There is a new number 1 in town. Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-0) (↑1)
They are the most dominant team in the league and have excelled in all facets of the game. Still the only undefeated team in the league and have earned the top spot.
2. Buffalo Bills (6-2) (↓1)
It is not time to worry yet, but the defense has struggled to stop the run the past two games, Josh Allen has made poor decisions with the football, and the rushing attack from the running back position remains absent, which has been an issue for multiple seasons. They are still a great team, but they rely too much on Josh Allen to be a superstar every week, which is a dangerous game.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) –
They earned a hard fought victory over the Titans, but struggled to run the ball. It was an odd game all-around, but they earned the W.
4. Minnesota Vikings (7-1) –
Another close win where they were able to step up and make plays when it mattered.
5. Dallas Cowboys (6-2) –
Head to Green Bay to face a struggling Packers team.
6. San Francisco 49ers (4-4) –
Host the Chargers on Sunday Night Football this week and as much as I like this team, it is crucial they get above the .500 mark.
7. Baltimore Ravens (6-3) –
The whole team played well and earned a quality win over a weaker opponent.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) (↑1)
Joe Mixon and the offense put on a clinic against the Panthers. If the offense can stay hot while Chase is out, that will be very beneficial for their playoff chances.
9. Miami Dolphins (6-3) (↑1)
The offense is clicking right now and the defense was not great this week, but the addition of Bradley Chubb should help down the stretch.
10. Seattle Seahawks (6-3) (↑1)
The entire team is playing well and getting the job done. They played well all day and Kenneth Walker III and the rushing attack did their job to close out the game efficiently. He is my favorite for OROY.
11. Tennessee Titans (5-3) (↓3)
If Ryan Tannehill was available and starting, the Titans would have had a better chance at beating the Chiefs. The defense kept it close and played great for a majority of the game, but the passing attack could not do much on offense and add on to their scoring. Mike Vrabel continues to prove his great coaching ability, and the team showed they will be a tough test for opponents down the stretch.
12. New England Patriots (5-4) (↑1)
They continue to methodically grind out wins. The defense had a stellar day and dominated the Colts’ offense, and the offense did enough to put points on the board and run clock.
13. New York Jets (6-3) (↑1)
The defense continues to prove how talented they are with a phenomenal performance against the Bills’ high-powered offense. Zach Wilson played well and only turned the ball over once, on a fumble, but he also made some smart and impressive throws on the day. The run game was also able to get it going. This team is a difficult matchup for many opponents.
14. New York Giants (6-2) (↓2)
They did not do anything wrong on their bye week, but other teams performed very well and I am led to believe they are better teams, so I am forced to move them down the rankings.
15. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) –
The Chargers are still struggling with injuries, but their star players stepped up. Justin Herbert made a bunch of big throws, Khalil Mack had a forced fumble in the red zone, and Derwin James also played well today.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) (↑1)
The offense struggled all day, but was able to put together a game-winning drive. It was a big win, but the offense still has a terribly inefficient run game, which also hurts the downfield passing attack. The defense did have a great day, but it was against a poor offense, so we will see if they can remain consistent.
17. Atlanta Falcons (4-5) (↓1)
They continue to play well considering the lack of talent on their roster, which is good for the culture and future of the team.
18. Cleveland Browns (3-5) (↑1)
They are 3-5 coming off of a big win and a bye week, and head to Miami for what could be a close game if they can slow down the Dolphins offense, which will be a tough test.
19. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6) (↑7)
Trevor Lawrence has been improving and playing well lately, as has Travis Etienne and the rushing attack. They also strived and overcame a 17-point deficit, which was an impressive accomplishment.
20. Arizona Cardinals (3-6) –
I respect the defense’s effort and they occasionally make some plays, but they do not get much help from the offense, which seems out of sorts.
21. Washington Commanders (4-5) (↑2)
Besides the prayer-heave into triple coverage to Curtis Samuel, where the ref tackled a Vikings defender and two others ran into each other, the Commanders offense didn’t do many things well. The defense had a good first half, but could not hold on in the end.
22. Los Angeles Rams (3-5) (↓1)
The defense is played well today until the last drive of the game, and this loss is in no way their fault. The offense looks terrible and is unable to sustain drives.
23. Chicago Bears (3-6) (↑4)
Justin Fields had a great day through the air and on the ground and continues to improve, but the defense and special teams did not play well enough for them to pull out a victory.
24. Green Bay Packers (3-6) (↓6)
Where should I start? Aaron Rodgers was not good today, the red zone offense was terrible and consisted of poor play calling and poor execution. Aaron Jones is your best weapon and touched the ball 11 times. AJ Dillon does not do much. The receivers are not good. The offensive line is not good. Aaron Rodgers has proven in the past he can overcome a rough start and adversity, but it is going to be extremely difficult this season.
25, Denver Broncos (3-5) –
The Broncos travel to Tennessee for a week 10 matchup with the Titans, in what should be tough, physical matchup.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) (↓2)
It seemed to me like the Raiders were about to turn it around, but it has not turned out that way. They are inconsistent and continue to blow leads.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) (↑2)
The Steelers host the New Orleans Saints in week 10.
28. Detroit Lions (2-6) (↑4)
The defense has been very bad, but stepped up this week and helped the team earn a big victory over the Packers, who they often struggled with.
29. New Orleans Saints (3-6) (↓7)
There is no reason Andy Dalton should be a starting QB in the NFL right now. The defense is not as good as I expected it to be. Also, injuries have hurt this team, but that is part of the game.
30. Houston Texans (1-6-1) (↑1)
The rushing attack was good and they kept it close early, but could not do enough to make it closer with the best team in the league.
31. Carolina Panthers (2-7) (↓3)
Back to the struggling reality for the Panthers.
32. Indianapolis Colts (3-5-1) (↓2)
Sam Ehlinger and the offense were atrocious today, but the defense actually was not that bad. Also, they just hired Jeff Saturday as their interim head coach. Need I say more?