Sid Saraf’s NFL Power Rankings Week 14

We’ve gone without Peyton Manning long enough.

I’ve had it with the Nationwide commercials. Sure, his pairing with Brad Paisley has brought us a barrel of laughs, sort of, but I hum that damn theme in my sleep. And don’t get me started on the Papa John’s ads.

We need him back in the NFL.

Things got exciting for a few minutes this week when speculation started swirling that the Browns would bring No. 18 in some sort of front office role. However, owner Jimmy Haslam struck down the rumors, saying he doesn’t anticipate hiring Peyton any time soon.

And that’s probably for the best since that organization is just awful.

However, Peyton Manning needs to be working in the NFL and there must be some team out there who could use his Omaha-related services. Let’s make it happen. Because the next time I see a Nationwide ad, I’m going to hurt something or someone.

Anyway, let’s see how the league is shaping up heading into a very important Week 14.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

NFL’S TOP 10

1) Patriots – I don’t really have a side in the “Odell vs. Brady” sideline antics debate. However, Odell Beckham Jr. has hurt his team with his shenanigans on the field, while Tom mostly just looks like a tool when he freaks out on coaches on the sidelines. Or Dexter. I still say they’re spitting images.

2) Eagles — I feel excited about Sunday’s game vs. the Rams. That’s what having an NFL team in town brings. That feeling of anticipation of a really big home game coming on Sunday. Granted, the crowd at the Coliseum will probably be 60 percent Philly fans, but that’s fine.

3) Vikings — What happens if this team actually wins a Super Bowl? And then dumps Case Keenum in the offseason? That would be a bummer. Of course, Vikings fans wouldn’t care since they’d have their Lombardi Trophy. And Keenum probably wouldn’t either. One day, people would write country songs about his one legendary ride.

4) Steelers — Not feeling great about this team at all. Despite their offensive prowess, that Monday night game was frightening. Prayers all around for Ryan Shazier.

5) Rams – This team is so convinced Sunday’s home crowd will be tipped towards the Eagles that they’re practicing silent counts. One day, Rams games will attract mostly Rams fans, but we’re not there yet.

6) Seahawks – Spending the holidays with my in-laws in Seattle this year, and I must say, I’m pretty damn excited. There’s nothing like being in the Pacific Northwest when there’s a Seahawks game. And literally every one of my relatives up there is a 12 and I’m going to be the only one proudly rocking my Rams colors. By the way, my brothers-in-law stand 6-foot-9 and 6-10. I give myself a 75 percent of coming back to SoCal with fresh bruises.

7) Saints – Rough break on Thursday night. As soon as Alvin Kamara headed into the injury tent in the first quarter, you had to feel New Orleans was up against it. Especially with Mark Ingram playing with a toe injury.

8) Panthers – Speaking of rough breaks, Carolina went from a physical matchup against the Saints last week to another one against the Vikings on Sunday. After that, they’ve got a home game vs. the Packers, who just might have Aaron Rodgers back under center. This team needs to ditch the Jekyll and Hyde act and get it together fast, or they’ll be on the outside looking in.

9) Jaguars – Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry (great name) just named DE Calais Campbell the “Mayor of Sacksonville.” A co-worker asked the proper question: “Is this corny, or really corny?” It’s really, really, really corny. But give the city a break. These people have had nothing to get excited about the last few years.

10) Ravens – Hey, hey! Look who’s back in the top 10! My favorite city that I still need to visit. If they can get past the Steelers on Sunday, they’ve got some very winnable games coming up. Yep, that’s definitely the smell of playoffs in the air.

WHAT’S THE CHATTER?

Browns: I sort of addressed this earlier, but it bears stating again: The franchise is an embarrassment and for the love of god, will someone save them?

Player safety: I don’t have the answer to this stuff. Yes, that Steelers-Bengals game had some serious hitting, but I didn’t see anything that I’ve never seen before. Ryan Shazier’s injury doesn’t count because that was more of a freak occurrence. But JuJu Smith-Schuster’s hit would have been perfectly legal just a few years ago. George Iloka’s hit on Antonio Brown was bad, but again, I didn’t freak out. It just seems everyone is so on edge and that makes the public reaction worse.

Sean Payton: The Saints coach made a “choke” sign directed at Devonta Freeman during Thursday night’s game. Then he tried to deny it, despite it being plain to see on TV. That makes me happy.

Chargers: Man, if the Chargers both make the playoffs, there will be many San Diegans suffering rage strokes. I feel bad about that. But what this team has done is beyond impressive, going from 0-4 to 6-6. And I don’t see them losing the rest of the way. They’ve got this division.

WHAT TO WATCH IN WEEK 14

Vikings at Panthers: I’m going with the home team here. This is just the type of game where the Panthers snap out of their funk and put forth an even performance. And if that happens, expect the calls for Teddy Bridgewater to begin immediately after the final gun.

49ers at Texans: Dude, gotta see our bro Jimmy G take it to the Texans, bro! Jimmy G, bro!

Cowboys at Giants: This is worth checking in on just to see the birth of Eli Manning’s new streak. And whether or not Dallas can keep treading water in the playoff race.

Redskins at Chargers: Once again, there should be mostly Washington fans in the stands, but the Bolts are going to be the ones walking off the field with a win.

Seahawks at Jaguars: This is the sneaky game of the week. Seattle desperately needs this win, but Jacksonville’s defense is going to be chasing Russell Wilson around all day. I’m going with the Jags in the upset.

Eagles at Rams: Can’t wait. The No. 1 and No. 2 pick from 2016 are facing off. Hopefully, this becomes a yearly game, a la Brady-Manning. Wishful thinking for sure, but a man can dream.

Ravens at Steelers: Doesn’t get better than Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh on a Sunday night. I think the Ravens can catch the Steelers at a bad time in this one.