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The Energy Rankings have a brand new No. 1.
And in addition some questions — 32 inquiries to be exact, one for every crew. A few of these are massive questions that have an effect on the long-term way forward for the groups, and a few are extra particular. Both method, we’re hoping the ultimate 11 weeks of the season will give us some solutions.
As for our new No. 1, they’ll really feel fairly acquainted.
(Final week: 5)
Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 31-17
One query: Is the protection for actual?
Kansas Metropolis received the Tremendous Bowl final season with a protection that ranked 14th in success price (58.3 %). This 12 months’s group ranks fifth (61.6). The offense appears absolutely engaged now. Travis Kelce caught 12 passes for 179 yards Sunday, and Patrick Mahomes had his fifth profession sport with 400-plus yards and 4 or extra touchdowns. Plus, Mahomes and Kelce related for his or her fiftieth profession landing, the fourth-most by a quarterback-tight finish duo in NFL historical past. If this protection is for actual, the Chiefs will keep on this spot for some time.
Up subsequent: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
(Final week: 4)
Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 31-17
One query: Ought to the Tush Push be outlawed?
The Eagles transformed two fourth-and-1 performs on their decisive drive towards Miami on Sunday night time utilizing their signature scrum play. There’s a rising sentiment that the NFL’s competitors committee goes to ban the play within the offseason, however why? What’s extra of a soccer play than your massive guys pushing their massive guys again a yard, or two or three within the Eagles’ case? There needs to be a profit to attending to third- and fourth-and-short performs. In case it’s not clear, our reply to this query is, “No!”
Up subsequent: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 12)
Sunday: Beat Detroit Lions 38-6
One query: Can we give Lamar Jackson his due?
The Ravens quarterback received his fiftieth profession sport in his 68th profession begin Sunday. Solely Ken Stabler, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Roger Staubach obtained to 50 wins in fewer begins. And Jackson did it in model, turning into the fourth participant in league historical past to have not less than 350 passing yards, three landing passes, one speeding landing and a passer score above 150 in a sport. After seven video games in new coordinator Todd Monken’s offense, Jackson is third within the league in passer score (101.9) and fifth in yards per sport (281.9), based on TruMedia.
Up subsequent: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
4. Miami Dolphins (5-2)
(Final week: 1)
Sunday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 31-17
One query: Are the Dolphins for actual?
That is the purpose the place a few of the devoted Energy Rankings commenters can (and possibly will) say, “We instructed you so.” The 5 groups Miami has crushed are a mixed 8-25. None of them is even inside two video games of .500. Sure, Miami’s offensive line accidents are piling up, however the two successful groups the Dolphins have performed have crushed them by a median of 21 factors. We could not have a solution to this query for some time. They play just one crew with a successful file (the Chiefs) between now and their sport towards the Cowboys on Christmas Eve.
Up subsequent: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 2)
Monday: Misplaced to Minnesota Vikings 22-17
One query: Simply how priceless is Trent Williams?
Say what you’ll about Deebo Samuel being sidelined, however the 49ers’ greatest absence (actually and figuratively) Monday night time was left deal with Trent Williams. With the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder on the sideline due to an ankle damage, San Francisco rushed for a season-low 65 yards and had a season-worst minus-4.95 in rush EPA, based on TruMedia. Williams was restricted for a lot of final week’s sport towards Cleveland by the damage, and the Browns had a stress proportion of fifty %.
Up subsequent: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
(Final week: 3)
Sunday: Misplaced to Baltimore Ravens 38-6
One query: How will they bounce again?
After being the league’s feel-good story by means of the primary third of the season, Detroit obtained pummeled Sunday. Baltimore had 503 yards and averaged 9.1 yards per play, essentially the most by any crew not named the Dolphins in a sport this season. Jared Goff had a quarterback score of 68.4. The Lions have been third within the league in yards (383.7) and fourth in factors (28) by means of six weeks however fell behind 35-0 Sunday. Coach Dan Campbell mentioned he thinks the sport will “re-center” his crew, however they don’t have loads of institutional confidence to fall again on.
Up subsequent: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
(Final week: 7)
Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 39-38
One query: What’s the cope with Deshaun Watson?
After lacking Weeks 4, 5 and 6 with a bruised shoulder, Watson returned Sunday however threw solely 5 passes (finishing one to every crew) earlier than leaving after a giant hit. He cleared an in-game concussion analysis however didn’t return to the sport, which continues a sample of the Browns saying Watson is unhurt however not taking part in him. Coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned after the sport that Watson will begin this week towards Seattle, however is that excellent news or not? Since becoming a member of the crew in Week 13 final 12 months, he has a passer score of 81.3, which ranks thirty sixth amongst qualifying quarterbacks in that point, based on TruMedia.
Up subsequent: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Trevor Lawrence, Christian Kirk and the Jaguars are within the driver’s seat within the AFC South. (Jonathan Bachman / Getty Pictures)
(Final week: 8)
Thursday: Beat New Orleans Saints 31-24
One query: Is Trevor Lawrence elite?
The Jaguars’ third-year quarterback has been good. He’s eleventh within the league in passer score (92.8), and he was a just-fine 20-for-29 for 204 yards and one landing (and led Jacksonville in speeding with 59 yards) in beating the Saints this week, however Lawrence was drafted No. 1 in 2021 as a result of he was presupposed to be nice. Granted, he’s the one factor saving a 2021 quarterback class that additionally included Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones within the first 15 picks, however he nonetheless misses throws and makes reckless selections. If Lawrence may be one of many true dudes within the league, it adjustments Jacksonville’s outlook this 12 months and into the long run.
Up subsequent: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
9. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
(Final week: 9)
Sunday: Bye
One query: The place are we on Dak Prescott?
Within the final two weeks, Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones and star edge rusher Micah Parsons have felt the necessity to come to the protection of their eighth-year quarterback. It seems like loads of angst a couple of quarterback who’s 14th within the league in passer score (91) and main a crew within the prime 10 of those rankings. Are there quibbles? Positive. Prescott’s yards per try (7) are the second-lowest of his profession, his air yards per try (6.9) are the bottom, and he’s throwing to extensive receivers on the lowest price of his profession (58.1 %). However that each one looks as if a product of Mike McCarthy’s offense, not Prescott’s play.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 6)
Sunday: Misplaced to New England Patriots 29-25
One query: The place do they match within the AFC East?
Buffalo has now crushed division chief Miami and misplaced to backside dwellers New York and New England. The Payments have totaled 10 factors of their final three first halves and have misplaced two of these video games. They’ve the seventh-hardest remaining schedule within the league, based on Tankathon. This crew continues to be fourth within the league in yards per play (5.9) so it’s in all probability high quality, however it could actually’t afford to offer away video games to unhealthy groups prefer it did Sunday.
Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
(Final week: 10)
Sunday: Bye
One query: Is the operating sport OK?
Joe Burrow appears mounted. Now about that run sport. The division-winning Bengals groups of the final two seasons didn’t lean on the run, however they might run the ball. Cincinnati was eighth within the league in speeding success price in 2022 (41.1 %) and twenty third in 2021 (37.3). This 12 months, the Bengals sit Thirtieth at 30.9 %, and Joe Mixon is the one again with greater than 5 carries this season.
Up subsequent: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
12. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
(Final week: 11)
Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 20-10
One query: Is Devon Witherspoon going to harm any person?
The Seahawks rookie cornerback already is likely one of the most fun gamers within the league. He doesn’t have a gaudy stat line — he had an interception and a sack worn out by penalty Sunday — however he’s been one of many impactful defenders within the league already. And he’s one of many feistiest. He knocked Arizona’s Rondale Moore for a loop Sunday.
Up subsequent: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Howdy, Devon Witherspoon pic.twitter.com/lKSlDdtFo7
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) October 22, 2023
(Final week: 13)
Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 24-17
One query: Who will win defensive participant of the 12 months?
We ask this query within the Steelers part as a result of T.J. Watt is at or close to the highest of the listing. Watt nonetheless is on tempo to interrupt his personal single-season sacks file of twenty-two 1/2 regardless of not having a sack for the primary time Sunday. He did seize his first interception of the season, although, to maintain the Steelers within the sport. Watt is tied for fifth within the league with 22 defensive splash performs, based on TruMedia, which is three greater than Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, Watt’s major competitors.
Up subsequent: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
14. New York Jets (3-3)
(Final week: 14)
Sunday: Bye
One query: May Aaron Rodgers return?
As quickly as Rodgers was seen throwing a soccer, albeit gingerly, final week earlier than the Jets’ sport, earnest hypothesis started about whether or not he may return this season from Achilles surgical procedure. Coach Robert Saleh says Rodgers is “manifesting” himself towards a speedy restoration and hasn’t counted out his beginning quarterback’s return. Marty Jaramillo, described by CBS Sports activities HQ as an “damage skilled,” says Rodgers is “transferring nearly 3 times as quick” as a standard participant by means of the restoration course of. If Rodgers can return, these Jets develop into an actual contender. The one sure factor, although, is that Rodgers goes to play out the drama on this query so long as he can.
Up subsequent: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 23)
Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16-13
One query: Will Desmond Ridder preserve his job?
Most likely, however the second-year quarterback has turned the ball over six instances within the final two weeks. Ridder fumbled 3 times contained in the Tampa Bay 11-yard line Sunday, together with twice on the 1. His last fumble got here simply as he was about to attain a speeding landing that seemingly would have put the sport away. As an alternative, Atlanta wanted a 51-yard discipline aim from Younghoe Koo on the buzzer. The Falcons are in first place within the NFC South after the win, and Ridder has the help of coach Arthur Smith not less than for now, however till he cleans up the turnovers, this query will stay.
Up subsequent: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
16. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)
(Final week: 26)
Monday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 22-17
One query: Who designs the Vikings’ turnover celebrations?
Whoever it’s ought to get a elevate. Minnesota compelled three turnovers Monday night time towards the 49ers however obtained to do 4 celebrations as a result of one was known as again when Brock Purdy was dominated down by contact. On the primary, the Vikings defenders did a limbo line utilizing 198-pound cornerback Akayleb Evans because the limbo pole. On the second, the defenders all sat in a circle ultimately zone and performed duck, duck, goose. On the third one, Camryn Bynum and teammates did the worm ultimately zone. On the fourth, Bynum and mates celebrated ending off the upset.
Up subsequent: at Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
limbo limbo limbo pic.twitter.com/oilKoJ4S1f
— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2023
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)
(Final week: 15)
Sunday: Misplaced to Atlanta Falcons 16-13
One query: Is that this the actual Tampa Bay?
After a shocking 2-0 begin, the Buccaneers are 1-3 of their final 4 video games, averaging 14 factors per sport in that span. Baker Mayfield is twenty third within the league in passer score (81.5), his off-target proportion (15.4) is the fourth-worst in that stretch, based on TruMedia, and the operating sport shouldn’t be serving to him. Tampa Bay is final within the league, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and has solely 5 speeding touchdowns, the fewest within the league.
Up subsequent: at Buffalo Payments, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua continues to provide, even with Cooper Kupp again within the lineup. (Harry How / Getty Pictures)
(Final week: 16)
Sunday: Misplaced to Pittsburgh Steelers 24-17
One query: Can Puka Nacua lead the NFL in catches?
The Rams rookie receiver has gone nicely previous feel-good story. He nonetheless matches that description with essentially the most catches by any participant in his first seven NFL video games (58), nevertheless it’s time to begin taking a look at him as a extremely good participant. Nacua, who had eight catches Sunday, leads the NFL in receptions and is on tempo to have the fourth-most catches in a single season in league historical past. His 752 receiving yards path solely Tyreek Hill.
Up subsequent: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 17)
Sunday: Bye
One query: Is that this a playoff crew?
The Texans are one sport again within the AFC South (with a win towards division chief Jacksonville) and have the Thirtieth-toughest remaining schedule, based on Tankathon. Houston’s .500 file shouldn’t be smoke and mirrors. The Texans are eleventh in offensive EPA and twenty first in defensive EPA, based on TruMedia, and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud appears to be like the half. Stroud is fourth within the league in passing yards per sport (276.7) and has the Tenth-best passer score (96.4).
Up subsequent: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 18)
Sunday: Misplaced to Cleveland Browns 39-38
One query: Ought to Shane Steichen be coach of the 12 months?
He received’t win the award as a result of this crew in all probability will end with a dropping file, however he deserves some recognition. In his first season as Colts head coach, Steichen has needed to juggle quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew due to Richardson’s accidents, which have now ended the promising rookie’s season. Plus, the Colts didn’t have operating again Jonathan Taylor for the primary month of the season, and so they simply put up 38 factors on a Browns protection that held the 49ers to 17 per week earlier.
Up subsequent: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
21. New Orleans Saints (3-4)
(Final week: 19)
Thursday: Misplaced to Jacksonville Jaguars 34-21
One query: When is the reboot coming?
New Orleans is a projected $83.7 million over the 2024 wage cap (that’s twice as a lot as every other crew), based on Over the Cap, and for what? The Saints’ solely wins this 12 months have come towards the Titans, Panthers and Patriots, and the $60 million they assured to quarterback Derek Carr within the offseason is trying like a nasty funding. Carr is twenty seventh within the league in yards per try (6.3) and twentieth in passer score (82.8) and appears to be blaming everybody however himself on the sideline. The Saints may be caught with him by means of subsequent season as a result of it could be $52 million in useless cash to chop him earlier than June 1, 2024, and $35.7 million after June 1.
Up subsequent: at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
22. Tennessee Titans (2-4)
(Final week: 20)
Sunday: Bye
One query: What’s the plan at quarterback?
Eleven-year veteran Ryan Tannehill has the bottom successful proportion (.333), passer score (71.9, thirty first in NFL) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (2-6) of his profession. Malik Willis, the Titans’ 2022 third-round choose, hasn’t seemed like the reply in restricted fill-in obligation, and Will Levis, the 2023 second-round choose, can’t even get on the sector. Tennessee appears to be like like it is going to be unhealthy sufficient to draft the No. 3 quarterback on this upcoming class (whoever that seems to be), however how a lot capital do the Titans have to take a position to get the place found out?
Up subsequent: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 21)
Sunday: Misplaced to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 31-17
One query: Are the Chargers actually a nasty crew?
Hear us out. The Chargers have misplaced to just one crew with a dropping file. Three of their 4 losses got here towards the Dolphins, Cowboys and Chiefs, and solely Sunday’s loss got here by greater than three factors. Justin Herbert is getting loads of warmth currently, however he’s ninth within the league in passer score (97.1) and sixth in yards per try (7.5). We haven’t given up on the Chargers simply but.
Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
(Final week: 24)
Sunday: Misplaced to Chicago Bears 30-12
One query: Why is Josh McDaniels nonetheless the coach?
Perhaps “Why was he ever?” is the actual query. McDaniels was 11-17 in two years as Denver’s coach. He’s now 9-15 in Las Vegas after dropping Sunday to a Bears crew led by backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, a rookie out of Division II. McDaniels’ offense is ok. The Raiders are eighth within the league in factors per drive (2.17), however the protection is twenty second in factors per drive allowed (2.22), based on TruMedia. It may be that McDaniels is best suited to be an offensive coordinator.
Up subsequent: at Detroit Lions, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
(Final week: 22)
Sunday: Misplaced to New York Giants 14-7
One query: Is that this crew within the chase for a top-two choose?
The Commanders could be selecting 14th if the season ended proper now, so that they’ve obtained work to do, however there’s loads of time. Washington has the fourth-toughest remaining schedule, based on Tankathon, and it wants a quarterback. Sam Howell had a score of 60.5 and was sacked six extra instances on Sunday. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen has clearly had sufficient (see beneath). You already know new proprietor Josh Harris would love a shot to draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
Up subsequent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Jonathan Allen expressed his frustration together with his crew’s lack of success lately following a 14-7 loss to the Giants on Sunday….@BenStandig shares particulars ⤵️https://t.co/RxqvqoS7PK pic.twitter.com/eKl1BkVADq
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 22, 2023
26. Denver Broncos (2-5)
(Final week: 31)
Sunday: Beat Inexperienced Bay Packers 19-17
One query: What number of factors will the Chiefs rating?
The Broncos protection shouldn’t be good regardless of the Packers solely scoring 17 factors towards them Sunday. Denver is giving up essentially the most speeding yards (167.3) and the third-most passing yards (257.4) this season. In the meantime, the Chiefs, who go to Denver on Sunday, are beginning to click on on all cylinders. On a constructive word, Russell Wilson is seventh within the NFL in passer score (99) and has 13 landing passes versus 4 interceptions.
Up subsequent: vs. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
27. Inexperienced Bay Packers (2-4)
(Final week: 25)
Sunday: Misplaced to Denver Broncos 19-17
One query: What occurred to Jordan Love?
The Packers quarterback seemed like he was rising into the beginning job early within the season, however since Week 3, he’s thirty third within the league in passer score (64.9) and completion proportion (58.2). No person has thrown greater than Love’s seven interceptions in that point interval, and his 14.2 % off-target proportion is the fifth highest. On Sunday, Love was 21-for-31 for 180 yards, two touchdowns and one interception towards a Denver protection that’s final within the league, giving up 424.7 yards per sport.
Up subsequent: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 30)
Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 14-7
One query: Is Tyrod Taylor higher than Daniel Jones?
This 12 months he’s. Taylor, who has began the final two weeks, has a passer score of 95.4 this season. Jones has a passer score of 71.7, and after Sunday they’ve the identical quantity of wins as New York’s starter. That is your weekly reminder that Jones signed a four-year contract within the offseason with $81 million of assured cash. Jones missed Sunday’s sport due to a neck damage, and the Giants could let him take his time rehabbing it.
Up subsequent: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
29. New England Patriots (2-5)
(Final week: 28)
Sunday: Beat the Buffalo Payments 29-25
One query: Will Invoice Belichick catch Don Shula?
Belichick, whom NFL Community reported on Sunday signed a multiyear extension within the offseason, turned the third coach in NFL historical past with 300 regular-season wins, becoming a member of Don Shula and George Halas. Belichick is as much as 331 wins, together with the playoffs, leaving him 16 wanting tying Shula for the all-time file of 347. That doesn’t look like a giant deficit, however on the tempo the Patriots are on this season, it may take some time, and Belichick is 71 years previous.
Up subsequent: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
30. Chicago Bears (2-5)
(Final week: 29)
Sunday: Beat the Las Vegas Raiders 30-12
One query: Who’s Tyson Bagent?
Bagent accomplished 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards, one landing and no interceptions in a win Sunday. In his earlier begin, he threw for 165 yards for Shepherd College in a 44-13 loss to the Colorado College of Mines within the Division II playoffs. The Bears added him as an undrafted free agent after this 12 months’s draft, and he received the backup job within the preseason. He now has as many wins for the Bears as Justin Fields within the final calendar 12 months.
Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6)
(Final week: 27)
Sunday: Misplaced to Seattle Seahawks 20-10
One query: What is going to they do with Kyler Murray?
The prospect of drafting both Caleb Williams or Drake Maye obtained even nearer Sunday, because the Cardinals would choose second if the season ended in the present day. Arizona opened the window for Murray to return from injured reserve final week, however there’s no agency timetable on when or even when he’ll return. The quarterback, who tore his ACL in December, has an up-and-down historical past with the group. Murray’s expertise is simple, and the phrase is he’s getting alongside OK with the brand new teaching employees, however committing to Murray and the 5 years and $182 million he has left on his deal won’t be a very good transfer for a franchise that might flip the web page with a coveted quarterback on a rookie deal.
Up subsequent: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
32. Carolina Panthers (0-6)
(Final week: 32)
Sunday: Bye
One query: Is Bryce Younger a bust?
You’re proper, Panthers followers, this isn’t a good query in Week 8 of Younger’s rookie 12 months, nevertheless it needs to be requested. Younger’s 5.3 yards per try are on tempo to be the Tenth-lowest whole within the NFL since not less than 2000. His passer score (78.7) ranks twenty ninth within the league. Carolina, which traded receiver DJ Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks to Chicago for the suitable to the primary choose within the draft, goes to be affected person with Younger. It needs to be, however Panthers followers must be fearful.
Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Prime photograph of Patrick Mahomes: Jamie Squire / Getty Pictures)
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