2024 NFL Week 16 Energy Rankings: Cowboys bump up a bit after newest win

There are solely three weeks left within the NFL season which is extremely laborious to consider. On some degree it looks like all the pieces simply began, however in one other approach the method of the 2024 Dallas Cowboys has been a sluggish and agonizing one. I believe we’re all effectively conscious of how lengthy it has been since issues felt secure with the crew everyone knows and painfully tolerate love.

We’re embarking upon maybe the best week that soccer will provide us, although. Starting Thursday there might be at the very least one NFL recreation on six of the eight days to observe it. What’s extra is that the School Soccer Playoff will start in a 12-team format for the primary time ever. Throw in different bowl video games and no matter is occurring in your yard, and it’s the football-iest time of the yr.

Earlier than we get to all of that although we now have to tie a correct bow on the week that was, one the place the Cowboys gained for the third time in a month. It’s energy rankings time!

You can view last week’s rankings right here.

1 – Buffalo Bills (LW: 3)

What they’ve finished this season is exceptional. I’ve by no means felt extra assured that that is lastly the yr for them.

Clearly that signifies that heartbreak awaits.

2 – Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 2)

Buffalo may be the one crew standing in the best way of our worst nightmare round right here. It’s so irritating and annoying to confess, however the Eagles are a machine. The worst half about all of it is it looks like Nick Sirianni has lastly discovered the way to keep out of the best way and simply do his job which helps issues all of the extra.

3 – Baltimore Ravens (LW: 5)

It’ll be so unusual if they don’t even wind up profitable their very own division.

I might not wager towards Baltimore… until they’re taking part in Buffalo.

4 – Detroit Lions (LW: 1)

Has the bow damaged? Is the cradle falling?

Instances appear fairly tense across the Lions proper now and accidents are actually a really actual a part of it. Being the hunted on a weekly foundation isn’t for the weary and perhaps, simply perhaps, it’s taking its toll on the Lions.

5 – Minnesota Vikings (LW: 7)

I’m going to say proper now that I firmly consider that one of many Vikings or Packers are going to beat the Lions within the playoffs. Minnesota is so wildly spectacular. I’m very jealous.

6 – Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 4)

One loss hardly looks like a cause to panic right here.

Pittsburgh might be high-quality and can nonetheless doubtless win the AFC North as famous. Large recreation Saturday!

7 – Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 6)

It feels so unusual and fairly actually silly to have them this low given their file, however I have no idea how anybody can really feel like they’re sturdy in the intervening time.

We’ve got stated all season lengthy that if anybody deserves the advantage of the doubt it’s them and that actually holds true, however their status is doing many of the work.

8 – Green Bay Packers (LW: 8)

By no means am I attempting to make up for the Cowboys’ playoff loss final yr. It was the worst.

However the Packers seem like a very elite crew. Isn’t that context vital?

9 – Washington Commanders (LW: 9)

Reaching the playoffs within the first yr of Dan Quinn might be celebrated.

It must be. What they’re doing is spectacular.

10 – Denver Broncos (LW: 10)

Whereas it actually took a minute, the fact is that Sean Payton in Denver could wind up being one thing fairly fascinating. He has them taking part in so good and hitting the entire proper notes.

11 – Los Angeles Rams (LW: 12)

On some degree I believe they are often considered as probably the most stunning division winner of the yr, assuming they take it house.

Sean McVay’s best teaching has all come after the Rams gained the Super Bowl.

12 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 13)

We are going to see you on Sunday evening.

13 – Houston Texans (LW: 15)

They really feel much like the Chiefs in that there’s a lot extra that we need to see from a crew of their place. Houston has already clinched their division and is probably going set on the #4 spot within the convention.

Humorous that they play Kansas Metropolis on Saturday.

14 – Seattle Seahawks (LW: 11)

The wheels could also be falling off. It’s unlucky. They’ve been enjoyable to observe.

15 – Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 14)

In all probability that is nonetheless a playoff crew.

However that no person made a giant deal about them getting embarrassed by the Buccaneers is fairly consultant of how little juice the Chargers in the end have, even with Jim Harbaugh.

16 – Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 17)

Their followers are going to look again on the early a part of this season and be so pissed off that issues acquired to the purpose that they did.

17 – Arizona Cardinals (LW: 19)

Don’t look now, however my Cardinals have a shot!

18 – Dallas Cowboys (LW: 21)

They’re winners of three of their final 4. Clearly how they acquired there issues.

However they aren’t going out with a whimper and that’s commendable.

19 – Atlanta Falcons (LW: 24)

Congratulations on profitable on Monday evening. It was finished in actually the least spectacular approach doable.

20 – San Francisco 49ers (LW: 16)

On one hand there was a participant who actually give up the crew throughout their newest outing.

Then again there was a mutiny from the locker room towards that participant.

Both approach… there’s fairly the mess happening right here.

21 – Indianapolis Colts (LW: 18)

Typically you are able to do an excessive amount of. The Colts are an instance of that.

22 – Miami Dolphins (LW: 20)’

I’ve stated all season lengthy… is anyone going to carry Mike McDaniel accountable for this mess?

Or will we proceed to simply assume he’s cool due to his sneakers and the occasional quote in a press convention?

23 – Cleveland Browns (LW: 22)

Spherical and spherical they go.

24 – New Orleans Saints (LW: 29)

It’s spectacular how in addition they have discovered a strategy to stand tall regardless of issues going so south.

They misplaced final week, however it was not for lack of effort.

25 – Carolina Panthers (LW: 23)

The experience again right down to earth could be a lonely one.

26 – Chicago Bears (LW: 25)

My goodness. Will it ever not be dangerous right here?

27 – Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 26)

Take into account that since 2011 they’ve misplaced double-digit video games all however 3 occasions.

Two different situations noticed them come shut with 8 losses.

It might probably at all times be worse.

28 – Tennessee Titans (LW: 27)

I believe I’ve determined that they’re probably the most boring crew within the NFL.

29 – New York Jets (LW: 31)

Hey! A win! That’s nice publicity for Aaron Rodgers’ Netflix documentary.

30 – New England Patriots (LW: 28)

With regards to boring… it’s a little startling to see the Patriots so mundane and uninteresting. Clearly this has been the case earlier than, however for the numerous majority of this century they’ve been the crew. Now they simply… exist.

31 – Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 30)

Shedeur time.

32 – New York Giants (LW: 32)

Time for actually anything.

NFL.com: 21 (LW: 22)

Somewhat bump up.

Once you have a look at the Cowboys, what do you see? Do you see a crew that has gained three of its previous 4 video games, exhibiting some psychological and bodily toughness over the previous month? Or do you see the large image, with the Cowboys clinging to hopeless playoff possibilities in a misplaced season? There have been parts of each groups within the win at Carolina. Rico Dowdle continued his late-season ascent with one other robust efficiency, and the Cowboys confirmed some grit in a brief week on the highway, coming off a brutal loss to the Bengals. Dallas’ protection continued to point out some life, producing six sacks and 4 turnovers — the Cowboys now have 10 takeaways over their previous 4 video games. There’s solely a lot to get enthusiastic about right here, although, particularly understanding there’s a likelihood Dallas might win out and nonetheless miss the postseason, with Week 14’s catastrophe being a giant cause why.

ESPN: 21 (LW: 23)

They included the largest enchancment for every crew as effectively.

Greatest enchancment: Takeaways

The improved run protection might simply be the choose right here, however takeaways are extra vital. Below Dan Quinn for 3 seasons, the Cowboys have been the most effective within the league at taking the ball away (93 from 2021 to 2023). However within the first seven video games beneath coordinator Mike Zimmer this season, the protection created simply 5 (4 interceptions and one fumble restoration). Previously seven contests, the Cowboys have 14 takeaways, together with eight interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries. They’ve intercepted at the very least one cross in six straight video games. — Todd Archer

USA Today: 20 (LW: 26)

Fairly the leap!

Although it’s been broadly prompt for many of the season that they’ll’t run the ball, surely, they simply weren’t utilizing RB Rico Dowdle sufficiently. After posting his first three 100-yard speeding video games over the previous three weeks, he’s now on tempo for greater than 1,300 yards from scrimmage and has set himself up for a pleasant payday in 2025.

Yahoo: 20 (LW: 23)

This can be a fashionable vary.

Say what you’ll concerning the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy this season, however as we see many dropping groups flip in dreadful performances, Dallas has gained three of 4 since a 3-7 begin. The Cowboys deserve credit score for not packing it in at their low level.

CBS Sports: 22 (LW: 26)

A point out of the phrase playoffs!

They confirmed some battle in beating up on the Panthers. The protection performed very well as Dallas’ slim playoff hopes stay alive.

The Athletic: 19 (LW: 22)

Another person has the Cowboys inside the highest 19!

Lamb is getting 27.3 p.c of Dallas’ passing targets this season, which ranks sixth within the league. On Sunday, he had 9 catches for 116 yards. It was simply his second 100-yard recreation of the season, however defensive finish Micah Parsons hasn’t had fairly a adequate season to unseat Lamb although Parsons is fourth in stress proportion amongst gamers with greater than 100 cross rush snaps, based on TruMedia.

Sports Illustrated: 21 (LW: 22)

Not fairly right here.

In watching again Rico Dowdle’s greatest runs from Sunday, I used to be struck with how lots of the 10-plus yard carries necessitated a number of backfield cuts to get himself into area. This wasn’t a type of video games the place his stats have been propped up by one 60-yarder that was extra a credit score to good window dressing. Dowdle earned these yards and regarded good doing it.

Dallas Cowboys Motion Week To Week

Each week (per solutions from you fantastic BTBers) we are going to replace this graph to notice how the Cowboys moved in energy rankings based on every of the shops that we curate.