On a four-game winning streak and now holding the top spot in the NFC East, the Washington Football Team’s stock is rising faster than just about any other team in the league.
With a stifling defense that scored two touchdowns — making up for an offense that couldn’t find the end zone — Washington knocked off San Francisco, 23-15, this weekend. At 6-7 and in control of their own destiny for the playoffs, the Football Team is no longer a bottom dweller when it comes to NFL power rankings.
Coach Ron Rivera’s team has seen a rise across the many of the major power ranking lists, including an eight-spot jump on ESPN’s rankings to No. 18. CBS gives Washington a five-spot boost to No. 16, and Sporting News also listed the team at No. 16.
Washington slotted in at No. 14 — a four-place jump — in Bleacher Report’s rankings.
“That defense is so good and the team is so well-coached that Washington could certainly put up a fight against the Rams, Seahawks or Bucs on Wild Card Weekend,” Bleacher Report NFL analyst Brad Gagnon said. “Make that four wins in a row and no losses by more than a field goal since Week 5 for a team that is surrounded by encouraging vibes right now.”
Around the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs are still the unanimous No. 1 pick, leading the AFC at 12-1. Many of the power rankings have the Green Bay Packers rising to No. 2 behind an MVP-caliber season from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Buffalo Bills are surging in the rankings, too, coming off a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs proved to be a dangerous quarterback and wide receiver tandem.
But with two defeats in a row, Pittsburgh is going the opposite way. The Steelers are still in the driver’s seat for an AFC North title at 11-2, yet injuries and offensive concerns have combined to spread doubt over a team that was undefeated before Washington’s defense stymied Ben Roethlisberger and Co. two weeks ago.
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