Disclaimer: Rankings are determined by records, strength of schedule and stats.
It is the end of October, and half of the NFL season has gone by. Many teams have faced ups and downs throughout the eight weeks of, and there have also been a few teams who have been booms so far, and some who are busts.
Top 3 Booms
1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are undefeated at the midseason mark. They do not look like the 49ers from last year because the 2018 49ers finished 31st in the NFL with a 4-12 record. San Francisco has turned that around at the midseason mark of the NFL season with a 7-0 record.
2. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo are put on this list as they are 5-2 at midseason. Last year, the Bills had a -105 point differential, which leads them to a 6-10 record. Now the Bills have +12 point differential in the first eight weeks and are 2nd in the AFC East only behind the New England Patriots.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars crack their way on the last spot on this list. The Jaguars of 2018 only finished 5-11, but this year they are 4-4 so far. This all comes as a surprise because they are doing this with a rookie QB Gardner Minshew, who was picked in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Top 3 Busts
1. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland was all aboard the hype train this offseason. After making trades, including the blockbuster trade for Odell Beckham Jr., a lot of NFL analysts saw this team winning their division and a potential Super Bowl team. Well, the Browns haven’t gotten off to the hot start that everyone predicted as they are 2-5 at the midseason point. They are currently third in their division, and with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati struggling, they still have a shot to fill everyone’s expectations.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers haven’t necessarily been bad, but they are losing close games. After making the playoffs last year with a record of 12-4, Los Angeles start this season 3-5. L.A. will have to do better if they want to make the playoffs again.
3. Chicago Bears
Chicago has been on a roller coaster this season. Recently though, it is not looking too good as they are last in the NFC North. The Bears finished 12-4 last year and won the division. This year, after many saw them as a team that could make a playoff run, the Bears are 3-4 and last in the division.
Here are your NFL midseason power rankings:
1. New England Patriots (8-0)
The reigning Super Bowl champs are on top once more. Their defense has been stellar, allowing the least amount of points and causing the most turnovers to oppose teams this year. They will be looking forward to keeping this going this week against the Ravens.
2. San Francisco 49ers (7-0)
The 49ers defense has also been great. They have allowed the fewest total yards per game, and on the offensive side have scored the third most amount of points per game. This week the 49ers are hoping to stay undefeated as they face the Cardinals.
3. New Orleans Saints (7-1)
The Saints have had it rough. Their starting quarterback has been out for some time, but this doesn’t seem to phase them. New Orleans is undefeated under backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, but their defense has also been performing, allowing the 2nd fewest average rushing yards per game. Drew Brees is back, and the Saints get a bye week to rest up.
4. Green Bay Packers (7-1)
The Pack is back! After two forgetful seasons, it seems the Packers are back as they sit in first in the tough NFC North. Aaron Rodgers is doing Rodgers things and is even in talks already for MVP. They are top 10 in points scored and passing yards thanks to Rodgers and will hope to keep this red hot offense hot against the Chargers this week.
5. Minnesota Vikings (6-2)
The Vikings have been interesting this year. At the beginning of the year, they were more one dimensional with RB Dalvin Cook. But after a loss to the Bears, the passing offense has gotten up to speed. Their passing offense is still ranked 16th based on passing yards per game. They hope to improve that number as they play the Chiefs this week.
6. Los Angeles Rams (5-3)
The Rams offense has been up and down this year. They rank in the top 5 in passing yards per game, but turnovers are an issue. The Rams hope to rest up and forget the turnovers as they have a bye week.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
Kansas City lost their MVP QB Patrick Mahomes due to injury for a few weeks. This lead to a close loss to the Packers. Even with this injury, the Chiefs still rank 2nd in passing yards per game. Mahomes was limited in practice, so it is uncertain that he will play this week against the Vikings.
8. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
The Ravens have been electric this year. With Lamar Jackson under center, the Ravens top 2 in points scored per game, total yards per game, and rushing yards per game. With Jackson’s versatility, some NFL analysts have him as an under the radar MVP candidate. The face their toughest test this week as they face the number one defense in the league, the New England Patriots.
9. Houston Texans (5-3)
Houston’s run game on both sides of the football has been great. Their offense ranks 6th in rushing yards per game, and on defense, they have allowed the 5th fewest rushing yards per game. These stats have been obtained because players like RB Carlo Hyde and LB Whitney Mercilus. The Texans will be looking to these guys to keep it going this week against the Jaguars.
10. Seattle Seahawks (6-2)
This Seattle offense has been firing on all cylinders under MVP candidate Russell Wilson. The Seahawks are top 10 total offensive yards per game and rushing yards per game. Their defense has also caused the 5th most turnovers in the league, which has helped them win some close games. QB Russell Wilson will look to lead the Seahawks to a win against the Buccaneers this week.
The rest of the NFL rankings are determined by records, strength of schedule, and stats.
11. Dallas Cowboys (4-3)
Next Opponent: New York Giants
12. Indianapolis Colts (5-2)
Next Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
13. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
Next Opponent: Washington Redskins
14. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)
Next Opponent: Chicago Bears
15. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)
Next Opponent: Houston Texans
16. Tennessee Titans (4-4)
Next Opponent: Carolina Panthers
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-4)
Next Opponent: Indianapolis Colts
18. Carolina Panthers (4-3)
Next Opponent: Tennessee Titans
19. Chicago Bears (3-4)
Next Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
20. Detroit Lions (3-3-1)
Next Opponent: Oakland Raiders
21. Oakland Raiders (3-4)
Next Opponent: Detroit Lions
22. Los Angeles Chargers (3-5)
Next Opponent: Green Bay Packers
23. Arizona Cardinals (3-4-1)
Next Opponent: San Francisco 49ers
24. Cleveland Browns (2-5)
Next Opponent: Denver Broncos
25. Denver Broncos (2-6)
Next Opponent: Cleveland Browns
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5)
Next Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
27. New York Giants (2-6)
Next Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
28. New York Jets (1-6)
Next Opponent: Miami Dolphins
29. Atlanta Falcons (1-7)
Next Opponent: Bye Week
30. Washington Redskins (1-7)
Next Opponent: Buffalo Bills
31. Cincinnati Bengals (0-8)
Next Opponent: Bye Week
32. Miami Dolphins (0-7)
Next Opponent: New York Jets
