2020 Week 10 Power Rankings
The NFL is just brilliant isn’t it. One week a team completely dominates their opponent and the next week they are completely dominated themselves. Is there another sport where each week despite how bad you think your team is, they come out and either win comfortably or make a real game of it? For that reason the NFL is the best sport in the world, it never fails to entertain, shock, and leave fans all over the world begging for more. What this does is make putting together a Power Rankings list extremely difficult, but without further ado let’s take a look where all 32 teams stand entering Week 10 of the 2020 NFL season.
32. New York Jets - 0-9
Previously 32
For the first time in what feels like forever the Jets were almost winners. In typical fashion though, it was a former Jet that broke their hearts. Nick Folk hit a game winning field goal for the New England Patriots as time expired and handed the Jets their ninth loss. In a weird way though this was a great game for the Jets. They almost beat their rivals, they were entertaining, they had big plays and still they managed to lose and hold onto the first pick in the draft. Trevor Lawrence is destined for New York but just maybe Joe Flacco’s performance against the Patriots could see him as the veteran that sticks around to mentor the promising Clemson QB.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars - 1-7
Previously 31
Jake Luton everyone. The backup quarterback stepped in for the injured Gardner Minshew and performed admirably. If Luton can finish the season playing well then maybe the Jaguars consider the use of their high pick in the draft to give him some more weapons. However, it was another loss for the Jaguars and they are now rooted to the bottom of the AFC South. A tough year for the Jaguars and an off season spent rebuilding is drastically needed.
30. Dallas Cowboys - 2-7
Previously 30
As the weeks go on there is less and less movement in the Power Rankings and unfortunately for the Cowboys that means they will probably spend the rest of the season in the high twenties or low thirties. After searching for the next quarterback to take the helm they finally settled on Garrett Gilbert. Gilbert came in and actually had his team competitive against the last undefeated team in the league. He found CeeDee Lamb for a score and he marched Dallas down the field at the end to give them a shot. It wasn’t to be as Dallas succumbed to their seventh loss and they now sit joint last in the worst division in football.
29. Washington Football team - 2-6
Previously 28
What is it with being a Washington quarterback and suffering nasty looking leg injuries. Theisman, Alex Smith and now Kyle Allen. Allen suffered a dislocated and fractured ankle in their game against the Giants and was replaced by Alex Smith. Smith did manage to get a touchdown for the Football Team (his first since 2018) but with three interceptions he basically handed victory to the New York Giants. A tough year for the Football team but like everyone else in this division if they can string a few wins together they can still end up with a home playoff game come January.
28. New York Giants - 2-7
Previously 29
Finally a win in a one score game for the New York Giants. So many times this year they have been in a position to punch in the go ahead score and have come up short. Not this week though as they managed to hold onto a 20-3 half time lead against their divisional rivals. An impressive defensive display from Logan Ryan (a forced fumble, an interception and six tackles) and Daniel Jones improves to 4-0 against the Washington Football Team. A big matchup against the Eagles awaits on Sunday, a win for New York and they are right back in the division but a win for the Eagles and they are running away with this division with a measly four wins.
27. Detroit Lions - 3-5
Previously 26
After two wins in a row earlier in the season a large amount of hope began to grow around Detroit’s chances this year. That hope now appears to be gone as the Lions again failed to beat a divisional opponent. Detroit continued their terrible form against divisional opponents as they have now gone without an NFC North win since 2018. What hope does a team have if they can’t get the odd win against a team they face twice every year? Matt Patricia has not improved life in Detroit and he may find his coat is back on a shaky peg.
26. Cincinnati Bengals - 2-5-1
Previously 24
A bye week for the Bengals and time for them to get their star running back healthy again. In Joe Burrow the Bengals have one of, if not the best quarterback to come out of college since Peyton Manning and he is showing them why. Off to a lightning start, Burrow has provided Bengals fans with some excitement that they haven’t had for a long time. A big matchup awaits against their undefeated divisional rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Burrow can get one over on Ben Roethlisberger this early in his career, the new King of the North might not be the man wearing the Ravens purple.
25. Houston Texans - 2-6
Previously 27
A close win in a divisional battle is maybe what the Texans needed. A chance for them to kick on and make the season a bit more respectable. Desahun Watson showed off his connection with Will Fuller in this one with a 77-yard score where the wide receiver flashed glimpses of DeAndre Hopkins. Watson came out and said that it would have been hell if the Texans traded away Fuller and he may be right. Without Fuller pulling off the big plays this would have been another loss for Houston but Fuller remains in Houston to the delight of his QB.
24. Atlanta Falcons - 3-6
Previously 25
Matt Ryan did what Matt Ryan does as he threw for 284 yards and three scores in a win against the Denver Broncos. Denver had no answer for Ryan’s deep ball as he completed five passes of 20 yards or more. If it hadn’t been for some early season, late in the game disasters, Atlanta would be right in the mix for the NFC South but as it stands this season is over for them and Falcons fans should just enjoy the Matt Ryan show while they still can.
23. Philadelphia Eagles - 3-4-1
Previously 22
A week off for the Eagles and a chance to prepare for one of the biggest games of their season. A game against the 2-6 New York Giants. Not only is this a divisional battle but it is a chance for the Eagles to take a commanding two game lead in their division. If they are to do that, they will need to see a distinct improvement from their QB1, Carson Wentz. Wentz leads the league in just about every negative category you can think of for a Quarterback. Most turnovers (16), most interceptions (12) and most sacks (32), yet he still finds himself top of his division. If he wants to remain there he needs to be cautious against a Giants team that is coming off a big win and a strong defensive display.
22. Carolina Panthers - 3-6
Previously 23
The return of Christian McCaffrey could not have come at a better time. Against the reigning champions every team needs their best player and their busiest player. McCaffrey is the focal point of this offense and he has been since he came into this league. Despite being out for a few weeks he has not missed a beat. He finished up with more than double the touches of any other Panther as he racked up 151 total yards. With a guy like that you always have a chance to get the win.
21. Denver Broncos - 3-5
Previously 18
After a big rise in last week’s Power Rankings it’s another slip up for the Broncos. After a last minute win against divisional rivals in Week 8, momentum seemed to be with the Broncos as they marched to Atlanta. Denver struggled again in the first three quarters and Drew Lock only came to life in the final 15 minutes. By then it was too late and the Broncos were handed their fifth loss of the season. Another Bronco was added to IR after this one which takes their total to 17 players there for the season. How much hope can a team really have when they have this much bad luck?
20. New England Patriots - 3-5
Previously 21
Who would have thought that by Week 9 of the 2020 season the New England Patriots would have five losses and they would find themselves down by 10 points in the fourth quarter to the winless Jets. 2020 is not the year anyone wanted but for New England fans it is about as far from normality as possible. Luckily for the Patriots, the former Jets kicker completed the comeback and the Patriots left with a three point lead against a team they normally pound into submission. New England do not look good at all and they have a Week 10 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens to look forward to.
19. San Francisco 49ers - 4-5
Previously 17
What is a team supposed to do when their quarterback, best tight end and best wide receiver are all out injured?? Yeah you guessed it, lose, and lose they did. The 49ers couldn’t get anything going other than a couple of garbage time scores late on in this one. At moments the defense looked good and Fred Warner at that middle linebacker position is an absolute stud. Unfortunately for the 49ers, they just had too many injuries to deal with and this one was over quickly. The season may be lost for the 49ers in that division, but at least these players are getting a chance to show something that they normally wouldn’t get.
18. Chicago Bears - 5-4
Previously 16
Chicago has no offense, none. They didn’t score a point until the fourth quarter and the game was already over. Through two quarters they only managed three first downs and this was against a team missing its star pass rusher. A non-existent run game allowed Nick Foles to bolster his stat line. A great start to the season, but now we are seeing the true nature of the Chicago Bears and it’s not good. With Minnesota hitting their stride, the Bears need to watch their back as they might start to slip down the NFC North.
17. Los Angeles Chargers - 2-6
Previously 19
Another loss for the Chargers but another rise in the Power Rankings. They are so close in so many games and it just feels like once Herbert learns how to win these games, he will be unstoppable in this offense. Herbert has some of the best weapons in the game at the wide receiver position in Keenan Allen and Mike WIlliams and in Hunter Henry he has a tight end who can get the job done. Despite another heartbreaking loss in the final minutes things are looking good for the Chargers, but for Herbert’s saje they do need to start turning these close losses into wins.
16. Minnesota Vikings - 3-5
Previously 20
Minnesota loves themselves a running back. Dalvin Cook is on a tear right now and has vaulted himself into the MVP race. Another game with two scores and over 200 rushing yards for the running back and he is single handedly beating the opposition. With Cook playing as well as he is it is allowing Kirk Cousins to play pressure free football which is where he excels. The last running back to win the MVP was none other than Adrian Peterson when he was with the Vikings. If Cook continues on this rate he could be the next running back to take the coveted title.
15. Indianapolis Colts - 5-3
Previously 12
Not the week you want to have prior to playing the only team who has a chance to beat you to the divisional title. A great first half for the Colts, as they held the Ravens offense to just 56 yards, was completely outdone in the second half. Indianapolis couldn’t stop the Ravens and on the offensive side of the ball they could only muster three points. A controversial interception was costly for the Colts but if they want to beat the Titans to the division they need to be a lot more consistent.
14. Los Angeles Rams - 5-3
Previously 11
A bye week just before two big games against NFC rivals will have given Sean McVay the chance to get fully prepared. Hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in an extremely important divisional matchup and then travelling to Tampa to take on the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers. Two weeks of tough matchups coming up that could make or break the Rams season.
13. Las Vegas Raiders - 5-3
Previously 14
Between Weeks 9 and 11 the Raiders play each of their divisional rivals. In Week 9 they got a close win against the Chargers that came off the back of a review on a Chargers touchdown. Next up is the Broncos at home in a must win and then the Chiefs at home. If the Raiders have genuine thoughts on winning this division then they are going to have to sweep the reigning Super Bowl champions. A big two weeks for Raider football, but if anyone can do it, it could be Jon Gruden.
12. Arizona Cardinals - 5-3
Previously 10
Kyler Murray is quickly becoming the best dual-threat quarterback this league has ever seen. Finishing with 106 yards and a score on the ground to go with 283 passing yards and a further three scores, Murray was not to blame for this loss. Arizona went into this one with a chance to gain some ground in the NFC West but it wasn’t to be as a Zane Gonzalez field goal came up agonisingly short. With Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk, the Cardinals have plenty of weapons and with a head coach like Kliff Kingsbury managing them, the Cardinals will be in contention until the end of the season.
11. Miami Dolphins - 4-3
Previously 15
Tua Tagovailoa is proving to be exactly what the hype built him up to be. Athletic, mobile, big arm and accurate. He finished up with two touchdown passes, 248 yards and completed 20-of-28 passes. To go with that he added 35 rushing yards on seven carries. Tua spread the ball around as he found nine different receivers on route to a fourth straight Miami win. The Dolphins are now sitting in the final wild card spot for the AFC and are looking more and more like a real challenger as the weeks go on.
10. Cleveland Browns - 5-3
Previously 13
A bit of a jump here for the Browns and it is entirely down to their upcoming schedule. In the next three weeks the Browns go up against the Texans, Eagles and the Jaguars. All teams with a sub-500 record. Cleveland should come out of that stretch with a record of 8-3 and anything less than that is a massive disappointment. When the offense clicks they are unbeatable it seems but they need to get it to click a lot more often if they want to make the playoffs.
9. Tennessee Titans - 6-2
Previously 8
AJ Brown is as big a player for the Titans as DK Metcalf has been for the Seahawks this year. An absolute monster who has the ability to drag defensive players with him wherever he decides to go. He finished with almost half of the Titans total yards and a score in a win against a highly ranked defense. New signing Desmond King had an instant impact on the defensive side of the ball as he scooped up a fumble and returned it to the house to give his Titans a 17-0 lead. Tennessee got a big win to get the momentum going for a game against divisional rivals the Indianapolis Colts.
8. Seattle Seahawks - 6-2
Previously 4
Seattle have played eight games this year, and six different quarterbacks have thrown for over 300 yards against them. In a year where their quarterback is playing the best football of his life and they have weapons upon weapons on their offense it’s their usually strong defense that is tripping them up. The first game where we saw Wilson really struggle and unlike other teams he couldn’t rely on his defense to cover for his errors. In a highly competitive NFC, Seattle needs to be better on all sides of the ball.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 6-3
Previously 3
Tom Brady spent 20 seasons in New England and was never swept by an opposing franchise. One season with the Buccaneers and it has finally happened. Things are a bit different in the NFC South compared to the cakewalk that the AFC East has been for years. Brady felt pressure from the very first play to the last as he finished with three interceptions. The Buccaneers have looked frightfully good at points this season but they have these performances where they look frightfully bad. A big blow in the division for Tom and the Bucs, but if they can sort these poor performances then they are still in the mix for the Super Bowl.
6. Buffalo Bills - 7-2
Previously 6
Another MVP performance from Josh Allen and just when questions were beginning to mount about this Bills offense he answered them in a big way. Allen completed 31-of-38 passes for 415 yards and he added three touchdown passes. Buffalo took advantage of a weak Seattle defense and with their own defense pressuring the MVP elect in Russell Wilson they marched to an impressive win. Truly in the mix for the AFC, this Bills team can compete with the best of them and will be dangerous down the stretch.
5. New Orleans Saints - 6-2
Previously 9
Once again Drew Brees becomes the NFL’s all-time touchdowns leader. In a record that has been broken numerous times this season between himself and Tom Brady, Brees was the benefactor of a big swing in this one. Having all his offensive weapons back in the game, Brees spread the ball around as he piled on the points in the first half. New Orleans relied on strength by numbers, with 12 players catching the ball, seven running it and three passing it. A classic pick your poison contest and the Saints have many different poisons that they can get you with.
4. Green Bay Packers - 6-2
Previously 7
Anything other than a win in this one would have been disastrous for the Green Bay Packers. A hobbling San Francisco team lived up to their expectations as the Packers rolled over them in a dominant display. Aaron Rodgers put up another Hall of Fame performance in this one as he put up 305 yards and four scores. Is there a better connection anywhere in the world than Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams?? Another TD grab for Adams with 173 yards receiving and he is showing why he is one of, if not the best receiver in the game. Green Bay’s defense stepped up in this one as well as they pressured Nick Mullens into making mistakes all day. A much needed win for the Packers and the chance to carry the momentum forward.
3. Baltimore Ravens - 6-2
Previously 5
A game of two halves for Baltimore in this one and luckily for them the better half was the second one. Being held to just 56 yards in the first half is not what the Ravens needed coming off a tough divisional loss. Lamar Jackson and his Ravens came out in the second half and ran their way to victory. Jackson proved he is still one of the best at running with the ball as he got a score on the ground to go with 170 passing yards. A big win against a tough defense is exactly what the Ravens needed.
2. Kansas City Chiefs - 8-1
Previously 2
Even when a team manages to keep Patrick Mahomes off the field for the majority of a game, he still finds a way to get it done. With an offensive line that is well aware of how important it is to protect their star QB, Patrick Mahomes only had to endure one sack and had plenty of time to get it done. He finished the game with four touchdown passes and 372 yards. The Chiefs have one of the best backfields in football, but with Mahomes slinging it as well as he is, who needs them.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers - 8-0
Previously 1
Well it wasn’t pretty but it was a win. That is all that matters right now. Pittsburgh got their eighth win and kept that 0 in the loss column. An injured Ben Roethlisberger is some quarterback. What is with this guy that when he gets hurt he actually starts playing better? Steelers fans are used to a “trap game”. In recent years when the Steelers are looking good they always seem to lose to a nobody team, a team that is already out of the hunt and has one or two wins on the season. This game had that written all over it. Mike Tomlin and his guys avoided a slip up and fought back in the second half to continue this undefeated streak and give them the best start ever to a Pittsburgh Steelers season.
