This week, due to time constraints by the person writing, I will be just doing a Power Ranking. Next week we will go back to normal Review.
- Buffalo Bills (4-1)
Last Time’s Ranking: 2↑
Game Result: vs Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4), W 38-3
Buffalo has seemed to have woken up on offense and defense, stifling Pittsburgh and forcing two turnovers with 3 sacks added on. They held Najee Harris to just 1.8 YPC, and held rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett touchdownless, and rookie cornerback Kaiir Elam got his first interception. Buffalo averaged 6.7 YPC as a team, and Josh Allen was on the bench well before the game ended, and still racked up over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. With no real threats within the division due to the Tua injury, a win next week over fellow AFC Heavyweight Kansas City will solidify this spot for them.
Next Week: @ Kansas City Chiefs (4-1), 3:25 PM CBS
2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
Last Time’s Ranking: 1↓
Game Result: vs Las Vegas Raiders (1-4), W 30-29
The Chiefs secondary sucked against Vegas. Derek Carr walked all over KC in the first half, and the offense was dormant. So why No.2? They showcased their ability to play their way back into games. They were down 17 in the second quarter, but the offense rallied back to win. Mahomes tore the weak Raider’s secondary apart, but the early struggles drops them down to the 2 slot.
Next Week: vs. Buffalo Bills (4-1), 3:25 CBS
3. Philadelphia Eagles (5-0)
Last Time’s Ranking: 3 –
Game Result: @ Arizona Cardinals (2-3), W 20-17
Philly had a bit of a scare against the Cards, with Arizona having the chance to put the game into overtime with a 43-yard field goal by Matt Ammendola, but the kick was wide right. If the name sounds familiar, he is the same Matt Ammendola that missed an extra point and a field goal 2 weeks ago against Indianapolis for the Chiefs. Both QBs did damage on the ground and in the air, though Jalen Hurts did it better. He continues to be the most electrifying player in the NFL, as the Eagles remain unbeaten as the season rolls on in October. A contest against the Cowboys next week will tell if this is a mirage or just the new norm for Philadelphia.
Next Week: vs. Dallas Cowboys (4-1), 7:20 PM NBC (Sunday Night Football Primetime)
4. San Francisco 49ers (3-2)
Last Time’s Ranking: 7↑
Game Result: @ Carolina Panthers (1-4), W 37-15
Jimmy Garoppolo is making Niners fans regret wanting to let him go. He has a 3-1 record since taking over as a starter, with all three wins coming with 15 points or more. While they did play an inept Panthers squad, they made it a blowout game and won convincingly. The offense is humming, and the run game isn’t missing a beat with Elijah Mitchell out. The defense, led by Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, is generating consistent pressure on opposing QBs.
Next Week: @ Atlanta Falcons (2-3), 12:00 PM CBS
5. Dallas Cowboys (4-1)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked↑
Game Result: @ Los Angeles Rams (2-3), W 22-10
The offense, led by Cooper Rush at quarterback, didn’t have to do much, but the defense came out swinging in a 22-10 victory over L.A. The real test comes next week, against Philadelphia, and supposedly with their #1 quarterback, Dak Prescott, back from a thumb injury. Win that matchup and they have a case as the NFC frontrunner.
Next Week: @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-0), 7:20 PM NBC (Sunday Night Football Primetime)
6. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
Last Time’s Ranking: 8↑
Game Result: vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-3), W 19-17
Despite Lamar Jackson looking human against the Bengals, the Ravens are 3-2 and have close losses to the Dolphins and Bills, the primary Super Bowl contenders. The defense is a bit of a roller coaster, but with this offense, the sky’s the limit.
Next Week: @ New York Giants (4-1), 12:00 PM CBS
7. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
Last Time’s Ranking: 4↓
Game Result: @ Cleveland Browns (2-3), W 30-28
Los Angeles bounced back from an ugly loss against Jacksonville to beat Nick Chubb and the Browns in Cleveland. The defense, still missing Joey Bosa, stepped up their game in the final few minutes, forcing a game-clinching interception. The offense looks like a well-oiled machine, and Los Angeles can cruise to a playoff spot if they continue to keep up their offensive output.
Next Week: vs Denver Broncos (2-3), 7:15 PM ESPN+ (Monday Night Football Primetime)
8. New York Giants (4-1)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked↑
Game Result: vs Green Bay Packers (3-2), W 27-22
Brian Daboll and the Giants shock the Packers in London, and the Giants sit third in a competitive NFC East. Not much more you could ask for as a Giants fan. With Saquon Barkley back in the fold, Daniel Jones not fumbling every game away, and the defense being surprisingly stout, the G-Men have a shot at the seventh seed this year, especially in a weak NFC.
Next Week: vs Baltimore Ravens (3-2), 12:00 PM CBS
9. Minnesota Vikings (4-1)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked↑
Game Result: vs Chicago Bears (2-3), W 29-22
Minnesota’s defensive issues reared their head again on Sunday, in what should have been a blowout, Minnesota instead let Chicago stay in the game for far too long. However, with Detroit’s major defensive issues and Green Bay’s offensive ineptitude, Minnesota might get a home playoff game.
Next Week: @ Miami Dolphins (3-2) 12:00 PM FOX
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Last Time’s Ranking: 10-
Game Result: vs Atlanta Falcons (2-3), W 21-15
The Buccaneers, while almost certainly a lock to win their division, have faltered outside of that. They have losses to the Chiefs and Packers, and age looks like it is catching up to TB12. But even for all these struggles, as long as Tampa Bay has their defense, nobody will want to see them in the playoffs. Another close game against a terrible Steelers squad next week could drop them even more in my rankings.
Next Week: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4) 12:00 PM FOX
11. Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: @ Washington Commanders (1-4), W 21-17
Tennessee has rallied from an 0-2 start to win three straight and take control of the AFC South. While I don’t see them making noise in the playoffs, as long as the Colts, Jags, and Texans play as they have been, Derrick Henry and the Titans should run over the competition. They have a chance to sweep the Colts next week after their bye.
Next Week: BYE
12. Miami Dolphins (3-2)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: @ New York Jets (3-2), L 40-17
Despite a big loss to New York, Miami is still high on my list due to their big win at Buffalo two weeks ago. Miami was also on their third-string QB Skylar Thompson, and they still put up 17 points. Their defense giving up 40 to New York is concerning, but time will tell if the defense’s first few stellar weeks were a mirage or not.
Next Week: vs Vikings (4-1) 12:00 PM FOX
13. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: 9↓
Game Result: @ Baltimore Ravens (3-2), L 19-17
Cincinnati’s offense, while still improving, lacks the big play threat from last year. Ja’marr Chase has been very quiet through five games, and it’s obvious that Zac Taylor needs to mix up the playcalling. That said, Burrow has been very good at game managing so far, and all of their losses have been last-second field goals. The defense, led by Trey Hendrickson, clamped up Lamar Jackson this week and held down Baltimore’s potent rushing attack. Cincinnati is entering a soft six-game stretch, and if they win those, they could possibly still have a shot at the division.
Next Week: @ New Orleans Saints (2-3) 12:00 PM CBS
14. Los Angeles Rams (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: 6↓
Game Result: vs Dallas Cowboys (4-1), L 22-10
Matthew Stafford has worse protection than when he was in Detroit. He was pressured almost every play against Dallas, and the need to get the ball out quickly limited the number of deep shots the Rams could take downfield. Sean McVay seems confident that the O-Line will figure things out, and the defense needs to get healthy. Another loss next week and the season is all but over.
Next Week: vs Carolina Panthers (1-4) 3:05 PM FOX
15. New York Jets (3-2)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs Miami Dolphins (3-2), W 40-17
The Jet’s offense was explosive against Miami, but the defense consistently failed to stop a third-string QB from Kansas State in the second half. While the Jets’ success has been largely due to their schedule, nobody can deny how well their rookies have performed. Garrett Wilson has shown the makings of a great receiver, and Breece Hall has become the next big receiving back. Overall, good football in New York this year. A win against Green Bay will make them a serious Wild Card threat.
Next Week: @ Green Bay Packers (3-2) 12:00 PM FOX
16. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Last Time’s Ranking: 5↓
Game Result: vs New York Giants (4-1), L 29-22
What. Are. You. Doing. Green. Bay. That was the Giants. I know that to you they may look like the ‘85 Bears, but I assure you, they are the New York Football Giants. You guys went out into London and stank up the joint. You can’t play like this and expect to even sniff the Super Bowl. Minnesota looks a lot stronger than you guys this year, and that might not change this time around. Another thing: I don’t think State Farm covers receivers, so try getting your “elite” cornerbacks to do that. If you lose against both New York teams then the season is done.
Next Week: vs New York Jets (3-2) 12:00 PM FOX
17. New England Patriots (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs Detroit Lions (1-4), W 29-0
Bill Belichick reminded us all why he’s the GOAT coach. He came into Foxborough and shut down the #1 offense in the league, pitching a shutout, as the offense used a punishing ground game and good game-managing from Bailey Zappe to beat the Lions into a pulp. Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 161 yards and averaged 6.4 YPC, and rookie corner Jack Jones notched an interception in this game, making two in a row.
Next Week: @ Cleveland Browns (2-3) 12:00 PM CBS
18. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs Philadelphia Eagles (5-0), L 20-17
The offense outside of Kyler Murray looked uninspiring as Arizona never had a lead in a game that the box score makes seem closer than it was. Arizona may actually be the FOURTH best team in the division, due to Geno Smith and the Seahawks. Arizona needs to piece it together, and quick, before they become the odd team out in the NFC West.
Next Week: @ Seattle Seahawks 3:05 PM FOX
19. New Orleans Saints (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs Seattle Seahawks (2-3), W 39-32
Alvin Kamara re-emerged as New Orleans outgunned the Seahawks, rushing for 106 yards, and receiving 91. Hopefully, this torrid pace keeps up when Jameis Winston comes back, but right now the Saints look like a middle-of-the-pack team. They have too much talent to tank, but clearly don’t have enough star power to compete for a title. A win next week may put them back in the playoff conversation, though.
Next Week: vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) 12:00 PM CBS
20. Seattle Seahawks (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: @ New Orleans Saints (2-3), L 39-32
How far can Seattle get with Geno Smith? That is the question on everybody’s mind in Seattle. Their offense has been surprisingly electric this season, with them scoring over twenty points in all but two contests. Will they select a QB in the next draft? Maybe Will Levis in the middle rounds and develop him behind Geno for a season. Only time will tell though.
Next Week: vs Arizona Cardinals (2-3) 3:05 FOX
21. Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: @ Kansas City Chiefs (4-1), L 30-29
Vegas started out strong, going up by 17 points before halftime, but Mahomes and the Chiefs fought back, spurring a strong comeback to eventually win the game. Vegas is in deep trouble, with a record that matches the Steelers, but most of their games have come down to one possession and are against solid teams. Davante Adams may be suspended for pushing someone to the ground while walking off the field, but they should be able to bounce back against the Texans. If they lose, well… difficult conversations must be had.
Next Week: BYE
22. Cleveland Browns (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs Los Angeles Chargers (3-2), L 30-28
Cleveland took another L, and you have to wonder if they’ll even be able to make the playoffs when Deshaun Watson comes back in Week 11. The defense isn’t as good as we thought it was, and it’s clear that Nick Chubb is carrying the offense to relevance. They have a rough stretch of games coming up, and they could very well be 2-9 by the time Deshaun comes back.
Next Week: vs New England Patriots (2-3), 12:00 PM CBS
23. Houston Texans (1-3-1)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3), W 13-6
Houston’s stout defense continued, though they did benefit from playing the living embodiment of mid, Trevor Lawrence. They picked T-Law off twice in their victory, as running back Dameon Pierce led Houston’s potent rushing attack. Houston’s quarterback, Davis Mills, is horrendous so far this year, and there is no doubt Houston will be looking for a quarterback in this year’s draft.
Next Week: BYE
24. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2), L 21-19
Atlanta likely would have won this game if not for the referees obviously feeling bad about Brady’s divorce and giving him a phantom roughing the passer call on third down to set up a first down and extend a game-winning drive. Atlanta is definitely not a competitor this year and will probably look for their future signal-caller in the draft, but coach Arthur Smith is turning this group into competitors.
Next Week: vs San Francisco 49ers (3-2) 12:00 PM FOX
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs Houston Texans (1-3-1), L 13-6
After impressive wins against Los Angeles and Indianapolis, Jacksonville is back to its losing ways. After only scoring two field goals against Houston, you have to wonder how far Trevor Lawrence can take this offense. The running game was solid, but Travis Ettiene hasn’t done anything that screams “first Round Pick.”
Next Week: @ Indianapolis Colts (2-2-1) 12:00 PM CBS
- Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1)
AP Poll Ranking: 24
Game Result: vs Iowa Hawkeyes (3-3), W 9-6
Note: Due to the depressing showing between Denver and Indianapolis, the NFL has opted to replace both of them with Big 10 teams Illinois and Iowa. For more information, scroll to the bottom of the article.
Illinois outdueled the Hawkeyes in their home stadium, 9-6. Stifling defense was the name of the game, but the kicker is the real MVP here. Fabrizio Pinton was Fabri-lous in this win. Illinois is now rightfully ranked as a top 25 team.
Next Week: vs Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-1) 11:00 AM Big Ten Network
27. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: @ Buffalo Bills (4-1), L 38-3
Kenny Pickett showed flashes in this blowout loss, but it was far and few between. George Pickens was Pickett’s top target two weeks in a row, but the running game is concerning, with Najee Harris being out-produced by Jaylen Warren. They did okay against the run, but the defense couldn’t pass rush against Allen and the Bills, and the secondary did not help matters, with Allen rattling off big play after big play.
Next Week: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) 12:00 PM FOX
28. Detroit Lions (1-4)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: @ New England Patriots (2-3), L 29-0
Detroit’s high-powered offense couldn’t get off the ground in Foxborough, effectively ending their playoff hopes this year. The defense was terrible yet again, and it is clear that a linebacker and cornerback are necessities in this year’s draft, as they are too easily exploited by their opponents. Also: Is Dan Campbell good at playcalling? Are we being too nice about their sluggish 1-4 start?
Next Week: BYE
29. Chicago Bears (2-3)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs Minnesota Vikings (4-1), L 29-22
Chicago’s 2-1 start was very clearly a mirage now, and Chicago has reverted to a bottom-feeder setting. Washington next week will be a good test to see who the NFC’s competitor for the #1 pick will be. Justin Fields still looks sloppy, and even the rushing attack didn’t work in this contest. Chicago may be a surprise team to draft a quarterback this year. If they don’t, expect a wideout or lineman to go at their pick.
Next Week: vs Washington Commanders (1-4) 7:15 PM Amazon Prime (Thursday Night Football Primetime)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (3-3)
AP Poll Ranking: Unranked
Game Result: @ Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1), L 9-6
Iowa’s kicker Drew Stevens missing a 45-yard field goal turned out to come back to bite Iowa in the side. Their defense was as elite as always, but the offense continued to struggle, not mustering a single touchdown. However, Iowa will have a chance to rebound next week or get blown out by forty.
Next Week: @ Ohio State (6-0) 11:00 AM TV Provider TBD
31. Washington Commanders (1-4)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs Tennessee Titans (3-2), L 21-17
After winning in Week 1, the Commies have dropped four straight, as their fall continues. In this loss, the defense was pummeled by Derrick Henry as Carson Wentz made infuriating play after infuriating play on offense. Washington is by no means the worst team in the league, but they’re going to have to beat Chicago on TNF to not be in the conversation.
Next Week: @ Chicago Bears (2-3) 7:15 PM Amazon Prime (Thursday Night Football Primetime)
32. Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Last Time’s Ranking: Unranked –
Game Result: vs San Francisco 49ers (3-2), L 37-15
Baker Mayfield is not the answer, and Christian McCaffery doesn’t look like himself. Baker was so bad that they benched him for P.J. Walker, a former XFL player. On the plus side, D.J. Moore finally got involved in the receiving game, even if it didn’t help. Also, you guys fired famous Temple coach Matt Rhule. Finally. Next week you get to be a punching bag for an extremely irritable Rams squad.
Next Week: @ Los Angeles Rams (2-3) 3:05 FOX
AN OPEN LETTER TO COLTS AND BRONCOS:
What. Was. That. You guys were both supposed to “make noise” this year and the only noise I hear is Stephen A. Smith yelling about how bad you are. You both deserved to lose for that performance. Matty Ice somehow couldn’t stay cool in Colorado, and Chef Russ apparently can’t cook anything other than Pike Place Market Fish. Broncos, how is Wilson a DOWNGRADE from Teddy Bridgewater? Will Nathaniel Hackett be fired by Week 9 or Week 10? These are the questions you need to ask yourself after a loss like this. Colts. You aren’t winning your division. End of discussion. You can’t expect tying with the Texans to work out in your favor. You are both demoted to the Big 10, you and Denver. Thanks for reading!
Stay tuned to the Roundup for more more weekly power rankings and NFL news!
