After dethroning the LA Rams and moving up to #1 in the Blitz Power Rankings a week ago, many put New Orleans on upset alert on the road in Cincinnati. However, Sean Payton’s team wasn’t messing around (just ask the fire alarm in the visitor’s locker room). The Saints continued their rampant offensive success in a 51-14 blowout over the Bengals and have now scored 96 points over the last two weeks. The Saints convincingly stand strong at the top spot once again. Let’s take a look at some movement below them with this week’s risers and fallers.
Risers
LA Chargers
Week 11 Ranking: 4 (+1)
Although they’re only moving up one spot this week, any movement inside the top five is notable at this point of the season. The Chargers took care of business against the Raiders on the road as they extended their winning streak to six games, tied with the Texans for the second-longest active winning streak in the league. Don’t forget their only losses this year are to the high-flying Chiefs and Rams. There are two contenders in Los Angeles this year.
Green Bay Packers
Week 11 Ranking: 12 (+2)
It was the Aaron show in Green Bay on Sunday against the Dolphins, but not the Aaron most would expect. Yes, Aaron Rodgers was efficient as usual, but it was young RB Aaron Jones who grinded out 145 yards and 2 TDs on the ground to lead the Packers to a big win at Lambeau. Developing some consistency in the running game could make Green Bay a dangerous team down the stretch, though they have a tough draw at Seattle this Thursday night.
Tennessee Titans
Week 11 Ranking: 16 (+4)
It’s safe to say nobody thought much of it when the Titans went to Dallas and won soundly on Monday Night Football last week in what appeared to be a battle of two average and mostly boring teams. But dominating the red-hot Patriots at home? Now you have our attention. Mike Vrabel’s defense has been excellent as they lead the league in points allowed per game (16.8) and rank 5th in total defense. Two huge division showdowns loom on the road (at Indianapolis, at Houston) in the next two weeks.
Fallers
Philadelphia Eagles
Week 11 Ranking: 14 (-3)
Perhaps the most disappointing loss of the week goes to the Philadelphia Eagles, who failed to keep pace with the division-leading Redskins and instead got leap-frogged by Dallas for second place in the NFC East after losing to the Cowboys 27-20. Doug Pederson has to figure out how to get the offense clicking despite an inconsistent ground game. Injuries in the secondary are also a significant concern after the news of Ronald Darby being sidelined for the remainder of the season (ACL). A road trip this week to New Orleans certainly doesn’t help.
Atlanta Falcons
Week 11 Ranking: 18 (-3)
Just last week the Falcons were on a three-game winning streak and found themselves as one of the “risers”. But the tide changes fast in the NFL, as evidenced by a 28-16 loss in Cleveland. Atlanta is entering desperation mode as they look to hold onto their increasingly slim playoff chances when they take on the Cowboys this week at home.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 11 Ranking: 21 (-2)
The bye week and Leonard Fournette’s return to the lineup were not enough to overcome Andrew Luck and the quietly streaking Colts. Jacksonville is sitting in the basement of the NFC South and is the only team in the division with an arrow pointing down at the moment. It will be hard to put an end to their five-game losing streak when Pittsburgh comes to town this week. It’s officially time to hit the panic button in Jacksonville.
Written By: Greg Lehr
Rankings: The Blitz Team