Top 8 teams stay the same in Bedard’s Weekly by the Dozen

By Greg A. Bedard Las Vegas Review-Journal

5 years ago

Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram (21) runs with the ball during the first half of an N ... — Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram (21) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters (24) gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Projecting the 12 teams most deserving of playoff berths, and then ranking them heading into Week 16.

1. Baltimore (12-2)

GM Eric DeCosta should get some love for his additions of key players Marcus Peters, Earl Thomas and Mark Ingram.

This week: at Cleveland (6-8). Last week’s ranking: 1.

2. San Francisco (11-3)

The loss to the Falcons actually didn’t matter — two wins still get the 49ers a bye — and the rest for Richard Sherman was probably wise.

This week: vs. Rams (8-6), Saturday. Last week’s ranking: 2.

3. New Orleans (11-3)

Forget Drew Brees’ TD record, Michael Thomas (133 receptions) is poised to obliterate Marvin Harrison’s single-season catch mark (143). Now that’s a record.

This week: at Tennessee (8-6). Last week’s ranking: 3.

4. Seattle (11-3)

The Seahawks became the second team in league history (Houston, 1978) to win 10 games by one score or fewer in a season.

This week: vs. Arizona (4-9-1). Last week’s ranking: 4.

5. Kansas City (10-4)

Really smart move for the Chiefs to claim former Cardinals and Ravens DE Terrell Suggs. He’ll help their pass rush and run defense. Patriots probably didn’t like it.

This week: at Chicago (7-7). Last week’s ranking: 5.

6. New England (11-3)

The Patriots might have seriously erred playing a diminished Julian Edelman (left knee tendon) vs. Bengals (now 1-13).

This week: vs. Buffalo (10-4), Saturday. Last week’s ranking: 6.

7. Green Bay (11-3)

Packers survived huge drops by Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Geronimo Allison vs. Bears. They won’t vs. Minnesota.

This week: at Minnesota (10-4), Monday. Last week’s ranking: 7.

8. Minnesota (10-4)

A lot of players seemed concerned about the shoulder injury suffered by team MVP Dalvin Cook in the victory over the Chargers. Minnesota needs him vs. Packers.

This week: vs. Green Bay (11-3), Monday. Last week’s ranking: 8.

9. Houston (9-5)

Speedy WR Will Fuller should be an NFL MVP candidate. Texans are 2-2 without him, 7-3 with him as the offense is much harder to defend.

This week: at Tampa Bay (7-7), Saturday. Last week’s ranking: 10.

10. Buffalo (10-4)

If Josh Allen is a good quarterback (he’s not), then he should deliver a victory against a ripe New England squad.

This week: at New England (11-3), Saturday. Last week’s ranking: 11.

11. Tennessee (8-6)

Steelers have a slightly easier road to clinch the sixth seed, but we’re sticking with Tennessee because it’s a better all-round team.

This week: vs. New Orleans (11-3). Last week’s ranking: 9.

12. Dallas (7-7)

Maybe the Cowboys coaches finally realized the offense must run through Zeke Elliott (123 yards vs. Rams, first 100-yard day in five games) and not Dak Prescott for the team to win.

This week: at Philadelphia (7-7). Last week’s ranking: 12.

Dropped out: None.

Knocking on the door: Pittsburgh (8-6), Philadelphia (7-7), L.A. Rams (8-6).

Greg A. Bedard covers the NFL for the Review-Journal. He can be reached at gbedard@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GregABedard on Twitter.