NFL Power Rankings, Week 12: Heavyweight battle of Eagles-Chiefs shakes things up
By Grant Tuttle
17. Las Vegas Raiders (5-6)
Last Week: 18 (+1)
The Raiders look much better at this point in the season than at any other point. The ghost of Josh McDaniels is not lingering and the Raiders moved on very quickly and look better on both sides of the ball. With that in mind, they could not quite get it done against the Miami Dolphins. I like the Raiders to win some close games down the stretch and to build some momentum going into next season.
18. Los Angeles Chargers (4-6)
Last Week: 17 (-1)
Oof. The Chargers could use someone who can coach. Bill Belichick? Maybe. Anyone else? We have got to be nearing the end of Brandon Staley. This has been an embarrassment considering the talent level of the roster.
19. Denver Broncos (5-5)
Last Week: 25 (+6)
It is difficult to believe that these are the same Broncos that got whooped by the Dolphins a few weeks ago. All of a sudden the Broncos don't look worthless. They are playing well on offense, they are showing tremendous strength in the defensive secondary. Don't look now, but the Broncos could be one of the teams fighting for a playoff spot by the end of the year.
20. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
Last Week: 19 (-1)
(BYE WEEK)
21. New Orleans Saints (5-5)
Last Week: 20 (-1)
(BYE WEEK)
22. Washington Commanders (4-7)
Last Week: 21 (-1)
HOW?!? How in the world do you allow the New York Giants to score 31 points on you? That, in and of itself, is an embarrassment. To lose the game? That's even worse. I don't know what the Commanders are or where they are headed. I think they are mediocre and fun and bad and sometimes awful.
23. New York Jets (4-6)
Last Week: 22 (-1)
Zach Wilson is benched and the Jets are praying that old man Aaron Rodgers can return in record time. I can't, at this point, believe in the Jets. We can all pretend that the "Hard Knocks" Jets are the real version of them, but we all should know better. The Jets are a doomed franchise that is doomed to always be awful. I'm sorry. I didn't make the rules.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
Last Week: 23 (-1)
The Buccaneers just could not get anything going against the 49ers. It wasn't a blowout but it was never truly a game. Baker Mayfield is not ever going to pan out and the defense needs an influx of youth. It should be an interesting offseason for the Bucs.