Where do the latest NFL power rankings stand after a couple of big trades by hopeful contenders?
1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) | Last week: 1
The bye week for Kansas City came ahead of their Super Bowl rematch at San Francisco, and this could be a big matchup to determine whether the team feels they need to add something at receiver ahead of the trade deadline.
2. Detroit Lions (4-1) | Last week: 2
Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending leg injury is heartbreaking, but I expect the Lions to play for the stud pass rusher the rest of the year. Detroit was overwhelming on both sides of the ball in the 47-9 win at Dallas, with the offense picking up where it left off from Week 5 and the defense flying around for four sacks and five takeaways.
3. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) | Last week: 3
The Ravens have also more than hit their groove offensively. Their 1,232 rushing yards through six games are the most since the 2006 Falcons, and I don’t know how you stop Baltimore’s offense when receiver Zay Flowers gets going like he did in the first half (nine receptions for 132 yards) of last week’s win over the Commanders.
4. Minnesota Vikings (5-0) | Last week: 4
The bye week came at a key spot for the Vikings, as they take on the Lions in an NFC North battle while attempting to assert their first-place status and improve to 6-0.
5. Houston Texans (5-1) | Last week: 5
Again, the Texans are a different team with a tone-setter like running back Joe Mixon in the lineup. He scored twice (one rushing, one receiving) and ran for 102 yards on 13 carries to complement a Houston defense that recorded four takeaways and forced six punts at New England.
6. Buffalo Bills (4-2) | Last week: 7 (+1)
It was overshadowed by officiating, but the Bills got a gritty road Monday night win versus the Jets behind Josh Allen making enough plays and rookie runner Ray Davis breaking out with 152 total yards—and they get some extra juice by adding five-time Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper in a trade with the Browns. The hope is that Cooper is a separator in critical situations like third downs.
7. San Francisco 49ers (3-3) | Last week: 9 (+2)
The 49ers were able to get rolling behind an extremely balanced offensive attack (255 passing yards, 228 rushing yards) in their road TNF win against Seattle. The second-half defense still needs some work, though, as they gave up 21 points in the final 30 minutes—but the offense stepped up to keep things out of reach this time around.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) | Last week: 8
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni’s words toward the home fans (and his subsequent apology) were not a great look, especially after barely escaping with a win against the Browns. The play of the defense, including rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean making his first start and being utilized on some blitzes, was encouraging.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) | Last week: 11 (+2)
Not the type of squad to get complacent, Mike Tomlin’s Steelers are set to go with Russell Wilson at quarterback this Sunday night for a matchup with the Jets despite a 4-2 record through six games. It’ll be interesting to see the passing game potentially expanded, but the start for Wilson comes against a stingy New York pass defense.
10. Green Bay Packers (4-2) | Last week: 12 (+2)
The Packers defense has forced multiple turnovers in every game this season under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and Jordan Love threw four touchdowns in the win versus the Cardinals—including two to disgruntled receiver Romeo Doubs.
11. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) | Last week: 13 (+2)
Able to separate late at Carolina, the 38-20 win was the type of game the Falcons want to play, with Tyler Allgeier (18 carries, 105 yards, one touchdown) and Bijan Robinson (15 carries, 95 yards, two touchdowns) leading the way.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) | Last week: 15 (+3)
The 27-0 second-half outburst by the Bucs following a sloppy first half was a showcase for the type of talent general manager Jason Licht has put together on offense. Rookie running back Bucky Irving was strong in his first career start with Rachaad White (foot) out, and second-year back Sean Tucker showed off his explosive talent with 192 yards and two touchdowns. For a team that has been unable to get the ground game going in recent years, they suddenly appear to have a three-headed monster backfield.
13. Dallas Cowboys (3-3) | Last week: 6 (-7)
The dreadful home performances for the Cowboys continue, which is incredibly shocking for a team that had played so well at home before this recent stretch. Dallas now has a bye week before going to San Fran on Sunday night in Week 8—hopefully with a healthy Micah Parsons.
14. Chicago Bears (4-2) | Last week: 18 (+4)
The Bears have not allowed more than 21 points in their past 12 games, again speaking to the type of situation No. 1 pick Caleb Williams finds himself in. Williams tossed four touchdowns to beat the Jags in London and has already looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the league over the past couple of weeks.
15. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) | Last week: 17 (+2)
Jim Harbaugh says he’s “2-0 with arrythmias,” and it’s good to see that he was OK after missing the beginning of last week’s win at Denver. Justin Herbert looked healthier at quarterback after the week off, and I expect the Chargers will continue to open things up as the season progresses.
16. Seattle Seahawks (3-3) | Last week: 10 (-6)
I think perhaps the Seahawks telegraphed their intentions to run the ball with Kenneth Walker III a little too much ahead of last Thursday night, as the Niners were ready for it and shut it down. The play of the Seattle defense has been concerning after a very fast start to the year.
17. Washington Commanders (4-2) | Last week: 16 (-1)
While they didn’t get the win, you must be encouraged by the Commanders finding a way to keep things relatively close in the eventually 30-23 loss. They got away from the run game and the defense has had its share of trouble when facing more talented units, though.
18. Denver Broncos (3-3) | Last week: 14 (-4)
The slow starts for the Broncos offense are an issue, and the solid style of play for the Chargers made it difficult to overcome a 23-0 hole. Denver has been dangerous when going to more of a hurry-up attack, with 16 fourth-quarter points getting them back in a game they didn’t have superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) after he left early.
19. Indianapolis Colts (3-3) | Last week: 21 (+2)
Joe Flacco was clutch with a go-ahead touchdown pass to Michael Pittman Jr. in middle of the fourth quarter, and I love the way Flacco just gives his guys—especially those with size like Pittman—opportunities to go up and make plays. Anthony Richardson (oblique) is set to return this week (and potentially Jonathan Taylor with his ankle injury), but either way Indy’s defense should again be able to hold their opponent (the Dolphins) down.
20. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) | Last week: 23 (+3)
Cincinnati’s defense played much better in the 17-7 Sunday night victory at the Giants, and they have a prime opportunity to keep it going when facing a struggling Browns offense this weekend.
21. New York Jets (2-4) | Last week: 22 (+1)
The Jets are coming off a tough loss in their first game since firing Robert Saleh, but major reinforcements are coming with All-Pro receiver Davante Adams being reunited with Aaron Rodgers after a trade with the Raiders. I suppose New York can get hot and outscore teams at the right time for a Super Bowl run, but my question is if Adams can play run defense. Right now, it’s hard to see the Jets getting past top teams with the way they get run on.
22. Arizona Cardinals (2-4) | Last week: 19 (-3)
It’s been quite surprising to see the Cardinals get blown out twice this season, and they’re a group that is looking to find more consistency. This Monday night against the Chargers will be a test.
23. New York Giants (2-4) | Last week: 20 (-3)
The loss of star left tackle Andrew Thomas for the season due to a foot injury is a massive blow to the Giants, as he’s a foundational piece that was helping the offensive line play well so far in 2024. That said, New York is playing competitive ball right now, and I’m anxious to see how former first-rounder Evan Neal would fare on the blindside.
24. Los Angeles Rams (1-4) | Last week: 25 (+1)
The hope for the Rams is that they get All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp back after the bye week. It’s not a “must-win” this early in the season, but this Sunday’s matchup with the Raiders is the type of game that’s close to it.
25. New Orleans Saints (2-4) | Last week: 24 (-1)
The defense of the Saints has been a major disappointment over the past few weeks, but we’ll see if they can turn things up hosting former head coach Sean Payton in primetime tomorrow night. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler did some good things in his first career start, but New Orleans is incredibly banged up on offense.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) | Last week: 26
The Raiders have been able to start well the past two games but have been unable to keep it going for a full 60 minutes. Perhaps the Davante Adams trade will somehow rally Vegas.
27. Miami Dolphins (2-3) | Last week: 28 (+1)
Mike McDaniel had the bye week to see what he can cook up with Tyler Huntley at quarterback, but we also received the news that Tua Tagovailoa is indeed expected to return this season—perhaps as early as Week 8.
28. Tennessee Titans (1-4) | Last week: 27 (-1)
Tony Pollard is doing some nice things on the ground, but the Titans are severely limited in the passing game. It’s been a very disappointing start for a team that was internally expecting to compete in 2024.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) | Last week: 29
The Jaguars might be the most disappointing team in football through a month and a half. Head coach Doug Pederson says things need to change “right now” and admits the team is on a “slippery slope” at 1-5. They must get right staying over in London to take on the Patriots this Sunday.
30. Carolina Panthers (1-5) | Last week: 30
The hot start for Andy Dalton at quarterback has seemingly evaporated, but a matchup with a subpar Commanders defense could be an opportunity to win a shootout. I’d like to see No. 1 pick Bryce Young get back in the lineup soon.
31. Cleveland Browns (1-5) | Last week: 31
The awesome news for the Browns is that Nick Chubb is back. The superstar running back will no doubt be a huge lift to his team, but they’ll likely continue to have trouble with their quarterback situation.
32. New England Patriots (1-5) | Last week: 32
All things considered, I thought Drake Maye did a fine job in his first career start for the Patriots. His team was down big, but he threw three touchdowns, getting over a start to the game where I thought he was moving and thinking slowly. Getting more experience and comfort at the next level is key for his development.