The NFL's war of attrition this year has also been rough on offensive lines. Since our last update three weeks ago, two teams have lost their left tackles for the season; a third will be missing theirs for multiple weeks. Here's the rundown of the biggest developments since our last update.
Some lines have simply been a little better, or worse, than expected. The Raiders haven't been as good as in the past. The Jaguars have been better. It's showed up in the performance of those offenses, and is reflected in the rankings.
The Eagles lost left tackle Jason Peters to a torn ACL and MCL. They're going with Halapoulivaati Vaitai in that spot, a significant downgrade.
The Seahawks acquired Duane Brown from Houston and have installed him at left tackle, an upgrade. Brown and the Texans had a falling out after a protracted holdout, but he's a good player who makes Seattle's line much better.
Left tackle Taylor Decker is practicing for the Lions in his return from shoulder surgery. We're giving them a boost on the idea he'll soon be back and help out that struggling group.
Joe Staley is going to miss time for San Francisco with an eye socket injury.
The Browns lost left tackle Joe Thomas to a triceps injury. In his place they're starting Spencer Drango. It's a significant blow to their line.
Panthers center Ryan Kalil has been out with a neck injury, playing in only two games this season. He'll likely return at some point, but for now we're listing replacement Tyler Larsen, making Carolina one of our biggest fallers.
Chargers lost guard Matt Slauson to a biceps injury; their line takes a hit.
Colts lost guard Jack Mewhort to a knee injury (but he was struggling anyway).
The resulting rankings are below. Colorful table shows up on our Facebook page.
| UPDATED OFFENSIVE LINE RANKINGS | |
|---|---|
| Rk | Team |
| 1 | Dallas |
| 2 | Pittsburgh |
| 3 | Tennessee |
| 4 | New England |
| 5 | New Orleans |
| 6 | Atlanta |
| 7 | Washington |
| 8 | Green Bay |
| 9 | Philadelphia |
| 10 | Oakland |
| 11 | Buffalo |
| 12 | LA Rams |
| 13 | Jacksonville |
| 14 | Kansas City |
| 15 | Miami |
| 16 | Chicago |
| 17 | Tampa Bay |
| 18 | Detroit |
| 19 | Denver |
| 20 | Cleveland |
| 21 | Seattle |
| 22 | San Francisco |
| 23 | Minnesota |
| 24 | NY Jets |
| 25 | Carolina |
| 26 | Baltimore |
| 27 | Houston |
| 28 | Cincinnati |
| 29 | Indianapolis |
| 30 | LA Chargers |
| 31 | Arizona |
| 32 | NY Giants |