NFL 2017/18: Top Ten Teams Entering Week 13
It is crazy to think that the NFL season is already in week 13. It is also now the final month of the regular season. Some teams have packed it in for the season while others are still fighting for playoff positioning down the stretch. Here are this week's top 10 NFL teams:
10. Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
Alex Collins and Javorius Allen are becoming a solid backfield for the Ravens. It's very helpful for Joe Flacco. The defence have had three shutouts so far this season and they continue to play well even when they don't have shutouts. They could be AFC's most dangerous team down the stretch not named Pittsburgh or New England.
Last week's ranking: not ranked.
9. Tennessee Titans (7-4)
Marcus Mariota hasn't been sharp lately, but he made the plays when he needed to down the stretch against the Indianapolis Colts. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry continue to bulldoze opponents in the backfield.
Last week's ranking: not ranked.
8. Atlanta Falcons (7-4)
The Falcons have won three straight games but have the toughest schedule among all the teams hereon. They have to play the Minnesota Vikings, the New Orleans Saints twice, and the Carolina Panthers. If the season ended today, all of those teams would be in the postseason. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only non-playoff opponent left on Atlanta's schedule. Julio Jones has been a headache for opponents recently while Tevin Coleman is getting it done in the backfield without Devonta Freeman.
Last week's ranking: not ranked.
7. Carolina Panthers (8-3)
Cam Newton's accuracy was a big-time problem for Carolina this past weekend against the New York Jets. He only completed 11-of-28 passes for 168 yards. If it weren't for Carolina's defensive and special team touchdowns, they would not have won. They have a big showdown this week on the road against the New Orleans Saints.
Last week's ranking: 7.
6. New Orleans Saints (8-3)
It seems like the Saints took a major step back on the road this week against the Los Angeles Rams. New Orleans lost a close one 26-20, but it seemed like Alvin Kamara was the only player offensively that showed up for the Saints. Kamara rushed for 87 yards on five carries and a touchdown and also had six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. The Saints have a big showdown at home this week against the Carolina Panthers.
Last week's ranking: 3.
5. Los Angeles Rams (8-3)
The Rams got a much-needed win at home against the Saints after losing on the road to the Minnesota Vikings the week before. Jared Goff continued to ball out, completing 28-of-43 passes for 354 yards two touchdowns and one interception. The Rams' defence is underrated and they slowed down Drew Brees sufficiently last time around.
Last week's ranking: 6.
4. Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
Case Keenum continues to play turnover-free football for the Minnesota Vikings as he threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 20 yards and a touchdown. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen continue to be the best receiver core in the league. Kyle Rudolph might be the most underrated tight end in the NFL and the Vikings' defence continues to make big plays when the game is on the line.
Last week's ranking: 5.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-2)
Antonio Brown has put the Steelers on his back offensively for the past two weeks. In his last two games, Brown has 20 catches for 313 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Pittsburgh barely got past the Green Bay Packers, but all that matters is that they won the game. They are going to need JuJu Smith-Schuster and Joe Haden back before the week 15 match up at home against the New England Patriots.
Last week's ranking: 4.
2. New England Patriots (9-2)
Tom Brady continues to dissect defences with ease while his team's defence continues to be fundamentally sound. They could be on upset alert at Buffalo this week but the odds are it won't happen. New England faked a punt early in the game last week against the Miami Dolphins and the Dolphins self destructed after that.
Last week's ranking: 2.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)
The Eagles' offence continues to stay in rhythm and the defence continues to force turnovers. They will be tested on the road the next two weeks against the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams but are playing flawless football right now.
Last week's ranking: 1.