We are getting closer and closer with each week that goes by to making it to the postseason and one thing we still don’t know is whether or not there will be seven or eight playoff teams in each conference. It was already stated that the only way there will be eight teams making the postseason will be if games get cancelled due to COVID-19. With the uptick in cases around the country it is entirely possible that we will see some cancelled games over the final five weeks of the season, but until that happens, we are rolling with the current seven playoff teams.
This week we are preparing for the holidays so we are getting a little corny with the power rankings, instead of looking to see what teams need to improve on or where teams currently stand, we will be looking at what each team is thankful for. What each team is thankful for is a bit subjective, so we will strictly focus on this season, otherwise we could do something like the Chiefs are thankful they drafted Patrick Mahomes. Obviously, they are but it seems a bit like cheating so let’s focus on just this season.
Some teams will be easier to say (Packers) while some teams it is up in the air (Jets), but since we’re in the holiday spirit let’s dig into it.
Rank Pittsburgh Steelers (10-0)
1 Prev. (1 ⏤)
Week 11 Result: 27-3 W against Jacksonville
What They’re Thankful For: T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree
Pittsburgh has a lot to be grateful for this season, there is a reason that they are 10-0, but maybe the biggest thing is they have the best two-headed pass rush monster in the league. Seven players in the league have eight or more sacks as it stands right now, Pittsburgh has two of those seven in Watt and Dupree. Watt has nine sacks and Dupree has eight sacks for a combined 17 sacks on the season which is the most of any duo in the league. Of course, Pittsburgh’s defensive line helps make the pass rush from these two possible, but without these two the defense would look completely different and not looked at as the NFL’s best.
Rank Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)
2 Prev. (2 ⏤)
Week 11 Result: 35-31 W against Las Vegas
What They’re Thankful For: Andy Reid
Would Patrick Mahomes be one of the best QBs in the league if it were not for Andy Reid, most likely, but there is no denying that having the offensive genius of Reid not only helps Mahomes but the offense immensely. There are times that Mahomes has looked average for himself this season, but that is still well better than most other QBs. Playing in Reid’s system makes him look even better mainly because of the interesting play calls and designs. He can throw the ball deep with the best of the QBs, but the correct play call is seemingly called every single time and that is due to the system. Again, Mahomes would most likely be a great QB no matter what but having an offensive genius such as Reid makes and QB with ability look even greater than he would previously.
Rank New Orleans Saints (8-2)
3 Prev. (3 ⏤)
Week 11 Result: 24-9 W against Atlanta
What They’re Thankful For: Alvin Kamara
Even before the injury to Drew Brees occurred, the reason this team was able to hold its own was thanks in large part to Kamara. Kamara is far more than just an average running back in today’s game, he can run the ball at an above average clip, but he is also one of the best at receiving out of the backfield. The Saints offense has dealt with injuries to some of their biggest names all season long, but the one constant has been Kamara. So far this season the Saints have 33 total rushing and receiving, Kamara has 12 of those which calculates to over a third of their offensive touchdowns. Now it is obviously huge that they have depth at the quarterback position but talking for the season up to now it has to be Kamara.
Rank Los Angeles Rams (7-3)
4 Prev. (6 ↑2)
Week 11 Result: 27-24 W against Tampa Bay
What They’re Thankful For: Aaron Donald
Ever since entering the league, Aaron Donald has been one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL and this season has been no different. While his play has not been different there is one big difference in the Rams defense, now Donald is the anchor of one of the best defenses in the league. When Donald first entered the league, the Rams had a decent defense and a couple years later McVay became the head coach and turned the team into an offensive powerhouse. The team still has offensive talent, but they are not nearly as good as they once were; the defense on the other hand is the best since Donald entered the league. Sure, there are other good/great players on the defense, but it all starts on the defensive line for them and that is where Donald dominates.
Rank Green Bay Packers (7-3)
5 Prev. (4 ↓1)
Week 11 Result: 34-31 L against Indianapolis
What They’re Thankful For: Aaron Rodgers
For yet another season the Packers failed to get Rodgers an offensive weapon in the first round in the draft and even so, Rodgers has been having one of his best seasons. In 10 games this season Rodgers nearly has 3,000 yards, 29 touchdowns, and four interceptions, these stats are nearly identical to his MVP season in 2011. What would the Packers be without Rodgers this season, well, they could be winless, but we don’t know what would have happened since he has been playing. Rodgers does have some weapons, but this does not change the fact that even at age 37, he is still playing as one of the best in the NFL.
Rank Buffalo Bills (7-3)
6 Prev. (10 ↑4)
Week 11 Result: Bye
What They’re Thankful For: A massively improved Josh Allen
Allen is now in his third season in the league and while he took a huge step between his rookie and sophomore season, he has taken an even bigger step from his second to third season. Allen is already having his best season of his career and he still has six more games to go. The largest step forward for Allen has been his accuracy; before the season he was not a career 60 percent passer this season he has completed 68.4 percent of passes which is up around 10 percent from last season. Sure, Allen has a true number one receiver now in Stefon Diggs, but this season that the Bills are having would not be possible without the play of Allen.
Rank Indianapolis Colts (7-3)
7 Prev. (11 ↑4)
Week 10 Result: 34-31 W against Green Bay
What They’re Thankful For: A Top Ranked Defense
Ever since the Peyton Manning days, elite defense and Indianapolis were usually not paired together. In fact, since 1998 (Manning’s rookie year) the Colts have only had a top 10 scoring defense six times and have only been top 10 in both points and yards two times, this season has added another time to each of those categories for seven times for scoring defense and three times in both scoring and yards. Now, of course this season is not over and there is still a chance they do not finish top 10 in either category but having a great defense can do wonders for teams. Trading for DeForest Buckner was a huge move on the interior line and then pair him with Darius Leonard and others and you get a defense that is not only great at preventing yards and points, but also one that is great at forcing turnovers. The offense of the Colts has been up and down, but one consistency this season has been the defense and that could carry them to the playoffs.
Rank Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
8 Prev. (12 ↑4)
Week 11 Result: 28-21 W against Arizona
What They’re Thankful For: Russell Wilson
The Seahawks are maybe the biggest example in the league of a team where the quarterback means everything. Honestly, if Wilson was not the QB then the Seahawks could legitimately be a winless team in the league with the schedule they have had. This is not only because he has been great this season, but also because the defense has been one of the worst in the league. Early on in Wilson’s career he was more of a game manager because they had a great defense, now he has turned into a QB who is a game-changer. Wilson has the weapons on the offensive end, but this is not a complete team, so having Wilson means they are still one of the teams to beat in the NFC.
Rank Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)
9 Prev. (5 ↓4)
Week 11 Result: 27-24 L against Los Angeles Rams
What They’re Thankful For: Tom Brady
Brady may be having an up and down season, but whenever the greatest of all time comes and joins your team that is a victory in itself. Brady has the weapons that he was lacking in New England his last couple of seasons and they are in a great position to make their first postseason appearance since 2007. The Buccaneers still have work to do as a team before they can be considered a finished product but having a QB who has done it before is a good start. Jameis Winston did have success last season even with all of his shortcomings, but they failed to make the playoffs, now with Brady if they make it to the postseason, they have completed step one of their season checklist.
Rank Tennessee Titans (7-3)
10 Prev. (14 ↑4)
Week 11 Result: 30-24 W against Baltimore
What They’re Thankful For: Derrick Henry
Where would the Titans be without Derrick Henry, it’s not certain, but there is almost no way they would be tied atop their division. Henry does whatever it takes to get the team a victory and there is nothing more you want out of a player. Henry only gets stronger as the game goes on as evident in the Ravens game, where the fourth quarter saw his best output of the entire game. Even when Henry has a down game, they still trust him enough to give him the ball and that has proven dividends this season, so it is a gift that continues to give.
Rank Cleveland Browns (7-3)
11 Prev. (15 ↑4)
Week 11 Result: 22-17 W against Philadelphia
What They’re Thankful For: Running Back Health
When healthy the Browns have one of the, if not the best running back duo in the league with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. After week four one of the backs in Nick Chubb went down and it was up to Hunt to lead an offense that relies heavily on the run game. However, since then Chubb has been back for two games and he has had over 100 rush yards in both games, and they have won both games. The Browns are 7-3 and sit in second place in the AFC North and with Chubb and Hunt the team is 5-1, without Chubb they are 2-2. The Browns offense relies heavily on the run so having two running backs who could both be number ones is of upmost importance and right now that’s what the Browns have.
Rank Baltimore Ravens (6-4)
12 Prev. (7 ↓5)
Week 11 Result: 30-24 L against Tennessee
What They’re Thankful For: An Easy Remaining Schedule
The Ravens have not been nearly as successful as a team as they were last season, blame that on whatever you want, but right now they are a fringe playoff team. However, after this upcoming game against the undefeated Steelers in which they could fall to 6-5, they have one of the easiest remaining schedules. After the Steelers they have five remaining games, and those teams have a combined 16 wins (seven of which come from Cleveland). So even if they do end up losing against Pittsburgh, they still have a very good chance to end up making the playoffs. The Ravens haven’t played great, but against weaker teams they have a good shot.
Rank Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
13 Prev. (8 ↓5)
Week 11 Result: 28-21 L against Seattle
What They’re Thankful For: DeAndre Hopkins
There are two options when discussing what the Cardinals are thankful for, one would be Kyler Murray and the other is Hopkins. However, when we look at this it has to be Hopkins because while Murray is no doubt great, would he be having the same type of season if he did not have the best receiver in the game. Hopkins has over a third of the team’s total receiving yards and has opened the offense up immensely for Murray and the running game. The addition of Hopkins has helped make this team a legitimate playoff contender and if they stay together even longer then they will be a threat for years to come.
Rank Las Vegas Raiders (6-4)
14 Prev. (13 ↓1)
Week 11 Result: 35-31 L against Kansas City
What They’re Thankful For: Darren Waller (Health)
This is a bit of a two for one here, but the Raiders are thankful for Darren Waller and for the health of Waller. Darren Waller has turned himself into one of the best tight ends in the league over the past two seasons which is a huge transformation from where he was early in his career. Waller had personal issues involving substance abuse when he entered the league and it got to the point he was suspended for a season, now he is sober for over three years and not only has it helped his football career, but his life outside of football. The Raiders took a chance on him three years ago and now Waller has turned into a fan favorite and a favorite of quarterback Derek Carr and is one of the reasons the Raiders are a fringe playoff team currently.
Rank Miami Dolphins (6-4)
15 Prev. (9 ↓6)
Week 11 Result: 20-13 L against Denver
What They’re Thankful For: Defense
The Dolphins are a completely different team from where they were last season and what is the main reason for that, the defense. A healthy Xavien Howard is huge when it comes to talking about a great defense, but the defense in general has taken massive strides to being one of the best in the league. The Dolphins are very good at limiting opposing teams points and a big reason for that is due to forced turnovers. In every game this season the defense has forced at least one turnover and that in turn has helped the offense in order to score points. The Dolphins are currently right on the edge of being a playoff team or narrowly missing the playoffs, but no matter what they are thankful for that defense.
Rank San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
16 Prev. (17 ↑1)
Week 11 Result: Bye
What They’re Thankful For: Fred Warner
Health is not something that the 49ers can be thankful for because they are up there as one of the most injured teams in the league, but they can be for the ascent of LB Fred Warner. The 49ers have had some great LBs in recent years including Aldon Smith, NaVorro Bowman, and most notably Patrick Willis; Fred Warner right now is showing he could be the next great San Fran LB. Warner has played in every game for the 49ers and is leading the team with 79 tackles and two interceptions while also adding four tackles for loss. Warner, now in his third season was already looking like he could be this great player, but this season with all the injuries he is proving that is who he is.
Rank Chicago Bears (5-5)
17 Prev. (19 ↑2)
Week 11 Result: Bye
What They’re Thankful For: The Defense
Chicago has lost four games in a row and yet they somehow are still in the playoff picture sitting at 5-5. This can be attributed to the defense in its entirety. The defense may have shown some issues this season, but that is mainly because they are on the field so often due to the offense’s inept ability. If the Bears can find a QB to lead this offense than they could easily be a playoff team, but right now all of the pressure falls on the defensive side. The defense has kept them in the playoff race all season long and they still have a shot to make the playoffs as long as the defense continues looking great. There is almost nothing to be thankful for offensively, so we are giving it to the entire defense even if a few are overshadowing others.
Rank Carolina Panthers (4-7)
18 Prev. (22 ↑4)
Week 11 Result: 20-0 W against Detroit
What They’re Thankful For: Robby Anderson
The Panthers brought Anderson in this offseason to compliment D.J Moore and help out new QB Teddy Bridgewater and so far, it was one of their best moves. The Panthers may only be 4-7, but the play by Anderson is exactly why he was brought in. Anderson has 818 receiving yards to go along with one touchdown on the season, he is the guy they go to when they need a catch. Adding Anderson to the team made the job for Bridgewater much easier because it gave him two legitimate number one receiver options. Having two number one threats has done great things and getting healthier should make them even better.
Rank Denver Broncos (4-6)
19 Prev. (26 ↑7)
Week 11 Result: 20-13 W against Miami
What They’re Thankful For: Grit
Before the season started the Broncos were a potential playoff team and then the injuries hit. Seemingly every week even before the season started, they were losing big names such as Von Miller, Courtland Sutton, and Jurrell Casey. This easily could have been a time they gave up on the season, especially after Drew Lock went down for a couple of weeks, but they did not, they kept fighting and they currently are in third place in the AFC West. If things work out in their favor then they could still see the playoffs this season, but it all became possible with this team showing grit and if they continue then the playoffs could become a reality.
Rank New England Patriots (4-6)
20 Prev. (18 ↓2)
Week 11 Result: 27-20 L against Houston
What They’re Thankful For: Cam Newton
Cam Newton has had his high points this season and he has had his low points but there is almost no doubt that he is the reason that they are in the position they are currently in. Before the season started the Patriots lost many of their defensive weapons as they decided to opt out of the season and that went along with an offense who was already lacking on weapons. With Brady leaving they needed something and while Newton does not have them leading the division, they could be winless without him. It is still up in the air whether or not they will make the postseason, but Newton has made the most of the opportunity so far, give him weapons and see what he does.
Rank Minnesota Vikings (4-6)
21 Prev. (16 ↓5)
Week 11 Result: 31-28 L against Dallas
What They’re Thankful For: Justin Jefferson
Though the Vikings have a sub-.500 record there are still multiple things they can be thankful for, but maybe the biggest has been Justin Jefferson. Sure, Dalvin Cook is having a great year but after the offseason where they traded Stefon Diggs they needed a receiver opposite Thielen, that is exactly what they have in Jefferson. Jefferson is the teams leading receiver with 848 yards and second on the team with four touchdowns, his rookie season is becoming very underrated in the national media. If this is the Jefferson, we see in his rookie year then what will we see a couple years down the road, the Vikings are definitely thankful for this pick.
Rank Philadelphia Eagles (3-6-1)
22 Prev. (23 ↑1)
Week 11 Result: 22-17 L against Cleveland
What They’re Thankful For: Jason Kelce
The Eagles just seem to always have an injured team and this season is no different. Some of the biggest injuries have come on the offensive line and outside of Jason Kelce they have not had one starter play every game. Jason Kelce has been the glue that has kept the line together and that is not saying that they have been playing great but imagine what they’d be without him. Kelce has been fighting through pain in order to play in the games and he is the player that many in the organization look up to, he is the leader not only of the line but of the entire team.
Rank Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
23 Prev. (30 ↑7)
Week 11 Result: 31-28 W against Minnesota
What They’re Thankful For: The NFC East
This is one of three times that you will see the NFC East as what certain teams are thankful for and this is because the division is not good. Once Dak Prescott got injured many thought that the Cowboys playoff hopes were done for and for good reason, but they must have forgotten that this division is not good. In fact, on Thursday they have a chance to get the division lead with a win and if they do, they will still be three games under .500. They currently sit only a half game out of first place, and they have every chance to win the division if they play like they have the past couple of weeks, thank the division.
Rank Houston Texans (3-7)
24 Prev. (27 ↑3)
Week 11 Result: 27-20 W against New England
What They’re Thankful For: Deshaun Watson
The Texans are another example of a team who could easily be winless without their starting QB, the difference between them and the Seahawks though is that they don’t have many wins to begin with. Even after selling off their best WR before the season, Watson signed a long-term contract to stay in Houston so at least they locked him up. Watson is a great talent and now the role of the team is to surround him with talent in the future. It may not be the greatest season from a team perspective, but they still have Watson so they should be thankful for that.
Rank Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
25 Prev. (20 ↓5)
Week 11 Result: 24-9 L against New Orleans
What They’re Thankful For: Wide Receivers
This is not an exaggeration; the Falcons legitimately have two number one receivers in Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Combined these two have missed a total of three games this season, but when they are on the field, they give Matt Ryan numerous options to throw to. Those two have a combined 1400 yards and nine touchdowns on the season which is just what you want out of your two best receivers. They also have Russell Gage who has 437 yards and who would most likely be a number two on any other team. The Falcons have many issues on the team and that is one of the reasons why they are 3-7, the receivers though is not one of those issues.
Rank Detroit Lions (4-6)
26 Prev. (21 ↓5)
Week 11 Result: 20-0 L against Carolina
What They’re Thankful For: Taylor Decker
Since Decker entered the league, he has been a very good tackle and this season he is one of the main reasons why the Lions offensive line is not total garbage. Decker has been protecting Stafford’s blindside this season and though the Lions as a whole have allowed 27 total sacks it could be much worse. Decker has allowed only two sacks while having three penalties in 654 total snaps this season, he may still not be the best tackle in the league, but he is turning into one of the elites and the Lions are thankful they have him.
Rank Los Angeles Chargers (3-7)
27 Prev. (28 ↑1)
Week 11 Result: Week 11 Result: 34- 28 W against New York Jets
What They’re Thankful For: Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert got an early gift when he was given the opportunity to start due to a mishap on Tyrod Taylor, but since then he has earned his starting role. The Chargers may not have the best record and some of that can be blamed on Herbert, but not all of it. Herbert this season has only one game under 250 passing yards and zero games with no touchdown passes. Herbert and the Chargers still have room to grow, but with the injury to Taylor they are ahead of schedule with Herbert and now they have found their franchise QB.
Rank New York Giants (3-7)
28 Prev. (24 ↓4)
Week 11 Result: Bye
What They’re Thankful For: NFC East
Early in the season the Giants lost Saquon Barkley and it looked like their season was over, if they even had a shot before that, but people must have forgot what division they play in. Although the Giants are only 3-7, they sit a half game out of first place in the division, in a normal division the Giants would have no hope of making it to the playoffs, but they have a chance. The Giants still have a ton of issues to work through for the future, but if they can end up winning the division then that would be considered a victory thanks to the NFC East.
Rank Washington Football Team (3-7)
29 Prev. (29 ⏤)
Week 11 Result: 20-9 W against Cincinnati
What They’re Thankful For: NFC East
Washington falls in the same boat as the rest of the NFC East, they are right in the thick of things when it comes to winning the division. Currently they sit a half game out of first place, and they have a chance to overtake the division with a victory on Thursday night. This was tough because they should also be thankful for Alex Smith not only that he is back and starting, but he is able to walk. Smith has a chance to lead Washington back to the playoffs and they only need a couple more wins, they can thank that to the NFC East.
Rank Cincinnati Bengals (2-7-1)
30 Prev. (25 ↓5)
Week 11 Result: 20-9 L against Washington
What They’re Thankful For: Tee Higgins
Before this past week it would have been Joe Burrow, but with the injury sustained by Burrow it is now tough to be thankful for anything in the division. However, one of the bright spots has been rookie receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins has proven to be a very good receiver who has only gotten better each and every week. Higgins could be the next number one receiver for the Bengals and that will be extremely useful when they get their franchise QB back. They can be thankful for Higgins while being hopeful for the future of Burrow’s safe recovery.
Rank Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9)
31 Prev. (31 ⏤)
Week 11 Result: 27-3 L against Pittsburgh
What They’re Thankful For: James Robinson
Getting rid of Leonard Fournette before the season started was a bold choice, but they ended up getting undrafted rookie James Robinson, so it hasn’t been all bad. Robinson hasn’t led this team to a great record, but to be fair Fournette would not have either. They are saving a ton of money with Robinson and he has been one of the bright spots for the Jags. Robinson has a chance to break records this season as an undrafted rookie, there is no doubt that the Jags are thankful they took a chance on Robinson.
Rank New York Jets (0-10)
32 Prev. (32 ⏤)
Week 11 Result: 34-28 L against Los Angeles Chargers
What They’re Thankful For: Incoming #1 Pick
There is really not much to be thankful for in the Jest organization, they young players who should be the future have not really proven to be the future and they have not won a game all season. They probably should have some wins, but they don’t and that’s because when the offense plays well the defense does not and vice versa. They will most likely get that number one pick and then the question becomes who will they take? Lawrence is the easy answer, but they don’t have weapons around him so it will be interesting, but the number one pick provides so many options for the future.