The Energy Rankings have a brand new No. 1.
And likewise some questions — 32 inquiries to be exact, one for every group. 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 manner, 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 gained the Tremendous Bowl final season with a protection that ranked 14th in success charge (58.3 p.c). This 12 months’s group ranks fifth (61.6). The offense appears totally 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 linked 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
GO DEEPER
The teachings Patrick Mahomes realized as a highschool security that helped him turn into an elite QB
(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 gained his fiftieth profession sport in his 68th profession begin Sunday. Solely Ken Stabler, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Roger Staubach received to 50 wins in fewer begins. And Jackson did it in fashion, turning into the fourth participant in league historical past to have no 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 number of the devoted Energy Rankings commenters can (and doubtless 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 profitable 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 group with a profitable document (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 invaluable 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 strain proportion of fifty p.c.
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 way of the primary third of the season, Detroit received pummeled Sunday. Baltimore had 503 yards and averaged 9.1 yards per play, probably the most by any group 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 way of six weeks however fell behind 35-0 Sunday. Coach Dan Campbell stated he thinks the sport will “re-center” his group, however they don’t have numerous 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 take care of 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 group) 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 enjoying him. Coach Kevin Stefanski stated after the sport that Watson will begin this week towards Seattle, however is that excellent news or not? Since becoming a member of the group 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 Photographs)
(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 choices. If Lawrence might be one of many true dudes within the league, it adjustments Jacksonville’s outlook this 12 months and into the longer term.
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 numerous angst a couple of quarterback who’s 14th within the league in passer score (91) and main a group within the high 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 huge receivers on the lowest charge of his profession (58.1 p.c). However that every 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 group continues to be fourth within the league in yards per play (5.9) so it’s most likely high-quality, however it will possibly’t afford to offer away video games to dangerous 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 charge in 2022 (41.1 p.c) and twenty third in 2021 (37.3). This 12 months, the Bengals sit Thirtieth at 30.9 p.c, 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 individual?
The Seahawks rookie cornerback already is without doubt one of the most enjoyable 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
Hi there, 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 checklist. Watt nonetheless is on tempo to interrupt his personal single-season sacks document 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
(Final week: 14)
Sunday: Bye
One query: Might 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 knowledgeable,” says Rodgers is “shifting virtually 3 times as quick” as a traditional participant by way of the restoration course of. If Rodgers can return, these Jets turn 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?
In all probability, 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 remaining fumble got here simply as he was about to attain a speeding landing that probably would have put the sport away. As a substitute, Atlanta wanted a 51-yard discipline purpose from Younghoe Koo on the buzzer. The Falcons are in first place within the NFC South after the win, and Ridder has the assist of coach Arthur Smith no 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 increase. Minnesota pressured three turnovers Monday night time towards the 49ers however received to do 4 celebrations as a result of one was referred to 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 in the long run zone and performed duck, duck, goose. On the third one, Camryn Bynum and teammates did the worm in the long run zone. On the fourth, Bynum and associates 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 true 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 is just not 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 supply, even with Cooper Kupp again within the lineup. (Harry How / Getty Photographs)
(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 properly previous feel-good story. He nonetheless matches that description with probably the most catches by any participant in his first seven NFL video games (58), however it’s time to start out 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 group?
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 document is just not 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 gained’t win the award as a result of this group most likely will end with a shedding document, 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 group), 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 wanting 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 way 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 profitable 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 decide, hasn’t seemed like the reply in restricted fill-in responsibility, and Will Levis, the 2023 second-round decide, can’t even get on the sphere. Tennessee appears to be like like will probably be dangerous 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 speculate to get the place discovered?
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 group?
Hear us out. The Chargers have misplaced to just one group with a shedding document. 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 numerous warmth recently, 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?
Possibly “Why was he ever?” is the true query. McDaniels was 11-17 in two years as Denver’s coach. He’s now 9-15 in Las Vegas after shedding Sunday to a Bears group led by backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, a rookie out of Division II. McDaniels’ offense is okay. 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 healthier 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 group within the chase for a top-two decide?
The Commanders could be choosing 14th if the season ended proper now, so that they’ve received 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 under). 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 group’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 is just not good regardless of the Packers solely scoring 17 factors towards them Sunday. Denver is giving up probably 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 optimistic be aware, 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 p.c 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
28. New York Giants (2-5)
(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, grew to become 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 document of 347. That doesn’t seem to be a giant deficit, however on the tempo the Patriots are on this season, it may take some time, and Belichick is 71 years outdated.
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 gained 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 received even nearer Sunday, because the Cardinals would decide second if the season ended right this moment. 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 may not be 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, however 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 no 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 precise to the primary decide within the draft, goes to be affected person with Younger. It needs to be, however Panthers followers should be apprehensive.
Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(High photograph of Patrick Mahomes: Jamie Squire / Getty Photographs)
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