In a nod to the nation celebrating Halloween this week, the Energy Rankings have searched far and huge for One thing Scary for every crew. For a few of these groups, just like the rolling Lions, we needed to look arduous. For others, just like the reeling Panthers, it was approach too simple.
In the long run, we nonetheless have Detroit atop the rankings, however there was loads of motion after that.
Final week: 1
Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 52-14
One thing Scary: They’re peaking too early?
That’s about the one factor we are able to discover to fret the Lions proper now. Detroit is averaging 43 factors per recreation since Week 4 and its common margin of victory in that span is 22.8 factors. Jared Goff handed for 85 yards Sunday, and the Lions scored 51 factors. For the season, the Lions lead the league in dashing success fee (47.5 %) and are second in anticipated factors added by means of the run recreation (.12 per carry), based on TruMedia.
Up subsequent: at Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Final week: 4
Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 27-20
One thing Scary: It’s nonetheless the huge receivers
DeAndre Hopkins had two catches for 29 yards in his first recreation as a Chief. He’ll get higher as he will get extra aware of Patrick Mahomes’ improvisational type. Nevertheless, it would solely get so good. The 32-year-old Hopkins has topped 750 yards in a season simply as soon as in his final 4 full seasons. He had 202 yards in seven video games final yr. He’s by no means had a quarterback like Mahomes, however he’ll in all probability by no means be 2018 DeAndre Hopkins once more.
Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, 8:25 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Chiefs are 7-0 however not fairly excellent. Right here’s the best way to unleash classic Mahomes: Sando’s Decide Six
3. Inexperienced Bay Packers (6-2)
Final week: 5
Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 30-27
One thing Scary: Jordan Love below strain
Inexperienced Bay received a win Sunday, however its younger quarterback is a little bit of an journey. Love was 14 of twenty-two for 196 yards and an interception Sunday, ending with a 73.3 passer ranking towards the Jaguars. Love is thirty first within the league amongst quarterbacks with greater than 100 makes an attempt in EPA when being blitzed this season. That’s worse than Bo Nix, Andy Dalton, Gardner Minshew and barely higher than Deshaun Watson. On prime of that, Love needed to depart Sunday’s recreation after aggravating a groin harm.
Up subsequent: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Final week: 7
Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 31-10
One thing Scary: The turnover margin
Proper now, it’s nice. The Payments lead the league at plus-11. Quarterback Josh Allen, considerably well-known all through his profession for giving the ball away, has thrown just one interception, making him the one quarterback within the league who has greater than 200 passing makes an attempt with so few. Buffalo, and significantly Allen, get credit score for making these numbers so good, however there’s quite a lot of proof that luck performs a job in turnovers. If the Payments’ luck right here adjustments, it may make a distinction towards the Chiefs and 49ers of the world.
Up subsequent: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
‘We’re not stunned, nor are we happy’: Payments’ id coming into focus at midpoint
Final week: 6
Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 23-20
One thing Scary: The second-year leap hasn’t occurred
After C.J. Stroud’s debut season, a step ahead offensively was baked into the excessive expectations for the Texans. As a substitute, Houston’s offense has been mainly the identical and perhaps slightly worse. The Texans have been twentieth in offensive success fee in 2023 (43.6 %). This yr, they’re twenty eighth (40.7 %). Stroud was seventh within the league in EPA per dropback (.11) final season. He has slipped to nineteenth this yr (.04). And but, this crew nonetheless leads the AFC South by two video games.
Up subsequent: at New York Jets, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Trenton Simpson, proper, and the Ravens protection had no reply for Cedric Tillman and the Browns on Sunday. (Jason Miller / Getty Photos)
Final week: 2
Sunday: Misplaced 29-24 to Cleveland Browns
One thing Scary: Defensive slippage
One yr after shedding defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens are twenty sixth within the league in defensive EPA (minus-7.3 per 100 snaps) and twenty third in defensive success fee (57.6 %) below first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr. There’s a motive Baltimore introduced in 75-year-old Dean Pees as a marketing consultant. The Jameis Winston-led Browns had 401 yards Sunday and handed the Ravens their third loss. Winston had 334 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Up subsequent: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 1 p.m.
Final week: 8
Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 18-15
One thing Scary: Jayden Daniels’ ribs
If something occurs to the rookie quarterback, Washington followers may by no means get better. Daniels clearly was not at full energy late in Sunday’s showdown towards Caleb Williams and Chicago, though it didn’t hold him from throwing a 52-yard Hail Mary landing as time expired to elevate the Commanders to a different win. Daniels is second within the league in EPA per dropback (.25) and quarterback dashing yards (424).
Up subsequent: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Final week: 3
Thursday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Rams 30-20
One thing Scary: Dallas Turner’s begin
The No. 17 choose on this yr’s draft has one sack and three quarterback pressures by means of seven video games. That’s not nice however wouldn’t be trigger for alarm until you dug deeper into the numbers. Turner, a 247-pound outdoors linebacker, has performed solely eight snaps within the final two video games. In truth, his snap depend has gone down every week, beginning at 35 in Week 1 and going all the best way down to 3 on Thursday evening towards the Rams. Turner’s solely statistical contribution in his final 4 video games is one sort out help.
Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Vikings left reeling as Brian Flores’ protection is once more picked aside in loss to Rams
Final week: 12
Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 37-17
One thing Scary: The passing recreation’s ceiling
Jalen Hurts had his finest recreation of the season Sunday towards a struggling Bengals protection, finishing 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and registering a .58 EPA per dropback, twice pretty much as good as his earlier season excessive. The Eagles is perhaps on to one thing, however historical past tells us Philly will get solely a lot out of its passing recreation with Hurts, who’s twenty seventh within the league in SPLINT share (9.9 %), which measures sacks and interceptions per dropback. Which means considered one of each 10 makes an attempt ends in one thing fairly to essentially unhealthy.
Up subsequent: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Final week: 9
Sunday: Beat New York Giants 26-18
One thing Scary: The schedule down the stretch
The Steelers have constructed a formidable document thus far, however they nonetheless haven’t entered division play. Which means they must play the Ravens, the new-look Browns and the possibly harmful Bengals twice every down the stretch.
Up subsequent: Bye
George Kittle had an enormous recreation Sunday evening within the 49ers’ victory towards the Cowboys. (Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Photos)
11. San Francisco 49ers (4-4)
Final week: 15
Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 30-24
One thing Scary: Nationwide Tight Ends Day is just every year
George Kittle had 128 receiving yards Sunday on the pretend vacation that he mainly created out of skinny air in 2018, and the 49ers appeared extra just like the crew we have been anticipating this season. Nevertheless, that was Kittle’s first 100-yard recreation of the season and second since Week 10 of final yr. With Brandon Aiyuk out, San Francisco will want extra from Kittle. Does the 31-year-old have it to present?
Up subsequent: Bye
12. Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
Final week: 10
Sunday: Misplaced to Buffalo Payments 31-10
One thing Scary: The run protection
The Seahawks are twenty third in yards allowed earlier than contact per rush (1.78) and twenty eighth in yards per carry allowed (4.9). Though first-year head coach Mike Macdonald received the job based mostly on the play of his Baltimore protection, run protection wasn’t the Ravens’ energy both. Baltimore was twenty fifth within the league final season, giving up 4.5 yards per carry. Buffalo’s James Cook dinner rushed for 111 yards Sunday, and the Payments had 164 general. Seattle gained solely 32 yards on the bottom.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Final week: 11
Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-26
One thing Scary: The cross rush curse
Baker Mayfield threw 50 passes Sunday. The Falcons didn’t register a sack or a quarterback hit. This isn’t a new-coaching workers downside, although. This apparently is simply Atlanta’s future. The Falcons are final within the league with six sacks. Since 2020, they’re final with 116 sacks. Since 2010, they’re final with 420. Since 2000, they’re subsequent to final (777) however solely as a result of the Texans didn’t begin enjoying till 2002.
Up subsequent: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
Final week: 14
Sunday: Misplaced to Atlanta Falcons 31-26
One thing Scary: The huge receivers room
With Mike Evans out for a number of extra weeks and Chris Godwin out of the season, Tampa Bay ran 72 performs towards Atlanta and solely 15 of them went to huge receivers. Rakim Jarrett led the best way towards the Falcons with three catches for 58 yards. They have been his first three catches of the season. He had 4 final yr. That’s not a plan for long-term success even when the Bucs did have 432 yards towards a struggling Falcons protection.
Up subsequent: at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Jaleel McLaughlin, left, Bo Nix, Nate Adkins and the Broncos had a simple time towards the Panthers on Sunday. (C. Morgan Engel / Getty Photos)
15. Denver Broncos (5-3)
Final week: 17
Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 28-14
One thing Scary: The variety of quick drives
Denver is twentieth within the league in scoring (21.63 ppg), however it’s thirtieth in first downs per drive (1.4). Which means quite a lot of quick possessions, which is placing quite a lot of strain on quarterback Bo Nix. The rookie was good Sunday, finishing 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns because the Broncos had a season-high 400 yards. Denver has scored 61 factors within the final two weeks.
Up subsequent: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
After Broncos rout Panthers, Sean Payton calls for extra: ‘We’ll see higher groups’
Final week: 18
Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 26-8
One thing Scary: What Jim Harbaugh is doing to Justin Herbert
The No. 6 choose within the 2020 draft, the participant who has one of many strongest arms within the NFL, is twenty second within the league in makes an attempt. We knew Harbaugh would play this fashion, and who’s to argue with Los Angeles within the playoff race, nevertheless it nonetheless appears like we’re being robbed of one thing. 4 occasions this season, Herbert has been below 180 yards passing. It will get even worse if you happen to have a look at air yards per goal (7.8), the place he ranks sixteenth. Let the massive boy throw the ball and throw it deep!
Up subsequent: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
17. Chicago Bears (4-3)
Final week: 13
Sunday: Misplaced to Washington Commanders 18-15
One thing Scary: Caleb Williams towards the blitz
The Bears rookie quarterback is thirty first within the league in EPA per dropback when opponents ship 5 or extra cross rushers (minus-.23). He’s twenty first towards 4 or fewer rushers (.01). Washington should have gotten the memo. Williams was 10 of 24 for 131 yards and had the second-worst EPA per dropback of his season (minus-.23) towards the Commanders. Chicago was coming off back-to-back 30-point video games and a bye earlier than Sunday’s stinker.
Up subsequent: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Knocked ’em outta FG vary ‼️
📺 #CHIvsWAS CBS pic.twitter.com/vboVNBQ7jx
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 27, 2024
18. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
Final week: 24
Thursday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 30-20
One thing Scary: The protection
The Rams offense appeared like itself once more Thursday evening with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua each within the lineup, and after the sport, Sean McVay basically mentioned, “What Cooper Kupp commerce? By no means heard of it.” However the protection is probably not adequate to make it matter. The Rams are twenty eighth in defensive success fee (55.1 %) and close to the league’s backside in each defensive passing EPA and dashing EPA, based on TruMedia.
Up subsequent: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
19. Arizona Cardinals (4-4)
Final week: 21
Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 28-27
One thing Scary: The scoring protection
Arizona’s opponents are averaging 2.64 factors per drive. That’s the second-worst within the league this season and ranks 474th out of 480 for the reason that 2010 season. The Cardinals are twenty ninth within the league in defensive EPA per snap (minus-8.5). They gave up 377 yards to Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins on Sunday however nonetheless got here away with a win.
Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
20. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)
Final week: 19
Sunday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 37-17
One thing Scary: The protection
The Bengals are thirtieth in defensive success fee (54 %) and twenty seventh within the league in defensive EPA per play (minus-7.4 per 100 snaps). Since its Tremendous Bowl loss following the 2021 season, Cincinnati is twenty eighth within the success fee (57.3) and twenty third in EPA per play (.3). The Bengals gave up 397 yards and 20 unanswered factors within the last 18 minutes Sunday.
Up subsequent: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
21. Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
Final week: 20
Sunday: Misplaced to Houston Texans 23-20
One thing Scary: Anthony Richardson’s completion share
Indianapolis’ second-year quarterback has accomplished 44.4 % of his passes this yr. That ranks 813th out of 814 qualifying quarterbacks, based on TruMedia. Richardson was 10 of 32 for 175 yards Sunday. At halftime, he was 2 of 15 for 81 yards, a landing and an interception. Colts backup quarterback Joe Flacco is 71 of 108 for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception whereas filling in for Richardson this season, which he needed to do for one play Sunday after Richardson eliminated himself from the sport as a result of he was drained.
Up subsequent: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
I requested #Colts HC Shane Steichen if QB Anthony Richardson is the crew’s beginning QB:
“At this time he’s, sure.”
Is he the beginning QB for Sunday’s recreation towards the #Vikings:
“We’re evaluating.” | @TheAthleticNFL
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 28, 2024
22. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Final week: 16
Sunday: Misplaced to San Francisco 49ers 30-24
One thing Scary: The run recreation
Ezekiel Elliott led the Cowboys with 10 carries for 34 yards on Sunday. Dallas, whose proprietor Jerry Jones mentioned the crew couldn’t afford to pursue Derrick Henry in free company, is final within the league with 519 dashing yards this season. The Ravens, who did signal Henry, have triple that. Ten particular person gamers have greater than that. The Cowboys have misplaced two straight, and their wins have come over the Browns, Giants and Steelers.
Up subsequent: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Noise round Cowboys is not getting any quieter after one other loss to 49ers
23. Cleveland Browns (2-6)
Final week: 31
Sunday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 29-24
One thing Scary: What might need been?
Deshaun Watson didn’t cross for greater than 300 yards in any of his 19 begins for the Browns. Jameis Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns Sunday. Final season, Joe Flacco made 5 begins for the Browns. He handed for greater than 300 yards in 4 of these video games. Cleveland thought Watson was the lacking piece. As a substitute, he was an anchor across the neck of what might need been Browns crew.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
24. New Orleans Saints (2-6)
Final week: 22
Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Chargers 26-8
One thing Scary: The Justin Herbert play
Issues have gotten unhealthy in New Orleans, however the Saints made it worse on themselves Sunday with essentially the most questionable play of the day when defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd tried to twist Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to the bottom utilizing his decrease leg. Chargers offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman dove onto Shepherd to cease the play, incomes web fame and a recreation ball from his head coach.
Up subsequent: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m.
Bradley Bozeman the enforcer pic.twitter.com/2ybL6tK9YL
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) October 27, 2024
25. New York Giants (2-6)
Final week: 23
Sunday: Misplaced to Pittsburgh Steelers 26-18
One thing Scary: Their aversion to the tip zone
Earlier than Tyrone Tracy scored on a 45-yard run within the fourth quarter, the Giants had gone an NFL-worst 24 consecutive drives with no landing. Even with Tracy’s rating, the Giants are thirty first within the league in scoring (14.63 ppg). Their 10 offensive touchdowns additionally rank thirty first within the league.
Up subsequent: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
Final week: 26
Sunday: Misplaced to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 27-20
One thing Scary: The bottom recreation
The Raiders are averaging 79 dashing yards per recreation. Since 2000, the one time they’ve averaged much less was in 2014 (77.5 per recreation). That crew went 3-13, and this one is perhaps on the best way to that. Alexander Mattison led Las Vegas on Sunday with 14 carries for 15 yards. As a gaggle, the Raiders rushed 26 occasions for 33 yards. That’s gross.
Up subsequent: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Final week: 29
Sunday: Beat New York Jets 25-22
One thing Scary: The Drake Maye harm
The rookie quarterback is about the one vibrant spot for the Patriots and now he’s in concussion protocol after taking a helmet to the again of the pinnacle Sunday. Maye threw solely six passes however did rush for a landing earlier than leaving the sport. After all, vibrant spots on this New England season don’t must be that vibrant. Maye’s passer ranking in his restricted motion (92.6) is twenty seventh within the league.
Up subsequent: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
28. New York Jets (2-6)
Final week: 25
Sunday: Misplaced to New England Patriots 25-22
One thing Scary: The shortage of choices
The Jets have tried pulling the “fireplace the pinnacle coach” lever. They’ve tried the “commerce for a big-name huge receiver” lever. And nonetheless, New York has misplaced 5 in a row. Since Week 4, it’s twenty fourth within the league in level differential (minus-35). On Sunday, the Jets held New England below 250 yards, scored greater than 20 factors and didn’t flip the ball over.
Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
After loss to Patriots, it is too darkish to see how Aaron Rodgers’ Jets can save their season
29. Miami Dolphins (2-5)
Final week: 27
Sunday: Misplaced to Arizona Cardinals 28-27
One thing Scary: The last word payoff to all this
The Dolphins have made headlines all through the Mike McDaniel period (which is now two and a half seasons lengthy) with a splashy and enjoyable offense, nevertheless it’s value questioning how a lot long-term success that’s going to yield. Tua Tagovailoa returned Sunday and the Dolphins gained 377 yards and transformed 11 of 15 third downs and nonetheless misplaced. Miami has misplaced within the wild-card spherical in each full seasons below McDaniel and can be lucky to make the postseason this yr.
Up subsequent: at Buffalo Payments, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
Final week: 28
Sunday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 30-27
One thing Scary: It’s going to worsen now
Christian Kirk suffered a damaged collarbone after catching two passes for 59 yards. That’s going to go away rookie Brian Thomas Jr., the crew’s main receiver with 573 yards, feeling very lonely. Kirk is second on the crew with 379 yards and took a number of the strain off Thomas, who had three catches for 60 yards and his fifth landing towards Inexperienced Bay.
Up subsequent: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
31. Tennessee Titans (1-6)
Final week: 30
Sunday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 52-14
One thing Scary: The return on funding
Tennessee dedicated greater than $300 million within the offseason to signing free brokers and increasing gamers on their current roster. They added identify manufacturers at huge receiver (Calvin Ridley), heart (Lloyd Cushenberry), cornerback (Chidobe Awuzie), operating again (Tony Pollard) and linebacker (Kenneth Murray). In change, they’ve gotten one win. Not less than Ridley had his first massive recreation Sunday, catching 10 passes for 143 yards.
Up subsequent: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
32. Carolina Panthers (1-7)
Final week: 32
Sunday: Misplaced to Denver Broncos 28-14
One thing Scary: The purpose differential
The Panthers are shedding video games by a mean of 18.4 factors per recreation. That’s on tempo to be the worst quantity within the NFL since at the very least 2000, and it’s not shut. The subsequent-worst level differential (the 2009 Rams) is a full two factors higher. Bryce Younger was thrust again into the lineup Sunday due to an Andy Dalton harm and handed for 224 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions because the Panthers misplaced for the twenty third time of their final 26 video games.
Up subsequent: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(High photograph: Steph Chambers / Getty Photos)