Welcome back to another edition of Very Honest NFL Power Rankings. Week 11 is here, and it’s time to get real about where every team stands. Some teams are on the rise, others are crashing back down to earth, and a few are just existing, trying to make sense of their place in this chaotic NFL season. Let’s break it all down honestly, no sugar-coating. You know, the way it should be.
32. Carolina Panthers
Let’s start at the bottom, and it’s no surprise. The Panthers are bad, and there’s no getting around it. They still don’t have their first win under Bryce Young, and while I still believe in his future, the present is pretty grim. There’s not a lot of hope in sight. The defense is bad, the offense is worse, and they’re just a team stuck in a rebuild that feels more like a rerun.
31. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are one of those teams where you thought they’d be the worst in the league, but they’ve been surprisingly competitive. That said, competitive isn’t going to cut it in a league where everyone else is looking to win. Kyler Murray is trying to make something happen, but their talent isn’t up to par, and they don’t have the depth to consistently compete. They’re not tanking, but they’re not winning either.
30. Chicago Bears
This team can’t catch a break. From bad decisions to an offensive line that can’t protect, and a defense that gives up too many points, the Bears are stuck in neutral. Caleb Williams might be on their radar, but unless they fix the mess around him, they won’t be competitive anytime soon. A new coach is on the horizon for Chicago, and frankly, it can’t come soon enough.
29. New York Jets
The Jets gave us a glimmer of hope earlier this season, but they’re back in full disaster mode. Their defense has taken a step back, and Zach Wilson is still playing like he doesn’t belong in the NFL. Robert Saleh‘s defense is being asked to do too much with an offense that can’t score. The Jets are running out of time, and it’s only getting worse.
28. Washington Commanders
The Commanders have a new sense of urgency, but it hasn’t been enough to turn things around. Sam Howell is trying, but he’s still too inconsistent. Their defense, while capable of making some plays, is far from elite, and the team as a whole just lacks that spark to push them over the top. They’re not a playoff team, but they’re not an absolute dumpster fire either.
27. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are kind of stuck in the middle of nowhere. They have some exciting young players, and Anthony Richardson showed flashes of potential, but injuries have slowed his development. Their offense isn’t special, and while the defense has been solid, they’re just not built to compete in a stacked AFC. They might have a decent future, but 2024 is looking like another rebuilding year.
26. New England Patriots
I’m going to say it: Bill Belichick has lost it. This Patriots team is a mess. Mac Jones has regressed, the offense is anemic, and their defense doesn’t look nearly as sharp as it used to. At this point, the only thing they’re competing for is a high draft pick. Belichick might be a legend, but his time in New England is running out.
25. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are yet another team in freefall. Ryan Tannehill is hurt, and even when he was healthy, this offense didn’t look great. Derrick Henry is still a monster, but he’s starting to show signs of slowing down. Their defense is also far from what it used to be. They’re stuck in a rut and need to decide if they’re going to rebuild or push forward.
24. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are one of those teams that feels like they should be better than they are, but they can’t put it together. Matthew Stafford‘s health is a huge concern, and the offense has no real consistency. The defense has played admirably, but they lack the star power to elevate them into a playoff contender. They’re a middling team in the NFC and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon.
23. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have a defense that can hold their own, but their offense is stuck in neutral. Desmond Ridder is too inconsistent, and they’ve been unable to find any rhythm. Despite having Kyle Pitts and Drake London, the passing game is non-existent. Arthur Smith is going to need to make some hard decisions soon about whether to stick with the current strategy or make a change.
22. Cleveland Browns
The Browns are a strange case. Their defense has been absolutely elite, and Myles Garrett is playing out of his mind. But their offense is a disaster, and they just can’t seem to get it going. If they had a quarterback that could consistently move the ball, they might actually be dangerous. Instead, they’re stuck in the middle of the pack and will likely miss the playoffs because of it.
21. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have been one of the more frustrating teams this season. Kirk Cousins is out, and Josh Dobbs is doing his best to keep them afloat, but he’s been wildly inconsistent. The defense isn’t anything to write home about, and while Justin Jefferson is still an elite weapon, it’s not enough to push them into serious playoff contention. They’re another team fighting for scraps.
20. Detroit Lions
The Lions are a solid team, but they’ve shown some flaws that prevent them from being elite. Jared Goff has been solid, but he isn’t a guy who can carry the team when everything is on the line. Their defense is inconsistent, and while they’re still in the playoff picture, they’re going to need to clean up a lot of mistakes if they want to compete with the best teams in the NFC.
19. Buffalo Bills
The Bills should be a Super Bowl contender, but they’ve been frustratingly inconsistent. Josh Allen has been great, but the team around him isn’t performing at a high enough level. Their defense has struggled with key injuries, and they just can’t seem to get it together when it matters most. Buffalo still has a chance, but they’re going to have to turn things around fast if they want to make a serious run.
18. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have played some solid football this season, but they’ve also shown their limitations. Geno Smith has been decent, but he’s not the type of QB that can carry a team through the playoffs. Their defense has been inconsistent, and despite some solid performances from Kenneth Gainwell, they’re just not built to make a deep playoff run. They’re likely a one-and-done team.
17. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are always a threat with Patrick Mahomes, but they’ve looked a little off this season. Their offense has struggled to find the same rhythm as in past years, and the defense has been shaky at times. But Mahomes is still one of the most dangerous players in the league, and Travis Kelce continues to be his top target. The Chiefs are still a top team, but they’re not invincible.
16. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have been surprisingly good, and Derek Carr has stabilized the offense. Alvin Kamara is back to his old self, and the defense has held up reasonably well. However, they’re still far from being a true contender in the NFC. They’ll need to show more consistency, especially in close games, if they want to make a push for the playoffs.
15. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have a potent offense led by Tua Tagovailoa, but their defense is what holds them back. While they’ve been able to score in bunches, they’ve also been prone to letting up big plays. If the defense can improve, this team could be a serious playoff contender. Until then, they’ll be an offensive juggernaut without the defensive balance needed for a deep run.
14. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been up and down this season. They’ve had big wins but also suffered embarrassing losses. Dak Prescott has been solid, but the offense hasn’t been nearly as explosive as it should be. Meanwhile, the defense has had its moments, but they’ve also been prone to big plays. Dallas can still make the playoffs, but they need to show more consistency in all phases of the game.
13. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL right now. Lamar Jackson is playing like an MVP candidate, and their defense is playing well enough to shut down almost any offense. They’re one of the more balanced teams in the league, and if they can stay healthy, they’re going to be a tough out in the playoffs.
