As October ends and Halloween is here, the NFL season is in full force as teams start to build up for a postseason run. Whether it would be teams starting to separate themselves as contenders or players being traded to boost a team, here are the rankings.
32. Carolina Panthers
Last week’s ranking: 32
Week eight result: 28-14 loss vs Broncos
Week nine opponent: Home vs Saints
Bryce Young is back as the Panther's starter, and it does not matter who is back there; they will struggle. This is an awful football team with no apparent fix to try and improve. You have to continue playing Bryce Young to see if you can get any trade interest from him, but I don't know if this team will win another game. They are this bad. Carolina will sell off some assets to gain some capital, starting with trading Diontae Johnson to Baltimore for a pick compensation. It will be a long year for the Panthers.
31. Tennessee Titans
Last week’s ranking: 27
Week eight result: 52-14 loss vs Lions
Week nine opponent: Home vs Patriots
I came into the season with doubts that Tennessee would be a legitimate contender in the AFC, but I didn't think it would be this bad. The Titans made some splash moves over the offseason and came into the season with a second-year quarterback looking to jump. Halfway through the season, that quarterback is benched, and the Titans are in no man's land on what direction they want to go in as an organization. Did they fire Mike Vrabel to do this? I question whether Brian Callahan will survive his first year as head coach. This is very bad.
30. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week’s ranking: 26
Week eight result: 27-20 loss vs Chiefs
Week nine opponent: At Bengals
When the Raiders signed Gardner Minshew in the offseason, they thought he would be a good bridge quarterback to give Las Vegas a guy as they continue to look for their franchise quarterback. What we have gotten from Minshew this season tells us that the Raiders desperately need to address the quarterback situation in the offseason. The question now turns to what assets the Raiders will ship off ahead of the trade deadline. They aren't contending this season, so what is the point of keeping some players?
29. New York Giants
Last week’s ranking: 25
Week eight result: 26-18 loss vs Steelers
Week nine opponent: Home vs Commanders
The Giants played a very good game Monday night against the Steelers and had a chance at the end of the game to tie it up. What killed the Giants was all of the penalties that they had on offense. They were able to move the ball against a pretty good Pittsburgh defense, but penalties set them back. The question now swings to the future quarterback situation for the Giants. A big decision looms for Brian Dabboll and Joe Schoen in the offseason.
28. New York Jets
Last week’s ranking: 19
Week eight result: 25-22 loss vs Patriots
Week nine opponent: Home vs Texans
What a season disaster for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. The Jets are out of ideas and have to play the games now. They can't fire a coach and blame everything on him; they can't trade for a wide receiver who is buddies with Aaron Rodgers; they are who they are. The Jets put all of their chips into the circle, saying that Aaron Rodgers was the answer for this team, and if they trusted him, they would get to where they wanted to be. So far, that hasn't happened. I don't know if it is necessarily intelligent to listen to a 41-year-old quarterback and have him bring in all of his buddies, but what do I know?
27. New England Patriots
Last week’s ranking: 31
Week eight result: 25-22 win vs Jets
Week nine opponent: At Titans
After a week when first-year head coach Jerod Mayo called his team soft and challenged them to be more physical, the Patriots came out and played their best game of the season to win. This was all without Drake Maye as their quarterback, and they had to return to Jacoby Brissett. While they still aren't a great football team, you can tell they are playing inspiring baseball, and they are playing for their head coach. You like to see that.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week’s ranking: 29
Week eight result: 30-27 loss vs Packers
Week nine opponent: At Eagles
The whole situation for the Jacksonville Jaguars is weird. While they are not a good football team, they have been in many games this season against good teams. Many teams in the AFC are 2-6, and the Jaguars rank as one of the better teams who are 2-6. The problems that Jacksonville has are fixable. Trevor Lawrence looks to be back to his old self after a slow start to the season, but the defense has significant flaws, and the coaching staff is failing. The injuries are piling up, and the schedule is about to get tough. The time is ticking for Doug Pederson to figure things out.
25. New Orleans Saints
Last week’s ranking: 18
Week eight result: 26-8 loss vs Chargers
Week nine opponent: At Panthers
This season has been a mess for Dennis Allen and the New Orleans Saints. Everything about this team is a mess, starting with the quarterback position. Spencer Rattler was benched for Jake Haener, and the team still thinks that Derek Carr can save things when he is healthy. I would be shocked if Dennis Allen had a job at the end of the season. Injuries are killing this team, and with their record at 2-6, the Saints are in a tough spot as an organization. They have gotten stale since Sean Payton left.
24. Cleveland Browns
Last week’s ranking: 30
Week eight result: 29-24 win vs Ravens
Week nine opponent: Home vs Chargers
What a difference a week can make in the National Football League. Last week, the Browns were sitting at 1-6, and their starting quarterback was out for the season with an Achilles injury. A week later, they wanted to build a statue for Jameis Winston in Cleveland. I don't know if this is a good look for the Browns and Kevin Stefanski for keeping Jameis Winston on the bench for this long; where they kept going with Watson after he continued to struggle, but they have Jameis in now, and this offense looks to be playing differently. Not to mention, Jameis Winston is a lot cheaper than Deshaun Watson. A lot cheaper.
23. Miami Dolphins
Last week’s ranking: 28
Week eight result: 28-27 loss vs Cardinals
Week nine opponent: At Bills
Tua Tagovailoa is back, and the offense looks to be playing at a different level, but that doesn't mean that the Dolphins are a good football team either way. The offense got a boost with Tua back at quarterback, but the team blew it at home versus the Cardinals, which resulted in a bad home loss for the Dolphins. This is a game that the Dolphins needed to have to try and get back into the race in the AFC, especially with Buffalo on the road this week. They'll have to go on a run in the second half of the season to try and right the ship.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week’s ranking: 22
Week eight result: 37-17 loss vs Eagles
Week nine opponent: Home vs Raiders
What a lousy home loss this was for the Cincinnati Bengals. They were 3-4 with a chance to get back to .500 and be right in the race in the AFC. The Bengals have the offense to compete with anybody, but the defense has been really bad this year, which will cost the Bengals. Without Tee Higgins, the offense did not look the same. What does that tell you? Higgins is playing on the franchise tag this season and will be a free agent this year, but he and the Bengals have been unable to work out a long-term contract. It becomes how the Bengals will want to spend their money in the offseason. Offense or defense?
21. Indianapolis Colts
Last week’s ranking: 21
Week eight result: 23-20 loss vs Texans
Week nine opponent: At Vikings
A quarterback change finally has happened in Indianapolis. Joe Flacco has been named the starter, and the Colts have benched Anthony Richardson. What does this mean for the Colts? When the Colts drafted Richardson 2023 out of Florida, they knew it would be a process, and they tried to set him up with offensive guru Shane Steichen to try and enhance his development. He has not played up to the standard that the Colts were expecting, and he has not developed much as a quarterback. He has all this talent but still struggles with accuracy and decision-making, which points to the lack of development. At 4-4, Shane Steichen decides for the 39-year-old Flacco to try and boost the offense. This is a gamble from Steichen, but it could work out for the Colts.
20. Dallas Cowboys
Last week’s ranking: 17
Week eight result: 30-24 loss vs 49ers
Week nine opponent: At Falcons
The Cowboys are such a frustrating team. They have all of the talent in the world, but the coaching and the inconsistent play of Dak Prescott will ultimately hold this team back from becoming elite. Time is running short for Mike McCarthy in his time in Dallas. The defense is working through some injuries, but they were bullied by an injury-riddled 49ers team, and they are sitting at 3-4 outside of a playoff spot. They have little to no run game and don't have an identity on offense. They need to figure it out quickly; I don't know how patient Jerry Jones is going to be with Mike McCarthy.
19. Los Angeles Rams
Last week’s ranking: 24
Week eight result: 30-20 win vs Vikings
Week nine opponent: At Seahawks
You can write off the Rams trading Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, the Rams looked like a completely different team on offense. The Rams have had a slow start to a season before, and they were able to come all the way back and make the playoffs with it. I don't doubt that it can happen again. At 3-4, they are in the mix for the NFC West, and everything is still in front of them. Who would've thought that all the Rams needed on offense was to get their two-star receivers back. They are right back in it.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Last week’s ranking: 14
Week eight result: 31-10 loss vs Bills
Week nine opponent: Home vs Bills
This is such an inconsistent crew for Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks to really try and do anything to contend. They don't have the defense to compete, and injuries have not helped. The offense has one good week where they look like one of the best in the league, but the next week they can't do anything. I don't know what type of Seattle team we will get week in and week out. After an impressive win last week against the Falcons, they have sputtered and have lost four of their last five. The Seahawks were mauled on Sunday by Buffalo, and the defense is a big problem for Seattle, which is surprising given that Mike Macdonald is a defensive-minded head coach.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week’s ranking: 9
Week eight result: 31-26 loss vs Falcons
Week nine opponent: At Chiefs
Without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Bucs could score 26 points. The defense has been the Bucs side's thorn this season. What has Todd Bowles done for this team? He seems like a good leader, and the players seem to like him, but the defense he is running can't seem to do anything right at the moment. Whether they will make a move and fire Bowles after the season depends on how it goes, but it is not good right now for Tampa Bay. At 4-4, they're in the NFC race, but they have things that they need to address.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Last week’s ranking: 23
Week eight result: 28-27 win vs Dolphins
Week nine opponent: Home vs Bears
The Cardinals have become frisky here and at 4-4, and the leaders of the NFC West are in good shape to make a run in the second half of the season. They had a really impressive win on the road vs the Dolphins, and the offense fired on all cylinders. They are getting their phenom rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved, which is what they need to do to be successful. Given the firepower we have seen from this offense., this could be a dangerous team. With this explosiveness, the defense doesn't need to be great for the Cardinals to be in many games this season.
15. Chicago Bears
Last week’s ranking: 15
Week eight result: 18-15 loss vs Commanders
Week nine opponent: At Cardinals
What a bad loss this was for the Bears. It could change the course of the season. Coming into the game, they had a 4-2 record and were in contention in the NFC. It wasn't a pretty game on either side, but the Bears made the mistakes in this game, and the Commanders did not. A handoff to a center posing as a fullback with the game on the line? Maybe use a timeout on the game's last play when your cornerback is talking to the crowd? Just a thought. This is a poorly coached football team, and that is what is going to hold them back from being a true contender. A loss like this is where Matt Eberflus could lose the locker room.
14. Denver Broncos
Last week’s ranking: 20
Week eight result: 28-14 win vs Panthers
Week nine opponent: At Ravens
While they are 5-3 and are in good shape to make a run at the playoffs, they have not been tested yet this season. They will be tested in the next two weeks, facing the Ravens and the Chiefs. All you can ask from the Broncos is to remain competitive in these games and see improvement from their rookie quarterback, Bo Nix. They have been playing good football lately, and the defense is one of the more underrated units in the league. If the Broncos can win just one of the two upcoming games, they will be considered contenders in the AFC.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Last week’s ranking: 13
Week eight result: 26-8 win vs Saints
Week nine opponent: At Browns
What a difference a year can make, right? At this time last year, the Chargers were still dealing with Brandon Staley as their coach. Fast forward to today, and Jim Harbaugh has come in and completely changed the culture for the better. There is zero doubt that Jim Harbaugh can coach in the NFL. This Chargers team resembles what his teams in the past played like. Run the football effectively, win the battle in the trenches, and play good defense. That is the recipe the Chargers are using right now to win these games, and it is working. The offense is limited by their number of weapons, but they have a top quarterback, Justin Herbert to pick up some of the slack.
12. Atlanta Falcons
Last week’s ranking: 8
Week eight result: 31-26 win vs Bucs
Week nine opponent: Home vs Cowboys
Kirk Cousins has played some really good football over the past four games, and his play has skyrocketed the Falcons into contenders in the NFC. The defense has its own issues that need to be addressed, but you couldn't have asked for a better start to the Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta. After last week's performance against the Seahawks, many people have written about the Falcons and doubted them. This is a good football team with an offense that can play with anyone in the NFL. They could make some noise.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Last week’s ranking: 11
Week eight result: 30-24 win vs Cowboys
Week nine opponent: Bye
This was a much-needed victory for the San Francisco 49ers. Undoubtedly, the Niners have the talent to play with anybody in the league; it all depends on whether they are healthy enough to play. Christian McCaffrey is expected to be back after the bye week and should add another dynamic to this offense. With a team like San Francisco, they want to play their best football towards the end of the season. They are not playing their best football now, which is fine. A team like the Niners must make the playoffs, and they can go on a big run.
10. Washington Commanders
Last week’s ranking: 10
Week eight result: 18-15 win vs Bears
Week nine opponent: At Giants
The magic of Jayden Daniels continues to grow for the Washington Commanders. Not only did Daniels play this game not at 100% with the hurt ribs, but he could gut out a win where it looked impossible. He is the real deal and has put himself into the MVP conversation. The Hail Mary itself was a big play, but it could be one that could change the aspect of the Commander's season. They are now 6-2 and in the driver's seat to make a run at the playoffs. What a difference a year can make. You have to give Dan Quinn a lot of credit for what he has done for this organization. This team would be legitimate if they could figure out the defense.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week’s ranking: 12
Week eight result: 26-18 win vs Giants
Week nine opponent: Bye
When the Steelers were 4-2 and in position for a wild card spot, Mike Tomlin made a move that no one expected. Tomlin has said that he believes that this team has two capable quarterbacks: Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. With fields starting the first six games of the season, the results were good but not great. Tomlin realized he wasn't gonna get what he needed from Fields to win a Super Bowl, so he made the change to go to the veteran quarterback, and it was one that was heavily criticized all over the league. There's a reason this guy has been an NFL coach for 20 years. He knows what he has, and he adapts to it. Not only has Pittsburgh rattled off two wins against the New York teams, but the offense has looked much better with Russell Wilson at the helm. This can be a dangerous team if they can get their offense to a high level, especially with what we have seen from the defense thus far. Pittsburgh is not 6-2 and atop the AFC North.
8. Baltimore Ravens
Last week’s ranking: 4
Week eight result: 29-24 loss vs Browns
Week nine opponent: Home vs Broncos
I don't think it is time to worry, but the Ravens losing to a one-win Cleveland team is not a good look for John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson. The offense has been just fine for the Ravens this season. Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level, and Derrick Henry has been a star in the Baltimore system. The biggest issue for Baltimore this season has been the defense. Usually a stout unit, the Ravens' defense has taken a significant step back this season without Mike Macdonald. Granted, their top two cornerbacks were out this game, but it is still the Browns and Jameis Winston that they lost to. I think Baltimore should be fine; they just didn't play well today. That's life in the National Football League.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week’s ranking: 16
Week eight result: 37-17 win vs Bengals
Week nine opponent: Home vs Jaguars
What a whirlwind the past couple of weeks have been for Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles. From shaving his head to yelling at the fans during the game to rattling off two impressive performances and looking like the Eagles of 2022. Maybe all this team needed was to get their wide receivers back. They have got their things together and pose as a dominant group on both sides of the ball. The biggest thing for the Eagles to be victorious is how Jalen hurts plays. He has big-time money for a quarterback, and this team will go how far he can take them. He has also been better at limiting turnovers, which is essential for a team like this.
6. Minnesota Vikings
Last week’s ranking: 3
Week eight result: 30-20 loss vs Rams
Week nine opponent: Home vs Colts
We all knew the Vikings likely weren't going undefeated, but in the past two weeks, they have looked like a completely different football team than we saw from their 5-0 start. For one, the defense hasn't been as advertised, and they have had no answers for Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. The biggest story for the Vikings now comes with the question mark at the tackle position. Christian Darrisaw went down with a season-ending injury, and that is a significant loss for Minnesota. The offensive line is usually a big strength for Minnesota, but they must now adjust with Darrisaw out. They traded for Cam Robinson to provide some depth up front, which should help. I wouldn't panic, but Minnesota's injury is a big concern.
5. Houston Texans
Last week’s ranking: 5
Week eight result: 23-20 win vs Colts
Week nine opponent: At Jets
This is a great football team, but there are definitely noticeable holes in the team. For one, the offensive line is not good, and C.J. Stroud is being pressured in almost every play. Secondly, the receiving group took a hit with Stefon Diggs being ruled out for the season with a torn ACL. They are winning games, but that doesn't mean they are looking good while they are winning. I don't know if that is a sign of them being a fraud or them being a complete football team. It is hard to get a read of the Texans. Nonetheless, at 6-2, they are in line for a playoff spot if they can keep it up in the second half of the season. The defense will have to carry this team this year.
4. Green Bay Packers
Last week’s ranking: 7
Week eight result: 30-27 win vs Jaguars
Week nine opponent: Home vs Detroit
Week nine opponent: Jordan Love once again got hurt as he banged up his groin in the first half of the game vs the Jaguars. Like he has in the past, Malik Willis came in and did a fine job as the starting quarterback for the Packers. With Love being injured, it could be the Malik Willis show in an important division game at home against the Lions. You have to credit Matt LaFleur for his ability to adapt to what he is given every week. It doesn't look pretty, but he can get the most out of his guys, which is a sign of a good coach. Also, LaFleur hired Robert Saleh as a consultant for the rest of the season. Definitely doesn't hurt to have a former head coach on your staff helping out with the defense.
3. Buffalo Bills
Last week’s ranking: 6
Week eight result: 31-10 win vs Seahawks
Week nine opponent: Home vs Dolphins
This is one of the better football teams in the league, and I wonder if there is much anyone can do to stop them when they play at their best. They went into Seattle on Sunday and handled their business, dominating the Seahawks on the road. The scary part about the Bills is their ability to beat you in multiple ways. There are games where James Cook and the running attack will shine, and there will be games where it will rely on Josh Allen and the receiving core to win the game. All of these are good qualities to have. With the defense getting healthier each week, Buffalo looks in good shape in their division and should cruise to a division title.
2. Detroit Lions
Last week’s ranking: 2
Week eight result: 52-14 win vs Titans
Week nine opponent: At Packers
Talking about another legit team in the NFL, the Detroit Lions are playing some of the best football I have seen, especially on the offensive side. Jared Goff has been unbelievable this season, and the offense is so balanced. This team plays hard for their head coach, Dan Campbell. They play with a fight we have not seen in a while, which is impressive to watch. This team can beat you in different ways, and their special teams have been outstanding this season. Very impressive.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week’s ranking: 1
Week eight result: 27-20 win vs Raiders
Week nine opponent: Home vs Bucs
I wouldn't even call this a good win for the Kansas City Chiefs, but it is a win, and you will always take those. The addition of Josh Uche at the pass-rushing position will add more to what we thought it would look like at the beginning of the season. With Patrick Mahomes and a good defense, the Chiefs are almost unbeatable. Kansas City converted 12 of 16 third-down conversions on Sunday vs the Raiders, which is ridiculous. If it wasn't Kansas City and what they have been able to do the past couple of years, I would be hesitant to call them the best. But it is. They will remain at number one until they lose the crown.
HN's NFL Power Rankings: Week 16
