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2018 NFL Power Rankings Summary - Week 10
| Metric | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Metric | Ranking |
| Average ranking (# of rankings) | 2.71 |
| Average change from last week | -1.71 |
| Highest ranking (source) | 2nd (multiple sources) |
| Lowest ranking (source) | 4th (NFL.com) |
| Biggest positive change (source) | -1 (multiple sources) |
| Biggest negative change (source) | -3 (NFL.com) |
SB Nation: 2nd (previously: 1st)
We have a shakeup at the top of the power rankings! The NFL’s last undefeated team was handed its first loss of the season as the New Orleans Saints beat the Los Angeles Rams, 45-35. These teams now rank one (the Saints) and two (the Rams) in our Week 10 NFL power rankings.
The Rams were expected to have a big season after they added three All-Pros in Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters and Ndamukong Suh on defense, and the offense added speedy receiver Brandin Cooks. At 8-1, it’s safe to say the Rams have exceeded expectations, especially on offense. Todd Gurley II is making a strong case for MVP, as he leads the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, and the addition of Cooks has provided a consistent deep-ball threat for Jared Goff.
The last of the undefeated fell. Was it bound to happen? Sure. Was the loss concerning? Yes. The Rams’ defense has now given up 27-plus points in four of their last six games, including 45 on Sunday. And don’t forget that they were also bailed out by the eccentric ways of Ty Montgomery last week. The absence of injured cornerback Aqib Talib affects Wade Phillips’ group more than any L.A. fan might want to admit (while they are busy acquiring their pumpkin-spice lattes at one of the 18,157 Starbucks in the Los Angeles area, not counting suburbs). You knew it was going bad Sunday when Troy Aikman mentioned on the Fox broadcast that holding the Saints to a field goal midway through the fourth quarter was a win for the defense. Perhaps so -- but then Jared Goff and the offense went three-and-out on the next series, setting up the Michael Thomas home-run ball. Oh, well. #8-1butthey’lllive
The defense has suddenly become a major issue. It’s time to they tighten up on that side of the ball.
One easy question to ask yourself: If you had to pick a Super Bowl winner today, would it be the Rams? Probably, if you’re being honest. BetOnline.ag still has the Rams as the favorite to win the championship, according to OddsShark. That’s not a surprise. The Rams’ offense is great, they have a very good coach and the defense is good, though maybe not as good as advertised. Cornerback play is becoming an issue, if Marcus Peters doesn’t turn things around. But still, it’s a team with a good resume — though their best road win is either Seattle or Denver, and neither of them are great — and still probably the highest upside of the trio. One loss at New Orleans doesn’t change that.
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It’s tough to put the Rams at No. 3. I wouldn’t fault anyone for putting them at No. 1. But I am very impressed with the Saints since Week 5, and although they let the Rams back in Sunday’s game, they still did lead Los Angeles by 21 in the first half and won by 10. That has to factor in.
Pro Football Talk: 2nd (1st)
Defense wins championships. Which will make it harder for the Rams to win a championship.
USA Today: 2nd (1st)
After getting roasted by Drew Brees, CB Marcus Peters was summarily roasted on social media. Aqib Talib’s return will be important waypoint.
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