Will the Bears be overlooked again? Is it time to respect the Patriots? Are the Seahawks Super Bowl favorites?
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 final list after an exciting Wild Card weekend and ahead of the NFL Divisional Round.
THE HERD WITH COLIN COWHERD
8. Chicago Bears
“A season-low in penalties and penalty yards against Green Bay… They played clean. They’re 7-2 at home this year. 9-2 against teams outside their division. They’re a great fourth-quarter team. First win without a takeaway. So there’s a lot to take from it. They played a clean game. Caleb Williams was remarkable.”
“Now you can prepare for the 49ers without George Kittle. Brock Purdy has a pick in four straight games. I don’t really care. Purdy has four game-winning drives in six playoff games. They’ve won 11 straight playoff games in the Wild Card or Divisional Round, and a lot of that is Kyle Shanahan.”
“They’re very, very good at home, and 11-2 in one-score games… They do lead the NFL in sacks, and allow the fewest sacks. I like the roster construction, but they’ve scored less than 20 points in five of the last nine games. I’m not so sure taking the week off was good for the young Seahawks or the inconsistent Broncos.”
“I think Buffalo’s probably going to beat [the Broncos] and I did not assume that a few weeks in the past. It was the primary highway [playoff] win below [Sean] McDermott. They’ve received six of seven video games, and Josh Allen — hearken to this — in his final seven video games, he has 19 complete touchdowns, one interception. He has a means of eliminating the errors. They have their tush push discovered, which they did not final yr within the playoffs. I feel their offensive personnel is healthier than I give it credit score for.”
“They’ve received 10 straight. Protection, final night time, outscored the Steelers offense. Pittsburgh was taking part in properly, after which they noticed Houston, and hastily they weren’t. They outgained the Steelers 408-175. Nico Collins’ harm will not be good. Not good in any respect. However, you realize what, Woody Marks is wholesome, Christian Kirk, C.J. Stroud.”
“They’re beatable as a result of I do not like their particular groups. They usually had 9 penalties in opposition to the Panthers. They simply could not lock in. They usually’re 4-3 over the past seven video games. The important thing to beating the Rams is the turnovers. In order that they’re 0-3 in video games with a number of giveaways this yr. That is the best way to beat them — get stress on Matthew Stafford, dial up a reckless play. They do not fumble a ton. That is the best way to beat the Rams. As a result of after they play clear, they’re 13-2.”
2. New England Patriots
“In a bizarre means, it jogs my memory somewhat of the Brady-Belichick Patriots. I do not know what their gap is, however they are not nice in all places. I by no means thought Brady had one of the best receiving core. For a quick time, he had one of the best tight finish core. I by no means thought the Belicheck Patriots had one of the best move rush, or one of the best linebacker crew. However they unfold the cash round, and there is nowhere they have been weak. That is how I have a look at the Patriots. Will Campbell’s again. Two working backs that I like. There’s nothing to choose on with New England.”
1. Seattle Seahawks
“Eight wins by 10-plus factors… They haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 26 straight video games. It’s important to throw the ball to beat Seattle.”
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