When the NFL season begins, fans around the country debate about which team is the best. Who is at the top of the totem pole? How did they get there? And will they stay in first place for the rest of the season?
One way to settle these debates and answer these questions is by looking at NFL power rankings. But how are NFL power rankings determined? What factors go into this determination? And who decides where each team falls on the list?
To answer these questions, let’s take a closer look at how NFL power rankings are determined.
The Importance of NFL Power Rankings
Before we get into how NFL power rankings are determined, we must understand why they exist and what purpose they serve.
Essentially, NFL power rankings measure which teams are the best in the league at a given time. They can also be used to compare teams across different eras and see who would come out on top if they played each other. NFL power rankings are also a way for fans to bond over their shared love of the sport. It’s fun to argue with friends and family about whether your team is really better than theirs. Plus, it helps you keep tabs on the competition and see how your team is faring against the rest of the league.
How Are NFL Power Rankings Determined?
So, how are NFL power rankings determined?
There is no one answer to this question because there is no one source for these rankings. Instead, many different media outlets release their own set of NFL power rankings each week. These media outlets all have their own methods for determining where each team falls on the list.
So, how do these different sources come up with their rankings? To answer this question, let’s take a look at some of the most popular and well-respected NFL power rankings to see how they are determined.
ESPN NFL Power Rankings
ESPN is one of the most well-known and respected sources for sports information, so it’s no surprise that they release their own set of NFL power rankings weekly. Their rankings are determined by a panel of ESPN writers and editors who vote on where they think each team should be ranked. The votes are then tallied up, and the team with the most votes is given the number one spot on the list. The team with the second most votes is given the number two spot, and so on.
CBS Sports NFL Power Rankings
CBS Sports also releases its own NFL power rankings each week. Their rankings are determined by a panel of CBS Sports experts who vote on where they think each team should be ranked. These experts include NFL writers, editors, and analysts. Like ESPN, the votes are then tallied up, and the team with the most votes is given the number one spot on the list.
Factors That Affect NFL Power Rankings
Now that we’ve seen how some of the most popular NFL power rankings are determined let’s look at some factors that can affect where a team is ranked.
One factor that can affect NFL power rankings is a team’s record. Teams with winning records are typically ranked higher than teams with losing records. However, it’s not always as simple as that. A team’s strength of schedule can also play a role in determining its ranking. For example, a team with a losing record may be ranked higher than a team with a winning record if they have played a tougher schedule.
Other factors affecting NFL power rankings include a team’s recent performance, offensive, and defensive statistics, and injuries.
All of these factors can help to give a better picture of how a team is performing and where they should be ranked compared to the rest of the league. So, if you’re interested in power rankings for this season, check out NFL Power Rankings for the 2022 – 2023 season here.
Who Decides NFL Power Rankings?
As we mentioned before, there is no one specific source for NFL power rankings.
Instead, these rankings are determined by various media outlets, who all have their methods for coming up with the list. ESPN and CBS Sports are some of the most popular and well-respected sources for NFL power rankings. These rankings are usually determined by a panel of experts who vote on where they think each team should be ranked. However, many other sources release their own NFL power rankings.
So, if you’re ever wondering how NFL power rankings are determined, now you know!
Conclusion
Now that you know how NFL power rankings are determined, you can keep tabs on the competition and see how your team is faring against the rest of the league. These rankings can give you a better idea of which teams are performing well and which ones may be struggling. So, be sure to check out the power rankings each week to see where your team falls on the list.
