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Week 16 of the NFL season featured games on four different days, including a packed slate of Christmas Eve and Day matchups. A few shifted the balance of power in the league.With that in mind, here are my updated rankings of the 10 best teams as we stand on the verge of the 2023 campaign's penultimate week.1. Baltimore RavensAfter bullying the bullies of San Francisco in a Christmas Day affair, and Co. can claim the No. 1 spot. The Ravens' diverse offense and suffocating defense should make John Harbaugh's squad a nightmare in the postseason tournament. With another heavyweight bout coming Sunday against the Dolphins, the Ravens will have a chance to cement their spot as the No. 1 seed in the AFC.ADVERTISEMENT 2. San Francisco 49ersDespite a disappointing performance in prime time, the 49ers remain the team to beat in the NFC. 's four-interception night has led to concerns about his readine s for the bright lights of the playoffs, but the second-year pro has pa sed every test to this point, and his impre sive track record as a starter suggests he will bounce back in his next appearance.3. Miami DolphinsLost in Mike McDaniels' offensive wizardry is Kerry Wood Jersey a blue-collar team with the potential to win utilizing various styles to get it done. The defense, in particular, has improved, with the pa s rush and coverage suffocating opponents at every turn. With and making their mark, the Dolphins can win with their offense or defense leading the way.4. Detroit LionsThe gritty Lions have captured a division crown behind an efficient offense and opportunistic defense. Detroit's relentle s energy and fanatical effort overwhelm opponents unprepared to match the physicality and grittine s of a scrappy collection of underdogs with a point to prove.NFL Rankings: Joe Flacco helps Browns rise 5. Philadelphia EaglesDespite stumbling down the stretch with turnover i sues and shoddy execution on each side of the ball, the Eagles' talent and pedigree make them viable contenders. remains a great red-zone weapon, and the running game has shown signs of life when offensive coordinator Brian Johnson has committed to a ground-and-pound approach. With Matt Patricia working to simplify the defense to reduce some miscues and blown a signments, the Eagles have enough time to rediscover their championship swagger before the playoffs start.6. Cleveland Browns has energized a sputtering offense with his deep-ball prowe s. The veteran has unlocked and while steadying the running game with his pre-snap brilliance on "check-with-me" plays. With a top-notch defense in place to create turnovers and short fields as part of a complementary game plan, the Browns are the most dangerous team in the AFC playoff field.7. Dallas CowboysThe Week 16 lo s to Miami has knocked some observers off the Cowboys' bandwagon, but Mike McCarthy should be encouraged by the performance. is playing at an MVP level with a cast of playmakers ( and ) matching his efforts as key contributors. Though the running game has slumped with as lead back, the Cowboys have enough balance to control games utilizing a "55/45" or "60/40" pa s/run approach. If the defense can solve its woes against the run, the Cowboys can go toe-to-toe with any opponent in the playoffs.Dolphins edge the Cowboys 8. Kansas City ChiefsThe sputtering offense continues to underperform due to the lack of chemistry between and the Chiefs' pa s catchers. With the group unable to get on the same page, the faulty execution has disrupted the offense's flow and rhythm in key moments. Though the defense has kept the Chiefs competitive, the defending champs could end up being one-and-done in the playoffs if Mahomes and Co. continue to sputter.9. Buffalo BillsSean McDermott has quietly reversed the Bills' fortunes with a few tweaks to the offensive and defensive game plans. New offensive coordinator Joe Brady has increasingly relied on and the running game while scaling down some of the complex pa sing concepts in the playbook. As a result, the offense is more balanced, and Josh Allen does not need to play like a superhero at all times for the Bills to chalk up wins.As the defense continues to flourish as an attacking unit with a turnover obse sion, the Bills are rounding into form as the title contender many expected prior to the season.10. Los Angeles RamsThe 2023 season might be the best coaching job of Sean McVay's career. The one-time Super Bowl winner has the Rams back in playoff contention with a young roster that is still figuring things out. Offensively, has added some pop to the running game as an explosive, downhill runner with a rugged running style. The second-year pro's succe s Mike Montgomery Jersey between the tackles has set the table for a creative play-action pa sing game featuring a pair of slick route runners ( and ) terrorizing opponents over the middle. With continuing to deliver darts in the twilight of his career, the Rams have climbed back into playoff contention.Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the "Moving the Sticks" podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks. |
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发表于 2025-7-21 18:59:11