Breaking down the NFL’s Week 11 power rankings! Some risers fan fallers, notably the Vikings, are coming back down to Earth. Make sure to drop your thoughts and feedback in the comment section!
No. 10: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings earned a hard-fought win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10 — but they probably struggled more than they should have against such an inferior opponent. QB Sam Darnold has come back down to earth after a hot start to the season and is playing with a little less high-end consistency. Nevertheless, the Vikings have an elite defense and an explosive group of playmakers on offense. They are still a dangerous, 7-2 team.
No. 9: Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are explosive on both sides of the ball. Star safety Xavier McKinney is a contender for Defensive Player of the Year. QB Jordan Love is still playing at a high level, despite some inconsistencies and injury battles. The Packers made a deep run last year and seem poised to do that once again this season.
No. 8: Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. QB Justin Herbert is playing at an MVP level and has helped the Bolts turn their season around after a slow start. Now on a three-game winning streak, the Chargers’ defense is suffocating opponents on a weekly basis. HC Jim Harbaugh built a contender overnight.
No. 7: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders lost a close one in Week 10 but still went toe to toe with one of the NFL’s best defenses. QB Jayden Daniels is running away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and is even entering his name into the MVP race as the season heats up. Washington is young, exciting, and dangerous.
No. 6: Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson has stepped in and breathed new life into the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. That, paired with their elite defense, gives the team potential for a deep postseason run. The Steelers put the league on notice in Week 10, earning a tight win over the surging Washington Commanders. Fighting in an ultra-competitive AFC North, the Steelers shouldn’t be underestimated.
No. 5: Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have hit their stride after overcoming some struggles early in the season. Their offense is more dynamic than ever now with Saquon Barkley already nearing 1,000 rushing yards on the season. Philly looks like it could win the NFC East and make a deep run this season.
No. 4: Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is known as a perennial MVP candidate and that is no different this season. He’s playing arguably the best football of his career and has the Buffalo Bills seated near the top of the AFC with an 8-2 record. The Bills will have their toughest challenge of the season in Week 11, however, hosting the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
No. 3: Detroit Lions
Resilience. What better word could be used to describe the Detroit Lions’ Week 10 win? Despite QB Jared Goff throwing five interceptions, the Lions still found a way to win, slowing down the Houston Texans’ offense and clutching up with a fourth-quarter victory. The Lions are the NFC’s top dogs.
No. 2: Baltimore Ravens
What the Baltimore Ravens proved in Week 10 was crucial: even when their elite defense falters, their offense is explosive enough to more than makeup for it. Their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals might be the game of the year. Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level again and has the Ravens storming with a 7-3 record.
No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs
The still unbeaten and reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are the best team in the NFL until proven otherwise. After a thrilling divisional win in Week 10, the Chiefs have their toughest test of the season upcoming: a Week 11 road matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The winner of this contest will likely be No. 1 on the next power rankings.