NFL Top Ten: Week 11
10. Tennessee Titans (6-3)
The Titans snuck by the Denver Broncos on Sunday thanks to a strong defensive performance.
Tennessee seems to be the heavy favorite in a weak AFC South. They have two more wins than the second-best division team, the Indianapolis Colts.
This team will likely make the playoffs (mostly thanks to Derrick Henry), but the real question is if they can win a playoff game, especially with their weak receiving talent.
9. San Francisco 49ers (5-4)
The 49ers record isn’t as pretty compared to the other teams on this list, but the talent sure is.
In their win over the Chargers on Sunday night, San Francisco relied on their offensive depth. Running back Elijah Mitchell totaled 89 yards on the ground, and wideout Brandon Aiyuk went for 84 receiving yards.
The offensive potential of this team could carry it to the top of the NFC come playoff time.
8. New York Giants (7-2)
Somehow, someway, the Giants continue to win football games.
Behind a stout defense and weekly dominant running performances from Penn State product Saquon Barkley, New York has strong Wild Card chances.
Its 24-16 win over Houston on Sunday put them second in the NFC East.
7. Dallas Cowboys (6-3)
Amid rumors of Odell Beckham Jr. coming to Dallas, the Cowboys couldn’t pull out an overtime win against Green Bay.
In what has become a strong NFC East, every game has become essential for the standings. One loss could come back to haunt potential playoff teams.
Dallas will have to bounce back in a huge matchup with the Vikings on Sunday to maintain ground in their division.
6. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
The Ravens got a much-needed bye week in Week 10, giving star tight end Mark Andrews a week to recover from some injury issues.
Baltimore will certainly need him down the stretch after one of their most talented receivers, Rashod Bateman, went down for the rest of the year.
Lamar Jackson and company look to be in a two-way battle for the AFC North with the Cincinnati Bengals.
5. Buffalo Bills (6-3)
If you didn’t catch the game between the Bills and Vikings on Sunday, you may have missed the game of the year.
Buffalo fell in overtime after some craziness in the fourth quarter. Josh Allen racked up 414 total yards in the loss.
His injury status will be something to keep an eye on going forward after he played through injury against Minnesota.
4. Miami Dolphins (7-3)
The Dolphins have been electric when Tua Tagovailoa is at the helm.
The third-year quarterback tossed three touchdown passes on Sunday against the Browns, moving the team to 7-3, which now leads a competitive AFC East.
The offensive talent in Miami is making them one of the Super Bowl favorites.
3. Minnesota Vikings (8-1)
The Vikings have won seven games in a row.
As they run away with the NFC North, Justin Jefferson continues to prove why he’s on an early track to the Hall of Fame. His incredible one-handed snag saved the game for Minnesota against the Bills.
They continue to rise in the NFC, and they could potentially be the first team to clinch a division title.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-1)
Monday night’s loss to the Commanders is unfamiliar territory for these Eagles.
They now have some adversity to face, as they are no longer undefeated. On top of the loss, they lost star tight end Dallas Goedert for an extended period.
While they are still likely the NFC favorites, Jalen Hurts and the rest of the team will have some work to do to bounce back from the loss.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)
While the Bills and Eagles fell in Week 10, the Chiefs took another step forward with their win against Jacksonville.
Patrick Mahomes has been spreading the ball around, putting the Chiefs on his back. While the Kansas City defense isn’t anything too impressive, Mahomes and the offense are nearly impossible to slow down.
The Mahomes-led Chiefs continue to prove why they will always be the team to beat.
Daniel Mader is a third-year majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email dbm5725@psu.edu.
