The Cowboys break into the top 10 behind their stellar defensive performance. They head to Philadelphia for a huge divisional matchup Sunday night. Photo Courtesy of Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times
1. Buffalo Bills (4-1) –
Showed once again they have the ability to be the most dominant team in the league in their 38-3 trouncing of the Steelers.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-1) –
Showed resiliency in their climb back from a 17-0 deficit to the Raiders and proved they can still play great.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) –
Offense started hot, but then got stagnant from the 2nd quarter until their final drive of the game. The defense got carved up for much of the day, but were still able to only give up 17 points, which is what matters most. At the end of the day, they were able to come away with the victory and remain undefeated.
4. San Francisco 49ers (3-2) (↑2)
Dominated the Panthers in every way imaginable, and their most explosive weapon on offense, Deebo Samuel, was barely involved in the game besides his TD. The defense played spectacular and even pitched in with a score of their own. Unfortunately, the player who scored the TD for the defense, CB Emmanuel Moseley, tore his ACL and is out for the season. Jimmie Ward and Nick Bosa also got hurt, but could return sooner rather than later.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) –
They looked good, but not great, and came close to losing it in the end. The roster is still filled with talent, but there needs to be more progression in the offense.
6. Baltimore Ravens (3-2) (↑4)
Huge divisional win that was not pretty on offense, but they made big plays when necessary. Also, the defense finally stepped up and played very well on Sunday night.
7. Dallas Cowboys (4-1) (↑4)
Dan Quinn and his defense are leading the team right now and getting tons of pressure. This is a very good defense. The offense is doing enough to put some points on the board, but it is not pretty, and if their defense has a bad day it will be tough to get a victory playing this style.
8. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) (↑1)
Austin Ekeler and the rushing attack had a big day and contributed well to the win. On another note, Brandon Staley should thank his lucky stars that his strange decision to go for a 4th and 2 in their own territory in the 4th quarter did not backfire on him, as this could have easily been a bad loss.
9. Minnesota Vikings (4-1) (↑4)
They are not dominating any teams, but the offense looks good and the defense was able to make a big play to seal the victory.
10. Green Bay Packers (3-2) (↓6)
They were out-coached and out-played in the 2nd half, as they got away from their run game and the defense did not play well.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) (↓4)
Zac Taylor continues to run a mundane offense and not utilize his arsenal of skill position weapons properly.
12. Miami Dolphins (3-2) (↓4)
They lost 40-17 to the Jets, but they were forced to play the entire game with their 3rd string rookie QB, Skylar Thompson, so I will cut them some slack. The roster is still talented and will be competitive once Tua or Teddy is able to play.
13. New York Giants (4-1) (↑5)
Brian Daboll has put on a stellar coaching performance the entire season, as his roster is not filled with talent, but he has his guys playing hard and confident. Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones were able to make plays when the team needed it, and the defense stepped up big time on a goal line stance to finish off their comeback win against the Packers.
14. Tennessee Titans (3-2) –
They are not blowing any teams out, but they are playing hard and finding ways to win close games.
15. New England Patriots (2-3) (↑2)
The defense had an awesome day and pitched a shutout against the Lions. Rhamondre Stevenson had an impressive day and the offense was able to move the ball well enough with Bailey Zappe under center.
16. New York Jets (3-2) (↑5)
The defense benefited from going up against a 3rd string rookie quarterback, but the team is playing well and gaining confidence. The run game was dominant for the offense and the team is feeling good with Zach Wilson back leading the team, but they must keep it up if they want to have a chance at making a run in the AFC.
17. New Orleans Saints (2-3) (↑2)
The offense looked great behind huge days from Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara in a shootout with the Seahawks. This should give them confidence heading into their next game.
18. Las Vegas Raiders (1-4) (↑4)
“Close doesn’t count in this game” -Derek Carr, in the postgame press conference after the loss to the Chiefs, sharing the unfortunate reality of sports. The Raiders have been on the losing side of four close games, but they are heading into a bye week, where they take the opportunity to regroup and get their heads right. They are playing well and I would not be surprised if they turn it around after the bye.
19. Los Angeles Rams (2-3) (↓4)
The offense continued their slump and were unable to turn it around this week.
20. Arizona Cardinals (2-3) –
They were able to play the Eagles tough and were close to a potential victory, but the better team prevailed in the end.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) (↓9)
Trevor Lawrence and the offense have taken a huge step back and do not look good right now. The defense still played well, but the offense must turn things around if they want to turn their record back around.
22. Atlanta Falcons (2-3) (↑1)
If it weren’t for a terrible roughing the passer call on Grady Jarrett, the Falcons would have gotten the ball back and been able to have a chance at a comeback from a 21-0 deficit. Unfortunately, their slow start negatively affected their chances to win the game.
23. Cleveland Browns (2-3) (↑1)
Nick Chubb continued his OPOY candidacy and the passing attack was good, until a bad interception from Jacoby Brissett in the 4th quarter that almost cost them the game. They had another chance to win, but the kicker missed a kick that would have put them ahead with just seconds left on the clock.
24. Seattle Seahawks (2-3) (↑2)
Geno Smith and the offense played fantastic, but the defense could not hold their own weight, and ultimately caused the Seahawks to come up short in the end. Also, bad news for the Seahawks, as RB Rashaad Penny suffered a season ending injury, but rookie RB Kenneth Walker III will have the opportunity to step up.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4) –
The Steelers had their doors blown off against the Bills. The Steelers often have a competitive football team, but currently, their hopes for turning it around this season do not look great.
26. Indianapolis Colts (2-2-1) (↑2)
The defense played well, although it was against a terrible Broncos offense. Nothing about this win was convincing.
27. Denver Broncos (2-3) (↓11)
I feel bad for their defense to rank the team this low because the defense has been outstanding, but Russell Wilson and the offense have been atrocious, and their starting left tackle, Garett Bollesm is out for the season, as well as CB Ronald Darby on the defensive side.
28. Washington Commanders (1-4) (↑1)
This team has been too inconsistent and will struggle to win games if multiple units on the team cannot all play well on the same day.
29. Chicago Bears (2-3) (↑1)
Almost fought their way back in the end and the passing attack improved slightly, but the defense was not good.
30. Detroit Lions (1-4) (↓3)
The defense is bad and the offense was shut out. They get to reevaluate themselves over the bye week, but have the Cowboys, Dolphins, and Packers out of the bye week, which is not going to be easy.
31. Houston Texans (1-3-1) (↑1)
Earned their first victory and the defense looked better, but still not a good team.
32. Carolina Panthers (1-4) (↓1)
This team stinks and just fired their head coach in week 6.