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With six weeks to go in the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to become a little bit clearer in the NFL. With three Thanksgiving games this Thursday, I am sure everyone will be waiting with bated breath to see how things pan out, especially the Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions game.
On that note, here are the top ten teams going into week 12:
10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4): The Chiefs are still a good football team with Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and Kareem Hunt, but the downfall of Alex Smith lately has set this team on high alert. There was no excuse for scoring only nine points against a bad New York Giants side and Chiefs fans are calling for Patrick Mahomes to start. They better be careful because the Los Angeles Chargers might be creeping up on them in the standings.
Last week's ranking: 7.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3): The defence loves to sack quarterbacks and force turnovers. They might rely on it too much at times and it could be a concern later on. Their offence is average at best, but they are taking advantage of a weak schedule.
Last week's ranking: not ranked.
8. Detroit Lions (6-4): The Lions are not currently in a playoff spot, but they could help themselves out with a win against the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving. Matthew Stafford continues to make key plays when the game is on the line. The defence doesn't get enough credit for forcing turnovers which they sometimes turn into touchdowns.
Last week's ranking: 10.
7. Carolina Panthers (7-3): The Panthers were able to relax during their bye week. Cam Newton needs to have a strong game against the New York Jets this week knowing that a pivotal NFC South showdown against the New Orleans Saints is coming up.
Last week's ranking: 8.
6. Los Angeles Rams (7-3): The Rams' offence was surprisingly shut down against a tough Vikings defence. Los Angeles's defence kept them in the game long enough, but eventually faded away. The Rams have a big showdown this week with the New Orleans Saints.
Last week's ranking: 5.
5. Minnesota Vikings (8-2): The Vikings' defence made the Rams offence look lost on Sunday. Case Keenum continues to play turnover-free football. Playing solid defence and not turning the ball over is key in order to win championships and the Vikings are doing that brilliantly.
Last week's ranking: 6.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2): The Steelers' defence made Marcus Mariota uncomfortable last time around. Antonio Brown, meanwhile, torched the Titans with 10 catches for 144 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Pittsburgh's defence should tee off on Brett Hundley this week.
Last week's ranking: 4.
3. New Orleans Saints (8-2): The Saints were on the ropes against the Washington Redskins with under five minutes remaining as they trailed by 15 points. Drew Brees turned into superman though as he completed all 11 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns in that time span to force overtime and eventually win the game.
Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram are by far the best running back duo in the NFL right now. They are making a serious case for themselves to threaten the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC come playoff time.
Last week's ranking: 3.
2. New England Patriots (8-2): It doesn't when or where the Patriots play at right now. They are firing on all cylinders. Tom Brady continues to carve up defences as he completed 30-of-37 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-8 win over the Oakland Raiders. The defence isn't fancy but it is playing fundamentally sound football.
Last week's ranking: 2.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-1): Carson Wentz continues to amaze people week in and week out. He is throwing darts to his receivers and tight ends. The running game has only gotten better ever since the arrival of Jay Ajayi from Miami. They rushed for over 200 yards against the Dallas Cowboys, trouncing them 37-9. Philadelphia have one of the most underrated defences in the NFL and they will be hoping it fires for them in the playoffs like it has in the regular season.
Last week's ranking: 1.
