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NFL Week 11 Power Rankings: Patriots, Panthers rise before duel


Kansas City Chiefs (9-0)

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  • Why they’re here: Jacksonville got its first win, but it came on the same week when the team in front of them, Tampa Bay, came through, too. They’re a better team post-bye, just not good enough to get out of the cellar. How they move up: Keep leaning on Maurice Jones-Drew. Considering their QB mess and him coming off a season lost to injury, he is their most consistent source of good things offensively. What’s next: vs. Cardinals, with a chance to win one for the loyal home crowd.

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    TUCKER: Colts, Bengals blow chance to pull away
    FANTASY: Top pickups for Week 11
    LINEMAKERS: New Super Bowl odds

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  • Seattle Seahawks  Marshawn Lynch Seattle Seahawks Marshawn Lynch (David Goldman/AP)
    Last week: 1

    Why they’re here: The Seahawks, fresh off their home scare against Tampa Bay, took it out on the road against the Falcons in an NFC playoff rematch that was never really in doubt. As a bonus, they’re starting to get healthier with a Week 12 bye coming, and the first key player back is Percy Harvin.

    How they move down: Seattle’s 33-10 rout of Atlanta had it starting fast and never looking back. The key is not letting slow starts creep back into the picture.

    What’s next: vs. Vikings, when Harvin just might be itching to do something.

  • Kansas City Chiefs Alex Smith Kansas City Chiefs Alex Smith (Bill Wippert/AP)
    Last week: 2

    Why they’re here: The Chiefs couldn’t have picked a better time for a bye, right before their first of two battles for AFC West supremacy with the Broncos. As everyone knows, Andy Reid is pretty darn good at getting wins after byes.

    How they move up: Let’s see them win with offense, shall we? They need to do more than feed Jamaal Charles and try to play keep away if they want to beat the Broncos.

    How they move down: Alex Smith and his wide receiver connection hasn’t been there all season, and now supposed top option Dwayne Bowe just got arrested. They’ve been living by close, low-scoring games, and it could blow up in their face in Denver.

    What’s next: at Broncos, when their division lead could be gone in a blink.

  • Denver Broncos  Von Miller Denver Broncos Von Miller (Gregory Bull/AP)
    Last week: 3

    Why they’re here: The Broncos don’t really get any style points for their 28-20 defeat of the Chargers in San Diego, except, of course, for Demaryius Thomas and all three of his dazzling touchdowns. Peyton Manning got beat up, but nothing to bring him down.

    How they move up: The Broncos have rolled through .500 or worse teams for much of the season, so it’s time to show that they have their best in big games against other contenders to prove they truly are the AFC’s team to beat.

    How they move down: If they can’t limit the hits on Manning. In recent weeks, it’s been the work of his receivers and backs after the catch that has made the big difference. They have had trouble getting the ball where they want downfield or as often to Wes Welker, and part of it is allowing increased pressure.

    What’s next: vs. Chiefs, by far their toughest defensive test of the season.

  • New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (Charles Krupa/AP)
    Last week: 6

    Why they’re here: The Patriots chilled during a bye, and saw some of the other AFC rising division powers (Indianapolis, Cincinnati) fall in upsets. They just saw Tom Brady and the offense look right again, and the potential return of Shane Vereen will be another huge boost.

    How they move up: There was a feeling the old New England explosiveness was back against Pittsburgh, but the team needs more consistent line play and a more efficient running game coming off the bye to keep facilitating the action for Brady.

    How they move down: The defense isn’t about to get leaders Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo back anytime soon, so if it can’t tighten up a bit for the stretch, it has the potential to drag down the offense.

    What’s next: at Panthers, who will test Brady and Rob Gronkowski on Monday night.
  • New Orleans Saints Mark Ingram New Orleans Saints Mark Ingram (Dave Martin/AP)
    Last week: 7

    Why they’re here: The Saints marched all over the Cowboys, gaining chunks of yards for first down after first down, no matter if they were power running or deep passing. It was a prime-time reminder that it’s hard for anyone to stop their offense from doing anything it wants in the Superdome.

    How they move up: As we’ve seen against the Jets and Patriots, they aren’t the same when they face the elements outdoors and are without a home crowd. After Week 11, they finish up with four road games in their final six. Although two of those are in a dome, they must start looking super away from New Orleans, too.

    How they move down: If they can’t get better against the power running game. The Cowboys had that working offensively before the game got out of hand on Sunday night, a la the Jets and former Saint Chris Ivory in a Week 9 upset.

    What’s next: vs. 49ers, a team that will choose to run on them as much as possible.
  • Carolina Panthers Cam Newton Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
    Last week: 10

    Why they’re here: The Panthers just stamped their five-game winning streak as their defense delivered in the 10-9 slugfest at San Francisco. They’ve gone from hot wild-card contender to the potential real deal in the race for the NFC crown.

    How they move up:
    Now that have taken down the Niners, they have to turn around a beat another traditional power, New England. Still in second place in the South, getting into first would make them a top-four team.

    How they move down:
    If Cam Newton isn’t more consistent. The defense and the running game are carrying them pretty far, but at some point, their quarterback will have to come through in tougher games with a little higher scoring.

    What’s next: vs. Patriots, when their defense will be jacked to go after Tom Brady.
  • San Francisco 49ers NaVorro Bowman San Francisco 49ers NaVorro Bowman (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
    Last week: 5

    Why they’re here: The 49ers got beat at their own physical game in their own building for the second time this season, as the Panthers followed suit of the Colts. Something that needs to start concerning them: The passing game is showing no signs of life.

    How they move up: Colin Kaepernick needs to find what made him so successful in 2012. He’s not doing any impact running, and the accuracy and confidence as a passer has been lost. Maybe the return of more familiar wideouts helps, but their offensive coaches need to do double time with him, or he won’t have any reason to “Kaepernick” anytime soon.

    How they move down: If they don’t make more big plays on both sides of the ball. There’s no threat of them stretching the field, but they also aren’t helping the offense with key takeaways.

    What’s next: at Saints, another difficult NFC South challenge.
  • Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis, center, celebrates with teammates Cory Redding, left, and Ricky Jean Francois Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis, center, celebrates with teammates Cory Redding, left, and Ricky Jean Francois (Darron Cummings/AP)
    Last week: 4

    Why they’re here: It’s hard to fathom the complete meltdown they had on offense, defense and special teams at home against St. Louis. They have played a lot with fire relying solely on Andrew Luck to pull the big comeback, and they just got burned in the worst possible way.

    How they move up: They don’t have time to pick up the pieces, with a Thursday night game waiting them in Week 11. So it’s on coach Chuck Pagano to get the Colts refocused fast and ready to win their brand of physical football.

    How they move down: If they can’t find someone to run the ball. It’s clear that Trent Richardson hasn’t been an answer in providing balance, so they need to think about featuring Donald Brown to take much needed pressure off Luck.

    What’s next: at Titans, as they try to finish perfect on the road vs. the AFC South.
  • Detroit Lions Reggie Bush Detroit Lions Reggie Bush (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)
    Last week: 11

    Why they’re here: The Lions capitalized on several mini miscues by the Bears to come away with the mild upset in Chicago. Calvin Johnson came back from the bye in MVP form with two critical touchdowns.

    How they move up: They are in the rare position of being clear-cut NFC North favorites. The schedule is favorable in front of them, and now that they have taken care of the big wins, they need to make sure the little ones aren’t an issue, either.

    How they move down: They need shore up things in their back seven coverage. The front four is making its mark, but teams with firepower can take them down in shootouts.

    What’s next: at Steelers, a tougher than you think road game against a weak opponent.
  • Cincinnati Bengals Gio Bernard Cincinnati Bengals Gio Bernard (Patrick Semansky/AP)
    Last week: 9

    Why they’re here: The Bengals thought they were past their struggles on the road as a young team, but Andy Dalton cooled off in a hurry and had frustrating overtime losses at Miami and Baltimore. Their AFC North lead is suddenly a lot more precarious.

    How they move up: Settle down and get everything right on the road. They need another blowout like the Jets game to re-establish the confidence of Dalton and everyone else. It doesn’t hurt it’s a division tilt this week.

    How they move down: If they try to do too much offensively. A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard are the three cogs that can make them go and everyone else is complementary. The trick is getting Dalton not to force the issue of not forcing it to the most expected targets.

    What’s next: vs. Browns, when they will look for a split in the Battle of Ohio.
  • Chicago Bears Brandon Marshall Chicago Bears Brandon Marshall (Nam Y. Huh/AP)
    Last week: 8

    Why they’re here: The Bears admitted they might have rushed Jay Cutler back and stuck with him too long in the loss to Detroit, where a lot of little things went wrong in the passing game. That cost them against the Lions, and now they’re back to chasing first place in the NFC North.

    How they move up: McCown was the wise choice to start in Week 11, and he has a chance to do so right back at home. The offense showed on a late drive that it can look smooth with him instead of Cutler, and it’s on him to be as sharp as possible.

    How they move down: If their defense, without Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs, can’t consistently come up with key sacks and takeaways. The offense is still loaded without Cutler, but it doesn’t mean much unless they can be put in better positions to succeed.

    What’s next: vs. Ravens, a home game they must get vs. the Super Bowl champs.
  • New York Jets' Chris Ivory New York Jets' Chris Ivory (Bill Kostroun/AP)
    Last week: 14

    Why they’re here: The Jets took a break with a bye, and saw all the teams in the AFC wild-card mix right behind them at 4-4 lose. That’s pretty darn good for being off, and now they can go back to work on a weak schedule.

    How they move up: If we see a different, less rookie-looking Geno Smith after the bye. He’s handled the stage very well, despite the expected ups and downs. With the hard work he’s shown, they can get hot if he’s all up and avoids the proverbial wall.

    How they move down: Their pass defense has been disappointing, given how well they have played up front. Antonio Cromartie hasn’t been close to the shutdown presence of last season, and they need him to start playing that way.

    What’s next: at Bills, a rookie rematch for Smith vs. EJ Manuel.
  • Arizona Cardinals John Abraham Arizona Cardinals John Abraham (Rick Scuteri/AP)
    Last week: 18

    Why they’re here: They’re probably the quietest above-.500 team in the NFL. That’s because they aren’t doing it with stellar quarterback play, but rather the lack thereof. Defense remains the backbone, but as Carson Palmer leans on more weapons, the offense becomes more intriguing as a factor that can keep the Cardinals in the playoff picture.

    How they move up: It would be nice if Palmer could put together a prolific, efficient game that doesn’t come with any turnovers. That has yet to happen this season, prompting the already rampant rumors of Ben Roethlisberger coming to the desert in 2014.

    How they move down: If they can’t control the middle of the field defensively. Their blitzing, attacking nature sometimes leaves some voids that tend to be exploited by every opponent.

    What’s next: at Jaguars, when they’ll be on high alert after Jacksonville won last week.
  • Green Bay Packers' Clay Matthews Green Bay Packers' Clay Matthews (Mike Roemer/AP)
    Last week: 13

    Why they’re here: The Packers have gone from Aaron Rodgers to Seneca Wallace to Scott Tolzien, and now there’s a chance they’ll go back to old backup Matt Flynn. The results weren’t good in the first two non-Rodgers games, and the defense hasn’t been much help, either.

    How they move up: This will be difficult. It’s asking a lot out of Tolzien or Flynn to keep the ball moving at a level to match what the opposition can do picking apart the Packers in coverage. They’re just not built to win the shootouts that they now will be in.

    How they move down: If they don’t just accept their offense goes through Eddie Lacy now. Their physical, power-running identity is their only hope to control the ball and keep the defense off the field. There’s still a mentality of throwing too much without Rodgers at the helm.

    What’s next: at Giants, who always play well against them and owned them in 2012.
  • Dallas Cowboys DeMarco Murray Dallas Cowboys DeMarco Murray (Dave Martin/AP)
    Last week: 12

    Why they’re here: The Cowboys lost Sean Lee to a hamstring, and their defense lost any chance of stopping the Saints in an embarrassing Sunday night road loss. They can never seem to find enough consistency to break away from hovering around .500, the theme of the entire Jason Garrett era.

    How they move up: They could have used a bye before Week 11, but it’s a good time to make some adjustments in terms of trying to shore up their defense with replacement parts and how to better use Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray to keep their offense humming.

    How they move down: If they start pressing. Despite some of the heartbreaking and devastating results, they are undefeated in NFC East play and still are in first place. They need to shake off everything pre-bye and just focus on finishing strong, remembering that Tony Romo owns November.

    What’s next: at Giants, starting a run of very winnable games.
  • Philadelphia Eagles' LeSean McCoy Philadelphia Eagles' LeSean McCoy (Tom Lynn/AP)
    Last week: 19

    Why they’re here: Nick Foles delivered on the road in Oakland and Green Bay, and although it took a while, Chip Kelly’s offense has jelled and found its balanced groove at the right time to get to .500 and right in the thick of the division race.

    How they move up: Wouldn’t it be nice if they won one for the home fans? They’re now 5-1 away from Philadelphia, 0-4 in Philadelphia, where they have dropped 10 straight overall. Let’s hope they’re better, as they’re in the Link for three straight.

    How they move down: If they don’t shore up against the pass. It’s good to see Foles and LeSean McCoy light it up together, but the Eagles still don’t want to really get into shootouts with a still green passer.

    What’s next: vs. Redskins, when Foles will try to match Michael Vick from Week 1 and finish the season sweep.

  • Baltimore Ravens Ray Rice Baltimore Ravens Ray Rice (Nick Wass/AP)
    Last week: 21

    Why they’re here: The Ravens thought they were about to suffer another disheartening close defeat when the Bengals had a Hail Mary answered, but credit their resolve for winning in overtime a game they absolutely needed to save their playoff hopes.

    How they move up: Learn from the Cincinnati game and turn the corner in closing out such games. A few mistakes here and there have cost Baltimore in plenty of nail-biters, whether it’s blowing a lead or not quite finishing a big comeback.

    How they move down: If they can’t find a running game. Ray Rice may no longer be the answer, and their line has been bad. Maybe it’s time to turn more full-time to Bernard Pierce for a spark in the backfield.

    What’s next: at Bears, in a black-and-blue North vs. North matchup.
  • San Diego Chargers' Ryan Mathews San Diego Chargers' Ryan Mathews (Chris Covatta/AP)
    Last week: 16

    Why they’re here: The Chargers can’t shake off losing tight one-possession games, can they? They had their opportunities against both Washington and Denver, only to leave the games frustrated about what could have been.

    How they move up: Get the running game going again. Danny Woodhead is a versatile cog who has clicked with Philip Rivers, but their offensive line needs to power through an opponent with Ryan Mathews. It sets up a much higher rate of success for Rivers.

    How they move down: If they can’t get their pass rush and secondary playing better. No pressure plus shaky coverage means teams can dent them with wide receivers downfield, and get Rivers and the offense stuck in one-dimensional catchup mode.

    What’s next: at Dolphins, where they will try to play well on the East Coast again.
  • Cleveland Browns Chris Ogbonnaya Cleveland Browns Chris Ogbonnaya (David Richard/AP)
    Last week: 20

    Why they’re here: The Browns had a chance to regroup with a bye after a big win over the Ravens, and find themselves in a even tighter AFC North race with the chance to steal the division right in front of them.

    How they move up: Keep diversifying the offense. There were signs going forward that it would be a lot more than Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron making plays in Week 9, as Greg Little led others emerging as legitimate threats.

    How they move down: If they can’t pretend to have a running game. It just goes nowhere with Willis McGahee. Chris Ogbonnoya and Fozzy Whitaker both need more touches to take pressure off the passing game.

    What’s next: at Bengals, where a sweep would be huge as they try to regain control of the North.
  • Tennessee Titans Ryan Fitzpatrick Tennessee Titans Ryan Fitzpatrick (Mark Zaleski/AP)
    Last week: 15

    Why they’re here: With all due respect to Delanie Walker, the Titans were not as good as their record would indicate in Week 10, and bad play by their offensive line and running backs cost them a home game they couldn’t afford to lose to the Jaguars.

    How they move up: Let Ryan Fitzpatrick loose. The Titans need to deal with the fact that Jake Locker is out for the season by not hiding their backup. Given how Chris Johnson and Shonn Greene evaporated vs. Jacksonville, Fitzpatrick and his underrated receivers are needed for them to remain a playoff factor.

    How they move down: Simply stick with ground and pound. This is a passing league, and that’s the ticket to the playoffs.

    What’s next: vs. Colts, when Fitzpatrick will go Harvard vs. Stanford against Andrew Luck.
  • Miami Dolphins Ryan Tannehill Miami Dolphins Ryan Tannehill (Lynne Sladky/AP)
    Last week: 17

    Why they’re here: This is a loaded question considering what’s going on off the field and in the locker room. But looking at what’s happening on the field, they appeared lifeless for much of the game in Tampa Bay, until a mid-game rally gave way to a punchless fourth quarter.

    How they move up: Ryan Tannehill needs to play much better. The sacks aren’t coming the way they were, and other receivers have risen into the fold. There have been opportunities for him to help them win a lot of close games, and they haven’t happened.

    How they move down: If they can’t get some kind of running game going. Two yards was the measly output on Monday night. Neither Lamar Miller nor Daniel Thomas look inspiring. They miss Reggie Bush a lot more than they would like to admit.

    What’s next: vs. Chargers, as South Florida battles Southern California.
  • St. Louis Rams Tavon Austin St. Louis Rams Tavon Austin (AJ Mast/AP)
    Last week: 26

    Why they’re here: The Rams are one weird team. You figure the defensive and offensive explosions they had in Indianapolis should happen more often with a disruptive front seven, an underrated offensive line and well, Tavon Austin. Their coaching is confusing from week to week, because you never know if it will be good or bad.

    How they move up: Dig into whatever worked in attack mode against the Colts. Jeff Fisher is best when he’s pulling out all the stops, but there’s been a sense, with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, that there’s been some holding back (see the still limited use of Austin).

    How they move down: If they can’t get stronger against the run. Sure, it worked against the Colts, who haven’t been able to run well and couldn’t after falling behind big. But this is an inexplicable huge weakness, given they have top defensive linemen and an ace rangy linebacker, James Laurinaitis.

    What’s next: vs. Bears, after a bye.
  • New York Giants Andre Brown New York Giants Andre Brown (Kathy Willens/AP)
    Last week: 24

    Why they’re here: Here they come, beating up on bad teams and growing confidence as the NFC East lead is suddenly within reach. Given their reputation of going on Super Bowl runs when they’re barely into the playoffs, don’t sleep on their slim chances.

    How they move up: Don’t hold back in feeding Andre Brown. He made their running game look better than it ever did in the previous games with powerful, no-nonsense work.

    How they move down: If Eli Manning doesn’t break out of a prolonged slump. There is blame to go around for many in their passing game, but Manning still isn’t shaking the grave mistakes with interceptions.

    What’s next: vs. Packers, now a much lesser opponent without Aaron Rodgers.
  • Washington Redskins Robert Griffin III Washington Redskins Robert Griffin III (Ann Heisenfelt/AP)
    Last week: 22

    Why they’re here: The Redskins looked like their offense was dandy for much of the game at Minnesota, and then their defense let the Vikings walk right back into the game and run away with it.

    How they move up: They should remember last season. They looked down and out on the brink of unofficial playoff elimination, until they used Robert Griffin III and a relentless blitzing defense to get hot. Given their makeup is the same, they need to hold out hope.

    How they move down: If their defense keeps getting out of position to make any kind of impact plays.

    What’s next: at Eagles, where they want to make amends for looking terrible against them in Week 1.

  • Oakland Raiders Rashad Jennings Oakland Raiders Rashad Jennings (Bill Kostroun/AP)
    Last week: 23

    Why they’re here: So much for Terrelle Pryor saying the Raiders could still be a playoff team post-bye. Their defense has started to melt down, the offense is trying to recover from losing Darren McFadden (hamstring) and Pryor himself now has a bum knee.

    How they move up: They need some impact plays from defense and special teams to get back to winning. Their offense just needs all kinds of help with limited pop.

    How they move down: If Pryor isn’t able to run, they are doomed. He hasn’t been able to do much passing, and if his health is shaky enough to shelf him, backup Mike McGloin will be put in an unenviable position.

    What’s next: at Texans, a team that will desperate defensively to deliver a victory.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers Troy Polamalu (Gene J. Puskar/AP)
    Last week: 28

    Why they’re here: The Steelers had a ho-hum defeat of free-falling Buffalo at home, as at least Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense can still confuse a rookie quarterback.

    How they move up: Stop thinking about next season. There were rumblings about a Ben Roethlisberger trade and talk about how they can upgrade for 2014. The reality is, the AFC North is still winnable and with Roethlisberger, they have a quarterback who can get hot in a hurry.

    How they move down: If they don’t get the sacks and turnovers from teams better than the EJ Manuel-led Bills. Their run defense is no longer dominant, and as we saw in the Patriots, spreading the field burns them vs. pass.

    What’s next: vs. Lions, when they will have their hands full with Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush.
  • Houston Texans' Case Keenum Houston Texans' Case Keenum (Ross D. Franklin/AP)
    Last week: 27

    Why they’re here: The Texans looked confused defensively when the Cardinals had them off balance with a good mix of run and pass, short and long. They also were down to a one-dimensional offense with the heart of their running game, Arian Foster, out.

    How they move up: Don’t hold back with Case Keenum. Keenum has been outstanding since taking over for Matt Schaub, but there was a sense, even with him playing well against a good Cardinals defense, that they held in the reins with his gunslinging.

    How they move down: If they can’t find someone to show up and make big plays defensively other than J.J. Watt. Ed Reed has been released; that’s a message sent to those who aren’t playing well that they must start coming through for Wade Phillips.

    What’s next: vs. Raiders, a bad road team that sets up for Keenum to light it up again.
  • Buffalo Bills' EJ Manuel Buffalo Bills' EJ Manuel (Don Wright/AP)
    Last week: 25

    Why they’re here: Everything is starting to fall apart for the Bills. Once you take away the running game, E.J. Manuel or whoever’s quarterbacking gets hung out to dry. The defense should also be performing better because it’s healthier.

    How they move up: C.J Spiller needs to take over like we’ve seen in the second half of seasons before. If they don’t get their most dynamic playmaker going every week, there’s no chance.

    How they move down: If they can’t shore up the secondary. There’s no excuse with Stephon Gilmore and other talented players back.

    What’s next: vs. Jets, when Manuel will feel more heat from Rex Ryan.
  • Minnesota Vikings Christian Ponder Minnesota Vikings Christian Ponder (Jim Mone/AP)
    Last week: 30

    Why they’re here: The Vikings finally won on American soil thanks to a Thursday night comeback fueled by fearless play by Christian Ponder. For a change, they looked like the playoff version of 2012.

    How they move up: Keep trusting in Ponder to make plays. His guy, Kyle Rudolph is hurt, but he picked up the slack with John Carlson. Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson and Jerome Simpson can’t just be spectators. The attention goes to Adrian Peterson always, and the Vikings need to be aggressive in trying to take advantage of it.

    How they move down: If they can’t win defensively on third down. It happens because they can’t stop chunk runs on early downs or short passes later.

    What’s next: at Seahawks, where Peterson and Marshawn Lynch will be rocking the same field.
  • Atlanta Falcons Osi Umenyiora Atlanta Falcons Osi Umenyiora (John Bazemore/AP)
    Last week: 29

    Why they’re here: The Falcons are hurting just about everywhere other than quarterback. They can’t run with their offensive line, and they can’t stop anything with their defensive line. Matt Ryan is a man on an island.

    How they move up: Their defense needs to dig deep and start making game-changing plays. The offense used to set it up in favorable positions, but now it’s on the field a lot longer. Starting fast would help.

    How they move down: If Tony Gonzalez has to miss time in what is likely his last season. No Julio Jones, no Gonzalez, a still not fully healthy Roddy White, and a consistently stuffed Steven Jackson, the Falcons’ quiver has been exhausted.

    What’s next: at Buccaneers, the last team they beat.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Glennon Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Glennon (Stephen Brashear/AP)
    Last week: 31

    Why they’re here: The Buccaneers didn’t last long as the NFL’s last winless team, edging the instate rival Miami on Monday night, a day after Jacksonville got off the mat.

    How they move up: Keep trusting more in Mike Glennon. He’s played well as the best rookie quarterback in the NFL, cutting down on mistakes and spreading the ball to all his receivers, despite not having Mike Williams.

    How they move down: If they go away from the run, even without Doug Martin and Mike James. Bobby Rainey and Brian Leonard showed the Bucs can still be productive on the ground because of their offensive line.

    What’s next: vs. Falcons, when they’ll try to match Atlanta’s record.
  • Jacksonville Jaguars' LaRoy Reynolds and J. T. Thomas Jacksonville Jaguars' LaRoy Reynolds and J. T. Thomas (Mark Humphrey/AP)
    Last week: 32




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