The good thing about a data-driven NFL power ranking is that it’s blind – which is exactly what’s bad about it.
The Jets at 8th and 7th ?!!!!! They’re winning despite Zach Wilson, who’s regressed badly – the 3rd worst in my rankings - and they’ve won against teams who are reeling from the injury bug, which is mostly luck. I like watching the Jets play, but they excel at nothing (except rushing defense), and their decent record is mostly smoke and mirrors, and won’t sustain.
On the other hand, clearly the 49ers are better than their 20th and 24th ranks. Starter injuries have killed them, which does say something about their depth, but their stellar defense could be even better than the Bills. I’ve despised the 49ers for 40 years, but – once they’re at full strength, they are – IMO – a team that could once again go deep in the playoffs.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/NOoZkko.png)