Week 12 NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus what each team is thankful for
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ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
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NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSHWeek 11 ranking: 1
What they’re thankful for: QB Ben Roethlisberger
At 10-0, the Steelers’ cup really runneth over with gratitude. The Steelers should be thankful for an undefeated record, including wins in trap games and against previously undefeated opponents. And, of course, there’s the three-game lead over the rest of the division. But the thing — or rather, person — the Steelers should be most thankful for this season is easy: Roethlisberger. Without the quarterback, the Steelers wouldn’t be in this position. He’s a calming, veteran presence capable of taking over a game, which he has done a couple of times this season. And his health is the difference-maker for a team that was 8-8 last year without him. — Brooke Pryor
1:36
Ryan Clark demands Stephen A. Smith respect the Steelers’ 10-0 record after Stephen A. calls the team more overrated than underrated.
Week 11 ranking: 2
What they’re thankful for: Coach Andy Reid
Sure, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and several others would be appropriate here. But Reid is the one who turned the franchise around. The Chiefs have a winning streak of at least five games in each of Reid’s eight seasons. They won no more than four games in four of the six seasons before his arrival. And there’s also last season’s Super Bowl win to break a 50-year championship drought. — Adam Teicher
Week 11 ranking: 4
1:57
Stephen A. Smith debates Dan Orlovsky and Max Kellerman about why he believes the Packers are the fourth best team in the NFC North.
Week 11 ranking: 3
Week 11 ranking: 7
Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 11 ranking: 6
What they’re thankful for: QB Tom Brady
Who else? Did anyone think in a million years that Brady would choose a downtrodden franchise that hasn’t been to the postseason since 2007 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2002? In 2020, he has led the Bucs to a 7-4 start for the first time since 2010 and helped reinstall a winning culture. They’re far from a finished product, but few, if any, outwork Brady, whose impact can be seen everywhere — from execution in the red zone to Byron Leftwich’s playcalling and the performance of their young, but emerging, defense. — Jenna Laine
Week 11 ranking: 10
1:08
Tim Hasselbeck breaks down how the Colts’ defense helped them secure a win over the Packers.
Week 11 ranking: 11
Week 11 ranking: 9
What they’re thankful for: Defense
Sean McVay built an offensive juggernaut in his first two seasons as coach, but now in his fourth season, the defense has taken over and ranks second in the NFL in efficiency and average points allowed per game (18.7). Defensive tackle Aaron Donald has set the tone with 32 pressures entering Monday night and nine sacks while Jalen Ramsey has not only been a lockdown cornerback, but has proved he can play various positions in the secondary. The Rams also have several lesser-known players who have stepped up, including cornerback Darious Williams, who leads the team with four interceptions. — Lindsey Thiry
Week 11 ranking: 12
Week 11 ranking: 5 1:02 Dan Orlovsky says the Ravens don’t have an identity on offense and calls on Lamar Jackson to be the guy to elevate the team.
Week 11 ranking: 8
Week 11 ranking: 14
Week 11 ranking: 15
Week 11 ranking: 13
Week 11 ranking: 16
Everything you need this week:
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What they’re thankful for: LB Roquan Smith
Smith is playing at an All-Pro level. The inside linebacker leads the NFL with 15 tackles for loss and ranks tied for third with 96 total tackles through Week 11. Smith, 23, arguably has been the best player on Chicago’s ferocious defense — a unit that also features former Pro Bowlers Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Jackson and Kyle Fuller. The eighth overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft, Smith’s upside is enormous. The Bears might perpetually struggle on offense, but the defense should be in good hands with Smith for years to come. — Jeff Dickerson
Week 11 ranking: 17
What they’re thankful for: LB Fred Warner
Since good health certainly isn’t on the list of things the Niners can be thankful for this season, their appreciation for their middle linebacker’s continued ascent to stardom undoubtedly is. While much of their star power has been lost to injury, Warner has been the one constant in the middle of the defense, offering durability, productivity and leadership in large doses. Warner is finally getting the recognition he deserves as one of the league’s best linebackers and is in line for a massive contract extension, perhaps as soon as the coming offseason. — Nick Wagoner
Week 11 ranking: 18
What they’re thankful for: RB James White’s presence
The outpouring of support for White on Sept. 20, when he was preparing to play a prime-time game against the Seahawks before learning that his father was killed in a car accident, speaks to how revered he is across the NFL. His presence and the class and leadership he exudes on a daily basis make the Patriots better on and off the field. — Mike Reiss
Week 11 ranking: 19
What they’re thankful for: LBs Eric Wilson and Eric Kendricks
These two are the glue that has held the Vikings’ defense together. Kendricks is having another All-Pro-type season while Wilson has emerged in the absence of Anthony Barr and leads all NFL linebackers with three interceptions. Minnesota’s defense has experienced constant ups and downs given injuries and the youth/inexperience on the defensive line and in the secondary. Kendricks and Wilson are critical factors in maintaining stability, and Wilson’s play on special teams (he blocked an extra point against Dallas) is worth noting, too. — Courtney Cronin
Week 11 ranking: 20
Here’s how the postseason bracket looks at the moment and what scenarios lie ahead.
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• Standings » | Football Power Index »
What they’re thankful for: QB Teddy Bridgewater
Moving on from franchise quarterback Cam Newton drew criticism and angst from many outside Bank of America Stadium, but Bridgewater has proved to be everything the coaching staff was looking for, and more. He has handled the transition with class and dignity and has shown that he is more than worthy of replacing the best quarterback — maybe best player — in franchise history. Bridgewater has shown you can perform at a high level and be humble and fun-loving without being the center of attention, as Newton often was because of his celebrity status. — David Newton
Week 11 ranking: 23 1:41 Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman and Dan Orlovsky get into a heated debate over whether it’s time for the Eagles to bench Carson Wentz.
Week 11 ranking: 21
Week 11 ranking: 25
Week 11 ranking: 22
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What they’re thankful for: The offensive line
Detroit’s offensive line — particularly the left side — has been phenomenal (save for Sunday against Carolina). Left tackle Taylor Decker is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Center Frank Ragnow also is at a Pro Bowl level. Rookie left guard Jonah Jackson looks like a stable blocker for years to come and should end up on a bunch of all-rookie teams. While right guard has been an issue, Tyrell Crosby has stepped in at right tackle and played well. But in another down Lions season, the offensive line has sparked a run game and protected Matthew Stafford pretty well. — Michael Rothstein
Week 11 ranking: 24 0:56 Dan Orlovsky is adamant Daniel Jones and the Giants are the best team in the NFC East.
Week 11 ranking: 26
What they’re thankful for: Coach Joe Judge
While the Giants haven’t won much this season, it appears they might have found their coach. Judge has put his program in motion and the early returns are positive. The Giants are playing hard for their new coach and appear to be paving the road for success in the future with Judge at the helm. Finally, something to be optimistic about. — Jordan Raanan
Week 11 ranking: 28
Week 11 ranking: 30
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What they’re thankful for: The NFC East
How can it be anything other than the NFC East? If not for the division, the final six games would be about draft positioning. At 3-7, the Cowboys have as many wins as anybody in the division. They’re in it, whatever that actually means. But if you’re looking for something different, go with rookie receiver CeeDee Lamb. He holds the team’s rookie record for catches in a season and has shown he can be a cornerstone piece for the future. — Todd Archer
Week 11 ranking: 29
What they’re thankful for: QB Alex Smith
In a year that has been occasionally bad or dreadful for this franchise, Smith has served as a feel-good story. There are some talented young players in Washington, notably receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive end Chase Young, but Smith’s play — coupled with his two-year recovery from a horrific leg injury — serves as an inspiration. On the field, Smith gives Washington a shot to finish strong. His knowledge and comfort in the offense has been evident and his calmness rubs off on the others. Even if Washington doesn’t win a bad division, Smith has helped develop its young players with his experience and wisdom. — John Keim
0:53
Stephania Bell goes into detail about Joe Burrow’s injury and explains how so much damage was done.
Week 11 ranking: 27
Week 11 ranking: 31
What they’re thankful for: RB James Robinson
Robinson is one of the very few bright spots for the Jaguars. He has been their best offensive player, is third in the NFL in rushing behind Derrick Henry and Dalvin Cook with 762 yards, and is the fifth undrafted rookie in NFL history to reach 1,000 scrimmage yards. If he stays healthy, he should break Dominic Rhodes’ NFL record for most yards from scrimmage by an undrafted rookie (1,328 in 2001) rather easily. — Mike DiRocco
Week 11 ranking: 32
What they’re thankful for: Bert Bell
Who? The late Eagles co-owner was the driving force behind the creation of the NFL draft in 1936 — and the draft is the only thing Jets fans can embrace as they endure the worst season in franchise history. The 2021 draft is particularly appealing because it might include a generational quarterback prospect, Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence. So as their 0-10 team careens toward the No. 1 overall pick, Jets fans can find solace in knowing there’s hope in the future. So, a Thanksgiving toast to Bert Bell, who beats Le’Veon when it comes to impactful Bells for the franchise. — Rich Cimini
