Every week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Solar ranks all 32 NFL groups. However how nicely do every workforce measure up as Tremendous Bowl contenders?
Listed here are the week 18 rankings.
high contenders
1. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (13-3, No. 2)
2. Buffalo Payments (12-3, No. 3)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (11-4, 4th)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3, No. 1)
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4, No. 5)
What began out as an exciting matchup between two of the NFL’s finest groups shortly changed into a dire scenario on Monday evening when The safety of Damar Hamlin’s payments has collapsed. After coping with Bengal broad receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and required CPR and an automatic exterior defibrillator to assist life earlier than being taken off the sector by ambulance to the College of Cincinnati Medical Middle. which he’s nonetheless in vital situation. “With indicators of enchancment,” the Payments mentioned Wednesday. The sport between Buffalo and Cincinnati, which is jockeying with Kansas Metropolis for the AFC high seed and first-round bye, was suspended Monday evening and the league has but to. It mentioned when or if play would resume, the Payments have been anticipated to renew observe on Thursday forward of the common season’s remaining recreation in opposition to the visiting Patriots on Sunday whereas the Bengals held a tip on Wednesday. to organize for Sunday’s dwelling recreation in opposition to the Ravens.
It is an unprecedented scenario for the league. That hasn’t introduced any modifications to Week 18 or the postseason schedule. Because the workforce returns to coaching this week Hamlin’s well being stays on the forefront. As all 32 franchises modified their avatars on social media to Hamlin’s jersey quantity No. 3 with the phrases “Pray for Damar,” NFL government vp Troy Vincent mentioned Wednesday that “All the pieces is being thought of” about the remainder of the NFL schedule.
final Sunday The Chiefs continued their hunt for the AFC high seed with a near-than-expected 27-24 win over the Broncos. Kansas Metropolis trailed 17-13 heading into the fourth quarter. However two landing passes from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who completed 29-for-42 for 328 yards, put the Chiefs on high for good. Whereas Kansas Metropolis has misplaced to each the Payments and Bengals this season, it has but to beat division opponents by greater than six factors. Nevertheless it has received 4 straight and 9 of the previous 10, thanks largely to the frontline MVP at quarterback.
In NFC, the highest of the rankings is barely gloomy. After struggling consecutive losses with out younger quarterback Jalen Hurts, his most up-to-date 20-10 defeat in opposition to the Saints The Eagles may lose their No. 1 title maintain as Hurts is reportedly set to return from a sprained proper shoulder on this week’s recreation in opposition to the Giants. Not solely a first-round bye, but it surely additionally put Hurts at risk of re-injuring his shoulder earlier than the season opener.
The 49ers are among the many groups who would possibly pounce and steal the highest spot after Sunday’s 37-34 additional time win over the Raiders, though being pushed into additional time by a dropping workforce is rarely a great signal for the Raiders. compete within the Tremendous Bowl Nevertheless it put rookie quarterback Brock Purdy beneath stress late within the recreation. He responded with a three-point lead within the fourth quarter and almost helped finish the sport with the fourth rating. However the participant Robbie Gould missed a 41-yard area aim as time expired. The Niners’ semifinals will hope to relaxation on Purdy’s shoulders, and his efficiency on Sunday — 22-for-35 for 284 yards, two touchdowns and an interception — ought to reassure him that he can deal with that. can highlight
flawed rivals
6. Dallas Cowboys (12-4, No. 7)
7. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6, No. 9)
8. Minnesota Vikings (12-4, No. 6)
9. Baltimore Ravens (10-6, No. 8)
10. New York Giants (9-6-1, twelfth)
Minnesota seemed like one of many largest threats within the NFC earlier than Sunday’s 41-17 loss to the Packers. It is honest to say the Vikings are slated to be relegated after a detailed — 10-game successful streak. However the ugly efficiency raised severe questions on how dangerous the workforce was within the postseason. Few groups can usher in starwide receiver Justin Jefferson like Jaire. Alexander Packers’ cornerback did. However an offensive line that slams all the way down to the middle third and backup proper deal with will solely make issues tougher for Jefferson and three-throwing quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Possibly the Giants are the NFC workforce everybody overlooks. A powerful 38-10 victory over the Colts. New York provides a glimpse of what it’ll appear like when fired on all cylinders. defender daniel Jones threw a pair of touchdowns and ran two extra, and the protection held Indianapolis to 4.5 yards per play whereas serving to the Giants clinch the postseason title for the primary time since 2016. 2016, though this record is not going to intimidate any workforce. The Giants continued to exceed expectations behind Jones. by operating after Saquon Barkley and Coach Bryan Daboll within the first yr
for crows On Sunday evening, they misplaced to the Steelers 16-13. A reminder of their largest concern on either side of the ball, defender Lamar Jackson not solely missed the fourth recreation in a row with a sprained knee, but in addition missed the fourth recreation in a row. However the protection as soon as once more failed to depart the sector at essential moments. The Steelers stacked 198 dashing yards and went 10-for-16 in third whereas scoring a pair of 80-yard runs within the fourth quarter to take the lead. Final yr’s recreation till the tip of the season However the Ravens battle is deep sufficient to warrant severe concern. Jackson was struggling earlier than his knee harm. making it silly to imagine that his return will right all the pieces that has gone incorrect Linebacker Roquan Smith has been a recreation changer since he was traded. However he could not enhance his passing or underdogs on his personal. As a result of Jackson’s well being scenario has not been resolved. So no workforce was extra shaky as they entered the post-season.
wild card
11. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8, No. 10)
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8, No. 13)
13. Inexperienced Bay Packers (8-8, No. 14)
When this season is over Wouldn’t it be a shock if both workforce reached the respective convention championships? All three are at the very least two video games beneath .500 this season, with the Jaguars and Packers each scoring beneath 4 video games at one level and in addition discovering themselves very near runner-up to Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady. And Inexperienced Bay’s Aaron Rodgers has all struggled onerous this season. Nonetheless arguably the best defender of all time, Trevor Lawrence is rising in his place. By serving as a catalyst for Jacksonville’s four-game successful streak, Oddsmakers contemplate these groups have an extended strategy to go to make the Tremendous Bowl — the Jags and Packers nonetheless must win to get into the postseason — however There’s a path to achievement in the event that they get the proper pair within the wildcard spherical.
not completed but
14. Detroit Lions (8-8, No. 15)
15. Seattle Seahawks (8-8, No. 16)
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8, No. 19)
17. New England Patriots (8-8, No. 20)
18. Miami Dolphins (8-8, No. 11)
19. Tennessee Titans (7-9, twenty first)
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin earned only one win to keep up his document for 16 consecutive seasons and not using a dropping document to start out his NFL profession. Sunday evening’s victory over the Ravens was a present. Old skool fashion from Pittsburgh which beat Baltimore at their very own recreation. By counting on protection and operating based on its recreation. The Steelers are 0-7 this season when trailing by double digits, based on stats and ESPN knowledge, however overcame a 13-3 deficit to safe postseason hopes. Nook obtained as he led an 11-play, 80-yard drive within the final minute, culminating in a 10-yard landing move to Najee Harris. However simply placing your self ready to make the course a formidable achievement after a 2-6 begin.
Good luck subsequent yr
20. New York Jets (7-9, No. 18)
21. New Orleans Saints (7-9, twenty second)
22. Cleveland Browns (7-9, No. 26)
23. Commander Washington (7-8-1, No. 17)
24. Las Vegas Raiders (6-10, No. 25)
25. Carolina Panthers (6-10, twenty third)
The place do the jets go from right here? New York slipped out of playoff competition with a 23-6 loss to the Seahawks final Sunday. This was his fifth consecutive defeat after a promising 7-3 begin. Quarterback Mike White was no higher than Zack. A stand-in substitute, Wilson accomplished 23 of 46 passes for 240 yards and made two interceptions. and misplaced his rhythm whereas being overwhelmed by Geno. Former Jets goalkeeper Smith overtakes It was a disappointing end for sophomore coach Robert Saleh, who noticed an enormous enchancment from his protection. However cannot discover a strategy to win Wilson’s battle. The No. 2 total choose within the 2021 draft could return as a starter. However the Jets’ finest path to ending what’s now an 11-year drought is perhaps to veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s acquainted with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s schemes. Too small and too distant to put any hope on Wilson.
basement
26. Atlanta Falcons (6-10, twenty seventh)
27. Los Angeles Rams (5-11, No. 24)
28. Denver Broncos (4-12, No. 32)
29. Indianapolis Colts (4-11-1, No. 28)
30. Arizona Cardinals (4-12, No. 30)
31. Chicago Bears (3-13, twenty ninth total)
32. Houston Texans (2-13-1, No. 31)
The one factor that issues in Week 18 for these groups is the place they will fall within the draft order. Sadly for the Rams and Broncos, it meant dropping their high 5 by buying and selling blockbuster quarterbacks. The Rams received the Tremendous Bowl with Matthew Stafford, whereas the Broncos fired their first-year coach after Russell Wilson struggled. with the worst season of his profession. So one workforce is a bit of dissatisfied about it. The Texans are on observe to get the No. 1 choose and choose a future quarterback. Whether or not it is Bryce Younger of Alabama, CJ Stroud of Ohio State, or Will Levis of Kentucky, it ought to. It is an intrigue for a franchise that’s nonetheless recovering from a commerce with notorious franchise gamers.
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