We’re well over halfway through the 2024 NFL season, now in the double-digit weeks. But it’s worth remembering that all may not be as it seems when you look at the actual NFL rankings versus this week’s Power Rankings.
Yes, the Lions and Chiefs will definitely make the playoffs. On the other end of the spectrum… Sorry, Giants, Titans, Raiders and Jaguars fans – I don’t see any realistic paths to the postseason. But a look back at the previous rankings from Week 11 proves that almost everyone between these two groups of teams shouldn’t assume anything.
At the same point a year ago, the Jaguars, Seahawks and Vikings all had six wins. They all missed the postseason. Meanwhile, the Packers and Rams were 3-6 and the Buccaneers were 4-5. Not only did all three make it, but the Pack and Bucs each won their first playoff game, while the Rams nearly upset the Lions in theirs. Interestingly, one .500 team entering Week 11 made last year’s playoffs (Buffalo), but three did not (Indianapolis, New Orleans, Las Vegas), and neither did the then 5-4 Bengals.
In other words, nothing is set in stone.
Are we sure the Texans and Falcons have a stranglehold on their respective divisions? After Miami’s win on Monday night, I might give the 3-6 Dolphins a slightly better chance of making the playoffs than the 4-5 Seahawks. I would give the 4-6 Bengals better odds than the 4-5 Bears.
That’s why the bottom three-quarters of these Power Rankings feel even shakier than usual. I doubt everything.
