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10/17/23
17 min read
NFL Week 7 Power Rankings: Eagles Fall Amid Top-10 Churn
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 7 Power Rankings
1. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
Previous Rank: No. 1
Last Game: Browns 19, 49ers 17
Normally a loss knocks a team out of the top spot in power rankings. In this case, the undefeated Eagles were also upset, while the Chiefs haven’t quite done enough to take back the top spot. A late missed field goal ultimately cost the San Francisco 49ers a win in Cleveland.
San Francisco’s offense, unsurprisingly, struggled against the Browns’ high-end defense. That happens sometimes in the NFL. A narrow road loss against a premium defense is a minor setback for a complete team like San Francisco.
Next: at MIN (MNF), vs. CIN, BYE, at JAX
>> READ: Don't Panic About Brock Purdy, 49ers
2. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1)
Previous Rank: No. 3
Last Game: Chiefs 19, Broncos 8
The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense continues to drive their success, holding all six opponents to fewer than 20 offensive points. Patrick Mahomes’ offense has been good enough, but not the great group we’ve grown accustomed to seeing.
The Chiefs will have a chance to show some ceiling on offense against below-average defenses over the next three weeks. The Chargers and Dolphins will be tough outs for Kansas City if its offense doesn’t take a step forward.
Next: vs. LAC, at DEN, vs. MIA (Europe), BYE
3. Miami Dolphins (5-1)
Previous Rank: No. 5
Last Game: Dolphins 42, Panthers 21
The Miami Dolphins’ two MVP contenders, Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, drive the most dangerous offense in football. Miami’s offense has been historically productive, but its defense remains inconsistent. Vic Fangio’s defense has enough talent to be a top-10 unit, but they aren’t there yet.
In the past four weeks, Miami destroyed three of the worst teams in football while losing decisively to Buffalo. The Dolphins will be tested by two premium teams: the Eagles and the Chiefs in the next three weeks.
Next: at PHI (SNF), vs. NE, vs. KC (Europe), BYE
4. Detroit Lions (5-1)
Previous Rank: No. 6
Last Game: Lions 20, Buccaneers 6
The Detroit Lions are a complete football team that’s been steadily climbing our rankings for weeks. The Lions’ defense has driven most of their success, but Jared Goff’s offense is highly capable. Detroit’s lone loss came to the Seahawks in overtime in Week 2.
Outside of its narrow win over the Chiefs, Detroit has won four games by at least two scores. That level of consistency has pushed them into the top five and past the Eagles.
Next: at BAL, vs. LV (MNF), Bye, at LAC
5. Philadelphia Eagles (5-1)
Previous Rank: No. 2
Last Game: Jets 20, Eagles 14
The Philadelphia Eagles got through their easiest schedule stretch of the season with a 5-1 record. Philadelphia has a talent advantage over nearly every team, yet it hasn't exactly impressed through this run.
Their turnover-strewn loss to the Jets on Sunday showed Philadelphia’s offense still has a long way to go. Sunday night's game against the Dolphins is as good as it gets if you love football.
Next: vs. MIA (SNF), at WASH, vs. DAL, Bye
6. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Previous Rank: No. 4
Last Game: Bills 14, Giants 9
The Buffalo Bills’ Week 5 loss to Jacksonville was forgivable because the Jaguars are a quality team that essentially hosted the Bills in London. Following that up with a near loss to the Giants, despite being at home in front of a national audience, is not.
Josh Allen is a perennial MVP contender whose Bills already have three blowout wins. Hoisting the Lombardi trophy is the ceiling for this team, but they’ve had two bad weeks in a row. That pushes Buffalo outside of the top five for now.
Next: at NE, vs. TB (TNF), at CIN (SNF), vs DEN (MNF)
7. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
Previous Rank: No. 7
Last Game: Cowboys 20, Chargers 17
After an embarrassing Sunday night in San Francisco in Week 5, the Dallas Cowboys walked away with a win in Los Angeles on Monday night. The Cowboys’ offense didn’t score a lot of points, but Dak Prescott played one of his best games of the season. Prescott was excellent in pressure management and kept a ton of plays alive with his feet. The other big difference was the Cowboys’ pass rush. While they only recorded one sack late, Justin Herbert was under duress all night. If Dallas continues to play complete games like this against high-quality teams, they will be just fine.
Next: BYE, vs. LAR, at PHI, vs. NYG
8. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Previous Rank: No. 8
Last Game: Ravens 24, Titans 16
The Baltimore Ravens are always good, but outside of their win against Cleveland, they have not played like a true contender yet. Early in the season, they battled through injuries to some of their best players. Few teams stay competitive through those situations like Baltimore does.
But now that we’re through six games, when is Lamar Jackson’s new offense going to show some ceiling? Until we see that, the Ravens will continue to be a second-tier contender. Baltimore will be tested by the Lions and Seahawks in the next three weeks.
Next: vs. DET, at ARZ, vs. SEA, vs. CLE
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
Previous Rank: No. 10
Last Game: Jaguars 37, Colts 20
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on a three-game winning streak with two blowouts and a London victory against Buffalo. Jacksonville has scored at least 23 points in each of their four victories.
Trevor Lawrence could miss Thursday night's contest against the Saints due to a knee injury. All teams are reliant on their quarterback, but the Jaguars would move into well below-average territory without Lawrence.
Next: at NO (TNF), at PITT, BYE, vs. SF
10. Cleveland Browns (3-2)
Previous Rank: No. 12
Last Game: Browns 19, 49ers 17
The Cleveland Browns’ defense is the real deal, as we saw on Sunday against the 49ers. That group is why Cleveland is a dangerous 3-2. On offense, the Browns already have started three different quarterbacks this season.
This team has the talent to contend if Deshaun Watson can get healthy and return to form. At least for now, neither of those conditions should be expected.
Next: at IND, at SEA, vs. ARZ, at BAL
11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 15
Last Game: Bengals 17, Seahawks 13
After back-to-back wins, the Cincinnati Bengals are 3-3 and right in the thick of things. More importantly, Joe Burrow has looked more mobile in the past two weeks. With Cincinnati’s bye coming up, hopefully, Burrow’s calf injury becomes a distant memory for the rest of the season.
Next: BYE, at SF, vs. BUF, vs. HOU
12. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
Previous Rank: No. 9
Last Game: Bengals 17, Seahawks 13
There is no shame in losing to Burrow’s Bengals in Cincinnati. However, Geno Smith is becoming a Jekyll-and-Hyde-type quarterback. When he’s playing well, the Seattle Seahawks are a genuine threat in the NFC.
When he’s not, the Seahawks can lose games even when their defense holds a team like Cincinnati to 17 points on the road.
Next: vs. ARZ, vs. CLE, at BAL, vs. WASH
13. Los Angeles Chargers (2-3)
Previous Rank: No. 11
Last Game: Cowboys 20, Chargers 17
The Los Angeles Chargers lost a tough one to Dallas on Monday night. The Chargers’ defense exceeded expectations against the Cowboys from whistle to whistle. Justin Herbert was under duress the whole contest, which impacted nearly every throw he made. Long-term the Chargers have one of the most talented rosters in the league. In the short term, Los Angeles heads to Kansas City with a losing record. A loss to the Chiefs will put the Chargers in a 2-4 hole.
Next: at KC, vs. CHI (SNF), at NYJ (MNF), vs. DET
14. Los Angeles Rams (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 16
Last Game: Rams 26, Cardinals 9
Matthew Stafford’s passing attack continues to make the Los Angeles Rams a competitive team. RB Kyren Williams’ injury could make Los Angeles even more reliant on Stafford’s right arm.
The Rams’ offensive line has been among the most improved groups from last season. They’ll face three top-10 defensive fronts during their next three games.
Next: vs. PITT, at DAL, at GB, BYE
15. New York Jets (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 22
Last Game: Jets 20, Eagles 14
The New York Jets’ defense has been fantastic at home this season, spearheading their wins against the Bills and Eagles. They also gave Kansas City everything it could handle a few weeks ago on Sunday night. New York’s offense is improving but is still more of a liability than a strength through six games.
After the Jets exit their Week 7 bye, they have a winnable game against the Giants. If Aaron Rodgers was healthy, the Jets could be 5-1.
Next: BYE, at NYG, vs. LAC (MNF), at LV (SNF)
16. Houston Texans (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 20
Last Game: Texans 20, Saints 13
C.J. Stroud has exceeded all expectations through the first six games of his career. That said, his last two outings were more middling performances than the previous three.
The Houston Texans’ defense is improving, allowing 21 or fewer points in each of their past four games. Looking ahead at their schedule, Houston could be a .500 team at the season's midpoint, at least.
Next: BYE, at CAR, vs. TB, at CIN
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
Previous Rank: No. 17
Last Game: Idle
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has been one of the most reliable units in football for decades. In the next three weeks, their pass rush will have an advantage against each of their opponents.
Pittsburgh’s offense has enough talent to be a league-average unit. If the Steelers can start to perform like one coming off their bye, the AFC North will be the most competitive division in football.
Next: at LAR, vs. JAX, vs. TEN (SNF), vs. GB
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Previous Rank: No. 13
Last Game: Lions 20, Buccaneers 6
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a rock-solid defense, no arguments here. Unfortunately, Baker Mayfield is a fringe starting quarterback who’s played for four teams in three years. He missed a few throws against the Lions that would have transformed that contest.
Mayfield is enough for Tampa to beat average or worse teams, but he’s not enough for the Buccaneers to truly contend.
Next: vs. ATL, at BUF (TNF), at HOU, vs. TEN
19. New Orleans Saints (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 14
Last Game: Texans 20, Saints 13
The New Orleans Saints’ defense has been the strength of the team so far. New Orleans’ offense is talented, but it has only scored more than 20 points once this season. On the bright side, Derek Carr’s injured right shoulder did not appear to limit him last week.
Carr’s 353 passing yards were more than he threw for in the two previous games combined. If the Saints can put it all together, they can run away with the NFC South.
Next: vs. JAX, at IND, vs. CHI, at MIN
20. Las Vegas Raiders (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 23
Last Game: Raiders 21, Patriots 17
The Las Vegas Raiders deserve some credit for winning back-to-back games. Unfortunately, Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a back injury last week. That likely leads to Las Vegas starting its third different quarterback this season in Brian Hoyer.
Thankfully for the Raiders, Chicago also will likely start a backup quarterback this week. Ultimately, the Raiders’ long-term prospects are murky this season, but a 4-3 start is possible.
Next: at CHI, at DET (MNF), vs. NYG, vs. NYJ (SNF)
21. Washington Commanders (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 27
Last Game: Commanders 24, Falcons 16
The Washington Commanders are a roller coaster of a team so far. Recently they’ve taken the Eagles to overtime, been blown out by the Bears and then largely dominated Atlanta.
Sam Howell is taking sacks at a historic rate, but he’s had his moments. Overall, Washington has enough talent to move up this list, but it needs to be more consistent, everywhere.
Next: at NYG, vs. PHI, at NE, at WASH
22. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 18
Last Game: Commanders 24, Falcons 16
The Atlanta Falcons are a talented team but will only go as far as quarterback Desmond Ridder takes them. Last week, Ridder threw three interceptions while Washington had fewer than 200 yards of offense. Atlanta has a manageable schedule in the next four weeks.
One could argue they have a better non-quarterback roster than each of those four teams. If Ridder is going to take a meaningful step forward, now is the time to do it.
Next: at TB, at TEN, vs. MIN, at ARZ
23. Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 19
Last Game: Jaguars 37, Colts 20
Gardner Minshew is the type of backup quarterback who could keep a contending team alive for a month and a half. Unfortunately, the Indianapolis Colts are a rebuilding team that faces a talent deficit against most opponents.
We saw that last week against the Jaguars. Indianapolis hosts two high-end defenses in the next two weeks.
Next: vs. CLE, vs. NO, at CAR, vs. NE (Europe)
24. Minnesota Vikings (2-4)
Previous Rank: No. 25
Last Game: Vikings 19, Bears 13
The Minnesota Vikings’ win in Chicago last week was more of an escape than an encouraging victory. With Justin Jefferson, Minnesota had a premium passing attack. That strength gave it a shot against just about anyone.
Kirk Cousins is a quality quarterback, but the difference without Jefferson is noticeable. Without Jefferson, Minnesota went from a team with one strength to a team with none. The Vikings will have their hands full Monday night with the 49ers coming off a loss.
Next: vs. SF (MNF), at GB, at ATL, vs. NO
25. Green Bay Packers (2-3)
Previous Rank: No. 24
Last Game: Idle
The Green Bay Packers have battled through several injuries, but they have the raw materials to be a competitive team. Coming off a bye, Jordan Love draws three beatable defenses in three winnable games. On top of that, the Packers have the better defense in all three of those matchups.
Next: at DEN, vs. MIN, vs. LAR, at PITT
26. Tennessee Titans (2-4)
Previous Rank: No. 21
Last Game: Ravens 24, Titans 16
If Ryan Tannehill misses time because of a high ankle sprain as expected, the Tennessee Titans have a narrow path to staying competitive. Malik Willis showed he is still not ready to carve up NFL defenses.
Because Willis took over for Tannehill, that suggests rookie Will Levis isn’t ready. It’s nearly impossible to win in the NFL with a quarterback that the coaching staff doesn’t trust.
Next: BYE, vs. ATL, at PITT (TNF), at TB
27. New York Giants (1-4)
Previous Rank: No. 31
Last Game: Bills 14, Giants 9
The New York Giants, shockingly, took Buffalo to the brink on Sunday night. New York’s offense is still non-functional, but its defense has been steadily trending up. If the Giants can create anything on offense, they could steal a win or two over the next three weeks.
Next: vs. WASH, vs. NYJ, at LV, at DAL
>> READ: The Giants' Season Is Over
28. Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
Previous Rank: No. 28
Last Game: Rams 26, Cardinals 9
No one could have expected more from the Arizona Cardinals through the first four games. In the past two, Arizona has looked more like the talent-light team we expected heading into the season. It’s hard to see the Cardinals keeping up with Seattle, Baltimore or Cleveland over the next three weeks.
Next: at SEA, vs. BAL, at CLE, vs. ATL
29. New England Patriots (1-5)
Previous Rank: No. 29
Last Game: Raiders 21, Patriots 17
The New England Patriots have been on a gruesome three-game run where they’ve been outscored 93-20. Now, New England gets Buffalo and Miami in the next two weeks. It’s nearly impossible to see how that can go well for this injury-reduced Patriots team.
Next: vs. BUF, at MIA, vs. WASH, vs. IND (Europe)
30. Denver Broncos (1-5)
Previous Rank: No. 30
Last Game: Chiefs 19, Broncos 8
The Denver Broncos' defense put together its strongest effort of the season in Kansas City last Thursday. Unfortunately, Russell Wilson looked like he did for most of last season, as the Broncos were held to eight points. Denver shouldn’t be a bottom-three team, but its offense and defense continue to be unreliable through six games.
Next: vs. GB, vs. KC, BYE, at BUF (MNF)
31. Chicago Bears (1-5)
Previous Rank: No. 26
Last Game: Vikings 19, Bears 13
If Justin Fields hadn't dislocated his thumb, the Chicago Bears might be 2-4 and much higher on this list. With Tyson Bagent at quarterback, the only reason the Bears aren’t last in our power rankings is because the Panthers haven't won a game. On the bright side, Chicago’s defense has played well the past two weeks.
Next: vs. LV, at LAC (SNF), at NO, vs CAR (TNF)
32. Carolina Panthers (0-6)
Previous Rank: No. 32
Last Game: Dolphins 42, Panthers 21
We expected an eventual surge from the winless Carolina Panthers, and we got one as they jumped to a 14-0 lead against Miami.
Unfortunately, containing Miami’s historic offense was outside of the realm of possibilities for Carolina. When the Panthers exit their Week 7 bye, they’ll enter a much softer schedule stretch.
Next: BYE, vs. HOU, vs. IND, at CHI (TNF)
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.
