The latest edition of the “Herd Hierarchy” from Colin Cowherd has unveiled the top teams heading into Week 18 of the NFL season. As the New England Patriots reclaim the AFC East division title, the focus shifts to the intense competition in the NFC West, where the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are battling for supremacy.
In Cowherd”s assessment, he emphasizes that rankings are not merely based on recent performances or win-loss records. Instead, they reflect a comprehensive evaluation of each team”s standing, considering their victories against various opponents, overall health, and potential for success in the remaining games.
As he delves into the rankings, Cowherd notes the struggles of certain teams, stating, “They”ve trailed in each of their last nine games. Three of their losses have come to Philadelphia, the Texans, and the Patriots. I don”t think they”re going to be able to beat top-end teams consistently. They can”t defend the run. They fall into holes. I don”t trust them situationally in big spots.”
On a positive note, Cowherd highlights the Houston Texans as a formidable contender for the AFC Championship, pointing out their impressive eight-game winning streak and noteworthy fourth-quarter performance. “They wear you out physically and can pull away in the final quarter… I like this team. I would not want to face this team in the playoffs,” he stated.
As for the 49ers, Cowherd remarks on their high-scoring offense, stating they lead the league in big plays, although they have also allowed a significant number of big plays on defense. He praises quarterback Caleb Williams for his development and mentions the effectiveness of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is a candidate for Coach of the Year.
With the playoffs approaching, Cowherd”s rankings are crucial for understanding the landscape of the league. The anticipation builds for the upcoming showdown between the Seahawks and 49ers, which promises high stakes as both teams vie for the NFC West title and playoff positioning.
As the NFL regular season reaches its conclusion, fans are eager to see how these rankings will evolve and what challenges lie ahead for each team in the pursuit of a championship.
