Ten weeks into the NFL season, chaos has ensued throughout the league. Teams are very top-heavy this season, but some top teams haven't even lived up to their potential yet. Without further ado, here are the rankings.
32. New York Giants
Last week’s ranking: 27
Week 10 result: 20-17 loss vs Panthers
Week 11 opponent: Bye
At what point do Brian Daboll and the New York Giants say enough is enough and finally bench Daniel Jones? Given his current contract situation, Jones could get injured and still be compensated, so that has to be playing through the minds of the Giants organization. It is not like they will miss out on anything special with him on the field. After struggling with injuries last season, Jones has not been good this season and will not be the franchise quarterback. They have talent on offense to build off of, but the biggest question the Giants will face the rest of the season will be the noise of possibly bringing in a quarterback in the offseason. You also can't assume Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen's jobs are safe.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week’s ranking: 24
Week 10 result: 12-7 loss vs Vikings
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Lions
The defense came out and played their best game of the season against the Vikings, but Trevor Lawrence and the offense couldn't do anything to get going, and that has been the story of the 2024 Jacksonville Jaguars so far this season. They haven't played consistently this season; at what point do we question the decision to keep Doug Pederson as the head coach? He will most likely be fired toward the end of the season, but what is holding the Jaguars back from making a move early in the season and trying to put together some wins? It will be tough against the Lions on Sunday for the Jaguars. It could get ugly. They have had eight turnovers in the past three weeks. It's not a recipe for winning football. Not to mention, Trevor Lawrence is dealing with an injury, and his status is up in the air for Sunday. What a disaster of a season it has been.
30. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week’s ranking: 31
Week 10 result: Bye
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Dolphins
We will soon find out if the change at the helm of the offensive coordinator will mean anything for the Las Vegas Raiders and if they can turn around their season. But when the quarterback play has been so foul this season, you won't be having a lot of success. The Raiders now have to shift their focus towards the NFL draft to address the quarterback position. In the second half of the season, we will learn if Antonio Pierce can right the ship and see if he is the right man for the job as the head coach for the Raiders. So far, he has struggled to produce anything as the team posts a 2-7 record. Pierce could be coaching for his job in the second half of the season.
29. Cleveland Browns
Last week’s ranking: 28
Week 10 result: Bye
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Saints
What a disappointing season it has been for Cleveland so far. After making the wild card last season with Joe Flacco and things trending up, they have taken a massive step back this season and are in last place in the AFC North. Some things can be pointed out as to why they are in this predicament. The biggest one has been the quarterback play. Deshaun Watson didn't look good at all before he suffered an injury, and there is nothing the Browns can do to get rid of him in the offseason. The contract he was given could very well be one of the worst in NFL history. It may set the Browns franchise back years. It is that bad. We will learn in the second half of the season if we get another year of head coach Kevin Stefanksi. They have to finish the season strong.
28. Tennessee Titans
Last week’s ranking: 26
Week 10 result: 27-17 loss vs Chargers
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Vikings
After Mason Rudolph was benched, Will Levis returned and provided a spark to the offense that we have not seen from the Titans thus far this season. You have to understand why Brian Callahan made the move to Mason Rudolph to try and find something in the middle of the season to boost the offense. That failed, and now the Titans are returning to the second-year quarterback, Will Levis. No matter how poorly he plays this season, they should stick with Will Levis as the starter. There is no reason to play a lifelong backup quarterback if you are out of playoff contention when you have a young guy that can play and see what you can get. All you can hope for is that the development of Will Levis can improve in the second half of the season.
27. New England Patriots
Last week’s ranking: 32
Week 10 result: 19-3 win vs Bears
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Rams
After Jerrod Mayo called his team soft for their performance in the first half of the season, the Patriots responded well and around their rookie quarterback. Drake Maye went out on Sunday and outplayed the number one overall pick Caleb Williams. What has been impressive for the Patriots the last couple of games has been how impressive the defense has been. With a more manageable schedule than the start of the season, there is a path for the Patriots to turn around their season and win some games. A couple of weeks ago, it seemed questionable if Jerod Mayo would make it through the season, but now they are a team trending upwards with a win in Chicago.
26. Carolina Panthers
Last week’s ranking: 29
Week 10 result: 20-17 win vs Giants
Week 11 opponent: Bye
With how the Panthers have played the last two weeks, winning two games in a row, there is a lot to be encouraged about for the Carolina Panthers. Bryce Young isn't wowing anybody on the stats side of things, but there is progress there, and he seems to be getting better every week. The second half of the season will evaluate whether Bryce Young will remain the quarterback past this year for the Panthers. If they can put some wins together and get things going in the second half of the season, Carolina will feel much more comfortable bringing back Bryce Young to be the starter next season. The Panthers have nothing to lose and must play like it.
25. New Orleans Saints
Last week’s ranking: 30
Week 10 result: 20-17 win vs Falcons
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Browns
After Dennis Allen was fired last season, Darren Rizzi brought some juice this week as an interim head coach. The longtime special teams coordinator is now given a chance to prove himself for the rest of the season to become a head coach. Derek Carr and the offense were fearless in the passing game and played like they had nothing to lose. Which they don't. The Saints are in a weird spot where they don't necessarily have a bad enough roster to break it all down, but they don't have the cap space to try and make a big move to change the season's landscape. The Saints are in a weird spot.
24. New York Jets
Last week’s ranking: 22
Week 10 result: 31-6 loss vs Cardinals
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Colts
There is so much for a path, and the Jets are returning to the playoff picture. That narrative was pretty much put to bed after the thumping by the Cardinals on Sunday. I don't know why people are so surprised when you put all of your faith in a 40-year-old quarterback coming off of an Achilles injury. That is essentially what the Jets did this season. They fired their coach because Rodgers didn't like him, brought in all of his buddies to play receiver, and gave up draft capital, but it has not worked for them this season. Rodgers looks lost, the defense has taken a massive step back, and the Jets essentially quit on Sunday against the Cardinals. Some accountability is what the Jets need inside the organization. They are right back where they started after a win against the Texans last year and looking to build on the momentum.
23. Dallas Cowboys
Last week’s ranking: 21
Week 10 result: 34-6 loss vs Eagles
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Texans
After the news came out late last week that Dak Prescott could possibly need season-ending surgery, the season is all but over for the Cowboys. They can try to plug and play Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, but none of them can do the things that Dak Prescott was able to do. Injuries have riddled this team all season, and they have piled up on the Cowboys, and they are paying because of them. Even with Micah Parson back from injury, they still look like a lost unit. It's hard to imagine with the current quarterback situation, and given their 3-6 record, it will take a miracle for the Cowboys to turn around the season. Mike McCarthy's tenure is all but over in Dallas. They have to part ways. Enough is enough.
22. Indianapolis Colts
Last week’s ranking: 23
Week 10 result: 30-20 loss vs Bills
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Jets
At what point do we question the motive of General Manager Chris Ballard and think that he will continue to be the best man for the job? The Colts have a poorly constructed roster, and Chris Ballard has yet to find his franchise quarterback after Andrew Luck retired in 2018. They put all their eggs into Anthony Richardson's basket, hoping that pairing him with a head coach in Shane Steichen would maximize his potential, but so far, Richardson's career has been underwhelming. He was benched for Flacco a few weeks ago and is expected to return. The Colts completely botched this quarterback position. It's good they are finally returning to the young guy to see what they can do, but they have ruined his confidence by benching him for Joe Flacco. Things could go downhill quickly for the Colts.
21. Chicago Bears
Last week’s ranking: 20
Week 10 result: 19-3 loss vs Patriots
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Packers
Where do we even begin with this team? Matt Eberflus should not have been kept after last season, and they are dealing with the consequences of keeping him. On top of that, you had the number one pick in the draft from another team and drafted one of the best quarterback prospects of all time, and his time in the league so far has not been good. The offensive coordinator they hired, Shane Waldron, clearly was in over his head and didn't have any idea of what identity he wanted his team to have. They have put Caleb Williams behind an offensive line that has played terribly, and Williams has not done himself any favors by not playing very well. It is just a big mess in Chicago right now, and you have to wonder why anyone would want to take a job like this. Eberflus is trying to save the locker room by firing Shane Waldron, but it might be too little too late.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Last week’s ranking: 18
Week 10 result: Bye
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Niners
The biggest problem the Seahawks have had this season is the defense, which comes as a surprise given the defensive background of head coach Mike Macdonald. At 4-5, they are still in the thick of it in the NFC West but have a big game coming up on the road against the Niners this weekend. If they were able to do anything during the bye week, adjustments would have to be made on the defensive side of the ball. The path won't get any easier for Seattle, as seven of its final eight games are against NFC North or NFC West opponents.
19. Miami Dolphins
Last week’s ranking: 25
Week 10 result: 23-15 win vs Rams
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Raiders
With a team being 3-6 at the end of week 10 in the NFL season, it is safe to assume their season is most likely over. Not for the Dolphins, as they had a season-saving win on the road against the Rams to keep their season alive. They are only in this predicament because Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion and was sidelined. With how inconsistent the AFC East has been this season, the Dolphins still have a chance and are in second place. With the AFC being up in the air as the wild card spots are still anyone's to grab, Miami could make a run and get back in it. They are still alive, and the schedule eases up in the second half of the season. There is a path for the Dolphins.
18. Las Angeles Rams
Last week’s ranking: 17
Week 10 result: 23-15 loss vs Dolphins
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Patriots
After a three-game winning streak, the Rams seemed to have some momentum heading into the Monday night game against the Dolphins, but ultimately put up a stinker and could not do anything on offense against a Miami defense that has struggled this season. That should be worrying for the Rams, as now they are 4-5 and sit on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. What you can be optimistic about for the Rams is the defense. This is a young and inspired unit that is getting better every week. The offense got back their two stud receivers, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua, but they were nowhere to be found on Monday night. I still think the Rams will be fine because of how well-coached they are, but this was a bad home loss when they had the chance to get over .500 on the season. It will get more challenging for Los Angeles, as in the next six weeks, they have four road games, two of which are on the East Coast, with two contests in prime time. It won't be easy.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week’s ranking: 16
Week 10 result: 23-20 loss vs Niners
Week 11 opponent: Bye
This team has been riddled with injuries all season, yet they seemingly still find a way to remain competitive but cannot win. The bye comes at a good time for Tampa Bay, as they are hopeful Mike Evans will be able to return. With six losses already, Tampa Bay has already dug themselves a big hole and will have to be near perfect to try and find a way to make a playoff push. They have dropped four straight games, all currently in a playoff spot. There is a reason to remain optimistic about this team given that they have still remained competitive in games they were outmatched, but there are still problems that this team has.
16. Denver Broncos
Last week’s ranking: 14
Week 10 result: 16-14 loss vs Chiefs
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Falcons
The Broncos had the Chiefs on the ropes and were about to give them their first loss of the season until a blocked field goal by Kansas City changed that. It will be tough to overcome, but the Broncos can't have time to pout as they are in the thick of a playoff push. Overall, they played a good game against the Chiefs and gave themselves an excellent chance to win. Clearly, the offense has limitations, but they know that, and they don't shy away from it. This team is going to go as far as the defense is able to take them. They don't ask Bo Nix to do much, for better or worse.
15. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week’s ranking: 19
Week 10 result: 35-34 loss vs Ravens
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Chargers
While they might be one of the best 4-6 of all time, they are still 4-6. When this team plays well, they are almost unstoppable on offense. The problem that Cincinnati has had this season has been closing out games. They have dug themselves a big hole already and will need to win the next two games against the Chargers and the Steelers to keep their playoff chances alive. If not for a 4-6 record, we could discuss Joe Burrow being the MVP. The question for Cincinnati will be if they can figure it out defensively. They could go a long way with that offense if they are just average on defense. Ja'Marr Chase is also playing on another level right now. In a contract year, too. He will be making big money this offseason.
14. Atlanta Falcons
Last week’s ranking: 12
Week 10 result: 20-17 loss vs Saints
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Broncos
This was a terrible loss on the road versus a team that just fired their head coach from the Falcons. With how inconsistent the division has been and the Bucs losing as well, Atlanta still has a lead in the division, but you have to wonder if this team will ever find any sort of consistency that they can play with. The most significant question mark for the Falcons will be rushing the passer. Not a single Atlanta defender has 20 pressures this season. We just finished week 10. They can't seem to find any sort of rhythm on defense or have an identity. This could be a problem that Atlanta possesses throughout the season and will be something that will be difficult to find.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Last week’s ranking: 13
Week 10 result: 27-17 win vs Titans
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Bengals
At what point do we start calling this team the Los Angeles Wolverines? They are an exact replica of last year's national champion Michigan Wolverines. And it makes sense, too. Jim Harbaugh came in and brought many of the same faces inside the building when they won the championship, and so far, it has worked as well as you could have wanted. They run the ball effectively, have seemed to find a second dynamic in the passing game that they didn't have at the beginning of the season and have one of the best defenses in the league. They haven't allowed more than 20 points in a game this season. This team will be tough to beat when the weather gets cold. Imagine saying that about the Chargers last year. Jim Harbaugh has completely changed the landscape of this organization.
12. Houston Texans
Last week’s ranking: 11
Week 10 result: 26-23 loss vs Lions
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Cowboys
Is it time to start worrying about the Texans? That is very hard to do when you force five turnovers in a game and lose. That is precisely what happened to the Texans on Sunday night against the Lions. This team is lucky to be 6-4, and they are lucky that they are in a very weak division. They haven't looked like themselves in the past few weeks, which should worry some people. Luckily, they have a get-right game against the Cowboys on Monday night, but it is no secret they are not playing good football right now, and they need to address it. Maybe all this team needs is a return from Niko Collins to jumpstart the offense.
11. Arizona Cardinals
Last week’s ranking: 15
Week 10 result: 31-6 win vs Jets
Week 11 opponent: Bye
What a turnaround it has been this season for Jonathan Gannon and the Arizona Cardinals. You have to give second-year head coach Gannon much credit for the turnaround. He has this team playing at a high level. If you were to ask if Arizona was satisfied with a 6-4 record after ten games, I bet they would have taken it. They are now atop the NFC West and in prime position to make a run at the postseason. Kyler Murray is playing the best football of his young career, and the offense has seemed to find another explosive dynamic the past couple of weeks. The young defense led by Gannon is getting better every week. There is reason for optimism in Arizona.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Last week’s ranking: 10
Week 10 result: 23-20 win vs Bucs
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Seahawks
As expected, Christian McCaffrey will add another dynamic to this offense for San Francisco. Though they didn't look like years past, you can tell that the pieces are still there. What impressed me this season was the growth and development of Brock Purdy. He is showing why he is one of the top quarterbacks in the league with his play. And San Francisco will need all of it to be successful, given the team's injuries this season. Now, only if they can control the dysfunction that is Deebo Samuel. It's not a good look for him on the sideline for getting into a dispute with the special teams unit.
9. Green Bay Packers
Last week’s ranking: 7
Week 10 result: Bye
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Bears
With the injuries piling up, the bye week was a good time for the Green Bay Packers. Most importantly, the Packers needed Jordan Love back to 100%. He clearly wasn't playing at 100% during the last couple of weeks, which affected his play. With the Packers being in such a tough division, their division title chances are fading each week, but as we saw in the past years, this team needs to make the playoffs and has shown that they can play with anybody. A big division game looms on the road Sunday against their big rival th, the Chicago Bears. Green Bay needs to take care of business.
8. Minnesota Vikings
Last week’s ranking: 5
Week 10 result: 12-7 win vs Jaguars
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Titans
While the score makes it seem that this was a close game, that is very far from the truth. Minnesota dominated the game. The Vikings outgained the Jaguars nearly 300 yards in this game, but the three interceptions by Sam Darnold kept the Jaguars in the game. Sam Darnold has not been playing the football we saw him play at the beginning of the season, and it has hurt the Vikings over the last couple of weeks. When Minnesota plays better teams than the Jaguars, Darnold can't be making the same mistakes that he made against Jacksonville. They are the first team in 18 years to win despite turning the ball over three times and failing to score a touchdown.
7. Washington Commanders
Last week’s ranking: 8
Week 10 result: 28-27 loss vs Steelers
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Eagles
After blowing a 10-point lead in the second half to the Steelers, there is reason to be concerned about the Washington Commanders. Though they are 7-3, they have lost to the top teams they have played this season. While Jayden Daniels has been outstanding this season, he had the worst game of his young career on Sunday vs the Steelers, only completing 17 passes on 34 attempts. After losing that game, they have a big division game against the Eagles on Thursday night in Philadelphia. I still think the Commanders are an outstanding team and are a threat in the NFC, but they need a proven win. Thursday can be that for them.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week’s ranking: 9
Week 10 result: 28-27 win vs Commanders
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Ravens
This was a significant and impressive win for Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coming back on the road against a quality opponent and having Russell Wilson lead a game-winning drive to end it. These are the types of games that we have seen the Steelers lose in the past, and for them to go into Washington and pull out a win, I think it shows a lot about how this team is different. All the credit in the world has to go to Mike Tomlin. After a 4-2 start, Tomlin elected to go with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, and it has paid off so far, as the Steelers have posted a three-game winning streak. The defense is as advertised, and the offense doesn't have to be great for them to win a lot of football games. An extensive division game at home this Sunday looms against the Baltimore Ravens. They will be in the driver's seat to win the AFC North if they can win that.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week’s ranking: 6
Week 10 result: 34-6 win vs Cowboys
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Commanders
You have to give Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles a lot of credit for turning around their season well. Things were looking bleak, but they made the adjustments that they needed to make, and they look like a true contender in the NFC. The offense is one of the most dynamic in the league with Saquon Barkley, and the defense under Vic Fangio has seemed to figure it out. What has impressed me with Philadelphia is the youth that they have put out this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. An extensive division game this Thursday against the Commanders, and if they win that, they will have to feel good heading into the second half of the season. Things are a lot better in Philadelphia now than a month ago.
4. Buffalo Bills
Last week’s ranking: 4
Week 10 result: 30-20 win vs Colts
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Chiefs
The Buffalo Bills look like one of the more complete teams in the league this season. What they have been able to do this season after losing Stefon Diggs in the offseason and having a big question mark at the receiver position has been nothing short of spectacular. You have to credit a lot of it to the duo, Josh Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Brady has come in and given the Bills an identity on offense, emphasizing running the football. With an 8-2 record and being in one of the weaker divisions in football, the Bills are almost a lock to make the playoffs. But they have made the playoffs before, and they just can't get over the hump. Maybe this year is different.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Last week’s ranking: 3
Week 10 result: 35-34 win vs Bengals
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Steelers
It has been a weird season for the Baltimore Ravens, and one that people have not expected. After starting the season 0-2, they have won seven of their next eight and look like they are one of the top units in the league. However, this team seems to be a little different this year. The offense is dynamic as it can be, with Derrick Henry giving them another superstar on offense, but the defense has not been as good as it has been in years past. However, they are still winning games. The pass defense is a mess, as they could not guard Ja'Marr Chase on Thursday. They won't be able to win the Super Bowl this way, so something needs to change. But it is a quarterback-driven quarterback-driven league, and you will always have a chance whenever you have Lamar Jackson. They have a big game this weekend in Pittsburgh.
2. Detroit Lions
Last week’s ranking: 2
Week 10 result: 26-23 win vs Texans
Week 11 opponent: Home vs Jaguars
The sign of a great team in the NFL is whenever they can pull out a win when they have not played well in that game. That is precisely what happened to the Detroit Lions on Sunday night against the Texans. Jared Goff was having an off night, throwing five interceptions, and the Lions could still pull out the win. That is very impressive. This team rallied and found something in the second half, which is what great teams can do. There is no doubt they are the team to beat in the NFC. The Lions are now the first team in 12 years to win the game despite its quarterback serving up five interceptions. Pretty impressive.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week’s ranking: 1
Week 10 result: 16-14 win vs Broncos
Week 11 opponent: Away vs Bills
Some may call it luck, some may call it skill, but you cannot deny that the Chiefs are willing to do the things every week to win football games. They haven't nearly looked like the team they were last season in the playoffs, but they continue to find ways to win football games, and that is all that matters at the end of the day. Kansas City just seems to do all the little things right and make the plays that need to be made to win the game. The defense has been stellar this season, and the special teams were outstanding, blocking the field goal attempt from the Broncos to try and win the game. We will find out how sustainable this is, but whenever you have Patrick Mahomes on your team, you will always have a chance and should never be counted out. They have a point differential of +58 this season, the smallest ever for a 9-0 team. They just win. Until they lose, they will remain number one.
HN's NFL Power Rankings: Week 16
