NFL Week 18 Power Rankings: Reborn Bills may be Ravens’ biggest AFC threat; Dolphins, Eagles fall out of top 5

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When the Buffalo Bills were 5-5, fresh off a horrible home loss to the Denver Broncos, they were considered done, a playoff long shot with Josh Allen the target of loads of criticism based on his play and his propensity to turn the ball over.

Six games later, the Bills will be playing for a division title this week against the Miami Dolphins with a chance to be the AFC’s No. 2 seed. Their only loss in the past five games was in overtime to the Eagles, a game they probably should have won.

Buffalo made a change at offensive coordinator after the loss to the Broncos, replacing Ken Dorsey with Joe Brady, a move that has paid off in a big way. Allen has cut down on the turnovers and has even put himself in the MVP talk, although that will definitely go to Lamar Jackson.

The other change for the Bills has been the improvement of the defense during the past six games. That unit has improved as players have returned to health, players like corner Christian Benford, safety Micah Hyde and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones. The improvement of linebackers Terrel Bernard and Tyrel Dodson has really impacted that unit as well.

Buffalo is up to No. 4 in my Power Rankings this week, a spot most didn’t see them occupying six weeks ago. At 10-6, the Bills could still be a playoff team even if they don’t beat the Dolphins this week. But the easiest path is a win-and-in scenario.

The dysfunction after the Denver loss is way behind this team. So is the foolish talk that Allen was overrated, that coach Sean McDermott could be on his way out and that the window for this group was closed.

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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-18-power-rankings-reborn-bills-may-be-ravens-biggest-afc-threat-dolphins-eagles-fall-out-of-top-5/

Author : Pete Prisco

Publish date : 2024-01-02 13:14:58

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