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11/7/23
16 min read
NFL Week 10 Power Rankings: Bengals, Vikings Make Big Leaps
Every Tuesday, we’ll provide updated power rankings. The rankings will be driven by who the teams are at the moment. Those stances will be centered on every team’s talent, reliability and current level of success.
Betting markets will also influence our stances, as will each team’s path to contention within its conference. We’ll also be aware of each team’s looming schedule difficulty.
NFL Week 10 Power Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-1)
Previous Rank: No. 1
Last Game: Eagles 28, Cowboys 23
The Philadelphia Eagles have beaten two top-10 teams in the last three weeks. They have one of the league’s best, most complete rosters. Philadelphia’s second-half schedule opens with a brutal five-game stretch after its bye.
The Eagles then finish the season with a game against the Cardinals stuffed between two with the broken Giants. The Eagles are well-positioned to win 13 or more games. After their bye, they’ll head to Kansas City for Super Bowl revenge against the Chiefs.
Next: vs. BYE, at KC (MNF), vs. BUF, vs. SF
2. Baltimore Ravens (7-2)
Previous Rank: No. 2
Last Game: Ravens 37, Seahawks 3
The Baltimore Ravens’ blowout wins against the Lions and Seahawks are two of the most impressive victories by any team this season. Baltimore pairs its premium defense with former MVP Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are one of the league’s most consistent organizations, but they only face one team with a losing record the rest of the way.
Next: vs. CLE, vs. CIN (TNF), at LAC (SNF), BYE
3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)
Previous Rank: No. 3
Last Game: Chiefs 21, Dolphins 14
The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense continues to outperform their offense. Patrick Mahomes won last year’s MVP with TE Travis Kelce and a group of role players at wide receiver. He’s in the same situation again and the results have been worse. However, if any quarterback can elevate a mediocre supporting cast, it’s Mahomes.
Next: BYE, vs. PHI (MNF), at LV, at GB (SNF)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)
Previous Rank: No. 8
Last Game: Bengals 24, Bills 16
Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals are on a four-game winning streak with victories against three quality opponents. Cincinnati’s offensive line played its two best games of the season against the 49ers and Bills. WR Tee Higgins also had his best game of the season against Buffalo on Sunday night.
Not only was the production there, but he looked like his old self for the first time in weeks. The Bengals are an ascending team that’s played in the past two AFC Championship games.
Next: vs. HOU, at BAL (TNF), vs. PITT, at JAX (MNF)
>>READ: Joe Burrow Gets Help from Bengals' Underrated Defense
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2)
Previous Rank: No. 5
Last Game: Idle
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered their bye on a five-game winning streak. QB Trevor Lawrence’s offense has been good, and Jacksonville’s defense has been a little better than expected. This young team already is successful, yet they could realistically improve in every area. The Jaguars’ manageable second-half schedule gives them an advantage over the rest of the AFC’s best.
Next: vs. SF, vs. TEN, at HOU, vs. CIN (MNF)
6. Miami Dolphins (6-3)
Previous Rank: No. 4
Last Game: Chiefs 21, Dolphins 14
The Miami Dolphins are 5-0 against below-average teams and 0-3 against contenders, with a narrow win over the Chargers mixed in. Tua Tagovailoa’s offense struggles when it’s off schedule, which it will need to correct against quality opponents.
Miami’s defense improved the last few weeks, which gives it more paths to victory long term. The Dolphins exit their bye with five very winnable games before a brutal three-game finish.
Next: BYE, vs. LV, at NYJ (Black Friday), at WASH
7. Detroit Lions (6-2)
Previous Rank: No. 7
Last Game: Idle
The Detroit Lions have four games remaining against teams with winning records. Two of those come against Josh Dobbs and the Vikings. Detroit has been a quality football team since around this time last year, but its advantageous schedule gives it a shot at the top seed in the NFC.
Next: at LAC, vs. CHI, vs. GB (Thanksgiving), at NO
8. San Francisco 49ers (5-3)
Previous Rank: No. 10
Last Game: Idle
The San Francisco 49ers entered their bye on a three-game losing streak. After posting 30 points nearly every week, Brock Purdy’s offense has scored exactly 17 points in each of those losses. The 49ers’ defense will continue to be a premium unit, and Purdy’s supporting cast remains exceptional. But ultimately, how far San Francisco goes depends on Purdy’s play.
Next: at JAX, vs. TB, at SEA (TNF), at PHI
9. Dallas Cowboys (5-3)
Previous Rank: No. 6
Last Game: Eagles 28, Cowboys 23
The Dallas Cowboys lost a heartbreaker in Philadelphia last week. On the bright side, QB Dak Prescott has played his best football of the year over the last three weeks. If that continues, expect Dallas to win its next three games decisively.
Next: vs. NYG, at CAR, vs. WASH (Thanksgiving), vs. SEA (TNF)
10. Buffalo Bills (5-4)
Previous Rank: No. 9
Last Game: Bengals 24, Bills 16
The Buffalo Bills have been up and down this season. At their best, they’ve won three games by at least 28 points, which includes a win over Miami. At their worst, they’ve lost to Zach Wilson’s Jets and given New England one of its two wins.
From this point forward, the Bills face six opponents that are at least .500. Buffalo has the pedigree and talent to weather that storm, but the playoffs are no longer a foregone conclusion.
Next: vs DEN (MNF), vs. NYJ, at PHI, BYE
11. Cleveland Browns (5-3)
Previous Rank: No. 12
Last Game: Browns 27, Cardinals 0
The Cleveland Browns are a team with a premium defense that is a quarterback away from being a bonafide contender. Deshaun Watson returned to action last week and had one of his best games in the past two seasons. If that continues, Cleveland will be a playoff team. If Watson starts providing quality quarterback play more often, the Browns’ will be a top-10 team.
Next: at BAL, vs. PIT, at DEN, at LAR
12. Seattle Seahawks (5-3)
Previous Rank: No. 11
Last Game: Ravens 37, Seahawks 3
A blowout loss to the Ravens on the road isn’t an abnormal outcome. What’s concerning is that QB Geno Smith is on a four-game skid and his offense had no response at Baltimore.
The Seattle Seahawks have a good enough roster to make some noise in the NFC, but they need more consistency and ceiling play from Smith.
Next: vs. WASH, at LAR, vs. SF (TNF), at DAL (TNF)
13. New Orleans Saints (5-4)
Previous Rank: No. 13
Last Game: Saints 24, Bears 17
The New Orleans Saints can be a bit maddening, but they have an above-average roster. They have a quality defense, a capable running game and QB Derek Carr has thrown for 300 yards four times.
New Orleans shoots itself in the foot too often, but it is the most complete team in the league’s worst division. The Saints face two teams with winning records the rest of the way — the Vikings and Lions. New Orleans is in the NFC South driver's seat.
Next: at MIN, BYE, at ATL, vs. DET
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)
Previous Rank: No. 14
Last Game: Steelers 20, Titans 16
The story remains the same for the Pittsburgh Steelers; they have a volatile offense and a difference-making defense. Against volatile teams like the Titans or the Packers this week, that can be enough to carve out sustainable wins. However, Pittsburgh needs more consistency from both units to be a threat to the AFC’s best.
Next: vs. GB, at CLE, at CIN, vs. ARZ
15. Los Angeles Chargers (4-4)
Previous Rank: No. 15
Last Game: Chargers 27, Jets 6
Ultimately, Justin Herbert will determine the Los Angeles Chargers’ fate this season. His supporting cast on offense continues to be reduced by injuries and that’s impacted this offense's ceiling. But when the chips are down, Herbert can carry a game against most teams. What’s encouraging for Chargers enthusiasts is that their defense is playing its best football of the season.
Next: vs. DET, at GB, vs. BAL (SNF), at NE
16. Houston Texans (4-4)
Previous Rank: No. 18
Last Game: Texans 39, Buccaneers 37
C.J. Stroud’s Week 9 performance just about ended the Offensive Rookie of the Year race at the midseason point. Stroud has been impressively efficient throughout his rookie campaign, but this would have been an eye-popping performance for an elite veteran quarterback. The Houston Texans' defense is volatile, and their running game is nearly non-existent, but Stroud can already give anyone a game.
Next: at CIN, vs. ARZ, vs. JAX, vs. DEN
>>READ: C.J. Stroud Is Already One of NFL's Best Quarterbacks
17. Minnesota Vikings (5-4)
Previous Rank: No. 25
Last Game: Vikings 31, Falcons 28
The Minnesota Vikings are in the driver's seat in the race for the NFC’s seventh seed. With rookie Jaren Hall at quarterback, Minnesota likely fades. With Josh Dobbs, the Vikings can maintain their position heading into their Week 13 bye. A big reason Minnesota is in this position is because the Vikings’ defense is much better under coordinator Brian Flores.
Next: vs. NO, at DEN (SNF), vs. CHI (MNF), BYE
18. New York Jets (4-4)
Previous Rank: No. 16
Last Game: Chargers 27, Jets 6
Zach Wilson’s offense is among the worst in the league, to the point the New York Jets win games despite their offense. The Jets’ defense, on the other hand, has shown it’s capable of winning games and knocking off contenders. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to be a consistent team with a below-average offense. The Jets are stuck in that conundrum for the second year in a row.
Next: at LV (SNF), at BUF, vs. MIA (Black Friday), vs. ATL
19. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
Previous Rank: No. 20
Last Game: Colts 27, Panthers 13
The Indianapolis Colts continue to exceed expectations regularly. QB Gardner Minshew has played as well as a backup quarterback can, while the Colts' rushing attack has been among the league’s best. Their offense has been enough to keep them competitive.
However, Indianapolis’ defense carried the game against the Panthers last week. If the Colts are going to make a playoff run, they have three winnable games in the next four weeks.
Next: vs. NE (Europe), BYE, vs. TB, at TEN
20. Denver Broncos (3-5)
Previous Rank: 19
Last Game: Idle
Russell Wilson has 16 touchdowns to just four interceptions, but he’s also thrown for fewer than 200 yards in each of his last four games. The Denver Broncos are 16th in points per game, and their defense played its three best games of the season entering their bye. The Broncos are a team that can ascend if they can put everything together, but that’s a big if.
Next: at BUF (MNF), vs. MIN (SNF), vs. CLE, at HOU
21. Washington Commanders (4-5)
Previous Rank: No. 21
Last Game: Commanders 20, Patriots 17
QB Sam Howell is tracking to take the most sacks while attempting the most passes in a single season. He’s a big reason the Washington Commanders are 4-5 and in the thick of the NFC wild-card race.
However, outside of a game against the Giants, Washington’s second-half schedule is brutal. That starts with a trip to Seattle to face the Seahawks, who are coming off a blowout loss to the Ravens.
Next: at SEA, vs. NYG, at DAL (Thanksgiving), vs. MIA
22. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
Previous Rank: No. 17
Last Game: Vikings 31, Falcons 28
The Atlanta Falcons are having a roller-coaster season, and not the sort that you want ever to partake in again. Atlanta lost at home to Josh Dobbs, who came on in relief duty after being acquired by Minnesota earlier in the week. Fringe playoff teams can’t lose games like that. However, the Falcons remain in play for the NFC’s seventh seed as well as the NFC South crown.
Next: at ARZ, BYE, vs. NO, at NYJ
23. Tennessee Titans (3-5)
Previous Rank: No. 22
Last Game: Steelers 20, Titans 16
The Tennessee Titans are well-coached, but they are vulnerable throughout their secondary and offensive line. Their run defense also struggled against the Steelers last week. Will Levis has shown some promise during his first two NFL starts, but Tennessee is a rebuilding team.
Next: at TB, at JAX, vs. CAR, vs. IND
>>READ: Titans Might Have a Franchise Quarterback
24. Los Angeles Rams (3-6)
Previous Rank: No. 23
Last Game: Packers 20, Rams 3
We saw last week in Green Bay that the Los Angeles Rams are one of the league’s worst teams without QB Matthew Stafford. That reality has been gradually catching up to Los Angeles after its surprisingly strong start.
If Stafford returns from injury after their Week 10 bye, the Rams are dangerous. If he misses more time, Los Angeles is as close to a free win as there is.
Next: BYE, vs. SEA, at ARZ, vs. CLE
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
Previous Rank: No. 24
Last Game: Texans 39, Buccaneers 37
QB Baker Mayfield played one of his best games in years against the Texans last week. Unfortunately, Stroud eviscerated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ’ defense through the air. Tampa Bay has a few winnable games on the horizon, but right now this is a team without a reliable strength.
Next: vs. TEN, at SF, at IND, vs. CAR
26. Las Vegas Raiders (4-5)
Previous Rank: No. 29
Last Game: Raiders 30, Giants 6
The Las Vegas Raiders are led by an interim head coach and a middling rookie quarterback. They beat the worst team in the league last week, which means that any celebration should be tempered. Going forward, the Raiders have a brutal three-game stretch before their Week 13 bye.
Next: vs. NYJ (SNF), at MIA, vs. KC, BYE
27. Green Bay Packers (3-5)
Previous Rank: No. 27
Last Game: Packers 20, Rams 3
The Green Bay Packers were gifted a win by getting to face Rams backup QB Brett Rypien last week. In their next four games, the Packers face three teams with a combined record of 18-7, plus the Chargers. Green Bay could easily lose all four of those matchups.
Next: at PIT, vs. LAC, at DET (Thanksgiving), vs. KC (SNF)
28. New England Patriots (2-7)
Previous Rank: No. 26
Last Game: Commanders 20, Patriots 17
The New England Patriots have lost five games by one score, making them 2-5 in those scenarios. New England has one of the worst rosters in the league, especially on offense where it continues to struggle. The Patriots have winnable games against the Colts and Giants in the next two weeks, but overall their outlook is bleak.
Next: vs. IND (Europe), BYE, at NYG, vs. LAC
29. Chicago Bears (2-7)
Previous Rank: No. 32
Last Game: Saints 24, Bears 17
At full strength, the Chicago Bears have a talented secondary and one of the best linebacker duos in the league. Montez Sweat elevated Chicago’s pass rush in his first game as a Bear. Tyson Bagent played well in New Orleans until he turned the ball over multiple times in the fourth quarter. Chicago’s offense is its less reliable group.
Next: vs CAR (TNF), at DET, at MIN (MNF), BYE
30. Carolina Panthers (1-7)
Previous Rank: No. 31
Last Game: Colts 27, Panthers 13
The Carolina Panthers are scoring the sixth-fewest points per game in the league. Between turnovers and a generally ineffective offense, Carolina is among the most disappointing teams in the league.
Next: at CHI (TNF), vs. DAL, at TEN, at TB
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-8)
Previous Rank: No. 28
Last Game: Browns 27, Cardinals 0
With Clayton Tune at quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals might not win a game for the rest of the season. With Kyler Murray expected to return this week, Arizona becomes a far more dangerous underdog. It would be no surprise if Murray’s Cardinals knocked off the Falcons this week.
Next: vs. ATL, at HOU, vs. LAR, at PIT
32. New York Giants (2-7)
Previous Rank: No. 30
Last Game: Raiders 30, Giants 6
With quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor sidelined, the New York Giants have one of the worst offenses in the history of football. The Cowboys beat the Giants at full strength 40-0 on opening day, in New York. The Micah Parsons-led defense could have a historic performance against Tommy DeVito's offense.
Next: at DAL, at WASH, vs. NE, BYE
Ryan is the associate director of fantasy and betting at The 33rd Team. Ryan has been covering NFL betting markets for five years. Follow Ryan @RyanReynoldsNFL on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
