Besides the Patriots sitting atop of the power rankings for the seventh straight week, there was plenty of movement in this week’s power rankings.
Here are the rankings:
- New England Patriots (6-0): New England continued to do what they do best – win. TB12 threw for 334 yards and one interception, but rushed (yes, rushed) for not one, but two touchdowns. New York made it competitive early, but the Patriots’ defense clamped it down. The defense intercepted Giants quarterback Daniel Jones three times, recovered a fumble for a touchdown, and blocked a punt returned for a touchdown. New England easily remains the team to beat in the NFL Trend: –
- Seattle Seahawks (5-1): The Seahawks were down double digits on the road to the Cleveland Browns and Russell Wilson did not appear phased one bit. Wilson completed 23 of 33 passes for 295 yards with two touchdowns and is yet to throw an interception this season. Arguably playing the best football of his career, Wilson proved, yet again, why he is currently a front runner for MVP of the league. Trend: +1
- New Orleans Saints (5-1): The Saints continue to win without Drew Brees and are now a perfect 4-0 since his thumb injury. Defense led the way for New Orleans in this one, who are quietly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the league. Teddy Bridgewater continues to find ways to help the team win and that’s all you can ask for from the backup. With a stout defense and a Brees return on the horizon, the Saints are becoming the team to beat in the NFC. Trend +1
- San Francisco 49ers (5-0): San Francisco proved on Sunday they are not only a top-10 team, but a top-5 team in the rankings. The 49ers controlled the L.A. Rams on the defensive side of the football, holding the Rams to just 157 yards of total offense. San Francisco has taking the NFL by storm and have the best defense in the NFC – possibly NFL – right now. The 49ers are real. Trend: +2
- Green Bay Packers (5-1): Green Bay was extreeeemely fortunate to escape Monday night’s game with a victory against the Lions. Nonetheless, Aaron Rodgers continues to manufacture wins without much of supporting cast around him. The Packers currently sit atop the ultra-competitive NFC North and I would certainly not bet against Rodgers in pivotal games, but he’s needs a reliable WR1. Green Bay was willing to spend and upgrade the defense. Could they turn to the trade block to upgrade at receiver? Trend: –
- Houston Texans (4-2): Houston has soaaaared into the top-10 rankings after an impressive win, on the road, over the Chiefs. The Texans trailed early, but climbed their way back, scoring a late fourth quarter touchdown sealing the come-from-behind victory. Deshaun Watson moved the ball effectively all game against the struggling Chiefs defense, Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde are becoming a solid 1-2 punch in the backfield, and Houston once again are favorites to win the AFC South. Trend: UR
- Kansas City Chiefs (4-2): After two-straight losses to the Colts and Texans, is time to start worrying about the Chiefs? Kansas City’s defense is continuing to struggle, giving up 472 total yards of offense to the Texans. Patrick Mahomes‘ ankle is still hurting and hampering his performance. Earlier in the season, we thought the Chiefs were impenetrable. Now, teams can’t wait to play their defense. What’s a high-scoring offense if the defense is allowing points at the same rate? Kansas City has a big problem brewing.. Trend: -4
- Minnesota Vikings (4-2): Sunday’s win against the Eagles was just what the doctor ordered for Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offense. Cousins’ subpar play came under fire in recent weeks, but quieted some after last week’s performance against the Giants. Against Philadelphia, Cousins was dominant. The veteran completed 22 of 29 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns, including three to wide receiver Stefon Diggs (who might be second guessing his trade?). It’s evident the Vikings have a high-octane offense loaded with weapons, but the team’s success is going to firmly lie on the consistency of Cousins. Trend: UR
- Buffalo Bills (4-1): Buffalo was idle in Week 6 and should be well rested for a date with the winless Dolphins. We can all assume, barring an outright miracle, the Bills will easily get the win and continue this remarkable start. Trend: +1
- Chicago Bears (3-2): Chicago was idle in Week 6, but was much needed after blowing a 17-0 lead to the Raiders in London. The Bears return from the bye week to play the red-hot Saints, looking to get their struggling offense back on track. Currently, Chicago ranks 28th in points per game, 30th in total offense, and 26th in rushing yards per game. In a division where all four teams are at or above .500, win against out of division teams are a must. Chicago will have their hands full this week. Trend: UR
Teams in consideration: Carolina Panthers (4-2), Detroit Lions (2-2-1), Dallas Cowboys (3-3), Los Angeles Rams (3-3)
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