NFL Power Rankings: Teams and Breakout Players as the Season Closes
The NFL season is approaching its conclusion, and the playoff scenarios are starting to clarify. A total of 13 teams have either been eliminated or are highly unlikely to make it to the postseason, which includes the Jets, Browns, Patriots, Titans, Jaguars, Raiders, and Giants. As fans of these teams shift their focus to the NFL Draft, we are highlighting breakout players from each team, rather than their MVPs, to put a positive spin on the season.
Detroit Lions
Last week: 1
Last Game: Beat Green Bay Packers 34-31
Breakout Player: Wide receiver Tim Patrick
Patrick, who faced two consecutive season-ending injuries in 2022 and 2023, started on Detroit’s practice squad this season. He made a significant impact, catching two touchdowns against the Packers, marking his first since 2021. “The journey was long, but it was worth it,” he reflected after the game.
Next game: vs. Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Philadelphia Eagles
Last week: 2
Last Game: Beat Carolina Panthers 22-16
Breakout Player: Linebacker Nakobe Dean
Dean had only started a few games prior but has stepped up this season, now second on the team with 94 tackles and adding several other key stats, including three sacks.
Next game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Green Bay Packers
Last week: 4
Last Game: Lost to Detroit Lions 34-31
Breakout Player: Quarterback Malik Willis
Despite limited starts this year, Willis has shown promise with impressive stats, including 350 passing yards and 144 rushing yards in games this season.
Next game: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
Buffalo Bills
Last week: 5
Last Game: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 44-42
Breakout Player: Safety Damar Hamlin
After a remarkable comeback from cardiac arrest last season, Hamlin has been thriving, starting all games this season and ranking second on his team in tackles.
Next game: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Denver Broncos
Last week: 10
Last Game: Bye
Breakout Player: Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto
Bonitto is not only maintaining his previous season’s success but has emerged as a key contributor this year with impressive sack totals.
Next game: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week: 7
Last Game: Beat Cleveland Browns 27-14
Breakout Player: Tight end Darnell Washington
The 6-foot-7 Washington has expanded his role significantly, more than doubling his catches from last season and becoming a vital offensive piece.
Next game: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Seattle Seahawks
Last week: 9
Last Game: Beat Arizona Cardinals 30-18
Breakout Player: Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Selected 20th overall last year, Smith-Njigba has become Seattle’s top receiver this season, greatly exceeding his production from the previous year.
Next game: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
New Orleans Saints
Last week: 24
Last Game: Beat New York Giants 14-11
Breakout Player: Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee
In his debut season, Bresee has emerged as a key defensive player, leading his team in sacks and making a significant impact in critical moments.
Next game: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Chicago Bears
Last week: 23
Last Game: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 38-13
Breakout Player: Punter Tory Taylor
Despite the Bears’ struggles, Taylor has stood out, consistently providing reliable punting throughout the season.
Next game: at Minnesota Vikings, Monday, 8 p.m. ET
New York Giants
Last week: 32
Last Game: Lost to New Orleans Saints 14-11
Breakout Player: Wide receiver Malik Nabers
Name recognition is growing as Nabers excels despite the struggles of the Giants, leading the league in targets per game.
Next game: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Conclusion
The NFL playoff picture is becoming clearer, but several breakout players continue to shine, giving fans something to cheer for as the season nears its conclusion.
Source and credits: www.nytimes.com
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