Can anyone beat the Rams? Are the Patriots Super Bowl contenders? How much did the Packers’ injuries hurt their chances?
Those are the questions Colin Cowherd has answers to in the most recent edition of the “Herd Hierarchy.” Remember, Cowherd isn’t ranking teams based on what they’ve done lately or their record. Rather, it’s an encapsulation of where each team in the NFL stands, holistically, taking into consideration which opponents each team has beaten, how healthy they are and their ceiling for the rest of the year.
So, let’s take a look at Cowherd’s latest top 10 heading into Week 16 of the NFL season.
Herd Hierarchy for Week 16: Packers out, Bears rise, Will the Broncos be on top? | The Herd
“Seven of their last nine wins have come in one-score games. They’re 3-5 when allowing 21-plus points … Their defense, it’s excellent. Their roster, it’s excellent. But I don’t trust Jalen Hurts or Nick Sirianni in big spots. … This offense feels like it’s been broken since Week 1.”
“You can’t run on them. And Liam Coen has done wonders for Trevor Lawrence’s confidence, he’s running more. They have the No. 1 scoring offense and No. 2 scoring defense on their five-game winning streak. Do I trust them in a big spot? No.”
“They got totally worked for the first half of that game after losing to New England. Everybody thinks, ‘Wow, they scored on five straight touchdown drives.’ Ok. They do run the ball, but are so overly dependent on Superman at quarterback. Yes, Josh Allen has been very good in December games, I’ll give you that. And in the last couple of weeks, they have almost 600 total yards — Josh Allen does.”
Josh Allen has led the Bills to a combined 28-10 record in December and January since his arrival in 2018. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
“Elite coaching. Maybe the best coaching staff this year in the league. [Robert] Saleh, on protection, doing it with smoke and mirrors; and Kyle Shanahan, 4 wins in a row, all by 10-plus factors. Brock Purdy, lastly this week, I believe seemed completely wholesome. Had plenty of juice, plenty of vitality. … This can be a very harmful group.”
“Seattle’s received a big-boy protection. Sam Darnold, sure he leads the NFL in giveaways, however he additionally leads in yards per try. It’s a big-play offense that may additionally play with a lead. They will play conservatively and win as a result of they will run the ball. Properly-coached. Play protection. Second-best odds proper now to win the Tremendous Bowl. Twenty-three straight video games not permitting anyone 100 yards dashing. … I believe they will be a very robust out.”
“They are a younger group, lacking their left sort out and left guard. Their problem is, they don’t seem to be superb within the purple zone on both facet of the ball, and that is why I do not suppose they seem to be a Tremendous Bowl group. They don’t seem to be good defensively.”
“Inform me what they do not do? They play in unhealthy climate, very effectively. They run the ball. They’re dynamic. Nice offensive coach. Glorious O-line. Take the ball away. What do not they do? They’re constructed for January. … 8-2 of their final 10 video games. No. 1 rush offense since Week 5. No. 2 in massive performs. They really feel like a group that might find yourself within the convention championship.”
The Bears’ final NFC Championship Sport look was in 2010. Will Caleb Williams propel Chicago again to the convention title this season? (Photograph by Michael Reaves/Getty Photographs)
“I believe the Texans protection is the most effective unit in professional soccer. They’re 8-0 if they will simply rating 20 factors. No. 1 scoring protection. … I’ve at all times appreciated C.J. Stroud. I do not get the criticism. In the event you give him 2.5 seconds, he is excellent. I actually like Houston. I believe they will make the AFC Championship.”
“I want [quarterback Bo Nix] was just a little extra constant, however the man is an unbelievable athlete. He does not take sacks, he is a right-handed Steve Younger. … We received to cease doubting him. Opposing groups, by the best way, are 3-10 after going through Denver. So, they beat you and so they beat you up.”
“Most full roster within the NFL … Outgained their opponents — within the final month — by over 500 yards. Blake Corum has now popped at working again in order that they have a 1-2 punch. They’ve 4 tight ends who’re succesful.”
Herd Hierarchy for Week 16: Packers out, Bears rise, Will the Broncos be on high? | The Herd
Colin Cowherd lists his NFL energy rankings coming into Week 16, together with the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos, excluding the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
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