RZ83 - Week 6 Power Rankings
by adelfish | 1 year ago | 0 Comments
Adel's Red Zone Power Rankings
Season 83 - Week 6
We are six weeks through the first new season of the cycle, and things have gone completely off the rails. Absurd trades, blowouts and upsets, and suspensions aplenty. It seems like a good time for me to dust off my typewriter, and give my thoughts on where the 32 teams in Red Zone stand. For those of you who haven't been here before, don't be offended. This isn't personal, it is merely a ranking of how I see Red Zone at this moment. If you are hurt by your spot, play better
#32 - Los Angeles Rams (0-6)
It has been a rough transition for Coach Albrxght into the Red Zone. The Rams currently sit as the second worst scoring defense, combined with the league worst scoring offense. Even a guy like Moji (who isn't very good with numbers) could tell you that's a dangerous combination. The passing offense between Matthew Stafford and Mitch Trubisky has been abysmal, and Cam Akers has fallen down the depth chart in favor of rookie running back Zach Evans. Cooper Kupp has ten receptions through 5 games, and zero touchdowns. This team simply isn't very talented, and their once blue chip players are aging and have lost their elite level impact. This combination of an inexperienced coaching staff and patchwork roster seems destined for a top two pick in next year's draft.
#31 - Denver Broncos (1-4)
One trend you'll see towards the bottom of these rankings is a new coaching staff in Red Zone heading to a less than desireable roster situation. Here we have John Travis teaming up with Russell Wilson, and the results have been very poor thus far. The shocking 34-14 upset of the Jets last week appears to be a complete mirage, as the previous 4 games saw a margin of defeat by 113 points. Russell Wilson is currently completing a league worst 47% of his passes, and has 20 rushing yards through 5 games. Is it time to admit defeat on this experiment and bench him? Financially, I don't know how the Broncos will recover from this move anytime soon.
#30 - Carolina Panthers (0-5)
It has been trial by fire for 1st overall pick Bryce Young, as the young quarterback is completing 50% of his passes, and is the second highest sacked quarterback in the league (29). The Panthers offense has been a major work in progress so far, currently ranking in the bottom five in Red Zone in most categories, including a biblically bad 18% conversion rate on 3rd down. The young Panthers defense has yet to step up as well, as this side of the ball is failing to live up to expectation. Despite the winless record, and the aforementioned issues, the Panthers have been a somewhat feisty squad. Despite a beatdown by Detroit in Week 5, the Panthers have losses by points of 1 and 4, and 9 twice. They aren't being blown out every week, which is encouraging for the future.
#29 - Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
The Cardinals still possess the most shocking victory of the year, as the previously 0-3 club knocked off the 49ers back in Week 4, which seems like an eternity ago after their 40-10 beatdown handed to them by Cincinnati. This is simply the worst roster in the league, and Coach JP is fighting an uphill battle with some of the talent he is trotting on the field. Kyler Murray has struggled, mostly in part to his protection (23 sacks allowed). The bright spot on this team has been the receiving duo of Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney, who are combined for the majoirty of offensive yards through the air. Whoever is quarterbacking the team next season, will have a good assortment of weapons.
**EDIT** - Cardinals beat the Rams 38-31 during the writing of this. They are the Rams so take that with a grain of salt, so I'm not moving the Cardinals from 29. They still stink. Well, except Rondale and Darnell (combined for 270 and 2).
#28 - Baltimore Ravens (1-4)
The first true shocker of these rankings for me based on expectation alone, as I definitely didn't see this coming from Jim and Baltimore. I knew there would be an adjustment period to the style Jim likes to play with Lamar Jackson's skillset, but so far it simply hasn't worked. Jackson has thrown 13 interceptions to just 8 touchdowns, and is averaging 20 yards on the ground per game. The most alarming part appears to be the play calling, as Jackson has only carried the ball 11 total times as a rusher this season. This Ravens team is loaded on offense (Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham), but is currently the 8th lowest scoring offense, and a bottom half passing attack. Even worse? The Ravens are currently the third worst rushing offense. Something from a philisophical standpoint needs to change to make this work.
#27 - Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4)
How the mighty AFC North has fallen, with the Steelers and Ravens plunging into the bottom tier of Red Zone teams. Things aren't as grim in Pitt as one may think, as the Steelers' 0-4 start was a few bounces away from being at least 2-2. Margins of defeat by 3, 2, 7 and 7 show that Pittsburgh is in every game, and their offense is scoring 20+ every game. Defensively the struggles have been paramount, as the Steelers' pass rush is currently ranked dead last in Red Zone, with only 4 sacks. The offense is doing it's part, but the Steelers need their stars like T.J. Watt to step up.
#26 - New Orleans Saints (1-4)
Predictably, the Saints passing offense has been the strength of the team with Coach Glenn in town, who is known for his high-flying offenses. Derek Carr has developed a nice rapport with Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson early on, and he has been protected very well. The downside to a Coach Glenn offense is the propensity for turnovers, and the Saints are tied for fourth worst in the league in giveaways. The Saints have lost 3 one score games already, so tightening up that turnover ratio may lead to some success as the season continues.
#25 - Dallas Cowboys (1-4)
It's been rough sledding for Coach Austin in Dallas, as the lone victory on the season came against the hapless Cardinals back in Week 3, since then being blown out by New England and San Francisco. Defensively the Cowboys give up a ton of yards, currently the 6th worst yardage defense in Red Zone, and give the ball away on offense nearly as often as they take it away on defense. So what do the Cowboys do well? Right now, it's blocking for Dak Prescott (4 sacks allowed), and Tony Pollard rushing. If the Cowboys can transition more to a run first offense, and limit Dak's mistakes, the Cowboys have enough playmakers to win football games. Currently, they can't slow down opposing offenses enough to make up for their own mistakes.
#24 - Houston Texans (2-3)
Do you think the Minnesota Vikings would rather have Justin Jefferson or draft picks? Those draft picks could be anything, they could even be a Justin Jefferson! The Texans are reaping the benefits of a foolish early cycle trade, as JJ is dominating Red Zone with 682 yards and 9 touchdowns through just 5 games (suspension???). Exepctations weren't very high for this Houston team, with an absolute ragtag group of players on the defensive side of the ball, and they certainly have lived up to their expectation. The Texans have allowed 30+ points in 4 out of 5 games, and are constantly playing catch up. An unsustainable strategy that will likely keep them in the bottom half of the standings.
#23 - Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
What has been a very rocky marriage between Coach Blueprint and the stacked Eagles roster hit an all time low this week, as the Eagles were embarrassed by the Jets to the tune of 31-7. The offense has held up it's part of the bargain this season for the most part, but the story has been the defense and it's poor performance. Currently, the Eagles defense ranks 30th in yards allowed, and 32nd in points allowed (198 total). The Eagles further pushed the chips in this offseason with a pair of trades for cornerback Xavien Howard and safety Jamal Adams, and so far it hasn't paid dividends. Something needs to change defensively, otherwise a year of an extremely talented group will be for nothing.
#22 - Atlanta Falcons (2-4)
The Bijan Robinson suspension did not help the Falcons' cause in the early goings of the season, although backup Tyler Allgeier has played well in his absence, he simply doesn't provide the game-breaking potential that Robinson does. With that being said, the Falcons offense simply isn't talented enough right now to make up for their defensive shortcomings, and vice versa. In all four of Atlanta's defeats, they have managed to score about 20 just once, but have managed to hold opposing offenses to 20 and 24 in two of those. The Falcons aren't particulary good at anything, which makes each game a coin flip. Desmond Ridder has thrown an equal amount of interceptions to touchdown, and with no true playmakers on defense, the Falcons haven't found a way to gain any advantage week in and week out.
#21 - Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
The Raiders are a hard team to peg, as their rollercoaster of a season has had some encouraging moments, but some massive lows. Those lows include a 38 point loss to the Chargers in Week 4, and a 12 point loss to Green Bay, both showcasing the work that the defense in Vegas needs. Their wins don't inspire a lot of confidence, as they knocked off Denver and Pittsburgh, but they did lose a close game to Buffalo. The decision to go with rookie Aidan O'Connell was the right one, and moving on from Davante Adams signals a potential rebuild in sight. I foresee a new quarterback on the roster come next season.
#20 - Minnesota Vikings (2-4)
The Vikings have dropped two games in a row after a solid 2-2 start, but are still playing like a team that is better than their record indicates. Coach L2D has Kirk Cousins playing very efficient football, with a 10/3 TD/INT ratio, and has a very effective running back by committee. The pieces are in place here for a team that could grab a playoff spot, but they have been exposed against top tier coaches in the league, most recently Coach Astin as the Vikes were blown out at Soldier Field.
#19 - New York Giants (2-3)
Despite the 2-3 record, it has been a very rough start to the season for quarterback Daniel Jones, who has thrown 4 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and is completing 55% of his throws. Thankfully Saquon Barkley has delivered, averaging 5.2 yards per carry on over 100 touches already. Since starting 2-0, the Giants have lost 3 straight, with their offense scoring fewer points in each contest. The defense is talented enough to win football games, but the Giants need to find a way to get some balance on offense, as Barkley can't carry the load himself. A huge test ahead this week as the Giants face the Bills.
#18 - Miami Dolphins (2-3)
The Dolphins have crawled back into the AFC picture after an 0-2 start, thanks in part to efficient quarterback play from Tua Tagovailoa. Coach Spencer has done a good job at limiting mistakes, and integrating rookie running back De'Von Achane into the mix. Overall, the Dolphins have found balance on offense, and are always a threat with the speedy Tyreek Hill. Defensively, they are still waiting for their front seven to make more of an impact, especially Christian Wilkins and Bradley Chubb. There is a lot of money invested in this defense, and they need to start playing like it.
#17 - Green Bay Packers (3-2)
The Packers have lived and died by Aaron Jones this season, who currently leads Red Zone in rushing touchdowns with 10, and is second in yards with 606. Jordan Love is a glorified game manager, creating a gameplan to limit mistakes and control the clock, so the talented Green Bay defense can rest. If not for a heartbreaking 3 point loss to Detroit in Week 4, the Packers could be sitting at 4-1 atop the North. This team is flying under the radar, and needs a win against an upper tier opponent to get on the map.
#16 - Cleveland Browns (3-1)
This week's game against the 49ers is a big "prove it" game for Cleveland, for me at least. Although they have an impressive Week 1 victory over Cincinnati, the Browns haven't impressed since, with wins over Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and a 14 point loss to Tennessee. The Browns possess the league's second worst passing offense, and a bottom ten rush offense. They struggle to get into the red zone, and they are converting on 3rd down 39% of the time. I don't see the current formula as sustainable to winning games, especially as the competition ramps up.
#15 - Detroit Lions (3-2)
The Lions are a team to watch out for, as Coach Robo seems to be finding a way to win games after an opening week loss to Kansas City. The Lions can dominate at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and have playmakers in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs. They have a very impressive win over Seattle in Week 2, and just displayed dominance over the Panthers with a 30 point victory. Can they get better play out of their young secondary down the stretch? That will be the big question going forward, and they have a huge test this week against undefeated Tampa Bay.
#14 - Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
One of the strangest stories through the first month of the season has been Jacksonville. They've swept an impressive Colts team, lost by 50 to the Chiefs, survive a game against Houston, then put up 15 points in Buffalo. I'm not quite sure what to make of them yet. Coach Spittah has Trevor Lawrence playing great football, with 15 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions, as the addition of Calvin Ridley has certainly sparked this offense. Defensively they have struggled at times, the youth and inexperience on this side showing it's true colors. The Jaguars have proven to be a team that can score with anyone, but can also lay an egg. We need more of a sample size on this team.
#13 - Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
After a 3-1 start, with three straight wins where the Colts score 40+ points, they fall back to .500 with back to back losses to Tennessee and Jacksonville. The offense is not the problem, currently leading the league in total yards, and top five in points per game. Most recently, the Colts defense allowed a perfect passer rating game to Trevor Lawrence, as the passing defense currently ranks in the bottom five league-wide. The guidance of Coach Warren over young superstar Anthony Richardson has been very fun to watch, and the kid has a very bright future in Red Zone. Right now, it seems he needs more help on the other side of the ball to take this team to the next level.
#12 - Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Three straight AFC South teams?? The Titans are surging as of late, mostly in part to the emergence of rookie quarterback Will Levis, who took the starting job from Ryan Tannehill and ran with it. He is currently completing 64% of his passes, and has thrown 12 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. The trades for Marquise Brown and Cordarrelle Patterson are paying immediate dividends, as the two have combined for nearly 1000 total yards and 5 touchdowns. The Titans are finding balance on offense, and under Coach Moji, the regular season is tuning up for a potential playoff run.
#11 - New York Jets (4-2)
A week after beating the Chiefs 34-14, the Jets lose to the formerly winless Broncos, 34-14. Not sure what to make of this team, but on paper they are absolutely loaded. The two headed monster of Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall has led the way, while the passing game has been efficient at times, but Aaron Rodgers has thrown 12 interceptions already. Defensively, this side of the ball is young and talented, with two pass rushers already on pace for double digit sacks. Can the Jets find consistency? Coach Andy is still an unknown, and has already shown highs and lows through the early parts of the season.
#10 - Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Longville!! Kicking off the top ten is our beloved Longville, who is having a great start to Season 83. Seattle is winning games with the simple formula of great defense and terrible offense. They are currently a top three yardage defense, and the top scoring defense. Meanwhile, the worst passing offense. I don't believe this is a sustainable formula for success, but right now it appears to be working. The trade for Malik Willis is paying dividends, as he is off to a very efficient start, and pairs well with Kenneth Walker for a scary backfield. The pieces are in place for this Seahawks team to be a true ground and pound football team.
#9 - New England Patriots (5-1)
Some may be surprised at the Patriots being at 9, but I'm just not convinced yet. So looking at their schedule, they've beaten one team with a winning record, then won four games against teams in the bottom half of these rankings. You play what the schedule gives you, but I'm still waiting for that statement victory against a top opponent. Until then, I don't view them as a real threat. The offense has great balance, with running back Rhamondre Stevenson leading the way, and Coach Boom has done a great job with Malik Cunningham at quarterback. Great test for the Pats this weekend against Buffalo.
#8 - Buffalo Bills (4-1)
Speaking of the Bills, Coach BM has done a fantastic job of turning Buffalo into a defense first operation, as the Bills are currently the third best scoring defense, and is the biggest part of the four game win streak. Josh Allen and the offense have been good enough to win, but Buffalo is absolutely grinding out victory after victory. Look no further than the 17-15 victory over Jacksonville last week. The Bills front has been playing great, with Von Miller, Ed Oliver, and Greg Rousseau on pace for double digit sacks. Once the turnovers start coming from their talented secondary, this team is going to be a force.
#7 - Washington Commanders (4-2)
Is there any better story in Red Zone right now? Eikim and his Commanders have been very fun to watch, as the young Sam Howell has been playing great, and running back Brian Robinson leads the league in rushing. This Commanders roster is very talented, and Eikim is finally tapping in to his coaching potential with this group. The Commanders have lost two games this year, and the total points combined in the losses are 5. This team is legit, and is improving with each game.
#6 - Chicago Bears (4-2)
The Bears are currently on a 3 game win stream, with very impressive victories. The 52-0 win over Denver showed that they can blowout teams they are clearly better than, then an absolute dogfight win over the Commanders, and a huge win over the Vikings in Week 6. Looking back at the 1-2 start, they dropped a 10 point loss to the undefeated Buccaneers, and lost a very close game to the Chiefs in Week 3. This team is legit, and is currently the class of the NFC North, unless the Packers can bounce back from the embarassment they were handed in Week 1. Coach Astin has the Bears heading the right direction early on, and they'll be crossing their fingers they get DJ Moore back for the back half of the year.
#5 - Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
It hasn't always been pretty, but the Chiefs are managing to put up points and dominate offensively. Coach Adel and Patrick Mahomes have meshed early on, with some big time performances in the early weeks of Season 83. The issue has been blocking, as Mahomes is the most sacked quarterback in Red Zone. Regardless of talent level at QB, long down and distances can plague any offense, and this has happened in multiple games already. There appears to be a gameplan to slow down the Chiefs; hit Patrick Mahomes early and often. Good news for Kansas City, they have found a running game with Isaiah Pacheco, hopefully that continues to take pressure off of #15.
#4 - Cincinnati Bengals (4-1)
After a Week 1 loss to Cleveland, the Bengals found their mojo and rattled off 4 straight, including an impressive 30-22 win over Tennessee in Week 5. We knew that the marriage between Coach Pat and Joe Burrow would be troublesome for the league, but it's going way better than most thought. Burrow has thrown 14 touchdowns to 0 interceptions through 5 games, and has done a great job of distributing the ball all throughout this talented receiving corps. The Bengals offense is in midseason form, and with the aggressive style of Pat leading the way, this team is very dangerous.
#3 - San Francisco 49ers (4-1)
Let's call that loss to Arizona a complete anomaly, as the 49ers have been what we thought outside of that game. Baker Mayfield has been very efficient, the run game has been great, and the defense has been stout. This team is built for the playoffs, and has a very experienced head coach in Jake leading the way. We will learn a lot about this team in the coming weeks, as the 49ers face Cleveland, Minnesota, Cincinnati, and Tampa Bay. That is a good stretch to show the league that the 49ers are the class of the NFC.
#2 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-0)
New Coach Don didn't want long to make his presence in Red Zone felt, storming out of the gate to a 4-0 start, with some impressive wins along the way. The 38-28 win over Chicago in Week 2 was the "I've arrived" game for Don, and he gets an early bye week to rest his squad. The Trey Lance story has been awesome, as he has been very effective in Don's offense, and the emergence of running back Rachaad White gives Tampa a true dual threat in the backfield. Don't forget about their defense either, currently the top yardage defense, and second best scoring defense in Red Zone. How will a young coach in Don deal with the long Red Zone season? This team is built to win, and Don has proved he can run an effective offense. I have 49ers/Buccaneers in a few weeks circled.
#1 - Los Angeles Chargers (4-0)
The Chargers are playing like the best team in football right now, and on paper we knew that was their potential with Coach Ram at the helm. The passing attack is as scary as they come, with a loaded receiver room, and Justin Herbert is playing extremely efficient football. Combine that with the current 2nd ranked yardage defense in Red Zone, and you have a recipe for a juggernaut. Some great games coming up for Los Angeles, as they get a stretch of Kansas City, Chicago and the Jets. The tough task about playing Coach Ram and the Chargers is you need to bring your best for 60 minutes, can any team on their schedule do that?