I believe the top six teams in the Week 7 NFL power rankings could be at No. 1, but I’m going with teams that are performing at a high level consistently in the top two positions.
1. Detroit Lions (5-1) | Last week: 4 (+3)
The Detroit Lions in the top spot? Yup. They have been pretty dominant, with four consecutive wins of 14+ points in 2023. Dating back to last season, the Lions have scored points in the first and fourth quarters in an NFL record 15 consecutive games. Detroit has gone 12-3 in that stretch.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) | Last week: 3 (+1)
It’s been the same story for the Chiefs all season, with the offense still finding its footing. But I like how the defense has played through six games, and KC’s only loss was to the Lions in the season opener without Travis Kelce and Chris Jones.
3. San Francisco 49ers (5-1) | Last week: 1 (-2)
With the remarkable start to his career, it was a matter of time before Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense had an off day—a phenomenon that happens to everyone. And give the Browns defense a ton of credit, but the injuries to Christian McCaffrey (oblique) and Deebo Samuel (shoulder) certainly didn’t help.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) | Last week: 2 (-2)
Injuries and secondary depth are a definite concern, but I don’t think Eagles fans should be totally panicking. They need Lane Johnson to be healthy and for the offense to find a rhythm. I love the singing of former All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones, who I think can still contribute—and WR3 is perhaps the weakest spot in the Philadelphia offense.
5. Buffalo Bills (4-2) | Last week: 5
They arguably got away with a pass interference on the final play, but the Bills were able to get a gritty victory over the Giants on Sunday night. Josh Allen and the offense are due to break out, but we could see a similar hard-nosed battle versus the Patriots this week.
6. Miami Dolphins (5-1) | Last week: 6
You can make an easy case for the Dolphins to be in the top spot of the power rankings, but I’m keeping them at No. 6 for now. The run game produces at an extremely high level, and it works with the explosive passing attack to make Miami very difficult to stop when they’re clicking. After not passing the test at Buffalo a few weeks ago, I’m very interested to see how Mike McDaniel’s team performs at raucous Philly this Sunday night.
7. Dallas Cowboys (4-2) | Last week: 8 (+1)
Heavily criticized quarterback Dak Prescott showed up on Monday night, leading a clutch late touchdown drive capped by a touchdown to Brandin Cooks before driving the team in position for the game-winning field goal by Brandon Aubrey. Not having Trevon Diggs remains a challenge, but Stephon Gilmore, who sealed the Chargers win with an interception, has made plays in Dan Quinn’s defense. Undrafted second-year hybrid defender Markquese Bell deserves major recognition for the way he played at linebacker in the victory.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) | Last week: 9 (+1)
The role he had in mind might have been off, but give former Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer credit for taking Travis Etienne Jr., who scored twice in 16 seconds last week, with their second first-round pick after Trevor Lawrence in 2022. Etienne is quietly one of the best playmakers in football, and his performance has picked up the slack with the passing game not fully rolling yet. Jacksonville’s defense is also going under the radar, and they picked off three passes in the Week 6 win versus the Colts.
9. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) | Last week: 10 (+1)
The depth of the Ravens receiving group showed up in London, with a strong bounce back outing that included long catch-and-runs by Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. as well as the first career touchdown for rookie Zay Flowers. A home matchup with Detroit is one of the top games to watch this weekend.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) | Last week: 12 (+2)
Back from their bye week, the Steelers could be getting healthier with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) good to go and Diontae Johnson (hamstring) nearing a return ahead of a trip to LA to face the Rams.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3) | Last week: 14 (+3)
The Bengals are still not happy with the number of points they’re putting on the board, but the performance by Lou Anarumo’s defense—particularly in the red zone—against the Seahawks was superb. I think the bye comes at a good time for Cincy, giving Joe Burrow more time to get to 100% health and allowing the offense to regroup and figure things out at a solid 3-3.
12. Seattle Seahawks (3-2) | Last week: 7 (-5)
Geno Smith and the Seattle offense just couldn’t solve the Bengals defense in their tight 17-13 loss. More run-pass balance would certainly help after just 21 combined attempts for Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet compared to 41 pass attempts by Geno.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (2-3) | Last week: 11 (-2)
I don’t agree with the Justin Herbert anti-clutch narrative, but there’s no question he didn’t have his best stuff late in the loss to the Cowboys—the missed throw to Keenan Allen for a potential touchdown was a killer. Los Angeles is missing Mike Williams as another receiving option in big moments in my opinion, and they need rookie receiver Quentin Johnston to step up behind Allen and Joshua Palmer.
14. Los Angeles Rams (3-3) | Last week: 17 (+3)
The loss of running back Kyren Williams (ankle) for likely at least a couple of weeks is a big one, as he does a lot in Sean McVay’s offense. And the Rams have a tough stretch coming up before Thanksgiving (vs. PIT, @ DAL, @ GB), so look for them to ride Cooper Kupp (looking like himself) and the receivers.
15. New York Jets (3-3) | Last week: 19 (+4)
Even if Aaron Rodgers was at quarterback, I was concerned about the first six weeks for the Jets. So, to beat the Eagles and come out of it 3-3 is an overwhelmingly positive sign for the team entering their bye week. Even down their top two cornerbacks, the New York defense put together another stellar outing; and Zach Wilson is operating well on offense. This team believes they can beat anyone.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) | Last week: 13 (-3)
Baker Mayfield took responsibility for the 20-6 loss to the Lions, and he didn’t play well and missed too many throws. But the Bucs still must find a way to give Rachaad White and the run game more room to operate to make things easier on the rest of the club. This Sunday’s home matchup with the Falcons is a big one.
17. Cleveland Browns (3-2) | Last week: 23 (+6)
With the way the Browns defense is playing—including holding a Kyle Shanahan team to their lowest yardage total ever—I’m imagining how good they would be if they invested resources in a different franchise quarterback. It wasn’t perfect, but veteran PJ Walker did a nice job of leading the offense against the 49ers.
18. Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) | Last week: 22 (+4)
Jimmy Garoppolo was able to do enough before leaving with a back injury, and the defense stopped New England with a chance at a game-winning field goal drive to get Vegas to 3-3 with a very promising matchup with the Bears coming up. Keep an eye on Davante Adams, who is facing a ton of double teams and doesn’t appear happy with his lack of targets the past two games.
19. Green Bay Packers (2-3) | Last week: 20 (+1)
Coming off their bye and facing 1-5 Denver, the playoff-hopeful Packers desperately need a win. Hopefully the time off will lead to the full impact of Aaron Jones and Christian Watson in the Green Bay offense.
20. Indianapolis Colts (3-3) | Last week: 15 (-5)
Gardner Minshew obviously didn’t have his best day in Week 6, sailing a bunch of throws in the loss at the Jags. So, he needs to be better, but it’s imperative that Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss can find room to run versus the Browns this week.
21. Houston Texans (3-3) | Last week: 25 (+4)
Especially with the Titans struggling and with Anthony Richardson’s season-ending shoulder surgery becoming official, the Texans—already with one win over the Jaguars—might be the biggest threat to Jacksonville in the AFC South. The defense is playing very well under DeMeco Ryans, and Houston has won three of four.
22. New Orleans Saints (3-3) | Last week: 18 (-4)
The Saints couldn’t find a way to win the close battle with the Texans, and the offense has yet to hit on all cylinders for an extended stretch. New Orleans hosts the Jaguars tomorrow night for an interesting game to begin Week 7.
23. Minnesota Vikings (2-4) | Last week: 26 (+3)
Minnesota’s defense scored another touchdown—a theme in their two wins—after Josh Mettelus forced a sack fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Jordan Hicks. With no Justin Jefferson on offense, Brian Flores’ unit is going to need another strong outing Monday night versus the Niners.
24. Tennessee Titans (2-4) | Last week: 16 (-8)
King Henry had a royal showing in London to help keep it close against the Ravens, but Ryan Tannehill’s ankle injury is a big blow to the Titans in the AFC. I’d like to see Malik Willis—who needs to get rid of the ball—get a crack as the team’s quarterback following their bye, but second-round rookie Will Levis might be in the mix while Tannehill is out.
25. Washington Commanders (3-3) | Last week: 27 (+2)
Both Terry McLaurin and the Washington defense got going in their win over the Falcons, but the Commanders can be much more dangerous if 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson—after a couple of uncharacteristic drops the past two games—can find his groove, too. Chase Young and the defensive line must take advantage of injuries to the Giants’ offensive line this week.
26. Atlanta Falcons (3-3) | Last week: 21 (-5)
The first home loss of Desmond Ridder’s career was not pretty, with three interceptions and a very visibly frustrated head coach Arthur Smith on the sidelines. Ridder showed some good things—like the precise touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Pitts—but he must take better care of the ball for Atlanta to have a shot.
27. New England Patriots (1-5) | Last week: 24 (-3)
While it was ultimately a loss, there were much more positive signs for the Patriots in Week 6. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson battled through an ankle injury and looked as good as he has this season, and Mac Jones threw a perfect deep ball that was dropped by DeVante Parker on a potential game-winning drive. Looking at the bigger picture, it’s a bad sign that this roster is in such bad shape on offense that they almost need to play perfect to win games.
28. New York Giants (1-5) | Last week: 28
Things unfortunately don’t appear promising this Sunday for Daniel Jones’ neck issue that kept him out last week, but veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor did an admirable job filling in for a Giants team that had the Bills on the ropes in Buffalo—arguably stopped by a pass interference that wasn’t called on tight end Darren Waller. This has been a very trying season, but at least Brian Daboll has his guys playing hard.
29. Arizona Cardinals (1-5) | Last week: 29
The Cardinals played their worst game of the season last week—and the injuries to a subpar roster haven’t helped. After two consecutive double-digit losses, we’ll see if Arizona can get back on track and again be more competitive at Seattle.
30. Denver Broncos (1-5) | Last week: 30
The Broncos defense had a good outing last Thursday night, headlined by a Justin Simmons interception in the 19-8 loss to the Chiefs. However, Sean Payton’s offense hasn’t done much of anything the past couple of weeks, and I think people maybe just need to realize the offensive roster isn’t as talented as the narrative has asserted dating back to when Russell Wilson was acquired—though I’d like to see much more of rookie receiver Marvin Mims Jr.
31. Chicago Bears (1-5) | Last week: 31
This was a bit odd to say at the time (felt forced), but looks crazy from Bears general manager Ryan Poles now:
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles is 0-8 against the NFC North since this statement! #skol pic.twitter.com/tYPnDaqheb
— Leighton Glodek (@LGlodek) October 16, 2023
It’s rough in Chicago at the moment, and now quarterback Justin Fields is likely to miss at least this week due to a right thumb injury.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-6) | Last week: 32
Bryce Young—particularly his connection with Adam Thielen—is showing positives, and I think he’ll be an excellent franchise quarterback… again, if the Panthers get him more help. That could come in the form of a play-calling change from head coach Frank Reich to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, but we’ll see.