Tom Brady’s NFL Energy Rankings: Pats, Packers Take Huge Drops As Playoffs Loom

After a few months of chaos around the NFL, the playoff picture is starting to come into shape. In fact, Tom Brady believes we have over 10 teams that have proven their mettle this season.

“Back in November, it felt like nobody could stay in the top 10. Now, everyone is riding a winning streak, and it feels like it’s impossible to kick anyone out,” Brady said. “It’s great news for football fans, though. We’ve got a dozen teams that have proven they can win games when it matters. We’re set up for one of the most wide-open playoffs in over a decade.”

That sentiment was proven this past weekend when the previous No. 1 team in Brady’s power rankings, the New England Patriots, lost in Week 15 to another contender in the Buffalo Bills. Is there a new No. 1 in TB12’s power rankings this week? Here’s his full top 10 ahead of Week 16: 

Brady’s Thoughts: “They didn’t deserve it, but the Texans ended up on the outside looking in this week with an honorable mention. I’m sure there’ll be some opinions out there, so let me know who you think should’ve gotten the boot.”

Caleb Williams and the Bears got back on track with a win over the Browns in Week 15. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense came to a halt in the second half of their loss to the Bills on Sunday. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)

“The Packers and the Pats moved down this week after tough losses to great football teams. I’m excited to see how they bounce back as they both face brutal road tests in Chicago and Baltimore, [respectively].”

“The Seahawks, they keep within the prime 5 with one other win and one other stellar defensive efficiency. Subject objectives will not reduce it in January, although. So, let’s have a look at if the offense can get again on observe over these previous couple of weeks as they battle for the division and the No. 1 spot.”

“The Chargers get an enormous enhance in my rankings this week. I feel they deserve some recognition for exercising some demons and happening the highway to Arrowhead to knock the Chiefs out of the playoffs. I am undecided they will chase down Denver, however this workforce is battle-tested and [Jim] Harbaugh will not be afraid of anybody subsequent month.”

Josh Allen threw for 3 touchdowns within the Payments’ 21-point comeback victory over the Patriots. (Photograph by Sarah Stier/Getty Pictures)

“What are you able to say in regards to the Buffalo Payments? Each time I get excessive on this workforce, they disappoint me the subsequent week and Sunday was one other Jekyll and Hyde efficiency. Fortunately, they saved their touchdowns for the second half and picked up what could possibly be the most important win of the 12 months with an enormous comeback towards the Patriots in Foxborough. Did we get somewhat too enthusiastic about New England within the first half? I am not saying I did, however possibly a few of us did. The race is again on within the AFC East.”

“I’ve received the Rams at No. 2 this week after watching the [Matthew] Stafford-Puka [Nacua] connection stay in particular person out in L.A. My youngsters had been speaking about move state final week, and that is what it appears like when these two begin linking up on third downs. Staying at dwelling and securing dwelling area could possibly be big for this workforce over these ultimate few weeks. I do know Sean McVay is on the identical web page as me: the less the layers, the higher.”

Tom Brady’s LFG Participant of the Recreation: Rams WR Puka Nacua 🏆

Bo Nix arguably had his greatest recreation of the season within the Broncos’ win over the Packers, throwing for 304 yards and shifting to fourth place within the MVP odds. (Photograph by Justin Edmonds/Getty Pictures)

“After hovering round all of it 12 months, Denver strikes as much as No. 1. Sean Payton has this workforce on an unbelievable run, and it simply feels proper that the AFC would possibly run by Mile Excessive as temperatures begin to drop. Something can occur over these ultimate few weeks. However Denver, they’ll lean on that protection, and we’ll see if Bo Nix can discover one other gear and take this workforce on a deep run.

“We’re heading again to Soldier Subject on Saturday evening, the place temperatures are going to be simply balmy at 7 p.m. [CT]. I am bringing an even bigger jacket with a fair greater zipper this time. Drop some cold-weather ideas, I will want them.” 

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