Week 17 NFL Power Rankings: Seahawks, Panthers in NFC’s catbird seats

Published Tuesday, Nov 26, 2013 at 4:38 pm EST
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NFL Week 17 Power Rankings

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  • It’s been a season-long power struggle in the NFC, the stronger of the NFL’s conferences. When a new conference champion is crowned in a month, it might take us right back to where we started: Seattle vs. Carolina.

    You might remember that way back in Week 1, Russell Wilson’s Seahawks edged Cam Newton’s Panthers, 12-7, which accounts for the difference in the race for the NFC’s top playoff seed and home-field advantage.

    Going into Week 17, they have emerged from two tough divisions in the West and South to become two battle-tested Super Bowl contenders. It has Wilson, Newton and the defenses on track to duel again when it all counts most in January:
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  • Marshawn Lynch Marshawn Lynch (Stephen Brashear/AP)
    Last week: 1

    Why they’re here: So we’re not holding Russell Wilson’s first home loss as a starting quarterback against them. That’s because they were playing another strong NFC West foe with a great defense in Arizona. It was natural they would split with the Cardinals and 49ers, just not the way we expected.

    How they move down: If they can’t finish more drives. They haven’t had the same big-play offensive pop, and the red zone has been a recent issue as they have settled for field-goal attempts. That won’t cut it in the playoffs.

    What’s next: vs. Rams, where they’ll try to regain their home momentum for bigger games ahead.
  • Demaryius Thomas Demaryius Thomas (Patric Schneider/AP)
    Last week: 2

    Why they’re here: The Broncos took advantage of a favorable matchup with the AFC’s worst team, Houston, to get Peyton Manning the touchdown passing record (51). Although it was tight for a while, Manning’s historic day (400 yards, 4 TDs) was gotten out of the way before they just need to win one more time for the No. 1 seed.

    How they move up:
    Play good defense without Von Miller. Their linebacker leader is out for the season, and just like when he was suspended earlier in the season, they must rally to better support Manning and the offense.

    How they move down:
    If they don’t run enough. Games have been too close of late, and it’s the ticket to help the Broncos take the pressure off Manning and put games away.

    What’s next: at Raiders, against whom Manning should pad his stats even more.
  • Thomas Davis Thomas Davis (Mike McCarn/AP)
    Last week: 3

    Why they’re here:
    The Panthers have beaten New Orleans, San Francisco and made it close vs. Seattle, making it clear they are the No. 2 team in the NFC. Cam Newton’s gritty clutch play is the perfect complement to their physical defensive dominance.

    How they move up:
    Find more big runs. It was a long DeAngelo Williams touchdown that woke up the Carolina offense, until it was time for Newton to take over in the fourth quarter. Balance is a little more important this time of year.

    How they move down:
    Get complacent defensively. The attacking mindset they have had all season has turned into an unwavering confidence. With each win, the championship swagger becomes more apparent.

    What’s next:
    at Falcons, where they can dethrone the former NFC South champions.
  • Colin Kaepernick Colin Kaepernick (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
    Last week: 4

    Why they’re here: The 49ers closed out Candlestick Park in style with a game against Atlanta that wasn’t close to the rematch of last year’s NFC championship. They should be pleased by the fact it has the same result, however.

    How they move up: Pass one more offensive test against a good defense. That presents itself in Week 17, on the road in Arizona. If Colin Kaepernick can ace that, it’s a good sign the reigning champs are offensively ready to defend their title.

    How they move down: If they forget about the read option. It’s a wrinkle the Niners should have in their back pocket to further befuddle defenses with the athletic Kaepernick. When opponents need to think about it, it only opens up his passing game.

    What’s next: at Cardinals, another NFC West team they didn’t want joining them in the playoffs.
  • Andy Dalton Andy Dalton (Tom Uhlman/AP)
    Last week: 7

    Why they’re here: The Bengals improved to 7-0 at home by throttling Minnesota, 42-14. Their average margin of victory as division champions in Paul Brown Stadium has been 22 points a game.

    How they move up: Build up their home-field advantage a little more. Given both they and Baltimore have something to play for in Week 17, it should be a good playoff-style tuneup before many of the young Bengals’ first home playoff game.

    How they move down: Stay leaky on special teams. Minnesota (Cordarrelle Patterson) did some damage in the return game, and Baltimore has someone (Jacoby Jones) who can do the same. The week before that, the punting game went amiss. They must shore up this area, because it can make the biggest difference in a tight playoff game.

    What’s next: vs. Ravens, where they can add knocking out the Super Bowl champs to taking away their AFC North title.
  •  Julian Edelman Julian Edelman (Nick Wass/AP)
    Last week: 8

    Why they’re here: So much for Baltimore still having their number, as the Patriots put up their big number, 41-7, to remind us they are still AFC East champions and one strong AFC playoff entry as long as they have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick at the controls.

    How they move up: Keep playing defense that way. Key sacks and turnovers turned into bigger scoring plays against the Ravens. Having to overcome injuries for most of the season, it was good to see Belichick have them swarming again.

    How they move down: If they keep having trouble stretching the field. The Patriots don’t have a go-to speed “X” receiver, and there’s no Rob Gronkowski to get down the seams for big plays. Running, dinking and dunking can take you only so far in the playoffs.

    What’s next: vs. Bills, when they will try to maintain at least a No. 2 seed.
  • Mohamed Sanu Mohamed Sanu (Ed Zurga/AP)
    Last week: 5

    Why they’re here: Their defense struggled at home against a good quarterback for a third consecutive game, as Andrew Luck and the Colts had no trouble at Arrowhead, winning 23-7. It was disheartening for the Chiefs, given they might need to play the same team on the road in the wild-card round.

    How they move up: Get healthy defensively. Tamba Hali is still a little banged up, and not having Justin Houston playing on the other edge has hurt them a lot more. With the No. 5 seed locked in, Week 17 is the time for the nicked Chiefs to heal.

    How they move down:
    If they get too dependent on Jamaal Charles. Their playoff opponent will put all resources into stopping their dynamic MVP-type running and receiving back. Alex Smith has been burned when they can’t find someone else to keep the offense moving.

    What’s next:
    at Chargers, where a weary Charles may be charged to sit.
  • Brent Celek Brent Celek (Matt Rourke/AP)
    Last week: 11

    Why they’re here: They have been Chip Kelly’s work in progress all season as they have installed a new offense and a new defense while getting different key personnel to jell. There’s no doubt having Nick Foles at quarterback has brought everything together for their speedy skill players. We’re seeing the same effect around Trent Cole and the 3-4 pass rush. The 54-11 rout of the Bears was just a culmination.

    How they move up: Build on that secondary play. The Eagles’ defensive backs were challenged after struggling in Minnesota, and responded with great zone coverage against Chicago’s all-star wideout duo. That’s the missing piece to the defense being consistent.

    How they move down: Get a little too fast and furious offensively. Kelly, as a former Pac-12 coach, should appreciate the advice of the legendary John Wooden: “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” They know they can score at any speed; slowing it down a tad won’t hurt them and only help the defense.

    What’s next: at Cowboys, your NFC East title game.
  • Patrick Peterson Patrick Peterson (Elaine Thompson/AP)
    Last week: 9

    Why they’re here: The Cardinals are looking like one of the best recent NFL teams that missed the playoffs. It’s unfortunate, because they found their needed offensive pop with Carson Palmer and their running backs a little too late to support that defense. That big win in Seattle gives them a glimmer of hope, at least some big-time momentum for 2014.

    How they move up: Keep shutting down the pass and getting takeaways without Tyrann Mathieu. There’s not much the Cardinals defense can’t do, as it features playmakers on every level. If they do get in, their coverage/pressure ability will be the trump card.

    How they move down: If Palmer can’t go back to protecting the ball. It’s true that Palmer delivered the game-winning TD strike in Seattle, but it came after a familiar interception mess against a pressure defense. He’s fortunate that the Cardinals’ defense aced its job.

    What’s next: vs. 49ers, when they will try to make it an even split with the NFC West.
  • Jerrell Freeman Jerrell Freeman (Charlie Riedel/AP)
    Last week: 10

    Why they’re here: The Colts found some strengths in their usual weaknesses of rushing offense (springing Donald Brown) and run defense (containing Jamaal Charles) to bring the Chiefs down at Kansas City. Of course, Andrew Luck again was unfazed in another marquee, physical road game.

    How they move up: Keep Brown rolling. It was refreshing to see Luck not need to chuck it around the park for the Colts to move the ball and get big scoring plays. It only sets him up to be more efficient in the playoffs.

    How they move down:
    Get off to slow starts. That’s been a bugaboo all season, and even their dominance vs. the Chiefs came with spotting the lead. If that happens in the playoffs, they would get blown out of the building.

    What’s next: vs. Jaguars, when they will push for a higher seed.
  • Drew Brees Drew Brees (Bob Leverone/AP)
    Last week: 6

    Why they’re here: The Saints have dropped three of their past four games — all on the road — to freefall from a potential No. 1 seed to a likely No. 5 seed. They fought through the rain in Carolina and played good defense, until Cam Newton took over late in the fourth quarter to get the better of Drew Brees.

    How they move up:
    Settle back in at home. They close with Tampa Bay, and it’s a chance to right the ship for Brees and the offense in preparation for the playoffs, which are now bound to start on the road. They’ll hope it’s Chicago or Dallas, two teams they have beaten before.

    How they move down:
    Carry the Carolina hangover into the Superdome. The Saints are good at forgetting about last week with Brees and Sean Payton, so this shouldn’t be an issue, but they must clear any cobwebs before it’s win or go home for good.

    What’s next: vs. Buccaneers, when they can expect to get pushed by Greg Schiano’s bunch.
  • Keenan Allen Keenan Allen (Denis Poroy/AP)
    Last week: 17

    Why they’re here: It wasn’t the prettiest offensive performance against the Raiders, as it was plagued by turnovers, but they scored and moved the ball plenty, as for the second straight game, the Chargers’ defense held up well against a division foe.

    How they move up: Keep leaning on the offense. They have more balance and firepower than either of the other two wild-card hopefuls, Miami and Baltimore. They also have the most reliable, healthiest quarterback to keep them in the hunt.

    How they move down: Keep making dumb giveaways. It happened on offense and special teams, making it tenuous against the Raiders. Given how much they have cleaned up under Mike McCoy, it seemed like an anomaly.

    What’s next: vs. Chiefs, whom they just beat at Arrowhead to spark their late surge.
  • Tony Romo Tony Romo (Evan Vucci/AP)
    Last week: 18

    Why they’re here: The great Tony Romo roller coaster of 2013 ended with the high of the Redskins win and the low of his season-ending back injury. Now we’re not sure that Jason Garrett will ever get back on it. Every time Romo gets undue criticism, he delivers the gutsy fourth-quarter comeback (see Washington), something that garners everyone’s respect. Unfortunately, he won’t get his chance to do it again in Week 17.

    How they move up: Keep striking that balance. There were complaints the Cowboys became too pass-happy with Romo and didn’t feed a healthy DeMarco Murray enough. They found the right pass-run mix in Week 16, with Romo to Murray as the game-winning TD strike. They must maintain that with backup Kyle Orton.

    How they move down: Don’t clean up something defensively. They need to at least force turnovers and get timely sacks again. The red-hot Eagles offense can exploit many of their holes, but takeaways from their attack defense can be the difference.

    What’s next: vs. Eagles, when they will try to hold them to three points again.
  • Jay Cutler Jay Cutler (Matt Rourke/AP)
    Last week: 14

    Why they’re here: The Bears had a chance to win the NFC North Sunday night, but they never had the chance in a 54-11 rout which host Philadelphia led, 24-3, at halftime. There are more doubts about the quarterback, given Jay Cutler has thrown pick sixes in his first two starts back.

    How they move up: Sell out against the run. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Lance Briggs hated stepping back into Chicago’s undisciplined front seven sieve, and it’s way too easy to pound the ball on the Bears. They need to take chances or they won’t win another game.

    How they move down: Get their own running game going. There’s a temptation with Jay Cutler’s big arm healthy again and their super wide receivers to keep making it about the pass. But Matt Forte has been their offensive MVP, and he must touch it often against Green Bay.

    What’s next: vs. Packers, when the NFC North title will be decided at Soldier Field.
  • Matt Flynn Matt Flynn (Jeffrey Phelps/AP)
    Last week: 15

    Why they’re here: The Packers have played some crazy games with tight finishes with Matt Flynn at quarterback, and the Steelers game was no different as they just fell short. It turns out it didn’t matter, as it’s still Week 17 for all the marbles. The big question is: Will Aaron Rodgers return to replace Flynn?

    How they move up: If they can make a few big defensive plays on the road. It happened in Dallas, but it didn’t happen at home against Pittsburgh. Chicago is a little mistake-prone with Jay Cutler.

    How they move down: If Eddie Lacy is on the shelf with his ankle injury. He’s been the reliable workhorse as a rookie, with explosive, powerful running built for this time of the year. But even with James Starks running well, Lacy has become an irreplaceable force.

    What’s next: at Bears, where they will try to be Green Bay Grinches.
  • Joe Flacco Joe Flacco (Nick Wass/AP)
    Last week: 12

    Why they’re here: The Ravens have had the strangest, most frustrating season for a Super Bowl champion. They look great in grinding out some tough, close games, but then the bottom can drop it out like it did against New England. They’re on the brink of a hangover that keeps them out of the playoffs for the first time in the Joe Flacco-John Harbaugh era.

    How they move up: If Flacco heals up. It was a little off with his injury in Week 16.

    How they move down: If they can’t pretend to put together a running game. It’s been their biggest offensive issue all season, because of injuries or otherwise. They need to dig deep for backfield presence in Week 17.

    What’s next: at Bengals, where the AFC North title has changed hands.
  • Ryan Tannehill Ryan Tannehill (Bill Wippert/AP)
    Last week: 13

    Why they’re here: The Dolphins had the biggest game of their season in Buffalo, only to get shut out with a lifeless, sack-filled offense. They need to shake it off to find some confidence back at home to help quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

    How they move up: Run the ball more. Tannehill, like any QB, will struggle behind a shaky offensive line trying to operate a one-dimensional passing game that relies on speed receivers. Balance is key, whether it comes from Lamar Miller or Daniel Thomas.

    How they move down:
    If they can't tighten up against the run. The Jets won’t hesitate to stay grounded to follow the Bills as eliminated AFC East spoilers.

    What’s next:
    vs. Jets, when the Dolphins are still in good playoff shape with a win.
  • Brett Keisel Brett Keisel (Jeffrey Phelps/AP)
    Last week: 19

    Why they’re here: The Steelers survived the snow, a bad penalty, a constant Packers comeback and mental breakdowns to keep their faint playoff hopes alive in Green Bay. It moved up them a slight notch to sneak in and wreak some problems as a wild card.

    How they move up: Keep making big plays on defense and special teams. That hadn’t happened earlier in the season when they weren’t a playoff hopeful, but those have sparked them late to supplement Ben Roethlisberger and the offense, which isn’t turning the ball over.

    How they move down: If they can’t be smarter about closing games. They could have run more clock and set up the extra-point length field goal against the Packers to avoid sweating out another close game in the cold.

    What’s next:
    vs. Browns, which should allow them to put pressure on the Dolphins, Ravens and Chargers.
  • Robert Quinn Robert Quinn (Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/AP)
    Last week: 20

    Why they’re here: The Rams are that quiet floater that just keeps fighting hard and playing nasty defense for Jeff Fisher. They’re knocking on improving from his first season, despite the fact they have been playing without starting quarterback Sam Bradford for much of it. The Bucs win was a typical, gritty Fisher team performance following the Saints upset.

    How they move up: Show more moxie in time for Seattle. They would have seen how the Cardinals just won up there, and Fisher will pull out every trick against fellow USC guy and energetic coach Pete Carroll.

    How they move down: If they can’t find more big plays offensively. Getting that other West Virginia rookie, Stedman Bailey, was key against Tampa Bay. They will need one or two of those to shock Seattle.

    What’s next: at Seahawks, whom they almost beat in prime time in St. Louis.
  •  Jeremy Kerley Jeremy Kerley (Kathy Willens/AP)
    Last week: 22

    Why they’re here:
    The Jets are working and playing hard for Rex Ryan. And they should, considering he thinks he’s about to be fired. He’s done a great job with a young team that’s had a lot of personnel holes, injuries and a typical rookie quarterback in Geno Smith. He’ll try to upend the Dolphins like they just burned the Browns.

    How they move up: Let Smith loose in his rookie finale. There’s some more receiving pop around him all off a sudden, and he’s still not afraid to use his legs. Despite his struggles, the Jets may be on to something, and need to see everything in Miami.

    How they move down: If they keep folding against speed receivers. That’s been the consistent problem, despite the presence of Antonio Cromartie. They need to be better prepared for Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline.

    What’s next: at Dolphins, as they try to avenge their worst home loss.
  • Matthew Stafford Matthew Stafford (Paul Sancya/AP)
    Last week: 16

    Why they’re here: The Lions have pushed their way down to the bottom 12 despite hovering around the top 10 for much of the season. Their slide to playoff elimination came about from should-have-won losses to Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Baltimore and the worst, the most recent overtime failing vs. the New York Giants.

    How they move up:
    From this point, they can’t salvage much for this year or next in Minnesota. To get back on the rise, they must move on from coach Jim Schwartz.

    How they move down: If they can’t fix Matt Stafford, pronto. He’s playing a bad secondary whom everyone has exploited this season. After his terrible season, he can’t afford to go out on a low note on the road.

    What’s next: at Vikings, where they’ll face a better offense than they think.
  • Jerrel Jernigan Jerrel Jernigan (Rick Osentoski/AP)
    Last week: 23

    Why they’re here:
    The Giants started 0-6, so they’ve been a different team in their past nine games. Despite falling apart in recent games against San Diego and Seattle, they shook off their mistakes and made sure their opponent made more against Detroit. This is just a season Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin need to forget as soon as possible.

    How they move up: Jump all in on Washington. The only saving grace of New York’s disappointing season in the NFC East is the fact the Redskins are a bigger, dysfunctional mess.

    How they move down: If Manning ends with another struggle vs. Washington. That team has had his number defensively over the years. He can at least set that right in Week 17.

    What’s next:
    vs. Redskins, when they can extend Mike Shanahan’s misery.
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick Ryan Fitzpatrick (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)
    Last week: 21

    Why they’re here: The Titans’ season has been a mild success as their win over Jacksonville has them knocking on seven wins. Consider that quarterback Jake Locker has been out and they have had to change their offense on the fly. They can hang their hat on having one of the league’s best pass defenses.

    How they move up: Keep riding the power run. That was supposed to be their identity with Chris Johnson and Shonn Greene, but losing the added mobility of Locker hurt. Now that Ryan Fitzpatrick has sparked the downfield passing game, that balance is a boost.

    How they move down:
    If they can’t hold up again against the run. They solved the problem against the Jaguars’ Maurice Jones-Drew, but it remains a bugaboo to fix in the offseason.

    What’s next: vs. Texans, when they can further bury the division cellar dweller.
  • E.J. Manuel E.J. Manuel (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)
    Last week: 27

    Why they’re here: They have had their moments throughout the season, including at home against the Panthers and Dolphins, but they’re a typical young, inconsistent team. There are many positives to take into Doug Marrone’s second season. The best thing is a top pass rush and good secondary when healthy, which was on display in Week 16.

    How they move up: If they can get more from supersub Thad Lewis. It’s been a rough rookie season for EJ Manuel in terms of staying healthy. Lewis has given them a shot in a couple games, sweeping Miami. They need to let whoever the QB is loose.

    How they move down:
    If they can’t get the downfield passing game going. That’s where the dinking and dunking make them predictable and makes opponent squeeze on their power running game.

    What’s next: at Patriots, where their pass rush will try to make a last stand vs. Tom Brady.
  • Tony Gonzalez Tony Gonzalez (Tony Avelar/AP)
    Last week: 24

    Why they’re here: The Falcons were reminded of just how far they’ve fallen after losing on Monday night to San Francisco, the team they were so close to beating in last year’s NFC championship game.

    How they move up: Get some inspired defensive play at home. Give them credit for fighting hard for Mike Smith. The emotions help them overcome some struggles with their own talent to make big plays.

    How they move down: If they can't finish with a consistent running game. That element remained missing ever since Steven Jackson was banged up early, and the run blocking of the line hasn’t helped.

    What’s next: vs. Panthers, whom they spoil from taking the NFC South title.
  • Mike Glennon Mike Glennon (L.G. Patterson/AP)
    Last week: 25

    Why they’re here:
    Greg Schiano had this team surging at midseason, but that’s given way to losses in three of their four to good, physical defensive teams: Carolina, San Francisco and St. Louis. The Buccaneers are overmatched in such games with a rookie quarterback. And their defense, despite some fine young talent, is still growing in every area.

    How they move up: Be aggressive with Mike Glennon in Week 17. He’s shown that he should be their QB of the near future with plenty of bright spots. Now, it’s time to let him finish on a high note trying to duel Drew Brees on the road.

    How they move down: If they can’t clean up some things on the back end. Given what they invested in Darrelle Revis and Dashon Goldson, their secondary returns are still a bit disappointing. They need that to better jell, and will get another good test from New Orleans in the finale.

    What’s next: at Saints, which Schiano hopes won’t be his last game as Bucs coach.
  • Matt Cassel Matt Cassel (David Kohl/AP)
    Last week: 26

    Why they’re here: They have seen some offensive sparks fly with Matt Cassel despite Adrian Peterson not running at 100 percent, but it’s not making up for the fact their pass defense has been atrocious all season. The latest quarterback and receiving corps to pick them apart was Andy Dalton and the Bengals.

    How they move up: If their pass rush can save them. It happened in Week 15 vs. the Eagles, but for the most part, it’s been nonexistent despite Jared Allen and friends masking their coverage problems.

    How they move down:
    Try to force Peterson or Toby Gerhart back to action when they’re not healthy. They already did that with AD, but he wasn’t a factor in Cincinnati. They need to go pass-happy just to see if they have something more than a backup in Matt Cassel for 2014.

    What’s next: vs. Lions, when they will close the door on the Metrodome as home.
  • Josh Gordon Josh Gordon (Kathy Willens/AP)
    Last week: 28

    Why they’re here: The Browns keep getting something from Josh Gordon and a spark from Edwin Baker, but their quarterback carousel has caught up to their offense in the form of late struggles. After losing to the Jets, they are closer to the bottom of the AFC than the surprise wild-card contenders they were earlier.

    How they move up: Find someone other than Gordon to make big plays. He did form a dynamic duo with Jordan Cameron earlier, but there are less reliable options around Campbell. It’s amazing Gordon continues to produce with all the defensive attention, but that should open up things for others.

    How they move down: If they can’t find their pass defense. Their talent and investment in their front seven should be helping, but the coverage hasn’t been good outside of cornerback Joe Haden.

    What’s next: at Steelers, whom Gordon will try to torch again, this time in a win.
  • Mychal Rivera Mychal Rivera (Denis Poroy/AP)
    Last week: 30

    Why they’re here: The Raiders’ positives with Matt McGloin at quarterback have gone away as their passing offense has had more mistakes than big plays, which caused them to fall short at San Diego. Now they’re giving their running quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, one more start.

    How they move up: Figure out quarterback. McGloin vs. Pryor has become a draw that means one thing: The Raiders will be going after a true franchise passer again in the 2014 draft. In meantime, they’ll hope Pryor can build on earlier positives.

    How they move down: If Dennis Allen’s defense can’t save face. It’s got to be frustrating as a defensive-minded coach to see them look so lost against the pass. That doesn’t bode well with Peyton Manning coming to town.

    What’s next: vs. Broncos, as Allen tries to save his job against the team whose defense he used to coordinate.
  • Chad Henne Chad Henne (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)
    Last week: 29

    Why they’re here:
    The Jaguars, much like Tampa Bay, have fallen back to earth, hitting a wall against tougher competition as injuries have mounted later in the season. After winning four of five, they have now dropped two at home to two beatable teams, Buffalo and Tennessee.

    How they move up: Find more people to save their passing game. Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts not being in the lineup has hampered them, but Mike Brown and Marcedes Lewis have come through of late.

    How they move down: If they don’t let the fresh legs of Jordan Todman run more over Maurice Jones-Drew. It may be MJD’s last game this week, but Todman could be the bright future in the backfield.

    What’s next: at Colts, where they will try it to make it a road sweep of the AFC South.
  • London Fletcher London Fletcher (Evan Vucci/AP)
    Last week: 31

    Why they’re here: Kirk Cousins and Alfred Morris have brought their offense to life a bit, but the same mistakes are still there, as we saw against both Atlanta and Dallas. It’s bringing up the real reason for their struggles: A defense that is equal opportunity in folding against run and pass has never been fixed, unlike late last season.

    How they move up: The defense plays with more pride for London Fletcher. The Redskins have some players (Brian Orakpo, etc) on this side, but the scheme doesn’t help their back seven. They need to come through with one good all-around game with their retiring leader to get one more win in 2013.

    How they move down: If they hold back on passing the ball around. Cousins has a good comfort level after two starts, and found a good connection with top receiver Pierre Garcon. They can’t be too run heavy if they want to see if Cousins can challenge Robert Griffin III for the starting job next season.

    What’s next: at Giants, where there’s only some respectability on the line.

  • Matt Schaub Matt Schaub (Patric Schneider/AP)
    Last week: 32

    Why they’re here: The Texans have gone from AFC South champions to the bottom of the entire AFC. Denver ripped them to ensure they still haven’t won since Week 2. On the bright side, they get the first overall pick in the 2013 draft.

    How they move up: Remember they beat the Titans. Yes, that was the team they came back to beat in Houston way back on Sept. 14, 30-24. Since then it’s hard to believe it’s been a series of Ls.

    What’s next: at Titans, where they will try to end a very unlucky 13-game losing streak.
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