant mistakes and turnovers are plaguing them this season, and add on two 2nd half Justin Herbert interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. They have now lost four of their last six games. Not only can the defense not stop the run, but they can’t generate any game-changing plays. The offense is also inconsistent. They have continued their trend of playing poorly after a win, and an O-line plagued by injuries (they have been without Bryan Bulaga and Oday Aboushi on the right side of the line) is hampering them. Rashawn Slater has been a standout, but injuries and lack of depth across the O-line has been a major liability. Herbert isn’t getting enough help, but he’s not blameless either: He missed open receivers against the Broncos in addition to his two picks. After a 4-1 start, the Chargers have been looking like an average team. The inability to establish momentum is alarming. They haven’t been taking off as many expected.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Justin Herbert
RB: Austin Ekeler
WR: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams
TE: Jared Cook, Donald Parham Jr.
OL: Rashawn Slater (LT), Matt Feiler (LG), Corey Linsley (C), Michael Schofield III (RG), Storm Norton (RT)
DL: Jerry Tillery (LDL), Justin Jones (RDL)
EDGE: Joey Bosa (WLB), Uchenna Nwosu (SLB)
ILB: Drue Tranquill (LILB), Kenneth Murray Jr. (RILB)
CB: Chris Harris Jr. (LCB), Michael Davis (RCB), Tevaughn Campbell (NB)
S: Derwin James Jr. (SS), Nasir Adderley (FS)
ST: Dustin Hopkins (K), Ty Long (P), Matt Overton (LS)
RS: Andre Roberts (KR), Jalen Guyton (PR)
#13: San Francisco 49ers
Week 12 vs. MIN: W, 34-26 | Record: 6-5
Previous Rank: #17
The 49ers are rolling, having won three straight games and four of their last five games. They are now back in the NFC playoff picture by doing what they do best: Running the ball. Against the Vikings, they mustered 208 yards on 39 carries, which averages out to 5.3 yards per carry. Elijah Mitchell had 133 rushing yards in his return to the lineup, while Deebo Samuel averaged 11 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns. They also received huge contributions in a gutty win over the Vikings. Azeez Al-Shaair stepped up big, starting first o the weak side and then in the middle calling plays once Fred Warner went down with a hamstring injury. When Samuel was lost to a groin injury, it was Trent Sherfield who stepped up with a huge 3rd down catch that allowed the Niners to burn down the clock in the final quarter. With so many fringe playoff teams struggling to find an identity, the Niners are doing what they are doing best. The system relies on running the ball with the passing attack sticking to the ground-based principles. Ever since losing to the Cardinals in Week 9, the Niners have averaged 41.7 carries per game over the next three games. They are running the football effectively, at the point of attack.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo
RB: Elijah Mitchell
WR: Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Trent Sherfield
TE: George Kittle
OL: Trent Williams (LT), Laken Tomlinson (LG), Alex Mack (C), Daniel Brunskill (RG), Tom Compton (RT)
DE: Arik Armstead (LDE), Nick Bosa (RDE)
DT: Kentavius Street (LDT), DJ Jones (RDT)
LB: Tyrell Adams (LILB), Azeez Al-Shaair (RILB)
CB: Josh Norman (LCB), Emmanuel Moseley (RCB), K’Waun Williams (NB)
S: Jaquiski Tartt (SS), Jimmie Ward (FS)
ST: Robbie Gould (K), Mitch Wishnowsky (P), Taybor Pepper (LS)
RS: Trenton Cannon (KR), Brandon Aiyuk (PR)
#12: Indianapolis Colts
Week 12 vs. TB: L, 31-38 | Record: 6-6
Previous Rank: #10
If the Colts miss the playoffs, they might look to their loss to the Buccaneers as the day that the tide changed for the worse. They mostly matched the defending Super Bowl champions blow for blow, entering halftime with a 10-point lead. Unfortunately, they were outscored 24-7 after the break, and it didn’t take a ton of high-level deduction to figure out where things were going wrong: They turned the ball over five times, including three times in the second half. They had an opportunity to close within one game of the division-leading Titans, but that 2nd half was disaster. Shaquil Barrett’s strip sack and fumble recovery sparked a Bucs comeback and was part of the Colts’ avalanche of mistakes. Criticism over Frank Reich’s reluctance of relying on Jonathan Taylor in the 2nd half is warranted, but this loss was beyond the usage of the team’s electric running back. You won’t beat average teams with five turnovers. But against one of the best teams in the league? Forget about it. But their biggest problem is about holding onto leads. They have led by double digits in nine straight games, losing three of them. They blew a 19-point 2nd half lead against the Ravens, an early 14-0 lead against the Titans, and most recently, this 10-point 2nd half lead against the defending Super Bowl champions. They are 6-6, so they are hardly finished, especially with the injury-ravaged Titans getting blown out by the Patriots, but with seemingly the entire AFC on the right side of .500, there is little margin for error. The Colts committed too many errors in their opportunity to make a huge statement win and even making the AFC South race interesting. For a team that is 6-6, these are the kinds of losses that could be what possibly keeps them out of the playoffs.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Carson Wentz
RB: Jonathan Taylor
WR: Michael Pittman Jr., TY Hilton, Zach Pascal
TE: Jack Doyle
OL: Eric Fisher (LT), Quenton Nelson (LG), Danny Pinter (C), Mark Glowinski (RG), Braden Smith (RT)
DE: Kwity Paye (LDE), Al-Quadin Muhammad (RDE)
DT: DeForest Buckner (LDT), Grover Stewart (RDT)
LB: Darius Leonard (LILB), Bobby Okereke (RILB)
CB: Rock Ya-Sin (LCB), Xavier Rhodes (RCB), Kenny Moore II (NB)
S: Khari Willis (SS), Andrew Sendejo (FS)
ST: Michael Badgley (K), Rigoberto Sanchez (P), Luke Rhodes (LS)
RS: Isaiah Rodgers (KR), Nyheim Hines (PR)
#11: Tennessee Titans
Week 12 @ NE: L, 13-36 | Record: 8-4
Previous Rank: #7
The Titans are in trouble: Much of their 2021 season has been about weathering storms. Despite losing Julio Jones and Derrick Henry to injuries, the Titans were able to keep winning. But they recently placed AJ Brown on IR. That may have been the backbreaker. They have had a surprising amount of success running the ball against the Pats even without Henry—D’Onta Foreman and Dontrell Hilliard both surpassed 100 yards on the ground, but without Jones and Brown, the passing game became nonexistent. Ryan Tannehill finished 11 of 21 for just 93 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. They turned the ball over four times, a level of sloppiness that simply won’t play for an injury-plagued team without a small margin for error. Despite the 270 combined rushing yards from Foreman and Hilliard, a lot of that came on two plays. One was a 68-yard touchdown, while the other was a 30-yard run from Foreman that ended with a lost fumble. With Jones and Brown out, Tannehill couldn’t get anything going in the passing game. Henry is a major loss on offense, but they need him, Jones, and Brown back. Badly. If they can get fully healthy, they will still be a dangerous team come January. But as is stands, there have just been too many injuries on offense, and the defense isn’t really all that good. The schedule, however, is easy enough down the stretch to hold off the Colts and win the division, but if they are not fully healthy, they’re looking at a quick playoff exit.
Week 14 Projected Starters
QB: Ryan Tannehill
RB: D’Onta Foreman
WR: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Chester Rogers
TE: Geoff Swaim, MyCole Pruitt
OL: Taylor Lewan (LT), Rodger Saffold III (LG), Ben Jones (C), Nate Davis (RG), David Quessenberry (RT)
DL: Jeffery Simmons (LDE), Teair Tart (NT), Denico Autry (RDE)
EDGE: Harold Landry (WLB), Ola Adeniyi (SLB)
ILB: David Long Jr. (LILB), Rashaan Evans (RILB)
CB: Elijah Molden (LCB), Kristian Fulton (RCB)
S: Amani Hooker (SS), Kevin Byard (FS)
ST: Randy Bullock (K), Brett Kern (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
RS: Chester Rogers
#10: Dallas Cowboys
Week 12 vs. LV: L, 33-36 (OT) | Record: 7-4
Previous Rank: #8
The Cowboys have problems. Not long ago, they were 6-1 and looked not only like the best team in the NFC East, but maybe the most dangerous team in the NFC. They led the league in both total offense and scoring offense, heading towards a playoff berth and perhaps even homefield advantage. But then came three contests in four games against the AFC West. After losing in overtime to the Raiders, they have lost all three of those AFC West games, including two consecutive games at home. With the Eagles and Football Team heating up, a division that seemed to be theirs for the taking is suddenly back in play. There is also another reason for concern: The defense has taken a step back, allowing a season-high 509 yards to the Raiders. They also shot themselves on the foot in multiple occasions, with 14 penalties for 166 yards, including a costly defensive pass interference penalty on Anthony Brown. Injuries and COVID have played a major role in the slump: Amari Cooper (COVID), Tyron Smith (ankle) and CeeDee Lamb (concussion) have all missed time, while Ezekiel Elliott has a lingering knee issue that could limit him. It made the offense less formidable, and even Micah Parsons’ DROY campaign has been unable to hold together a defense that was missing both DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Randy Gregory (calf). The bad news continued when it was revealed Mike McCarthy and several others will miss the Cowboys’ Thursday Night match against the Saints after entering COVID protocols. In the last three games, the Cowboys have been averaging 3.6 yards per carry. What was once the strength of the team is now an area of concern—they were rotating linemen against the Raiders, but that was not helping. They rank int eh top 10 in holding and false start penalties, and that remained a team-wide issue in the loss. They still have time to snap out of the slump—only one of their last six opponents currently has a winning record.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Dak Prescott
RB: Ezekiel Elliott
WR: Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup
TE: Dalton Schultz
OL: Tyron Smith (LT), Connor McGovern (LG), Tyler Biadasz (C), Zack Martin (RG), La’el Collins (RT)
DE: DeMarcus Lawrence (LDE), Micah Parsons (RDE)
DT: Osa Odighizuwa (LDT), Carlos Watkins (RDT)
LB: Leighton Vander Esch (LILB), Keanu Neal (RILB)
CB: Anthony Brown (LCB), Trevon Diggs (RCB), Jourdan Lewis (NB)
S: Jayron Kearse (SS), Damontae Kazee (FS)
ST: Greg Zuerlein (K), Bryan Anger (P), Jake McQuaide (LS)
RS: Tony Pollard (KR), CeeDee Lamb (PR)
#9: Los Angeles Rams
Week 12 @ GB: L, 28-36 | Record: 7-4
Previous Rank: #6
When the Rams sent two first round picks, a third round pick and Jared Goff to the Lions for Matt Stafford, it was supposed to be the final piece to the Super Bowl puzzle. In their first eight games, this may have been the case. It’s been a whole different story the past three games. In each of those games, he turned the ball over multiple times, including a pick six. The Rams suffered losses in each of those games. Jalen Ramsey admitted that after the third straight loss, he is shocked by the team’s November slump. “Of course I am,” he said. “We have guys that are way too good for us to be losing games like this and losing games on the road.” Odell Beckham Jr. caught a long touchdown pass in his second game with the Rams, but Von Miller has yet to make an impact with them—they have been winless ever since they acquired him, prompting their “all in” tweet. Self-inflicted errors have been a recurring problem for them. It starts with Stafford and Sean McVay. Stafford has to play safer and smarter because the Rams, despite what Ramsey said, aren’t good enough to overcome a pick six from their QB every week. McVay also has to find a way to help Stafford and the offense sustain longer drives. The connection between him and Cooper Kupp is working, but they must become a better short-yardage running team. That’s on him to get the team back on track. The team as a whole has to do a lot of work to keep their 2021 season from derailing. Yes, that includes the defense, because it is, by no means, close to dominant as they were last season.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Matt Stafford
RB: Darrell Henderson Jr.
WR: Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr., Van Jefferson
TE: Tyler Higbee
OL: Andrew Whitworth (LT), David Edwards (LG), Brian Allen (C), Austin Corbett (RG), Rob Havenstein (RT)
DL: A’Shawn Robinson (LDE), Greg Gaines (NT), Aaron Donald (RDE)
EDGE: Leonard Floyd (WLB), Von Miller (SLB)
ILB: Ernest Jones (LILB), Troy Reeder (RILB)
CB: Darious Williams (LCB), Jalen Ramsey (RCB)
S: Jordan Fuller (SS), Taylor Rapp (FS)
ST: Matt Gay (K), Johnny Hekker (P), Matt Orzech (LS)
RS: Ben Skowronek (KR), Cooper Kupp (PR)
#8: Cincinnati Bengals
Week 12 vs. PIT: W, 41-10 | Record: 7-4
Previous Rank: #13
It’s time we start taking the Bengals seriously as a legitimate contender. They have already pulled off decisive wins over the Steelers and Ravens, with the former being another message at Paul Brown Stadium. They didn’t just sweep the season series for the first time since 2009. They mauled them. They scored on their first four possessions and didn’t allow the Steelers to get into the end zone until well after the game was decided. It was also a career day for Joe Mixon, who had 165 rushing yards on 28 carries, the most by a Bengals running back against the Steelers. It felt like the changing of the guard. After years of Steelers dominance, it is now the Bengals’ turn to emerge as the more talented, more physical, and more promising team. That was on full display. Joe Burrow had just four incompletions on 24 passing attempts, while Mike Hilton had the game-clinching pick six on his former team. An argument can be made for the Bengals being the most balanced team in the AFC North. Burrow has taken the leap forward, Mixon is playing lights out, and the defense is better than many people are realizing. It’s important to see them bounce back in empathetic fashion from a midseason slump, and two no-brainer wins over the Steelers is a sign that the core has what it takes to be a contender. Gotta take care of the ball, though. They have committed at least one turnover in nine of 11 games and has three multi-turnover games—all losses. Their blowout loss to the Browns is a reminder of how quickly a game can go out of your favor if you are not careful. Their turnover ratio has improved, thanks to the defense’s five takeaways in the past two weeks.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Joe Burrow
RB: Joe Mixon
WR: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd
TE: CJ Uzomah
OL: Jonah Williams (LT), Quinton Spain (LG), Trey Hopkins (C), Hakeem Adeniji (RG), Riley Reiff (RT)
DE: Sam Hubbard (LDE), Trey Hendrickson (RDE)
DT: DJ Reader (LDT), Larry Ogunjobi (RDT)
LB: Logan Wilson (LILB), Germaine Pratt (RILB)
CB: Eli Apple (LCB), Chidobe Awuzie (RCB), Mike Hilton (NB)
S: Vonn Bell (SS), Jessie Bates III (FS)
ST: Evan McPherson (K), Kevin Huber (P), Clark Harris (LS)
RS: Darius Phillips
#7: Baltimore Ravens
Week 12 vs. CLE: W, 16-10 | Record: 8-3
Previous Rank: #9
In many aspects, the Ravens would like to forget their match with the Browns. Lamar Jackson was mostly dreadful, throwing four interceptions. The ground game was stuck in mud for much of the game, with just 3.4 yards per carry. But the only number that matters is the final score. Thanks to a defense that allowed just 262 yards and notched two takeaways, the Ravens got a six-point win that kept them on top of both the AFC North and the conference as a whole. Jackson throwing four picks and the Ravens still winning says something about John Harbaugh’s team, and, specifically, the defense. They stacked the box to neutralize Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, daring Baker Mayfield to throw downfield. This strategy worked, as Mayfield completed less than half of his 37 attempts and threw just one touchdown pass. Jackson applauded the defense while speaking to reporters. “Our defense just played lights out today,” he said. “I’m ticked off, but I told all those guys: ‘Way to have our back, way to have my back.’” In doing so, the Ravens are the first team in the last six years to win a game despite having a starting quarterback throwing four interceptions. Jackson needs to play better, but he still has made the necessary plays to give his team an advantage over opponents. They are 6-1 this season in one-score games. If there is a team that needs a first round bye badly, it’s the Ravens. The offensive inconsistency could be their undoing. While Jackson’s passing numbers have been decent, the team needs to expect more from him if they want to hold on to the top seed in the AFC.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Lamar Jackson
RB: Devonta Freeman
WR: Marquise Brown, Sammy Watkins, Rashod Bateman
TE: Mark Andrews
OL: Alejandro Villanueva (LT), Ben Powers (LG), Bradley Bozeman (C), Kevin Zeitler (RG), Patrick Mekari (RT)
DL: Brandon Williams (LDL), Calais Campbell (RDL)
EDGE: Tyus Bowser (WLB), Justin Houston (SLB)
ILB: Josh Bynes (LILB), Patrick Queen (RILB)
CB: Anthony Averett (LCB), Marlon Humphrey (RCB), Tavon Young (NB)
S: Chuck Clark (SS), Brandon Stephens (FS)
ST: Justin Tucker (K), Sam Koch (P), Nick Moore (LS)
RS: Devin Duvernay
#6: Buffalo Bills
Week 12 @ NO: W, 31-6 | Record: 7-4
Previous Rank: #11
The Bills had one job in Week 12: To wash off the stink from the blowout loss against the Colts that sent them headed from first place in the AFC East all the way down to the 7th seed. In most respects, they accomplished that job. Facing an injury-depleted Saints team, the dominated on both sides of the ball on the way to the blowout win. This was important for them, as they were on the edge of crisis. However, it came at a heavy cost: Tre’Davious White tore his ACL in the second quarter of the game and is out for the remainder of the season. Josh Allen told reporters that losing him is a major blow to the team. “I know all the guys in the locker room are praying for him and hurting with him,” said Allen. “You can’t say a single bad thing about that man. He comes in and busts his ass every day.” There are injuries, and then there are season-killers. Losing the heart and soul of the AFC’s best pass defense may be one of those season-killers. This season for them will be defined, in part, by how Sean McDermott and co. can adapt without their most important player on defense. You can even think that Bill Belichick is already scheming ways to attack the Bills defense with a huge divisional showdown on Monday Night Football coming up. That and the O-line are areas of concern. The latter has been a huge letdown this season—Daryl Williams, Dion Dawkins, and Cody Ford have allowed a combined 66 pressures. Jon Feliciano and Spencer Brown should help when they get back from injury, but they aren’t consistent in pass protection either. The ground game has to get going too. But the O-line has to do better if they want to keep Allen upright if they want to make a deep run.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Josh Allen
RB: Devin Singletary
WR: Stefon Diggs, Emmanuel Sanders, Cole Beasley
TE: Dawson Knox
OL: Dion Dawkins (LT), Ike Boettger (LG), Mitch Morse (C), Daryl Williams (RG), Spencer Brown (RT)
DE: Gregory Rousseau (LDE), Jerry Hughes (RDE)
DT: Harrison Phillips (LDT), Ed Oliver (RDT)
LB: Matt Milano (WLB), Tremaine Edmunds (MLB), AJ Klein (SLB)
CB: Taron Johnson (LCB), Levi Wallace (RCB)
S: Jordan Poyer (SS), Micah Hyde (FS)
ST: Tyler Bass (K), Matt Haack (P), Reid Ferguson (LS)
RS: Isaiah McKenzie
#5: Kansas City Chiefs
Week 12 Bye | Record: 7-4
Previous Rank: #5
After Week 7, one of the hottest topics was a question nobody expected this season: “What is wrong with the Chiefs?” They were just blown out in Nashville by the Titans. The defense was terrible. The offense was turning the ball over with alarming regularity. They were dead last in the AFC West. Fast forward to now, and they are now at the top of the AFC West riding a four-game winning streak that included wins over the Packers and Cowboys. The offense cleaned up the turnovers and corrected everything. The defense is playing much, much better than they were one month ago. Apparently, the answer to the question is “nothing.” Led by Chris Jones, the Chiefs put up five sacks in their Week 11 win over the Cowboys. This was a nice change of pace for the D, which entered the week with just 14 sacks in their first 10 games. Jones is the unquestioned leader of the unit, but now Steve Spagnuolo has a collection of pass rushers stepping up. Jones, Jarran Reed, Melvin Ingram, and Frank Clark, they have four guys in the front seven who previously had a 10-sack season in their respective careers. If they can rack up the pressure at QB, good things will continue to happen. However, the rest of the schedule is no cakewalk. Every team left on the slate is at least .500 entering Week 10. But that gives the Chiefs a chance to solidify their case to be what they were expected to be at the beginning of the season: The best team in the AFC. And even if the defense is improving that doesn’t mean all the questions have been answered, particularly with nickel or dime packages and when Daniel Sorensen is on the field. His playing time has dropped from the first half of the season, but expect opposing offenses to continue to try and exploit the pass defense when he is on the field.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Patrick Mahomes II
RB: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
WR: Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Byron Pringle
TE: Travis Kelce
OL: Orlando Brown Jr. (LT), Joe Thuney (LG), Creed Humphrey (C), Trey Smith (RG), Andrew Wylie (RT)
DE: Chris Jones (LDE), Frank Clark (RDE)
DT: Jarran Reed (LDT), Derrick Nnadi (RDT)
LB: Nick Bolton (WLB), Anthony Hitchens (MLB), Willie Gay (SLB)
CB: Charvarius Ward (LCB), L’Jarius Sneed (RCB)
S: Tyrann Mathieu (SS), Juan Thornhill (FS)
ST: Harrison Butker (K), Tommy Townsend (P), James Winchester (LS)
RS: Byron Pringle (KR), Mike Hughes (PR)
#4: New England Patriots
Week 12 vs. TEN: W, 36-13 | Record: 8-4
Previous Rank: #4
Calling the Patriots the best team in the AFC hasn’t been a rarity in the last two decades. But that was with Tom Brady, not with Mac Jones. Nobody expected to use these superlatives this season for the Pats. Here we are now. Before Week 7, they were a 2-4 team whose only wins were against the Jets and Texans. But after obliterating an injury-plagued Titans team that was the top seed entering Week 12, they have pulled off six straight wins, the last two coming via blowout. In this winning streak, Jones has looked like anything but a rookie, scorching the Titans defense for 310 yards and two touchdowns, playing as well as any other QB in the conference. He fared well in his first cold weather outing, but it was the defense that once again led the way to the win. They forced four turnovers, including one off a tipped ball that led to a JC Jackson interception, who also had a crucial forced fumble when the game remained in doubt. They are now first in the AFC East. A season that began with hopes of fighting for a wild card spot has morphed into a division title and possibly the top seed in the AFC, and even as far as the Super Bowl. And this is one of the biggest surprises in the first 12 weeks of the 2021 season. That’s not to say they are without flaws: They have scored a touchdown on 55.6% of their red zone trips—24th in the NFL. Nick Folk attempted six field goals and made five of them against the Titans, and that wasn’t the first time an inability to finish on offense has shown. They’re still rolling: They won by 20+ points for the third straight game, outscoring their opponents 63-0 in the 2nd half in their last four games, and now have the NFL’s best point differential. They have a few weaknesses, and have a real shot at the top seed in the AFC.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Mac Jones
RB: Damien Harris
WR: Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne
TE: Hunter Henry
OL: Isaiah Wynn (LT), Ted Karras (LG), David Andrews (C), Shaq Mason (RG), Trent Brown (RT)
DE: Deatrich Wise Jr. (LDE), Chase Winovich (RDE)
DT: Lawrence Guy (LDT), Davon Godchaux (RDT)
LB: Matt Judon (WLB), Dont’a Hightower (MLB), Kyle Van Noy (SLB)
CB: JC Jackson (LCB), Jalen Mills (RCB)
S: Adrian Phillips (SS), Devin McCourty (FS)
ST: Nick Folk (K), Jake Bailey (P), Joe Cardona (LS)
RS: Gunner Olszewski
#3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 12 @ IND: W, 38-31 | Record: 8-3
Previous Rank: #3
Tom Brady has a reputation for winning football games. But in the Buccaneers’ match against the Colts, the hero for the defending Super Bowl champions was Leonard Fournette, also known as Lombardi Lenny. He was seen as a complementary piece when he landed with the Bucs just before last season began. Fast forward to now, and he has turned himself into a key part of the Bucs. Playing against arguably the hottest team in the league, he totaled 131 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns and 24 touches. He accounted for four of the Bucs’ five touchdowns, including the go-ahead 28-yard run in the final minute. He even added an emotional halftime speech that Bucs’ teammates credited with sparking the 2nd half surge. The Bucs needed this win after losing two of their last three. With the Saints imploding, it’s becoming more and more certain the Bucs will take the NFC South. They are not without problems, especially with the secondary and with the 3rd down defense, the latter of which they are in the bottom half of the league, allowing opponents to convert on 3rd down 40.9% of the time. But against the Colts, they allowed four 3rd down conversions when Indy needed 10 or more yards. That’s not the norm for them, but this can be the difference during the playoffs. They’re a well-rounded team looking to contend for another Super Bowl. The run defense is one of the league’s best, and the offense is loaded despite the recent news of Antonio Brown’s suspension. They’re not the best team on paper, but the last thing any team wants to face is Playoff Tom Brady.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Tom Brady
RB: Leonard Fournette
WR: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tyler Johnson
TE: Rob Gronkowski
OL: Donovan Smith (LT), Aaron Stinnie (LG), Ryan Jensen (C), Alex Cappa (RG), Tristan Wirfs (RT)
DL: Ndamukong Suh (LDE), Vita Vea (NT), William Gholston (RDE)
EDGE: Jason Pierre-Paul (WLB), Shaquil Barrett (SLB)
ILB: Devin White (LILB), Lavonte David (RILB)
CB: Jamel Dean (LCB), Sean Murphy-Bunting (RCB)
S: Antoine Winfield Jr. (SS), Jordan Whitehead (FS)
ST: Ryan Succop (K), Bradley Pinion (P), Zach Triner (LS)
RS: Jaelon Darden
#2: Green Bay Packers
Week 12 vs. LAR: W, 36-28 | Record: 9-3
Previous Rank: #2
Aaron Rodgers has been through a bumpy few weeks. After landing on the COVID list, there was a lot of uproar about his vaccination status. Now, he has a toe injury that largely has kept him off the practice field. But he’s fine. He didn’t look banged up against the Rams, as he threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns while running for another. He was limping around Lambeau Field by the end of the game, but a bum pinkie toe is the extent of the bad news. They dressed down the “all in” Rams and hit the bye at 9-3, a mark giving them a commanding lead over the NFC North, leaving them a half-game behind the top-seeded Cardinals, whom they have the head-to-head tiebreaker over. They got key contributions from Rasul Douglas, who had the game-icing pick six, Randall Cobb, who had 95 yards and a touchdown before he left at halftime with a groin injury, and AJ Dillon, who out-touched Aaron Jones despite the latter’s return from a knee injury. When speaking to reporters, Rodgers credited his preparation and his O-line for the effort. “It definitely isn’t the ideal situation not to practice,” said Rodgers. “But if I can go out there, take mental reps, go through the plan and my preparation and feel good about what I’m doing, and when I get out there, I’ve just got to rely on my instincts. The beauty is it’s an 11-person-a-side game, and I really feel the offensive line allowed me just to settle in.” The Packers head into the bye with an insurmountable lead over the Vikings for the division, but at this point, winning the division has given way to secure the NFC’s top seed as their most immediate goal. With Za’Darius Smith and Jaire Alexander potentially returning later in the season, keep an eye on Rodgers’ toe. He’s likely going to play through the pain and hope he can avoid further injury.
Week 14 Projected Starters
QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB: Aaron Jones
WR: Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Marquez Valdes-Scantling
TE: Marcedes Lewis
OL: David Bakhtiari (LT), Jon Runyan (LG), Lucas Patrick (C), Royce Newman (RG), Billy Turner (RT)
DL: Dean Lowry (LDE), Kenny Clark (NT), Kingsley Keke (RDE)
EDGE: Preston Smith (WLB), Rashan Gary (SLB)
ILB: Ty Summers (LILB), Krys Barnes (RILB)
CB: Eric Stokes (LCB), Kevin King (RCB)
S: Adrian Amos (SS), Darnell Savage Jr. (FS)
ST: Mason Crosby (K), Corey Bojorquez (P), Steven Wirtel (LS)
RS: Amari Rodgers
#1: Arizona Cardinals
Week 12 Bye | Record: 9-2
Previous Rank: #1
Things are rolling in the desert. Aside from the Suns’ 18-game win streak, the Cardinals were headed toward their bye week with the best record in the NFL. Despite being without Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins the past three games, they kept on winning and kept atop the NFC West. There are a number of reasons for the team’s success, but per Darren Urban on the team’s official website, general manager Steve Keim credited Kliff Kingsbury, who went from questions about his future with the team after last season’s collapse to a Coach of the Year frontrunner. Speaking of Keim, he deserves another star in his end-of-the-year evaluation for the Zach Ertz trade. Once the Cardinals acquired him, Ertz has went back to looking like the Pro Bowl tight end he has been with the Eagles. He has stepped into a playmaker role in five games with the Redbirds, with 22 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns, two of them coming in the Week 11 win over the Seahawks. He has played a crucial role with the Cardinals at a time when injuries have been piling up. Don’t be surprised if he makes big catches in the playoffs—he is known to doing that. Murray and Hopkins will make their returns, and if the Cardinals can down the Rams in Week 14, they can take a commanding lead in the division. But at this point, their sights are set at something more than just the NFC West title.
Week 13 Projected Starters
QB: Kyler Murray
RB: James Conner
WR: DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green, Christian Kirk
TE: Zach Ertz
OL: DJ Humphries (LT), Justin Pugh (LG), Rodney Hudson (C), Josh Jones (RG), Kelvin Beachum (RT)
DL: Jordan Phillips (LDE), Corey Peters (NT), Zach Allen (RDE)
EDGE: Chandler Jones (WLB), Markus Golden (SLB)
ILB: Jordan Hicks (LILB), Isaiah Simmons (RILB)
CB: Byron Murphy Jr. (LCB), Robert Alford (RCB)
S: Jalen Thompson (SS), Budda Baker (FS)
ST: Matt Prater (K), Andy Lee (P), Beau Brinkley (LS)
RS: Rondale Moore
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