Power rankings system devised and compiled weekly by Stemshul. “Expert” analysis by paradroid.

We’re back with another edition of our NFL rankings, and the Patriots are back! Mac Jones is the new Tom Brady! Bill Belichick is back like Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker! Ok, the last two probably aren’t true, but the first might be! New England has entered the top ten for the first time this year, thanks to a 5 game winning streak. Their weak 2-4 start to the year (after going 7-9 in 2020-21) had everybody thinking that maybe the Patriots were finished after a historic 20 year run at or near the top of the league. Brady going to Tampa and winning the Super Bowl helped shape the narrative that perhaps it was more about Brady than Belichick during the 6 titles they won together. Cam Newton, who is a little past his prime and also dealt with a COVID diagnosis during the season, disappointed as the new QB at Gillette Stadium last year. He was still looking like the likely starter during training camp this year, but rookie Mac Jones looked great when Newton ran afoul of the NFL’s COVID protocols. Before long, Cam was released and Jones was installed as the starter. Through 6 weeks, it was not looking particularly promising. But besides week 1 against Miami, the losses have been against decent competition (#17 New Orleans, #6 Tampa Bay, #3 Dallas). And Jones was playing reasonably well for a rookie. But nothing solves your football related problems like playing the #30 Jets! A 54-13 victory and the Patriots were on their way. After a close 27-24 win against the Chargers (#8), New England annihilated the Panthers, Browns, and Falcons (#23, #14, and #24 respectively) by a combined score of 94 to 13.

So, are they back? I think they’re a playoff team, but maybe a year or two away from title contention. They’ve already gotten ahead of the Bills (#12), who were at one point 4-1 and two games up on them. Two games against Buffalo loom in December, which could very well determine the fate of all mankind winner of the AFC East. Important stuff, that. New England’s next 4, which also include games against the improving Colts (up 3 to #15) and next week’s match-up with the Titans (#2), will be make or break for their playoff hopes. The year rounds out with two very winnable games against the Jags and Dolphins, so 2-2 over the next 4 could leave them at 11-6, which I think will win the East as long as they beat Buffalo at least once. But who knows, this year has been very, very unpredictable.

More predictable is the Lions finding a way to lose. This time (without Goff due to injury, not being benched) the Lions went back to the run, but not because of inclement weather, but rather because of QB ineptitude. Jared Goff’s stock actually improved because Tim Boyle was even more Goff-like than Goff has been yet this year (15-23 for 77 yards and 2 interceptions). The good news is that the running game has improved lately. The Lions ran 23 times for 168 yards, with D’Andre Swift providing 136 yards on 14 carries himself. After his 57 yard TD brought the Lions within 6 late in the 3rd quarter, Detroit had 3 chances for a touchdown and the lead, but only managed a 41 yard field goal. The defense did as well as you could expect (punt, interception, and punt on the next three drives after the TD), but after a failed 4th and 9 by the Lions, the Browns were able to run out the clock via the rushing attack. So, loss number 9, but another silver lining is the excellent play from Penei Sewell. According to Pro Football Focus, Sewell has been on the field for 174 pass blocking snaps in the last 5 games. He has allowed 5 QB pressures and zero sacks. Pretty good for any right tackle, much less a rookie. Next year’s offensive line will be very good, maybe even elite. Yes, it’s time to be thinking about next year. Welcome to Detroit Lions fandom.

[table id=169 /]