Heading into Week 12, we see that COVID-19 is once again playing havoc with the schedule, as Thursday’s prime-time battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens has been moved to Sunday due to positive tests in the Baltimore locker room. It will be interesting to see how this affects the Ravens’ preparations for the league’s last unbeaten team. If the game ends up having to be postponed, the scheduling of the playoffs could be affected as the Steelers have already had their bye week.
Let’s take a look at the updated NFL power rankings as you consider your online betting decisions for the weekend.
NFL News: Power Rankings after Week 11
#1 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-0)
The Steelers have managed to escape trap games and have also taken advantage of injuries plaguing the Cleveland defense in the first half of the season, which along with Baker Mayfield’s inconsistency, has helped the Steelers to a three-game lead in the AFC North. Ben Roethlisberger is quietly building a resume for an MVP this season, if not because of his numbers, because of his steady leadership.
#2 Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)
During Andy Reid’s eight seasons leading the Chiefs, they have at least a five-game winning streak in each campaign. His leadership, combined with the Chiefs’ high-octane offense, is the story in the revival of this franchise.
#3 New Orleans Saints (8-2)
No Drew Brees? No problem. The Saints should be 10-2 when Brees is ready to return, and if he’s not, Taysom Hill and the Saints’ defense seem to be doing just fine.
#4 Buffalo Bills (7-3)
Josh Allen has finally emerged as a franchise quarterback, possibly the first for the Bills since Jim Kelly. He needs to keep his elite play going for the team to hold off Miami.
#5 Green Bay Packers (7-3)
The Packers should have been able to limit Indianapolis’ offense more on Sunday, as the Colts are not normally a high-octane scoring machine. But they do have Aaron Rodgers to lead comeback drives.
#6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)
This number will slip if the Buccaneers cannot follow up that loss to the Rams with a win this weekend.
#7 Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
Carlos Dunlap has picked up 3 ½ sacks in three games since coming via trade. Can you imagine how dominant Seattle would be if they had a stout defense?
#8 Los Angeles Rams (7-3)
The Rams lead the NFL in fewest points permitted per game (18.7), and Aaron Donald had 32 pressures and nine sacks going into Monday night’s game. Jalen Ramsey has emerged as a versatile secondary contributor. It’s the defense that has the Rams contending.
#9 Indianapolis Colts (7-3)
The Colts have gotten 17 turnovers on defense, tied for second best in the NFL. ADd that to a solid rushing game, and you have a Colts team that could push far into the playoffs.
#10 Tennessee Titans (7-3)
You’ve got to love Derrick Henry. He has 419 rushing yards in the fourth quarter and overtime this season, with two rushing touchdowns in overtime.
#11 Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
Kyler Murray has used his feet to bail out the Arizona offense on multiple occasions, especially when reading the defense on RPOs and running on designed QB run plays.
#12 Baltimore Ravens (6-4)
After Pittsburgh, Baltimore plays five opponents with a combined record of 16-33-1: Dallas, Jacksonville, the Giants and Cincinnati, along with a trip to Cleveland.
#13 Las Vegas Raiders (6-4)
Derek Carr has learned that he doesn’t have to throw for 400 yards for his team to win. The Raiders also have a strong running game, and that balance has led Carr shine.
#14 Cleveland Browns (7-3)
The tailback duo of Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb gets the press for the Browns, but that improved O-line is just as important an accomplishment for the front office.
#15 Miami Dolphins (6-4)
Miami is contending because of that defense, led by cornerback Xavien Howard, who is tied for the league lead with six interceptions.
#16 Chicago Bears (5-5)
Linebacker Roquan Smith leads the league in tackles for loss (15) and is third in total tackles (96). It’s a shame the Bears can’t find a quarterback.
#17 San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
The 49ers’ injury woes have been a real case of bad luck for this team. 2021 can’t be this bad for them, can it?
#18 New England Patriots (4-6)
James White and Rex Burkhead have been bright spots for the Patriots, but losing in Houston was just the latest indignity on Bill Belichick.
#19 Minnesota Vikings (4-6)
What happened to the Minnesota defense against Dallas? It should respond against Chicago this weekend.
#20 Carolina Panthers (4-7)
We just don’t know which Panthers team will show up from week to week. We hope that Teddy Bridgewater can return soon and get a season that he deserves.
#21 Denver Broncos (4-6)
There are 13 Broncos on injured reserve. There are 12 Broncos who have not yet turned 24 years old. They keep putting up gritty performances, as they did in beating Miami on Sunday.
#22 Los Angeles Chargers (3-7)
How about Justin Herbert? He makes the Chargers fun to watch. It’s time to install a defense.
#23 Detroit Lions (4-6)
The Lions’ O-line has been terrific this year, particularly left tackle Taylor Decker and center Frank Ragnow. However, how did the Lions get shut out by Carolina?
#24 Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley are one of the top wide receiver duos in the league, but their injuries this year have been one factor in this dreadful season.
#25 New York Giants (3-7)
The personnel is still a work in progress, but new coach Joe Judge has installed a terrific culture.
#26 Houston Texans (3-7)
Deshaun Watson had 380 all-purpose yards on Sunday against New England. As a team, Houston gained 399 yards. Watson also had all three Houston touchdowns. Without him, the Texans’ season would be dreadful.
#27 Philadelphia Eagles (3-6-1)
When will the Eagles turn to Jalen Hurts at quarterback?
#28 Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
We’ll find out on Thursday if the win over Minnesota was just a mirage. What isn’t an illusion? The quality of CeeDee Lamb, who already has the rookie record for catches by a Dallas wide receiver in one season.
#29 Washington Football Team (3-7)
We can’t say enough for the resurgence of Alex Smith.
#30 Cincinnati Bengals (2-7-1)
Joe Burrow has led the Bengals’ resurgence, but wide receiver Tee Higgins has also been a bright spot, looking like the heir to A.J. Green.
#31 Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9)
This week — Mike Glennon is the newest Jacksonville starting quarterback.
#32 New York Jets (0-10)
One more loss, one more step closer to Trevor Lawrence.
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