Image Source: Pete Prisco
Key Takeaways
- The final power rankings of the NFL season highlight the unpredictability of the sport, with many teams exceeding or falling short of expectations.
- The Seattle Seahawks were a major surprise, rising from 22nd to 1st in the rankings, while the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders were among the biggest disappointments.
- The playoffs feature a mix of familiar teams, such as the Patriots and 49ers, and surprise contenders, like the Jaguars and Texans.
- Several teams, including the Ravens, Lions, and Buccaneers, failed to meet expectations and will need to make significant changes in the offseason.
- The NFL draft and free agency will be crucial for teams looking to rebuild or retool, with many franchises having key decisions to make about their quarterbacks and coaching staffs.
Introduction to the Final Power Rankings
The final batch of power rankings from any season always seems to make the rankings look bad, as they often remind us that we might think we know how an NFL season will play out, but we really don’t. As the author notes, "The final batch of power rankings from any season always end up making me look bad. They are often a reminder that we might think we know how an NFL season will play out, but we really don’t." This year is no exception, with many teams exceeding or falling short of expectations. A look back at the first rankings from the season reveals some notable misses, including the Seattle Seahawks, who rose from 22nd to 1st in the rankings.
The Biggest Surprises and Disappointments
The Seahawks were a major surprise, with the author admitting, "The Seahawks are by far my biggest miss. They end up as the No. 1 seed in the NFC — and my final No. 1 team in the power rankings — and I had them at 22." On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders were among the biggest disappointments, with the Chiefs falling from 3rd to 25th and the Commanders plummeting from 8th to 27th. As the author notes, "The Chiefs went from No. 3 to open to No. 25, while the Commanders went from No. 8 to No. 27. Ouch."
The Playoff Picture
The playoffs feature a mix of familiar teams, such as the Patriots and 49ers, and surprise contenders, like the Jaguars and Texans. The Patriots, led by coach Mike Vrabel, are a feel-good story, while the Jaguars’ turnaround is "incredible," with Liam Coen making Trevor Lawrence an MVP candidate. The Texans, meanwhile, have won nine straight games behind a dominant defense. As the author notes, "They have won nine straight games behind the defense. That unit is dominant and can travel, which it will need to do in the playoffs."
Teams That Failed to Meet Expectations
Several teams, including the Ravens, Lions, and Buccaneers, failed to meet expectations and will need to make significant changes in the offseason. The Ravens, in particular, were a major disappointment, failing to make the playoffs despite being Super Bowl favorites at the start of the season. The Lions, meanwhile, need to improve their defense, while the Buccaneers’ collapse was "really bad," with the team never looking right after the first six games of the season. As the author notes, "The Ravens were one of the Super Bowl favorites heading into the season, yet they failed to make the playoffs. They have some issues to sort out with Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh."
The Road Ahead
The NFL draft and free agency will be crucial for teams looking to rebuild or retool, with many franchises having key decisions to make about their quarterbacks and coaching staffs. The Raiders, for example, have the No. 1 pick in the draft and will be looking to make significant changes, while the Giants have a quarterback in Jaxson Dart and players to build around. As the author notes, "The Raiders have the No. 1 pick in the draft. There are big changes coming – and they are needed in a big way." Overall, the final power rankings serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NFL and the importance of adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing circumstances.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-pete-prisco-wild-card-round/
