Turf Show Times - 2018 NFL Power Rankingshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2018-12-18T13:05:24-06:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/167513492018-12-18T13:05:24-06:002018-12-18T13:05:24-06:00Week 16 power rankings
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<img alt="NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AHwmgrC1r3U40CR6qOCgdgnm9Yk=/0x0:3552x2368/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62702013/usa_today_11858923.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Well, this is new!</p> <div id="VgMMpQ"><div data-anthem-component="table:2209269"></div></div>
<p id="wyADh4"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/12/18/18146122/nfl-power-rankings-week-16-chargers-saints-chiefs-rams-cowboys-super-bowl">SB Nation</a>: 5th (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/12/11/18135837/nfl-power-rankings-week-15-chiefs-rams-patriots-saints">3rd</a><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/11/20/18103308/nfl-power-rankings-week-12-how-rams-win-over-chiefs-shakes-things-up">)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="MDEJ65">I would maybe be worried about the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> a little bit. These last two losses weren’t just the usual “hey, you lost a tough game on a couple of bad bounces” kind of thing. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/12/17/18144205/nfl-week-15-recap-playoff-picture-rams-cowboys-offense-bears-afc-favorite">As Geoff Schwartz pointed out this week</a>, they’re turning the ball over (7/4 ratio in their last two), defenses are challenging their offensive line and winning, and they don’t seem to use the middle of the field much anymore. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/12/17/18144508/rams-coach-sean-mcvay-beard-look-at-that-thing">McVay and his well-attended facial hair</a> can fix this, right?</p></blockquote>
<p id="LwaUNZ"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25560220/week-16-2018-nfl-power-rankings-biggest-breakthroughs-every-team">ESPN</a>: 4th (<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25500790/week-15-2018-nfl-power-rankings-wish-lists-all-32-teams">3rd</a><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25386302/week-13-2018-nfl-power-rankings-toughest-game-ahead-all-32-teams">)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="pkAsWl"><strong>Biggest breakthrough:</strong> S <span>John Johnson III</span>. Johnson is a second-year pro whom the Rams drafted in the third round from Boston College. He made his way into the starting lineup five games into his rookie season, but in 2018, Johnson has taken his play to the next level. He has intercepted a team-best four passes, has 10 pass deflections and is second on the team in total tackles with 106.</p></blockquote>
<p id="JLIz4q"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001001579/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-16-chargers-closing-in-on-no-1-spot">NFL</a>: 5th (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000998738/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-15-bears-rise-steelers-out-of-top-10">3rd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="0TIPSJ"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018121611/2018/REG15/eagles@rams">Another so-so showing</a> from the Rams has many league observers wondering where Sean McVay’s team resides in the pantheon of <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> wannabes. Two weeks ago, Los Angeles sleepwalked through most of an afternoon in Detroit <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018120202/2018/REG13/rams@lions">and won</a>. One week back, the Rams <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018120901/2018/REG14/rams@bears">were clobbered</a> in Chicago. This past Sunday night? They were taken down by the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>, who appeared more Super Bowl-ready than their hosts. Maybe it was the <span>Nick Foles</span> effect. Or maybe opposing DCs are preparing more effectively for McVay’s offense, with a 30-game catalogue to study and no <span>Cooper Kupp</span> to cover. There is not a high quantity of slot receivers who can get open vertically.</p></blockquote>
<p id="e1MCKy"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-16-power-rankings-saints-claim-top-spot-from-chiefs-chargers-make-big-move/">CBS</a>: 3rd (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-15-power-rankings-dolphins-are-in-the-afc-playoff-race-thanks-to-adam-gases-coaching/">3rd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="wwaIqy">The offense needs to get back on track. But don’t buy this idea that it’s been figured out. The line has been the issue the past two weeks.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Rrm5sE"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-rams-funk-great-sean-mcvay-fix-041813823.html">Yahoo!</a>: 4th (<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-happened-pittsburgh-steelers-050649121.html">2nd</a>)</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="mVNiB3">We’re far beyond asking if Sean McVay is a great coach. He is. We all know that.</p>
<p id="xyo6lQ">But this is a new challenge. Amazingly enough, this is the first time McVay has ever lost back-to-back regular-season games. It took almost two full seasons.</p>
<p id="96yybL">In the late afternoon of Dec. 9, before the Rams and <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> kicked off in Chicago, the Rams were the best team in football. It wasn’t much of a debate. They were 11-1, and a 15-1 season seemed possible. That changed fast.</p>
<p id="eEflh5">It’s not just that the Rams have lost two straight, likely giving up a shot at the NFC’s No. 1 seed. It’s that they were dominated each time. The Bears blasted the Rams. That was excusable; the Bears are a very good team and it was in Chicago. But losing at home to an Eagles team that was 6-7 and turning to backup quarterback <span>Nick Foles</span>? Don’t let the Rams’ late rally fool you. The Eagles were clearly the better team on Sunday night, although they tried to blow it at the end.</p>
<p id="lRRRkx">Back to McVay. He has to figure out why his fantastic Rams team, especially on offense, suddenly looks average. If he’s as great as we all think, he’ll make the adjustments.</p>
<p id="X2akZt">Former NFL quarterback <span>Dan Orlovsky</span> theorized that the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> actually exposed some things in the Rams offense a few weeks ago. Orlovsky tweeted that the Lions didn’t sell out to stop the run, and therefore didn’t open up lanes for the Rams to gash them with play-action passes. Then the Bears and Eagles did the same, effectively taking away the Rams’ strong play-action game. Bucky Brooks of NFL Media noted that the Rams are using play-action passes far less frequently the past two weeks. For most of Sunday night’s game the Eagles were intent on taking away deep passes, forcing the Rams to settle for underneath throws.</p>
<p id="mBBKJa">The entire offense has gone in a funk, which happens when opponents take away one of your biggest strengths. <span>Goff</span>’s numbers tell the whole story. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL through 11 games. Over the past three he has been one of the league’s worst: 726 yards (a lot of which came late against the Eagles after the Rams dug a big hole), one touchdown and seven interceptions. He has a miserable 51.3 rating.</p>
<p id="ApdpkV">The Rams’ season is far from over. Even if they don’t catch the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> for the top seed in the NFC, they are capable of winning in New Orleans. Back there in Week 9, they trailed 38-35 with about four minutes left and had the Saints in a third-and-7, then <span>Drew Brees</span> hit <span>Michael Thomas</span> for a 72-yard score. The Rams were right there, rallying after a bad start in that game. And there’s a long list of teams that have stumbled late in the regular season and still won a Super Bowl. It’s not like the Rams don’t have the talent to join that group.</p>
<p id="aCDhdY">McVay is the reason they should believe this two-week stretch is an aberration. We’ve spent a year or more praising McVay, talking in grandiose ways about how amazing he is and how he is changing the game. Now, saddled with fixing a losing streak for the first time, we should see McVay’s true value.</p>
<p id="Fa71m0">I’m not going to dump the Rams way down the list, but the last two weeks don’t look very good. And obviously, if <span>Todd Gurley</span>’s knee injury is worse than it appears, this becomes a different team.</p>
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<p id="7K5l2s"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/18/week-16-power-rankings-8/">Pro Football Talk</a>: 5th (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/11/week-15-power-rankings-8/">3rd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="XY3q1U">Maybe the right answer to <span>Jared Goff</span> vs. <span>Carson Wentz</span> is “Nick Foles.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="oqzxMV"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Frankings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F12%2F18%2F18146741%2F2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-16-los-angeles-la-rams-philadelphia-eagles" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USA Today</a>: 4th (2nd)</p>
<blockquote><p id="570YcW">Rough couple weeks for a team limping to regular-season finish line. Luckily for them, <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> and <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> poised to cheer them to the tape.</p></blockquote>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/12/18/18146741/2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-16-los-angeles-la-rams-philadelphia-eagles3k2018-12-11T12:07:59-06:002018-12-11T12:07:59-06:00Week 15 power rankings
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sqKDfOkhr8khjqzPls8XMi9PGn0=/0x85:4450x3052/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62663571/usa_today_11820152.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A tough loss to the Chicago Bears sees the Rams dip in the power rankings </p> <div id="fod0tV"><div data-anthem-component="table:2198926"></div></div>
<p id="wyADh4"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/12/11/18135837/nfl-power-rankings-week-15-chiefs-rams-patriots-saints">SB Nation</a>: 3rd (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/12/4/18124739/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-rams-cowboys-chargers-patriots">previously 1st</a><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/11/20/18103308/nfl-power-rankings-week-12-how-rams-win-over-chiefs-shakes-things-up">)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="MDEJ65">You could probably flip the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> and <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> and not matter too much. Sure, <span>Patrick Mahomes</span> and <span>Jared Goff</span> are young, but what they’ve done this season is enough to convince me. <span>Goff</span> did it against the Chiefs in one of the best games of the season so far. There’s some recency bias given what Mahomes did on Sunday against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>, but that was pretty damn impressive. I do worry about Andy Reid and clock management late in a game.</p></blockquote>
<p id="sKrfCN"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25500790/week-15-2018-nfl-power-rankings-wish-lists-all-32-teams">ESPN</a>: 3rd (<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25444505/week-14-2018-nfl-power-rankings-where-all-32-teams-rank-no-1-almost">1st</a><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25386302/week-13-2018-nfl-power-rankings-toughest-game-ahead-all-32-teams">)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="pjhCuu"><strong>Top wish list item</strong>: A <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> ring. OK, so technically, that wish can’t be granted until February. But really, that’s all this Rams team wants after an offseason that screamed “Super Bowl or bust” with the additions of All-Pros Aqib Talib, <span>Marcus Peters</span> and <span>Ndamukong Suh</span>, not to mention record-breaking paydays for <span>Aaron Donald</span> and <span>Todd Gurley</span>. The Rams have clinched the NFC West for a second consecutive season, and while they found plenty of enjoyment in that, their goal from the outset was to earn a date in February. Anything less than that stands the chance of getting re-gifted.</p></blockquote>
<p id="JLIz4q"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000998738/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-15-bears-rise-steelers-out-of-top-10">NFL</a>: 3rd (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000996083/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-saints-still-at-no-1-despite-loss">2nd)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="0TIPSJ">The denizens of the Twittersphere -- along with a few colleagues at NFL Network -- voiced their collective displeasure at the Rams <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/12/4/18125702/2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-14-los-angeles-la-rams-detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-dallas-cowboys">not taking the No. 1 spot last week</a>. Welp. Unlike when Los Angeles <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018100711/2018/REG5/rams@seahawks">eked out a victory in Seattle</a>, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018102810/2018/REG8/packers@rams">survived the Packers</a> or <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018111900/2018/REG11/chiefs@rams">outlasted the Chiefs</a>, it <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018120901/2018/REG14/rams@bears">could not escape Chicago with a win</a>. Sean McVay’s group was out of the top spot last week partially because it lost to the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> in Week 9, with the other major factor being the Rams’ spotty defensive play. But that wasn’t the case on Sunday night, with <span>Jared Goff</span> and the offense unable to get anything going against the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>. Goff fared miserably most of the evening, while running back Todd Gurley suffered through the biting cold and the bite of an immensely talented front seven. Time for the Rams to throw that game film in the toilet and <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018121611/2018/REG15/eagles@rams">gear up for a desperate Eagles team</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Yw3zfn"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-15-power-rankings-dolphins-are-in-the-afc-playoff-race-thanks-to-adam-gases-coaching/">CBS</a>: 3rd (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-streaking-texans-are-legit-super-bowl-contenders-after-starting-season-0-3/">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="vXukiT">They showed the offense could be stopped by a good defense against the Bears. They need to get it revved up again against the Eagles this week.</p></blockquote>
<p id="gK6cCM"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-happened-pittsburgh-steelers-050649121.html">Yahoo!</a>: 2nd (<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-finally-time-trust-los-angeles-chargers-051659714.html">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="Ev2T1J">The difference between the top three teams is slight. You can make a strong argument for the Saints, Rams or Chiefs in the top spot. All of them had some bad moments on Sunday. Again, that happens in the NFL. Even though it’s clear they’re the top three teams, everyone is beatable. We saw that with the Bears beatdown of the Rams on Sunday night. The playoffs might get really crazy this season.</p></blockquote>
<p id="7K5l2s"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/11/week-15-power-rankings-8/">Pro Football Talk</a>: 3rd (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/04/week-14-power-rankings-8/">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="XY3q1U">They should be very happy that this year’s Super Bowl isn’t being played outdoors in a cold-weather city.</p></blockquote>
<p id="oToP4Z"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Frankings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F12%2F11%2F18136226%2F2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-15-los-angeles-la-rams-chicago-bears" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USA Today</a>: 2nd (1st)</p>
<blockquote><p id="09f6uJ">Jared Goff reverted to dreadful rookie form. Todd Gurley was treated as afterthought. It was as if, for one ugly night, Jeff Fisher was back.</p></blockquote>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/12/11/18136226/2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-15-los-angeles-la-rams-chicago-bears3k2018-12-04T15:36:47-06:002018-12-04T15:36:47-06:00Week 14 power rankings
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams v Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jgTZZvAyxTlrX6Ty5azkOFDCY_Q=/0x0:4258x2839/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62625399/1067711802.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Outside of one dissenter, the Rams are the top team in the major power rankings this week.</p> <div id="Eo2JAs"><div data-anthem-component="table:2189040"></div></div>
<p id="wyADh4"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/12/4/18124739/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-rams-cowboys-chargers-patriots">SB Nation</a>: 1st (previously <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/11/27/18112945/nfl-power-rankings-week-13-browns-packers-bears-playoffs">2nd</a><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/11/20/18103308/nfl-power-rankings-week-12-how-rams-win-over-chiefs-shakes-things-up">)</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="MDEJ65">I suffered through so many bad <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> seasons, I started to think that’s just how you played the game, one excruciating drive at a time. Now, they’re consistently the most fun team to watch. I don’t even really care about the crappy way they left St. Louis. Hell, we’re all probably better off for having them in Los Angeles anyway. Had they never moved, Jeff Fisher would probably still be the coach, sullying the NFL one pathetic 7-9 season at a time.</p>
<p id="Bp6lOF">My favorite team is the best team. That’s a pretty good way to start the power rankings this week</p>
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<p id="1KjGVR"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25444505/week-14-2018-nfl-power-rankings-where-all-32-teams-rank-no-1-almost">ESPN</a>: 1st (<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25386302/week-13-2018-nfl-power-rankings-toughest-game-ahead-all-32-teams">2nd)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="lx9PZy"><strong>We’re No. 1 in:</strong> Pass-block win rate. Give it up for the big guys up front, where it all starts for the 11-1 Rams and their explosive offense. The offensive line ranks No. 1 in pass-block win rate, defined as when a pass-blocker sustains his block for 2.5 seconds following the snap. The Rams have won 63 percent of their pass blocks, allowing <span>Jared Goff</span> plenty of time to distribute the ball to a host of playmakers.</p></blockquote>
<p id="JLIz4q"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000996083/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-14-saints-still-at-no-1-despite-loss">NFL</a>: 2nd (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000993239/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-13-seahawks-hit-top-10-steelers-fall">2nd)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="cCqB4a">The Rams let the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> hang around far too long <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018120202/2018/REG13/rams@lions">on Sunday.</a> Such is life on the road for even the premier teams -- <a href="https://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018120210/2018/REG13/chiefs@raiders">just ask the Chiefs</a>. The key to L.A.’s win was the disruptive play of <span>Aaron Donald</span>, a few intermediate dimes from Jared Goff and heady play from <span>Todd Gurley</span>. Loved his decision to <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/los-angeles-rams/0ap3000000994789/Gurley-makes-excellent-read-on-36-yard-rush">run parallel to the goal line late</a> to burn clock, doing his best impersonation of <span>DeSean Jackson</span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PufejLOdzs">in the Miracle at the Meadowlands 2.0.</a> Sean McVay’s group needed no such miracles at Ford Field, although Detroit was more than game for most of the afternoon. One front on which the Rams keep beating teams: special teams. <span>Johnny Hekker</span> was able to pin the Lions, and Legatron was money again. The Lions didn’t return a single punt or kick Sunday. The third phase of the game, which is often overmentioned in the football conversation, might be the difference for this team come mid-January. No, really.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Yw3zfn"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-streaking-texans-are-legit-super-bowl-contenders-after-starting-season-0-3/">CBS</a>: 1st (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-12-power-rankings-cowboys-are-the-team-to-beat-in-the-nfc-east-after-two-impressive-road-wins/">2nd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="0fH15M">They continue to win games putting up big numbers on offense. But now they get the ultimate challenge facing a good <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> defense on the road.</p></blockquote>
<p id="BTshgm"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-finally-time-trust-los-angeles-chargers-051659714.html">Yahoo!</a>: 1st (<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-pete-carroll-russell-wilson-lifting-seahawks-yet-050750458.html">2nd)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="eTMqnE">It stinks that defensive players practically can’t win the MVP. Because I think Aaron Donald might deserve it. I don’t think there has been a better player in the NFL this season, and he plays for the only 11-1 team. The best player in the league on the best team in the league should get more MVP consideration than he’s going to get.</p></blockquote>
<p id="RVQ499"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/04/week-14-power-rankings-8/">Pro Football Talk</a>: 1st (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/27/week-13-power-rankings-8/">2nd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="IoLz6B">There’s a good chance they’ll keep this spot through the balance of the season.</p></blockquote>
<p id="hTsSeN"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Frankings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F12%2F4%2F18125702%2F2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-14-los-angeles-la-rams-detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-dallas-cowboys" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USA Today</a>: 1st (2nd)</p>
<blockquote><p id="9Rggbc">Only team with 11 wins. Only team to clinch playoff berth so far. Only team with two bona fide MVP candidates (Todd Gurley and Aaron Donald).</p></blockquote>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/12/4/18125702/2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-14-los-angeles-la-rams-detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-dallas-cowboys3k2018-11-27T12:22:18-06:002018-11-27T12:22:18-06:00Week 13 power rankings
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yJaf0tdwyAEv1n-AQQcNTRtXAxI=/0x180:1080x900/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62412675/power_rankings_Week_13_SBN_graphic.0.png" />
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<p>The Rams come out of the bye week considered one of the NFL’s best teams. Now for the playoff push...</p> <p id="rxk2nk"></p>
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<p id="wyADh4"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/11/27/18112945/nfl-power-rankings-week-13-browns-packers-bears-playoffs">SB Nation</a>: 2nd (previously <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/11/20/18103308/nfl-power-rankings-week-12-how-rams-win-over-chiefs-shakes-things-up">2nd)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="jXcnaY">The <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a>, and <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> are still the NFL’s top three teams, but there’s a new team in the top five behind them as the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> keep proving their legitimacy.</p></blockquote>
<p id="1KjGVR"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25386302/week-13-2018-nfl-power-rankings-toughest-game-ahead-all-32-teams">ESPN</a>: 2nd (<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25324680/week-12-2018-nfl-power-rankings-why-all-32-teams-thankful">2nd)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="lx9PZy"><strong>Toughest game left:</strong> Week 14 at Chicago. The Rams are 10-1, and after a big win over the Chiefs, it seems improbable that they’ll drop a game the rest of the way. However, the Bears -- who have won five straight -- will present a challenge. Their defense ranks fourth in yards allowed per game with 316 and is third in points allowed with an average of 19.2. The Rams proved that they could win in cold weather when they defeated the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> in October. However, that might not compare to Soldier Field in December in a prime-time game.</p></blockquote>
<p id="JLIz4q"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000993239/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-13-seahawks-hit-top-10-steelers-fall">NFL</a>: 2nd (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000990588/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-12-rams-jump-chiefs-after-epic-bout">2nd)</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="cCqB4a">Following what might have been <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018111900/2018/REG11/chiefs@rams"><strong>the greatest regular-season game in NFL history,</strong></a> the <strong>Rams</strong> were off last week, so I thought I’d try to name the five best <strong>Rams</strong> games ever. Here we go: </p>
<p id="mnm4a5"><strong>1) 1999 </strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game"><strong>NFC Championship</strong></a><strong> Game: Rams 11, </strong><a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/"><strong>Buccaneers</strong></a><strong> 6.</strong> Sent the Rams to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> -- and it required a clutch throw-and-catch for the ages to win.<br><strong>2) 1951 NFL Championship Game: Rams 24, </strong><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><strong>Browns</strong></a><strong> 17.</strong> The franchise had lost two straight title games and was becoming known as a strong offensive team that continually came up short. The Rams handed the Browns their first championship defeat after Cleveland won five titles in a row in the old AAFC and NFL.<br><strong>3) Super Bowl XXXIV: Rams 23, </strong><a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/"><strong>Titans</strong></a><strong> 16.</strong> One yard short, first Lombardi -- ‘nuff said.<br><strong>4) 1989 Divisional Playoffs: Rams 19, </strong><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/"><strong>Giants</strong></a><strong> 13 (OT).</strong> Jim Everett to Flipper Anderson <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwyHGP4k5Es"><strong>through the end zone and up the tunnel</strong></a> to beat Lawrence Taylor and the second-seeded Giants in OT.<br><strong>5) Chiefs-Rams two Mondays ago.</strong> Football officially came back to L.A. in a prime-time game that will be remembered for years.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Yw3zfn"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-12-power-rankings-cowboys-are-the-team-to-beat-in-the-nfc-east-after-two-impressive-road-wins/">CBS</a>: 2nd (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-12-power-rankings-cowboys-are-the-team-to-beat-in-the-nfc-east-after-two-impressive-road-wins/">2nd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="0fH15M">They come off their bye with a road game at Detroit. The defense needs to be better down the stretch.</p></blockquote>
<p id="BTshgm"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-pete-carroll-russell-wilson-lifting-seahawks-yet-050750458.html">Yahoo!</a>: 2nd (<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-chiefs-rams-put-show-saints-take-top-spot-065116328.html">2nd)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="eTMqnE">Did you know the Rams could have clinched the division in November had the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> beat the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> on Sunday? That’s coming soon of course, but it helps to show how dominant the Rams have been.</p></blockquote>
<p id="RVQ499"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/27/week-13-power-rankings-8/">Pro Football Talk</a>: 2nd (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/20/week-12-power-rankings-8/">2nd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="IoLz6B"><span>Aqib Talib</span> can’t get back in the lineup soon enough.</p></blockquote>
<p id="hTsSeN"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Frankings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F11%2F27%2F18114720%2F2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-13-los-angeles-la-rams" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USA Today</a>: 2nd (2nd)</p>
<blockquote><p id="9Rggbc">Magic number to clinch NFC West remains at one. They should get job done in Detroit on Sunday, when they’d enjoy boost if Aqib Talib returns.</p></blockquote>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/11/27/18114720/2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-13-los-angeles-la-rams3k2018-11-13T11:16:45-06:002018-11-13T11:16:45-06:00Week 11 power rankings
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<p>The Rams remain in the highest tier of the NFL at 9-1, though nobody is willing to put them back on top just yet...</p> <figure class="e-image">
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<p id="xT0dee"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/11/13/18089582/nfl-power-rankings-week-11-offense-2018-saints-rams-chiefs">SB Nation</a>: 3rd (previously <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/11/6/18065728/nfl-power-rankings-week-10-2018-saints-rams-patriots-chiefs-changes">2nd</a>)</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="QNajKE">The NFL’s top teams continue to dominate and have the same thing in common: They average more than 33 points per game. That’s the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> (36.7 ppg), <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> (35.5 ppg), and <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> (33.5 ppg), who rank one to three respectively in that category. Defense in 2018 has become far less important than offense as the NFL’s top defenses in terms of points allowed per game are the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>, <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>, and <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> — <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/11/12/18085994/nfl-playoff-picture-2018-week-10-colts-titans-chiefs-patriots">none of which would make the playoffs if the season ended today</a>.</p>
<p id="EBiojH">It should come as no surprise that the top three teams in this week’s power rankings are the Saints, Chiefs, and Rams. Each of these teams has one loss, they’ve all been dominating opponents week after week, and their offenses are proving that they can almost always win. The exception is when they play each other, as the Saints and Rams did in Week 9 and as the Chiefs and Rams will do in Week 11.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="kX5OcQ"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25206920/week-11-2018-nfl-power-rankings-season-defining-stats-every-defense">ESPN</a>: 3rd (<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25187148/week-10-2018-nfl-power-rankings-new-orleans-saints-scramble-top-3">3rd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="7PRtAk"><strong>Defining stat</strong>: 122. That’s the average number of rushing yards the Rams have allowed this season, which ranks 24th in the NFL. The Rams vowed to play better against the run after a Week 5 victory at Seattle in which the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> rushed for 190 yards. But the Rams allowed the Saints to rush for 141 yards in Week 9, and then gave up a whopping 273 yards to the Seahawks on Sunday. It begs the question how a front that features <span>Aaron Donald</span>, <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> and <span>Michael Brockers</span> has been unable to slow the run.</p></blockquote>
<p id="trG0ED"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000987904/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-11-packers-rise-patriots-eagles-fall">NFL</a>: 3rd (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000985286/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-10-new-orleans-saints-take-throne">4th</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="UCzBfE"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018111110/2018/REG10/seahawks@rams">An exciting win</a> came with the proverbial rain cloud, as <span>Cooper Kupp</span> was <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000987484/article/cooper-kupp-out-for-season-after-tearing-acl-sunday">lost for the season</a>. The sophomore wideout made more strides this season, and had just returned from a knee problem a few weeks ago. His loss will be felt. Sunday felt too close for comfort against the rival Seahawks ( again), but ultimately, two timely defensive plays made the difference: <span>Ndamukong Suh</span>’s and Aaron Donald’s <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/los-angeles-rams/0ap3000000987161/Suh-and-Donald-break-through-line-to-sack-Wilson">split sack on third-and-5 near the Rams’ goal line</a>, forcing a Seattle field goal; and <span>Dante Fowler Jr</span>.’s <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/los-angeles-rams/0ap3000000987173/Fowler-comes-up-with-CLUTCH-strip-sack">strip-sack/recovery</a> to set up <span>Brandin Cooks</span>’ <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/los-angeles-rams/0ap3000000987175/Cooks-hands-ball-to-Floyd-Mayweather-after-rushing-TD">score late in the fourth quarter</a>. Of course, other than those two stanzas, Wade Phillips’ defense got ripped again. </p></blockquote>
<p id="AP3sEt"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-11-power-rankings-could-the-bears-actually-be-this-years-version-of-the-2017-rams/">CBS</a>: 2nd (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-10-power-rankings-red-hot-chargers-panthers-are-legit-super-bowl-contenders/">3rd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="IrrKHZ">The defense still has issues, but they continue to roll up a lot of points. They will need to against the Chiefs this week.</p></blockquote>
<p id="rFFq6M"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-chiefs-cruising-toward-no-1-seed-guarantees-nothing-051854682.html">Yahoo!</a>: 3rd (<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-theres-new-no-1-team-rams-loss-045112433.html">3rd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="ZXxPBX">Cooper Kupp’s ACL injury is a big blow. The <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/cooper-kupp-torn-acl-mri-confirms-thats-big-blow-rams-160304327.html">Rams average 124 fewer passing yards per game without Kupp this season</a>. Los Angeles has a lot of good players but they’ll miss Kupp. It’s hard to replace what he can do.</p></blockquote>
<p id="HEZRSK"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/13/week-11-power-rankings-8/">Pro Football Talk</a>: 2nd (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/06/week-10-power-rankings-7/">2nd</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="sR9B1G">Sean McVay should get coach of the year votes simply for emerging with a win after one of the toughest weeks any team will face.</p></blockquote>
<p id="ve0m6D"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Frankings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F11%2F13%2F18091854%2F2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-11-los-angeles-la-rams" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USA Today</a>: 2nd (2nd)</p>
<blockquote><p id="qs1QAG">O-line unfairly overshadowed amid pyrotechnics. Let’s hope LT <span>Andrew Whitworth</span>’s donation to Borderline Bar and Grill victims gets just due.</p></blockquote>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/11/13/18091854/2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-11-los-angeles-la-rams3k2018-11-06T17:32:18-06:002018-11-06T17:32:18-06:00Week 10 power rankings
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<p>Now with a loss, the Rams are no longer the unanimous pick atop the power rankings.</p> <figure class="e-image">
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<p id="bzKfJg"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/11/6/18065728/nfl-power-rankings-week-10-2018-saints-rams-patriots-chiefs-changes">SB Nation</a>: 2nd (previously: <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/10/30/18039922/nfl-power-rankings-2018-week-9-steelers-climb-as-top-10-teams-become-clearer">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="bjDpVO">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 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/11/4/18062720/rams-vs-saints-drew-brees-alvin-kamara-michael-thomas">the New Orleans Saints beat the Los Angeles Rams, 45-35</a>. These teams now rank one (the Saints) and two (the Rams) in our Week 10 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-power-rankings">NFL power rankings</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p id="qIoDWm"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25187148/week-10-2018-nfl-power-rankings-new-orleans-saints-scramble-top-3">ESPN</a>: 3rd (<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24785984/nfl-power-rankings-fatal-flaws-all-32-teams-2018-week-4">1</a><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25121474/scary-trends-all-32-teams-nfl-2018-week-9-power-rankings">st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="4eacpd">The Rams were expected to have a big season after they added three All-Pros in <span>Aqib Talib</span>, <span>Marcus Peters</span> and <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> 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. <span>Todd Gurley II</span> 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 <span>Jared Goff</span>.</p></blockquote>
<p id="uHDc25"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000985286/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-10-new-orleans-saints-take-throne">NFL</a>: 4th (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000981512/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-panthers-seahawks-on-the-rise">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="0Nf5nD"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018110409/2018/REG9/Rams@Saints">The last of the undefeated fell</a>. 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 <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000980254/article/aaron-rodgers-hollywood-ending-hijacked-by-rogue-decision">bailed out by the eccentric ways</a> of <span>Ty Montgomery</span> 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 <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-orleans-saints/0ap3000000984519/Can-t-Miss-Play-Michael-Thomas-BURNS-Peters-for-72-yard-TD">the Michael Thomas home-run ball</a>. Oh, well. #8-1butthey’lllive</p></blockquote>
<p id="lgaYPo"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-10-power-rankings-red-hot-chargers-panthers-are-legit-super-bowl-contenders/">CBS</a>: 3rd (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-9-power-rankings-rams-saints-set-to-battle-for-top-spot-in-nfc-rankings/">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="C2J4l3">The defense has suddenly become a major issue. It’s time to they tighten up on that side of the ball.</p></blockquote>
<p id="SUErl0"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-theres-new-no-1-team-rams-loss-045112433.html">Yahoo!</a>: 3rd (<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-steelers-might-end-contender-thought-theyd-040135606.html">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="qqn8PN">One easy question to ask yourself: If you had to pick a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> 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, <a href="https://twitter.com/OddsShark/status/1059441782822453249">according to OddsShark</a>. 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 <span>Marcus Peters</span> 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.</p>
<p id="FY8jgu">...</p>
<p id="uK6TJD">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.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="eSzBCA"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/11/06/week-10-power-rankings-7/">Pro Football Talk</a>: 2nd (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/30/week-nine-power-rankings-8/">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="RgUMF3">Defense wins championships. Which will make it harder for the Rams to win a championship.</p></blockquote>
<p id="hcTvjt"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Frankings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F11%2F6%2F18069952%2F2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-10-los-angeles-la-rams" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USA Today</a>: 2nd (1st)</p>
<blockquote><p id="mWHxFr">After getting roasted by <span>Drew Brees</span>, CB Marcus Peters was summarily roasted on social media. Aqib Talib’s return will be important waypoint.</p></blockquote>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/11/6/18069952/2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-10-los-angeles-la-rams3k2018-10-30T13:19:43-05:002018-10-30T13:19:43-05:00Week 9 power rankings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0tC6jpVogD0Pmn6Y7x3PX_zWUdc=/0x61:1080x781/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61964495/power_rankings_Week_9_SBN_graphic.0.png" />
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<p>Nobody’s taking the perch from the 8-0 Rams.</p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8ipsiHbLWWhmD0DVkH1bTMQsqqQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13360353/power_rankings_Week_9_SBN_graphic.png">
</figure>
<div id="sPPbGL"><div data-anthem-component="table:1932867"></div></div>
<p id="1YjkbT"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/10/30/18039922/nfl-power-rankings-2018-week-9-steelers-climb-as-top-10-teams-become-clearer">SB Nation</a>: 1st (previously: <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/10/23/18009000/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-2018-surprising-teams-rise-up-division-outlook">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="bzazR6">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a>, <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>, <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>, and <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> have imposed their will on their opposition and are <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/10/29/18035996/nfl-playoff-picture-starting-to-take-shape-at-midpoint-of-season-afc-nfc-standings">paving their paths toward the playoffs</a>.</p>
<p id="wKtspP">Those teams make up the top four of our Week 9 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-power-rankings">NFL power rankings</a> with the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> placing fifth following their bye week. The 8-0 Rams just keep winning and though the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> came close to beating them, Los Angeles kept their streak alive. Next up for the Rams will be the Saints. Will LA remain undefeated coming out of Week 9?</p>
<p id="i9KjCa">...</p>
<p id="MWDa6w">The Packers took a two-spot dive this week after losing to the Rams. You can’t really fault a team for losing to the Rams, but the Packers (much like the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>) don’t have an impressive win as their victories came over the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> (by one), the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="SZgdWN"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25121474/scary-trends-all-32-teams-nfl-2018-week-9-power-rankings">ESPN</a>: 1st (<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24785984/nfl-power-rankings-fatal-flaws-all-32-teams-2018-week-4">1</a><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25055742/nfl-week-8-power-rankings-2018-players-need-step-all-32-teams">st)</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="fYIG6V">The Rams are the lone undefeated team in the NFL, but they are convinced that there’s plenty of room to improve. And they’re correct, starting with the defense. The D has come through in the clutch on several occasions, notably in victories over the Chargers and Vikings. But it is the 13th-ranked defense in the league, and at times it has been susceptible against the run and more recently against the pass.</p></blockquote>
<p id="xVlLQZ"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000981512/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-9-panthers-seahawks-on-the-rise">NFL</a>: 1st (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000977683/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-redskins-hit-top-10-jags-plummet">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="NDsRqe">The sign of a great team, a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> team, is when it doesn’t play anywhere near its peak performance ... and still wins. That was the Rams <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018102810/2018/REG8/Packers@Rams">on Sunday.</a> The defense got rolled early, putting Los Angeles behind the, er, 12-ball at 10-zip. As he always manages to do, Sean McVay deciphered the Rubik’s Cube, leaning on <span>Todd Gurley</span> more on early downs to keep an uber-aggressive Packers defense honest. On that front, Gurley somehow piled up nearly 200 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown after a rough start. The focus on Gurley allowed <span>Jared Goff</span> to deliver perfect strikes on intermediate throws against single coverage, which is so difficult to stop (or even hope to stop). </p>
<p id="rWaJT7"><strong>Side note</strong>: Gurley could’ve padded his tally with another score late. He deliberately rammed into a tackler instead, ignoring the goal line in order to help prod the clock to 0:00. It was reminiscent of the first guy I ever saw do that: <span>Brian Westbrook</span> of the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> during a late-season win at Texas Stadium back in 2007. Strategery.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="0cltmq"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-9-power-rankings-rams-saints-set-to-battle-for-top-spot-in-nfc-rankings/">CBS</a>: 1st (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-power-rankings-offense-wins-championships-rams-saints-patriots-and-chiefs-changing-the-narrative/">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="JGkf2K">The sign of good teams is that they find a way to win games when they don’t play as well as expected. The Rams did that last week to stay undefeated.</p></blockquote>
<p id="uFgYgW"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-steelers-might-end-contender-thought-theyd-040135606.html">Yahoo!</a>: 1st (<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-good-rams-16-0-good-041625778.html">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="OuIttc">We almost had our first moment to second-guess Sean McVay. Late in the fourth quarter, the Rams trailed 27-26. They ran on second-and-20 and third-and-16, essentially settling for a field goal. Had Ty Montgomery just taken a knee on the ensuing kickoff, like he was reportedly told to do, <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> would have had two minutes to drive for a game-winning field goal. We’ve seen <span>Rodgers</span> pull that off many times before. But Montgomery fumbled and the Rams’ give-up runs didn’t matter. McVay isn’t conservative often, so him going into a shell and opening the door wide open for Rodgers to steal a win was pretty shocking.</p></blockquote>
<p id="YuGPGA"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/30/week-nine-power-rankings-8/">Pro Football Talk</a>: 1st (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/23/week-eight-power-rankings-8/">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="5xr3Uo">Win the next three, and it will be time for the ’72 <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> to start getting a little antsy.</p></blockquote>
<p id="zGSih6"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Frankings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F10%2F30%2F18043470%2F2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-9-los-angeles-la-rams" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USA Today</a>: 1st (1st)</p>
<blockquote><p id="28SvyV">Trick — shame for Todd Gurley owners thinking they’d be treated to a second TD when L.A.’s RB put LT record pursuit on hold for good of his team.</p></blockquote>
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<aside id="gETqqT"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"rise_n_grind"}'></div></aside>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/10/30/18043470/2018-nfl-power-rankings-week-9-los-angeles-la-rams3k2018-10-23T13:45:25-05:002018-10-23T13:45:25-05:00Week 8 power rankings
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VyrFPM2Zf5eqMsH1H0GFoXqELR0=/0x0:3483x2322/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61880653/usa_today_11492545.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s now five weeks on that the Rams have topped the major power rankings.</p> <div id="xQ1cek"><div data-anthem-component="table:1921475"></div></div>
<p id="hHHyLa"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/10/23/18009000/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-2018-surprising-teams-rise-up-division-outlook">SB Nation</a>: 1st (previously: <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/10/16/17981602/nfl-power-rankings-week-7-2018-patriots-rams-top-chiefs-vikings">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="ahh6Nd">It’s the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> ... and then everyone else in the NFC West. The Rams won their seventh straight game (courtesy of the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>) and look completely dominant as the NFL’s top team. The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>had their bye this week while the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> were trampled over on Thursday night and <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2018/10/19/18000094/az-arizona-cardinals-fire-mike-mccoy-promote-byron-leftwich-to-offensive-coordinator">fired their offensive coordinator as a result</a>. The 49ers were dealt a tough blow with the <span>Jimmy Garoppolo</span> injury back in Week 3, but it looks like they’ll get a top-10 draft pick again next year to add a nice piece to their roster. With that said, the Rams own the NFC West right now.</p></blockquote>
<p id="jY7kOR"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25055742/nfl-week-8-power-rankings-2018-players-need-step-all-32-teams">ESPN</a>: 1st (<a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24785984/nfl-power-rankings-fatal-flaws-all-32-teams-2018-week-4">1</a><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24991931/nfl-week-7-power-rankings-2018-playoff-chances-all-32-teams">st)</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="kYucDC"><strong>Need more from</strong>: P <span>Johnny Hekker</span>.</p>
<p id="KUiG3B">There’s not much to gripe about with the Rams’ 7-0 start, and they don’t punt often -- but when they do, Hekker hasn’t been as productive as last year. The Rams are averaging the third-fewest yards per punt this season after averaging the fourth most last year</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="rVFH9c"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000977683/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-8-redskins-hit-top-10-jags-plummet">NFL</a>: 1st (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000974986/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-7-patriots-back-raiders-hit-bottom">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="iRHDkr">The Rams charge to 7-0, besting their long-time adversaries from the north. The 49ers were no match for a team sitting on the NFL’s top shelf, even though the Niners donned the same jerseys they wore in their most recent <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> title season. The usual chatter around the Rams centers around <span>Jared Goff</span>, <span>Todd Gurley</span> and the offense, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018102111/2018/REG7/rams@49ers">but on Sunday,</a> it was about the defensive line blowing up the center of the 49ers’ offense. <span>Aaron Donald</span> posted four sacks and <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/los-angeles-rams/0ap3000000976835/Aaron-Donald-strips-Breida-and-recovers-fumble-in-single-motion">a rip job worthy of Peanut Tillman.</a> While you’re watching highlights, check out <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/los-angeles-rams/0ap3000000977073/See-every-sack-from-Donald-s-career-day-Week-7">how fast Donald collapses the pocket,</a>deep in San Francisco territory. Since we’re having so much fun with L.A.’s dominance on video ... I never thought this <em>delayyyyyyyyyyyed</em> screen that <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/los-angeles-rams/0ap3000000977014/Gurley-turns-short-pass-from-Goff-into-his-third-TD-of-game">Goff threw across his body</a> -- and all the way across the field -- would result in Gurley scoring yet another touchdown. </p>
<p id="aRXXyr">Side note: I have 49ers at Rams from 1994 on DVD. Both teams wore the same throwbacks they donned this weekend. L.A. was led by Chris Miller and Chris Chandler at quarterback. <span>Jerome Bettis</span> rushed for over 100 yards. The teams were celebrating the NFL’s 75th Anniversary. To think <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000975700/article/nfl-to-celebrate-100th-season-in-2019-with-nfl-100-events">next season is Year 100</a>. Pretty cool.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="NqMHG9"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-8-power-rankings-offense-wins-championships-rams-saints-patriots-and-chiefs-changing-the-narrative/">CBS</a>: 1st (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-7-power-rankings-ravens-defense-makes-them-legit-super-bowl-contenders-big-test-vs-saints-looms/">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="bpnRus">How long will they go without losing a game? The way they are playing, it’s going to be a long time.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Tgw4UQ"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-good-rams-16-0-good-041625778.html">Yahoo!</a>: 1st (<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-jaguars-shell-last-season-even-week-2-043853845.html">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="TBMtv0">Aaron Donald had four sacks and six tackles for loss on Sunday. He also had an absolutely incredible play in which he simply took the ball from 49ers running back <span>Matt Breida</span> for a forced fumble and recovery. Imagine how good the Rams are going to be if Donald is hitting a hot streak.</p></blockquote>
<p id="zbIgvV"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/23/week-eight-power-rankings-8/">Pro Football Talk</a>: 1st (<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/16/week-seven-power-rankings-7/">1st</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p id="SRvCAE">It’s way too early to think about 16-0, especially with the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>, <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>, and <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> looming.</p></blockquote>
<p id="mlH7AX"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Frankings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F10%2F23%2F18015268%2F2018-nfl-power-rankings-los-angeles-la-rams-week-8" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">USA Today</a>: 1st (1st)</p>
<blockquote><p id="XVbhJG">They don’t have that ‘x’ designation in the standings yet for officially clinching a playoff berth, but all 24 teams starting 7-0 since 1990 have reached postseason.</p></blockquote>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/10/23/18015268/2018-nfl-power-rankings-los-angeles-la-rams-week-83k