WEBVTT - #9: NEW #1 TEAM 0:00:04.743 --> 0:00:07.343 NFL Power Rankings is a production of the NFL in 0:00:07.423 --> 0:00:08.943 partnership with iHeartRadio. 0:00:09.543 --> 0:00:12.623 Welcome to a spooky edition of NFL Power Rankings. Mike 0:00:12.623 --> 0:00:15.823 amalong with Eric at home. And there's nothing better than 0:00:15.863 --> 0:00:18.223 going through thirty two NFL teams. And if you want 0:00:18.263 --> 0:00:20.263 analysis on all of them, all you have to do 0:00:20.303 --> 0:00:22.623 is check out in the NFL dot com. I mentioned 0:00:22.623 --> 0:00:25.383 the spooky theme, Eric, I know you're dressed enough for Halloween. 0:00:25.623 --> 0:00:26.383 What's the costume. 0:00:26.383 --> 0:00:29.903 Then we've got a sort of a circus theme going. 0:00:29.983 --> 0:00:32.303 I'm the strong man, and believe it or not, I 0:00:32.303 --> 0:00:34.983 didn't even campaign for that. It must just be my reputation. 0:00:35.063 --> 0:00:35.623 I'm not sure. 0:00:36.063 --> 0:00:37.823 I like it. I like it and it is fitting 0:00:37.983 --> 0:00:40.383 for you. Side note for me, I'm just gonna eat 0:00:40.383 --> 0:00:43.223 the candy. So I'm on set for a smart move coverage. 0:00:43.303 --> 0:00:46.263 Yes on anfilm network. All right, let's get to it. 0:00:46.303 --> 0:00:48.423 Because I was excited. I saw the rankings come out. 0:00:48.463 --> 0:00:50.703 I got a little preview, and yes, there is a 0:00:50.743 --> 0:00:54.303 new number one, the Detroit Lyons moving into the top spot. 0:00:54.303 --> 0:00:57.943 The Kansas City Chiefs still unbeaten, falling one spot to 0:00:58.063 --> 0:01:00.743 number two, the Buffalo Bills sitting at three, and yes, 0:01:00.823 --> 0:01:03.063 Josh Allen is human and did throw an interception at 0:01:03.143 --> 0:01:06.543 number four. It's the raven who cannot close out Cleveland. 0:01:06.743 --> 0:01:08.863 Don't know what to make of it. We will discuss 0:01:09.183 --> 0:01:12.023 Commander's got outplayed, but they've figured out a way to 0:01:12.023 --> 0:01:14.463 have maybe the most memorable Hail Mary we have seen, 0:01:14.623 --> 0:01:16.943 and we'll see in a while. They sit in that 0:01:17.023 --> 0:01:19.863 number five spot. Malik willis to the Rescue Packers at six. 0:01:19.943 --> 0:01:22.663 The Vikings two straight losses, sit at seven, and the 0:01:22.703 --> 0:01:26.703 Houston Texans are occupying the eighth spot now six and two, 0:01:26.823 --> 0:01:30.263 two games ahead of the Colts in the win column. So, Eric, 0:01:30.303 --> 0:01:32.663 you decided to make a change at the top spot. 0:01:32.743 --> 0:01:35.743 I'm not hating on this. The Kansas City is still 0:01:35.743 --> 0:01:39.023 the only unbeaten team in the NFL. So why did 0:01:39.023 --> 0:01:41.663 you feel so confident in what you've seen from Detroit 0:01:41.863 --> 0:01:43.703 to move them to the number one spot on your 0:01:43.703 --> 0:01:44.583 power rankings? 0:01:45.023 --> 0:01:46.823 Yeah? I mean, as I wrote in the power rankings, 0:01:46.943 --> 0:01:49.303 is less a reflection of like the Chiefs as it 0:01:49.343 --> 0:01:51.143 is more that the Lions just seem to be a 0:01:51.143 --> 0:01:53.583 more dangerous team right now. Anytime you can go out 0:01:53.583 --> 0:01:56.143 and have a two hundred yard day on offense to 0:01:56.223 --> 0:01:58.743 score fifty two points. I guess that's pretty efficient. And 0:01:59.343 --> 0:02:01.423 you know, they really dominated in all three phases. They 0:02:01.423 --> 0:02:03.503 didn't run a lot of offensive play, so it's not 0:02:03.703 --> 0:02:05.663 if their average was so bad and they still broke 0:02:05.703 --> 0:02:09.343 off big plays like Jamir Gibbs and Montgomery throwing a 0:02:09.383 --> 0:02:11.903 touchdown past the Laporta. They got in the end zone 0:02:11.943 --> 0:02:15.423 plenty of times, but special teams gave them great field position, 0:02:15.903 --> 0:02:19.023 defense gave them turnovers. And if you get wide open 0:02:19.063 --> 0:02:22.183 passes like this all day long, yes you are worthy 0:02:22.263 --> 0:02:25.263 of the top spot. Again, nothing against the Chiefs more 0:02:25.303 --> 0:02:27.543 is just that the Lions have overcome so many things 0:02:27.583 --> 0:02:30.463 and one games in so many different fashions. Had to 0:02:30.503 --> 0:02:31.543 make the flip this week. 0:02:31.783 --> 0:02:34.223 Yeah, they look like a dominant football team. And I 0:02:34.223 --> 0:02:37.543 think that's the eye test. And I hate using that 0:02:37.583 --> 0:02:41.263 phrase because it's, you know, certainly subjective, but at the 0:02:41.343 --> 0:02:42.823 end of the day, the lines of a plane some 0:02:42.863 --> 0:02:45.743 outstanding football. Another tough test for them as they match 0:02:45.823 --> 0:02:48.303 up on the road against the Packers. Hopefully Jordan Love 0:02:48.303 --> 0:02:51.063 will be ready to rock and roll, so that means 0:02:51.063 --> 0:02:53.463 the Chiefs fall to the number two spot. I think 0:02:53.463 --> 0:02:55.863 fans in Kansas City are ready to atch you on 0:02:55.943 --> 0:03:00.143 social media. Explain why the last undefeated team all they 0:03:00.143 --> 0:03:03.423 do is figure out ways to get wins are sitting 0:03:03.463 --> 0:03:04.623 at number two for you. 0:03:05.263 --> 0:03:07.623 Yeah, this sort of reminds me a little bit of 0:03:07.623 --> 0:03:09.863 what the Philadelphia Eagles did last year. They got out 0:03:09.903 --> 0:03:12.383 to that ten and one start, and they kept winning games, 0:03:12.423 --> 0:03:14.743 and at one point during pretty deep into that streak, 0:03:15.303 --> 0:03:17.623 our opponents had more touchdowns than they did. Now, it's 0:03:17.623 --> 0:03:20.263 not quite to that level in Kansas City, and they 0:03:20.303 --> 0:03:22.343 always seem to be kind of one step ahead of 0:03:22.343 --> 0:03:24.383 their opponents. But on Sunday, he just sort of felt 0:03:24.383 --> 0:03:27.343 like they left the door open, right Patrick Mahomes through 0:03:27.383 --> 0:03:30.063 the interception there. Yes, it was a throwback game for 0:03:30.183 --> 0:03:32.063 Kelsey and he's got a new running mate there and 0:03:32.103 --> 0:03:34.743 DeAndre Hopkins, and there is certainly a little bit more 0:03:34.743 --> 0:03:37.583 offensive promise. You see guys like Worthy start to break 0:03:37.583 --> 0:03:40.343 out a little bit here, and defensively, we know they're great, 0:03:40.743 --> 0:03:42.903 but they did allow Gardner Minshew to kind of come 0:03:42.903 --> 0:03:44.623 down the field a couple times and make it a 0:03:44.623 --> 0:03:47.543 close game. Had the Raiders capitalized in some of those 0:03:47.583 --> 0:03:50.303 red zone possessions, there'd be a better reason to move 0:03:50.343 --> 0:03:52.743 them down because the Chiefs might have lost that game. 0:03:52.863 --> 0:03:55.903 So again, like you said, the formula still works. They're 0:03:55.903 --> 0:03:59.863 still beating teams, but how long can this last? Are 0:03:59.863 --> 0:04:02.103 they gonna be able to step on some team's next 0:04:02.183 --> 0:04:06.543 metaphorically speaking that we get into the season. Then again, 0:04:06.623 --> 0:04:09.303 last year she said a similar formula and ended up 0:04:09.343 --> 0:04:10.583 pretty good. Yeah. 0:04:10.703 --> 0:04:13.263 Eric, you know, coming off of the show last week, 0:04:13.303 --> 0:04:15.903 I was convinced in my mind that the Baltimore Ravens 0:04:16.183 --> 0:04:17.743 I was going to go back and forth with you 0:04:17.823 --> 0:04:21.543 as deserving in the number one spot. Guess what they 0:04:21.583 --> 0:04:25.583 lose against Cleveland and that's a problem here four drops 0:04:25.583 --> 0:04:28.423 for Lamar's I'm watching this game unfold. I'm thinking to myself, man, like, 0:04:28.503 --> 0:04:30.943 these are golden opportunities. I don't know what to make 0:04:30.943 --> 0:04:33.183 I think it's fair, completely fair where you have them 0:04:33.223 --> 0:04:33.583 right now? 0:04:34.663 --> 0:04:36.783 Yeah, and drops on both sides. The ball right there 0:04:36.823 --> 0:04:38.983 was the like you said, the four by the receivers 0:04:38.983 --> 0:04:40.703 there were Sean Bateman had a big one that could 0:04:40.783 --> 0:04:42.543 really flipped the field there at the end of the game. 0:04:42.703 --> 0:04:46.703 But also Kyle Hamilton's dropped interception. Jameis Winston comes back, 0:04:46.823 --> 0:04:49.623 strikes him and puts him down. And this is now 0:04:49.663 --> 0:04:52.183 the eighth time since the start of the twenty twenty 0:04:52.183 --> 0:04:55.143 two season that the Ravens have led going into the 0:04:55.143 --> 0:04:57.063 final two minutes of the game and came out with 0:04:57.103 --> 0:05:00.823 a loss. Obviously a distressing trend that we see. I mean, look, 0:05:00.903 --> 0:05:03.623 Lamar Jackson's outstanding. He could do it with the best 0:05:03.663 --> 0:05:06.303 of them. Had big plays in this game, you know, 0:05:06.423 --> 0:05:08.583 certainly was a big part of putting him in a 0:05:08.583 --> 0:05:11.983 position to win, but couldn't finish it off. The defense 0:05:12.023 --> 0:05:14.063 certainly carries a lot of the burden for that, but 0:05:14.583 --> 0:05:16.783 his receivers have to step up too. They've got to 0:05:16.783 --> 0:05:19.223 find ways to haul in the football when it's put 0:05:19.263 --> 0:05:22.183 on target. And yeah, this is just a little bit 0:05:22.183 --> 0:05:26.783 of another second loss this season against a seemingly lesser 0:05:26.823 --> 0:05:29.503 opponent along with the Raiders in Baltimore. So look, I mean, 0:05:29.543 --> 0:05:31.503 these are the kind of losses that not only hurt 0:05:31.583 --> 0:05:34.823 your seating, but also kind of hurt your reputation. We're 0:05:34.823 --> 0:05:36.743 talking about some of the heavyweights in the NFL. 0:05:37.063 --> 0:05:39.263 Yeah, look this division, and we'll talk Steelers coming up 0:05:39.303 --> 0:05:41.463 in just a bit. We'll talk about Famous Jamis as well, 0:05:41.503 --> 0:05:44.063 and yes, Cincinnati will also be a topic of conversation, 0:05:44.263 --> 0:05:47.223 not in a good way. But it is wild to 0:05:47.263 --> 0:05:49.623 me from a Baltimore perspective. I felt like they were 0:05:49.623 --> 0:05:51.863 the best team in this division right now, looking up 0:05:51.863 --> 0:05:55.783 at Pittsburgh in the standings, the Commanders moving up two spots. 0:05:55.903 --> 0:05:58.863 Here we go, the Hail Mary, all the hooplah and 0:05:58.903 --> 0:06:02.463 the fanfare that we have seen. It was entertaining. They 0:06:02.543 --> 0:06:04.783 were fortunate to get this win. I wasn't sure how 0:06:04.863 --> 0:06:06.303 you were going to treat them, but I guess W 0:06:06.463 --> 0:06:08.343 is a w and they move up two spots in 0:06:08.383 --> 0:06:09.503 your power rankings. 0:06:10.023 --> 0:06:12.743 Yeah, you'd said earlier you thought they maybe outplayed the Bears. 0:06:12.783 --> 0:06:15.303 I would disagree. I thought I thought the Commanders were 0:06:15.343 --> 0:06:15.783 the beat. 0:06:15.903 --> 0:06:18.983 I'm with you, I've got you heard that. 0:06:19.063 --> 0:06:21.343 Yeah, I thought the Commanders were the better team for 0:06:21.383 --> 0:06:24.263 the first fifty minutes. They did. They start sort of 0:06:24.263 --> 0:06:26.423 giving up some ground there at the end a little bit. 0:06:26.463 --> 0:06:28.663 First of all, the swift touchdown, a little bit of 0:06:28.703 --> 0:06:30.823 a break down there and let the Bears get back 0:06:30.823 --> 0:06:33.263 into it. Two cracks at the end zone there, one 0:06:33.303 --> 0:06:35.663 that failed and one that worked, And yeah, there was 0:06:35.663 --> 0:06:37.583 a little bit of worry there. But obviously when you have, 0:06:38.383 --> 0:06:41.023 you know, an injured quarterback who can make magic like 0:06:41.103 --> 0:06:43.743 this and oh Chicago, don't let him go back to 0:06:43.783 --> 0:06:46.343 the other side. They did hit it, of course he 0:06:46.423 --> 0:06:49.063 burned them. Jalen Daniels made a terrific throw. The Bears 0:06:49.063 --> 0:06:52.823 were disorganized defensively, the Commanders were in their right spots. 0:06:52.863 --> 0:06:55.983 They made that play. Also, smart execution. On the two 0:06:56.023 --> 0:06:58.303 plays prior the Bears gave them a ton of space. 0:06:58.343 --> 0:07:00.783 They took advantage. I don't think Daniel was able to 0:07:00.823 --> 0:07:03.303 make that throw if the Bears don't allow them. Sort 0:07:03.343 --> 0:07:06.343 of twenty four three yards at least thirteen of them 0:07:06.383 --> 0:07:10.143 were or pretty easy. So great execution. You're down at 0:07:10.143 --> 0:07:12.943 twenty five seconds in your last gasp, doesn't look good. 0:07:13.383 --> 0:07:16.223 But with this kid, I'll tell you what, his equanimity, 0:07:16.263 --> 0:07:19.863 he's cool, his calm. They're all very impressive. And that 0:07:20.103 --> 0:07:23.423 Washington defense too, held Caleb Williams and the Bears in 0:07:23.583 --> 0:07:25.823 check for most of this game, and I thought did 0:07:25.863 --> 0:07:28.583 an outstanding job. That's for the last five games, Mike, 0:07:28.823 --> 0:07:30.543 where you have to see they've played well on that 0:07:30.583 --> 0:07:32.583 side of the ball, even if it remains somewhat of 0:07:32.583 --> 0:07:33.063 a question. 0:07:33.383 --> 0:07:35.543 Yeah, by the way, you talk about that last sequence, 0:07:35.583 --> 0:07:37.663 I thought Tony Roman and I'm usually not big on 0:07:37.783 --> 0:07:40.103 talking about broadcasters. I thought he did a tremendous job 0:07:40.303 --> 0:07:43.183 on the broadcast to break that down from a quarterbacks perspective. 0:07:43.463 --> 0:07:45.543 And Jayden Daniels, you know he's banged up with the 0:07:45.623 --> 0:07:48.183 rib injury. I was also concerned about him being able 0:07:48.183 --> 0:07:50.023 to make a throw like that he delivered in the 0:07:50.023 --> 0:07:52.143 game's crucial moments. And the only other thing that I 0:07:52.183 --> 0:07:54.703 will say about this game, I'm thrilled that it played 0:07:54.703 --> 0:07:56.503 out this way because I feel like this is a 0:07:56.583 --> 0:08:00.543 start of one versus two, two quarterbacks that are always 0:08:00.543 --> 0:08:02.303 going to be linked and will always go back to 0:08:02.343 --> 0:08:04.903 this game, and hopefully these two spots are to be 0:08:04.943 --> 0:08:07.223 butting heads for a long long time with those two 0:08:07.303 --> 0:08:10.223 quarterbacks and Eric. There are some other news to get 0:08:10.263 --> 0:08:12.623 to with the team that you had slotted at number eight, 0:08:12.623 --> 0:08:16.463 that's the Houston Texans. We Sustefon Diggs get banged up. 0:08:16.503 --> 0:08:19.263 Weren't sure exactly in the moment the severity of the injury, 0:08:19.263 --> 0:08:22.143 but Demko Ryan's making it an official ACL injury. He 0:08:22.223 --> 0:08:25.423 has done for the year. What does this mean for 0:08:25.463 --> 0:08:26.623 the Texans moving forward? 0:08:27.423 --> 0:08:29.623 Yeah, this is obviously a tough blow. They made the 0:08:29.623 --> 0:08:31.663 big trade in the offseason, they felt like this was 0:08:31.663 --> 0:08:33.783 going to kind of bring the unit together, take CJ. 0:08:33.863 --> 0:08:36.063 Strout of the next level. Had it done that before 0:08:36.103 --> 0:08:39.383 the injury, I don't know, but obviously removing him from 0:08:39.423 --> 0:08:42.263 the equation and not having Nico Collins for at least 0:08:42.263 --> 0:08:45.183 another week. Remember the Texans played the Jets on Thursday. 0:08:45.823 --> 0:08:48.343 Is Tank Dell your number one receiver? You know? I mean, 0:08:48.423 --> 0:08:50.743 is Dalton Schultz have to step up for a big roller? 0:08:50.823 --> 0:08:52.423 Is there going to be a Joe Mixon game? I'm 0:08:52.463 --> 0:08:56.583 not sure, but this takes yet another weapon away from CJ. Stroud. 0:08:56.943 --> 0:08:59.063 He lost Mixon for a bit. You know, they had 0:08:59.103 --> 0:09:02.223 John Metchi on ir for for a whole year. Other 0:09:02.303 --> 0:09:05.063 guys you know, have to step up out like Hutchinson. Well, 0:09:05.943 --> 0:09:09.703 but now Stefan Diggs going down takes a big threat away, 0:09:10.503 --> 0:09:12.583 and even when Collins comes back, I think they're going 0:09:12.663 --> 0:09:13.303 to be shorthanded. 0:09:13.343 --> 0:09:16.663 Mike, Yeah, any concern Just look, I mean, trade deadline 0:09:16.743 --> 0:09:18.983 right around the corner. They this is a move that 0:09:19.023 --> 0:09:20.943 they've made, like, this is a really good Houston team 0:09:20.943 --> 0:09:24.423 that's got to be thinking Super Bowl aspirations. And maybe 0:09:24.423 --> 0:09:26.223 Diggs was that missing piece. They don't have them now. 0:09:27.183 --> 0:09:29.343 Yeah. I mean, if they can get somebody cheap, obviously, 0:09:29.423 --> 0:09:31.183 that's the best way to do it. Right, If you 0:09:31.223 --> 0:09:33.543 get somebody trying to unload a salary, or somebody in 0:09:33.583 --> 0:09:36.383 the final year their deal or something like that lip 0:09:36.423 --> 0:09:38.263 them a future pick on day three, I think that 0:09:38.303 --> 0:09:40.463 would be outstanding. What the Texans don't want to do 0:09:41.223 --> 0:09:43.823 is kind of upset the future till of picks. You know, 0:09:43.863 --> 0:09:46.383 they've done a great job building this rosters through the draft, 0:09:46.903 --> 0:09:49.503 and so why veer away from a plan that's been 0:09:49.583 --> 0:09:52.463 highly successful just to fix a short term need that 0:09:52.663 --> 0:09:54.583 may not end up in a Super Bowl. So it's 0:09:54.623 --> 0:09:56.823 a it's a catch twenty two either way. 0:09:57.103 --> 0:10:00.303 Tough balancing act for that organization as they try to 0:10:00.303 --> 0:10:03.103 figure out short term goals and long term goals. So 0:10:03.143 --> 0:10:05.703 we're just getting started here on rankings. In fact, there 0:10:05.783 --> 0:10:08.303 is one team that continues to win. They got a 0:10:08.383 --> 0:10:12.183 quarterback that's elevating their offense. Eric hasn't moved them, though. 0:10:12.223 --> 0:10:14.743 We'll tell you who it is and why I think 0:10:14.743 --> 0:10:16.663 they should actually move up the touch that's coming up 0:10:16.703 --> 0:10:25.903 next back here on power rankings, Mike ham and Eric 0:10:25.983 --> 0:10:28.423 at Home with You, and no change at the number 0:10:28.543 --> 0:10:33.143 nine spot. The Pittsburgh Steelers occupying that at ten Philadelphia Eagles, 0:10:33.183 --> 0:10:35.223 so once again back to back weeks. That's what we're 0:10:35.223 --> 0:10:37.383 looking at with those two teams at number eleven. Bone 0:10:37.423 --> 0:10:41.303 Nicks eight passing touchdowns for rushing touchdowns leads the team 0:10:41.463 --> 0:10:44.543 in rushing touchdowns so far this season. They are sit 0:10:44.583 --> 0:10:46.823 at number eleven. At twelve, it's the Falcons, who will 0:10:46.823 --> 0:10:47.663 get to in just a minute. 0:10:47.703 --> 0:10:48.103 The Bears. 0:10:48.103 --> 0:10:50.383 We touched on them at thirteen and that tough loss 0:10:50.583 --> 0:10:53.143 on the Hail Mary. At fourteen, the forty nine Ers 0:10:53.143 --> 0:10:55.303 speak Dallas. They move up two spots, starting to get 0:10:55.303 --> 0:10:57.783 maybe a little healthy. Good to see Debo out there. 0:10:58.183 --> 0:11:00.783 The fifteenth ranked team, it's the Chargers, match the season 0:11:00.903 --> 0:11:03.423 high with twenty six points and the Bucks. They hung 0:11:03.543 --> 0:11:06.463 tough without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. They are at 0:11:06.543 --> 0:11:07.343 number sixteen. 0:11:07.743 --> 0:11:08.063 All right. 0:11:08.103 --> 0:11:11.143 The Steelers, to me, I'm almost surprised. I wasn't sure. 0:11:11.143 --> 0:11:13.463 We finished up our post game show on NFL Network 0:11:13.503 --> 0:11:15.503 on Monday night and I'm walking off the set with 0:11:15.543 --> 0:11:17.263 Steve Witch and I'm like, I actually said to him, 0:11:17.303 --> 0:11:19.383 I'm like, I'm wondering where Eric's gonna put the Steelers. 0:11:19.383 --> 0:11:22.583 They're winning football games. The defense is playing well, they're 0:11:22.663 --> 0:11:25.223 occupying the top spot in the toughest division, and yet 0:11:25.343 --> 0:11:27.343 no change. Why not move them up a little bit? 0:11:28.263 --> 0:11:30.743 Yeah, part of this was the real estate around them, Mike. 0:11:30.823 --> 0:11:32.343 We got to look at the comps right and a 0:11:32.343 --> 0:11:34.583 lot of teams just south of them and just north 0:11:34.663 --> 0:11:37.743 of them won and one in either similar fashion or 0:11:38.023 --> 0:11:40.903 you know, not so impressively that I had to move 0:11:40.943 --> 0:11:43.343 one team up or down. It was slow going early. 0:11:43.343 --> 0:11:45.543 I mean, the run game was fine, and then finally 0:11:45.583 --> 0:11:48.063 they get the deep ball going. This was what really 0:11:48.103 --> 0:11:50.623 I thought changed the game. Obviously the punt return too, 0:11:50.663 --> 0:11:54.663 but you know, getting the vertical shots that Russell Wilson 0:11:54.703 --> 0:11:57.383 is so good at getting that really kind of I 0:11:57.383 --> 0:11:59.983 think unlocked the offense. Now, Russell did put the ball 0:12:00.063 --> 0:12:02.423 on the ground late, and you know it required TJ. 0:12:02.903 --> 0:12:06.063 Watt to come up with his weekly force fumble and 0:12:06.103 --> 0:12:09.223 being bishop to get another interception. So they had to 0:12:09.263 --> 0:12:12.463 make some late saves. Defensively, Daniel Jones got in a 0:12:12.503 --> 0:12:16.103 rhythm early and then was harassed. What five sacks on 0:12:16.143 --> 0:12:17.903 the night, I want to say, And you know they 0:12:17.943 --> 0:12:20.863 just closed the door, even if they let Tyrone Tracy 0:12:20.903 --> 0:12:23.223 loose a few times. So yes, a little bit of 0:12:23.263 --> 0:12:25.863 a sluggish start, but they ended up getting the job 0:12:25.903 --> 0:12:29.703 done in moderately oppressive fashion. Again, like you said, the 0:12:29.703 --> 0:12:32.223 formula works. They keep winning. You got to give Mike 0:12:32.263 --> 0:12:34.663 Tomlins some Coach of the year cred for his decision 0:12:34.703 --> 0:12:37.423 on Wilson and for keeping it going with two different 0:12:37.463 --> 0:12:39.903 quarterbacks and having the results be very similar. 0:12:40.143 --> 0:12:41.863 Yeah, I'm actually glad you brought up that point. A 0:12:41.903 --> 0:12:44.303 really important distinction there. I think a lot of people 0:12:44.303 --> 0:12:47.023 were questioning the change to go to Russell Wilson considering 0:12:47.303 --> 0:12:49.263 the success in terms of wins and losses that the 0:12:49.303 --> 0:12:51.623 Steelers have, But it looks like it's elevated them. They 0:12:51.623 --> 0:12:53.463 needed this win. They head into the by next four 0:12:53.503 --> 0:12:58.423 games for them are monster matchups, especially inside that division. Eric, 0:12:58.463 --> 0:13:01.143 we moved to the twelfth ranked team, the Atlanta Falcons 0:13:01.143 --> 0:13:05.143 that lead the NFC South after that win against Tampa Bay. Look, 0:13:05.183 --> 0:13:08.743 there's some great moments, there's some questionable moments on this squad, 0:13:08.743 --> 0:13:10.903 but they move up three spots for you. How much 0:13:10.903 --> 0:13:13.103 of this is Look, they got to win and you 0:13:13.223 --> 0:13:14.703 want to love them up because of it. 0:13:15.463 --> 0:13:18.023 Yeah, Well, obviously want to recognize to win but also 0:13:18.063 --> 0:13:20.503 it's kind of a reflection of the division now now 0:13:20.543 --> 0:13:24.583 that they've swept the Bucks, now that the Bucks basically 0:13:24.623 --> 0:13:26.503 have to finish a game ahead of them if they 0:13:26.503 --> 0:13:28.863 want to win the NFC sal That's a big factor, 0:13:28.943 --> 0:13:31.823 right there, is that. Look, there's a really good chance 0:13:31.823 --> 0:13:33.943 the Falcons are getting a home playoff game this year. 0:13:33.943 --> 0:13:36.143 And you know, Kirk Cousins, I'm sure he would love 0:13:36.183 --> 0:13:38.463 to face the Bucks again. I think he's averaging roughly 0:13:38.503 --> 0:13:41.783 one hundred yards a quarter passing against them, so pretty 0:13:41.823 --> 0:13:43.423 good numbers, a lot of them built up in the 0:13:43.623 --> 0:13:45.983 five hundred yard game earlier this season, but also a 0:13:45.983 --> 0:13:48.623 strong first half this year. Didn't need to do as 0:13:48.703 --> 0:13:50.823 much in the second half. Actually thought they took the 0:13:51.463 --> 0:13:53.503 foot off the pedal a little bit and that safety 0:13:53.583 --> 0:13:55.983 kind of got the Bucks back in the game somewhat. 0:13:56.023 --> 0:13:58.503 But you know, Kirk Cousins finding ways, I think that 0:13:58.623 --> 0:14:01.343 was a career I scramble right there. A pretty good 0:14:01.343 --> 0:14:04.143 effort from him. And you know, you get Kyle Pitts 0:14:04.183 --> 0:14:06.863 involved and he had a few big plays, two touchdowns, 0:14:06.943 --> 0:14:09.463 almost lost one of them. So you're right, they kind 0:14:09.463 --> 0:14:11.703 of give you reasons to not like them. They let 0:14:11.743 --> 0:14:14.303 the Bucks back in the game. You know, Pitts almost 0:14:14.343 --> 0:14:17.423 fumbles this one here, Antoine Winfield nearly made a terrific play. 0:14:17.423 --> 0:14:20.383 It held up on review. But there are just these 0:14:20.423 --> 0:14:23.103 little things that prevent me from getting him in the 0:14:23.103 --> 0:14:25.263 top ten. But clearly they're winning enough to get in 0:14:25.303 --> 0:14:26.023 that top dozen. 0:14:26.463 --> 0:14:28.023 Here's the other thing I'll throw out there, four and 0:14:28.103 --> 0:14:30.783 zero right now inside the division. So at the end 0:14:30.783 --> 0:14:32.223 of the day, if there is a formula to get 0:14:32.223 --> 0:14:34.863 to the postseason, handle business inside your division. That's why 0:14:34.863 --> 0:14:37.703 they sit the top right now. The NFC South, the 0:14:37.703 --> 0:14:40.983 San Francisco forty nine ers, trying to keep this thing 0:14:41.063 --> 0:14:43.663 the patchwork and keep it alive. They figured out a way. 0:14:43.743 --> 0:14:46.143 Dallas made an interesting late in this ballgame. I sort 0:14:46.143 --> 0:14:47.943 of felt like, hey, you know, Nyer's got this one 0:14:48.023 --> 0:14:49.543 heading into the fourth quarter and they were going to 0:14:49.583 --> 0:14:52.103 take care of business. I don't know, like they're still 0:14:52.183 --> 0:14:56.903 dangerous to me, but it feels like the perception of 0:14:56.943 --> 0:14:59.703 invincibility is no longer there with this Niner squad. 0:15:00.903 --> 0:15:03.543 Absolutely, I agree, that's a terrific way to describe him. 0:15:03.583 --> 0:15:05.383 Right now. I think people feel like they can beat 0:15:05.383 --> 0:15:07.943 this team, whether it's in San Francisco, obviously the Rams 0:15:07.943 --> 0:15:10.463 came back with a big fourth quarter to beat him, 0:15:11.223 --> 0:15:14.303 or whether it's you know, in the opponent's building or whatever. 0:15:14.383 --> 0:15:16.863 So yeah, this is a San Francisco team that's having 0:15:16.863 --> 0:15:18.703 to kind of reinvent itself on the fly. 0:15:18.823 --> 0:15:19.023 Here. 0:15:19.463 --> 0:15:21.263 Look, the bye week happens at a nice time. 0:15:21.303 --> 0:15:21.463 Here. 0:15:21.503 --> 0:15:25.143 They can finally get even healthier. Maybe Drea Drake greenlaws back, 0:15:25.463 --> 0:15:29.063 Maybe Christian McCaffrey comes back at some point two. The 0:15:29.223 --> 0:15:32.143 ingredients are there. I know the IU C loss was tough, 0:15:32.223 --> 0:15:34.783 but Brock Purty using his legs a little bit more 0:15:34.783 --> 0:15:37.663 getting those first downs, and Dallas came out and played hard. 0:15:37.743 --> 0:15:39.543 I mean they were gaining a lot our yards after 0:15:39.583 --> 0:15:42.783 scrimmage and making some big plays defensively, and you know, 0:15:42.823 --> 0:15:44.743 the forty nine ers were able to kind of hold 0:15:44.823 --> 0:15:46.583 up to it and stand tough. And this guy right here, 0:15:46.663 --> 0:15:49.583 Ricky Pearsall could be a big factor down the stretch. 0:15:49.623 --> 0:15:52.223 They need that third weapon if you will. I don't 0:15:52.223 --> 0:15:54.183 know if you can count on George Kittle to produce 0:15:54.263 --> 0:15:57.143 like this every single week. So it helps when your 0:15:57.143 --> 0:16:00.143 defense takes the ball away as well, and just enough, 0:16:00.223 --> 0:16:04.703 you know, just enough defensively, just enough offensively and they 0:16:04.703 --> 0:16:07.823 get healthier, they're kind of back in that just outside 0:16:07.863 --> 0:16:09.063 the circle of trust group. 0:16:09.103 --> 0:16:11.383 I would say, yeah, you know what's interesting this and 0:16:11.423 --> 0:16:13.343 I think you alluded to it. This was a big 0:16:13.383 --> 0:16:15.943 boy football game. Both of these teams probably felt like 0:16:15.983 --> 0:16:18.983 they absolutely needed it. It was physical from the get go. 0:16:19.143 --> 0:16:22.023 Both teams wanted Niners victorious. We'll talk about the Cowboys 0:16:22.223 --> 0:16:24.783 coming up in just a bit here, but the reality 0:16:24.863 --> 0:16:28.583 is the Niners to me, at least on paper, I'll 0:16:28.583 --> 0:16:31.823 say this look more dangerous than the Atlanta Falcons. I 0:16:31.863 --> 0:16:35.263 would be more concerned later in the season playing San 0:16:35.263 --> 0:16:38.223 Francisco than Atlanta, at least right now. Point how both 0:16:38.263 --> 0:16:41.183 of these teams look by season zen. Meanwhile, there is 0:16:41.223 --> 0:16:43.903 one team that eric'scott sitting in the twenties that I 0:16:43.943 --> 0:16:45.983 think is poised to make a not only a run 0:16:46.023 --> 0:16:48.023 in their own division, but a run in the playoffs. 0:16:48.063 --> 0:16:49.703 Will tell you who that is. It's coming up next 0:16:49.783 --> 0:16:58.703 on NFL Power Rankings. Power Rankings continue to roll on 0:16:58.823 --> 0:17:02.143 with teams ranks seventeen through twenty four. The Seahawks have 0:17:02.223 --> 0:17:04.583 lost four out of their last five games. The car 0:17:04.663 --> 0:17:06.903 Erdos at eighteen. I got that walk off win. We 0:17:06.983 --> 0:17:09.903 got news around the Colts coming up in just a moment. 0:17:09.983 --> 0:17:14.263 At number twenty, it's the Rams who are on the rise. Cowboys, 0:17:14.423 --> 0:17:16.983 Oh Boy, under five hundred through seven games for the 0:17:16.983 --> 0:17:19.743 first time since twenty twenty. They are the twenty first 0:17:19.783 --> 0:17:22.703 rund team. Cincinnati at twenty two, we'll talk about them 0:17:22.703 --> 0:17:24.703 in just a moment. The Dolphins, they got to a 0:17:24.783 --> 0:17:28.143 back doesn't equal a win, and the Jets at twenty 0:17:28.343 --> 0:17:31.703 four just continue to find ways to lose some games. 0:17:31.743 --> 0:17:35.383 I mentioned some news the Colts, who sit at number nineteen. 0:17:35.463 --> 0:17:38.983 Tom Pellisero is reporting it's not gonna be Anthony Richardson 0:17:39.063 --> 0:17:41.823 Joe Flacco getting the start this coming week. What do 0:17:41.863 --> 0:17:42.703 you make of the decision? 0:17:43.903 --> 0:17:46.463 Yeah, obviously I put the power rankings to bed before 0:17:46.503 --> 0:17:48.303 this news came to light. I'm not sure if I 0:17:48.343 --> 0:17:51.023 would have moved down, at least just based on how 0:17:51.103 --> 0:17:54.783