Matthew Ross
We have a new number one team on the countdown. Some will say it was inevitable that the champ would reclaim the top spot. But I am not one of those folks. It’s been a long road back to the top or the Patriots. But they have some really good teams breathing down their necks. The biggest gainer on the list this week? The Saints. The Brees clan is really writing a special season.
NFL Week 14 Power Index 2017
1- (3) New England Patriots – It’s time. The champs have earned this spot. From October on they’ve been the best team in the league – and it’s not even close.
2- (2) Pittsburgh Steelers – It was a tough, hard, controversial win over the Bengals on Monday night. But you know? That’s how grudge match divisional games are played. Sure, we could do without the gruesome injuries and illegal hits. But Pittsburgh did what they had to do and are now ready to bury Baltimore and win the division this week.
2- (1) Philadelphia Eagles – One loss does not make a losing streak. Philly didn’t get blown out, either. But there are some chinks in the armor. I still think that they’re in great shape. But they have to win a meaningful game this month to feel good about their playoff chances.
4- (5) Minnesota Vikings – Another week of me underestimating them and another week of them proving me wrong. Well, no more. This team’s as good as it gets right now and I for one can’t put a ceiling on their heart or talent.
5- (8) New Orleans Saints – Back up to fifth. And with a bullet. The Saints have silenced the doubters and now have their sights set on a division crown.
6- (4) Carolina Panthers – They lost badly. But how can you move this team too far down the list? They’re solid and lost to a really good team on the road.
7- (8) Los Angeles Rams – They won the game that they were supposed to win. No let downs. This squad is ready to shock the world, it seems.
8- (9) Seattle Seahawks – Big win over a good Philly team. But Seattle is flawed this season. I feel like they’re ceiling is a wildcard game loss.
9- (8) Atlanta Falcons – A really disappointing loss at home to Minny. It was their chance to prove that they are back to 2016 form. I’m not sure at this point if we’re ever going to see that dominance or confidence or execution again from them.
tie 10- (10) Tennessee Titans – A showdown with the Jags is looming in Week 17. But first, more ugly wins to pile up. It’s their identity and they seem to be embracing it.
tie 10- (NR) Jacksonville Jaguars – How can I deny them a spot on this list any longer? They’re basically every bit as good as the Titans. I’m not sold on the quarterback play come January, but we’re in December right now and they deserve to be here.
Honorable Mentions
Baltimore Ravens (I know, that defense is electric right now. But the offense isn’t. Still, it was tough to keep them off this list), Los Angeles (Welcome to the honorable mentions, L.A., I feel like you’ll be around for a while), Oakland Raiders (The Silver and Black is back, baby. Okay, maybe not yet, but they’re getting there).
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.
