After week 7 the playoff picture is starting to take shape around the NFL. With some statement wins around the league from the Chiefs, Lions, and Packers we have some shakeups within the top 10. Let’s take a look at how each team is shaking out in this week’s version of Blitz Sports Media’s power rankings.
1. Kansas City Chiefs 6-0 (-)
The Chiefs defense has been stellar for two seasons now and currently ranks 5th in the NFL with only 17.2 points allowed per game. Offensively the struggles have been well known, with Patrick Mahomes off to his worst start in his career. The Chiefs offense is still 4th in the NFL in 3rd down conversions and you have to imagine Mahomes will get the passing game going soon. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs add a receiver with Juju Smith-Shuster expected to miss this week.
2. Detroit Lions 5-1 (+1)
Jared Goff the last three weeks has 7 touchdown passes and only 10 incompletions establishing himself in the MVP conversation. They got creative by bringing pressure from the blitz this week. Down the stretch against a better quarterback that may not be enough to hold opposing offenses. The Lions are the top dogs in the NFC right now.
3. Baltimore Ravens 5-2 (+1)
Lamar Jackson is currently the front-runner in the MVP conversation. On the season he now has 17 total touchdowns and looks the best he ever has in the pass game. The Ravens offense right now is tied for the league lead in points per game and looks unstoppable. Defensively the same can’t be said as it looks like they have taken a few steps back this season.
4. Buffalo Bills 5-2 (+1)
The Bills were down 10-0 at one point on Sunday and then went on a 34-0 run against the Titans. Josh Allen has been keeping the ball out of harm’s way and is currently right behind Lamar Jackson as an early MVP candidate. Amari Cooper was able to snap a few passes and a touchdown in his debut proving his ability to open up this Buffalo passing game.
5. Minnesota Vikings 5-1 (-3)
The Vikings jumped out early against the Lions but after that, they were overmatched for a majority of the contest. Sam Darnold was not great in this one as he struggled against the Blitz all day. They have an easy upcoming schedule and should continue their dominance to start the season.
6. Green Bay Packers 5-2 (+1)
Jordan Love might have 8 interceptions on the season, but he is slinging the rock well for the Packers right now. He now has 15 touchdowns on the season despite missing two games with injury. This defense led by Xavier McKinney is much improved from last season as well. The Packers are starting to hit their stride.
7. Houston Texans 5-2 (-2)
Apart from three turnovers forced on Sunday, the Texans played poorly against the Packers. CJ Stroud finished 10/21 for 86 yards in the loss never getting the passing game going. Tank Dell could not manage a catch despite seeing his highest snap share of the season. Nico Collins needs to get healthy soon for this Texans passing game to return to full strength.
8. Washington Commanders 5-2 (+1)
The Commanders dominated the Panthers scoring 37 unanswered points to start the game. They were able to do this behind stellar defense and another 200+ yard rushing performance. Rookie phenome Jayden Daniels might be missing some time with a rib injury, and it is worth monitoring throughout the week.
9. Chicago Bears 4-2 (+1)
BYE WEEK
10. Philadelphia Eagles 4-2 (+3)
The Eagles and Giants game featured a combined 13 sacks putting the worst display of pass blocking we have seen in one game on display. It led to Jalen Hurts having a pedestrian day but when you have Saquon Barkley as a fallback option, things tend to work out. The next four games between the Bengals, Jaguars, Cowboys, and Commanders will determine where this Eagles team will finish in the NFC.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers 5-2 (+4)
Russell Wilson’s debut was outstanding and played his best football in two years on Sunday Night. Wilson finished with 264 yards and 2 touchdowns leading the Steelers to 37 points. We know how great the Steelers are on defense and if Wilson plays like he did last night, they might be a tough out in the playoffs.
12. San Francisco 49ers 3-4 (+2)
The 49ers failed to get their revenge on the Chiefs behind 3 turnovers from Brock Purdy. The drama continues in San Francisco this season with Kyle Shannahan chewing Brock Purdy out and Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending injury. The 49ers are beat up right now and playing inconsistent football. They will get healthier down the stretch, and we should not be worried about them missing the playoffs.
13. Atlanta Falcons 4-3 (+1)
The Falcons snapped their three-game win streak with a blowout loss to the Seahawks. This team can’t seem to find any consistency on both sides of the ball right now. On offense, it is not from a lack of talent as they have the pieces to be dominant. Defensively they are in desperate need of pass-rushing help, and it seems to be the biggest factor holding this team back.
14. Cincinnati Bengals 3-4 (+4)
The Bengals have taken care of business the last two weeks inching closer to the .500 mark. Their defense has been a major part of their success the last two weeks as they have only allowed 21 points during that stretch. Joe Burrow has been stellar this season tossing for 1759 yards and 14 touchdowns. They have a good test this week against the Eagles.
15. Seattle Seahawks 4-3 (+1)
The Seahawks snapped their losing streak with a statement win over the Falcons. Their run defense was not much better this week but they were able to force two interceptions from Kirk Cousins that made the difference. Offensively, Kenneth Walker III is establishing himself as one of the best backs in football. The timeline of DK Metcalf is something we need to watch for this week.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-3 (-4)
The Buccaneers started hot against the Ravens leading 10-0 before the Ravens went on a 34-0 run. The Bucs defense continued to show why this team cannot be trusted against good offenses. On the offensive side of the football, the injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are very concerning. We will see how good Baker Mayfield can be down the stretch to get this team to the playoffs.
17. Dallas Cowboys 3-3 (-)
BYE WEEK
18. Los Angeles Chargers 3-3 (-4)
The “Chargers Way” of running the football and playing good defense did not work on Monday Night. They averaged 2.7 yards per carry while showcasing the lack of weapons at receiver with multiple dropped passes. On the bright side, this defense is still strong. They got exposed a bit on the ground but still have one of the best pass defenses in football.
19. Denver Broncos 4-3 (+1)
The Broncos defense ranks fourth in the NFL in points and yards allowed per game in the NFL proving to be one of the best units in the league. Javonte Williams is starting to look the best he had before his injury and had two touchdowns on Thursday. It feels like this team will go as far as Bo Nix takes them this season.
20. Indianapolis Colts 4-3 (+1)
The Colts find themselves at 4-3 despite Anthony Richardson’s poor play to start this season. Once again AR finished below a 50% completion percentage and under 150 passing yards. It feels like this team should consider making a switch to Joe Flacco if they are all in on making the playoffs this season.
21. Arizona Cardinals 3-4 (+3)
The Cardinals pulled off a big win against the Chargers keeping themselves right in the mix in the NFC. My biggest concern with this team is the passing game scheme. Kyler Murray is averaging under 200 passing yards per game and Marvin Harrison Jr. has one of the worst target separation rates in the NFL. It is up to Drew Petzing to scheme this passing game up better or the Cardinals are going to miss the playoffs.
22. New York Jets 2-5 (-3)
As expected, the Davante Adams trade did not fix the Jets biggest problems. They continued to struggle up front against the Steelers as they only averaged 3.6 yards per carry. The offense has no time to develop as Rodgers constantly is throwing the ball within 2.5 seconds of each play. Down the stretch, they have a favorable schedule to potentially fight for the 7th seed in the AFC.
23. Los Angeles Rams 2-4 (+2)
After a win against the Raiders, the NFL world was shocked to find out that the team is potentially shopping both Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford. They are not necessarily out of it, and I would be surprised if the Rams moved off of either of those guys before the deadline. They have a tough matchup against the Vikings this week that ultimately could determine their season.
24. New York Giants 2-5 (-2)
The Giants had 119 yards of total offense; Saquon Barkley had 176 in his return to MetLife. The Giants have talent, but something needs to change for this team to start being a serious team.
25. Miami Dolphins 2-4 (+2)
Let’s not talk about what we have seen from the Miami Dolphins without Tua Tagovailoa. Tua can likely return this week against the Cardinals with his practice window opening. Can they overcome a 2-4 record to make the playoffs?
26. Tennessee Titans 1-5 (-)
The Titans league-leading pass defense got exposed a bit by the Bills receivers on Sunday as they allowed Josh Allen to throw for over 300 yards. Offensively it is still a disaster outside of RB Tony Pollard. Mason Rudolph was not any better than Will Levis throwing for 215 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception on 40 attempts. It will be interesting to see where they fall in next year’s draft.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-5 (+2)
The Jaguars got back into the winning column with a dominant win over the New England Patriots in London. They were able to rely on Tank Bigsby in Travis Etienne’s absence as he ran for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. Their next five opponents are the Packers, Eagles, Vikings, Lions, and Texans so do not expect them to turn the corner all of the sudden after this win.
28. New Orleans Saints 2-5 (-5)
The Saints, like many other teams, are beat up with injuries all over the place right now. With Spencer Rattler at quarterback, they stand no chance on offense and teams are stacking the box to stop Alvin Kamara. Defensively their age is showing with poor tackling and allowing the most yards per play over the last few weeks. Could they be sellers at the deadline?
29. Las Vegas Raiders 2-5 (-1)
The Raiders are now stuck with Gardner Minshew at quarterback with Aidan O’Connell suffering a broken thumb that will land him on IR. On Sunday he threw 3 interceptions while completing less than 50% of his passes. The Raiders found a gem in Brock Bowers and whoever they draft this offseason has one of the best tight ends in the NFL for the next decade.
30. Cleveland Browns 1-6 (-)
The Browns lost Deshaun Watson for the season to a ruptured achilles potentially marking the end of his Browns tenure. It will be interesting to see if the Browns decide to move on from any other veterans before the trade deadline now that they are 1-6. Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be the QB1 in Cleveland going forward.
31. Carolina Panthers 1-6 (-)
The Panthers have been trending in the wrong direction the last few weeks on the offensive side of the ball for a few weeks now. Against a below-average Commanders unit, they managed 7 points and Andy Dalton threw for under 100 yards with 2 interceptions. The question before the deadline becomes if wide receiver Diontae Johnson will be moved in a contract year.
32. New England Patriots 1-6 (-)
Jerad Mayo as a one-year head coach is starting to pick up some steam around social media as the Patriots defense has been one of the worst units in the NFL this season. On the bright side, they got their guy in Drake Maye. Maye has one of the best arms in the league and will keep improving down the stretch this season.