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We are heading into Week 12 of the NFL, and our top 5 list has completely changed!
Honorable Mentions: Pittsburgh Steelers 8-2 & Los Angeles Chargers 7-3
Biggest Drop: Baltimore Ravens 7-4
5: Minnesota Vikings 8-2 NEW
With the dropping of Baltimore Ravens in these rankings, the Vikings have edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers for the final spot in the top 5 power rankings. With a top-10 scoring offense, averaging 24.4 points per game this season, and a stingy defense allowing only 17 points per game, the Vikings are a legitimate dark-horse threat.
4: Philadelphia Eagles 8-2 -1 spot
The drop in spot says very little about the Eagles, and more about the high-end talent in the league. They allow the fewest amount of yards per game in the league, and allow only 17.9 average points per game. Pair that with a top-10 ranked offense in your stat of preference, the Eagles are looking strong.
3: Kansas City Chiefs 9-1 -2 spots
The two-time defending Super Bowl champs are still the team to beat in the league, but they have been beaten. They still lean on their top-5 overall ranked defense, with their offense averaging 24 points and 337.9 yards per game. Kansas City might arguably have the worst offense on this list, but it’s still a good one that can do enough if their defense continues to shine.
2: Buffalo Bills 9-2 +3 spots
The Bills have defeated the undefeated, and are climbing our top 5 power rankings. Averaging over 29 points per game this season, Josh Allen has found a way to make it work. Their defense has rounded into shape, ranking in the top half of the league in both run and pass defense, allowing under 20 points per game. With an average scoring margin approaching +10, the Buffalo Bills are poised and dangerous.
1: Detroit Lions 9-1 +1 spot
The Detroit Lions have overthrown the Baltimore Ravens as the highest scoring offense in the league, averaging almost 34 points per game. Once upon a time, we may have said their defense was a weak spot, even with a healthy Aidan Hutchinson. I think it’s time to erase that mark. The Lions are a top 5 scoring defense, allowing just 17.7 points per game this season and 14.3 per game over the last 3. If you have to pick something, the pass defense does allow some chunks, but with a league leading +15.9 average scoring margin, they are more than making up for it.
Howe Fresh
Fresh Takes Sports Podcast
