Are the Chiefs back? Trouble in Philly? A new number one team makes its way to the top? Let’s find out.
**F Tier: Is The Season Over Yet?**
32\. Jets (0-6) -1
31\. Tennessee Titans (1-5) +1
30\. Cleveland Browns (1-5)
29\. Miami Dolphins (1-5) -1
28\. Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) -3
27\. New Orleans Saints (1-5)
**D Tier: Next Year’s Our Year**
26\. Baltimore Ravens (1-5) -3
25\. Arizona Cardinals (2-4) -3
24\. Cincinnati Bengals (1-5) +1
23\. New York Giants (2-4) +5
22\. Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1) -5
**C Tier: Wild Card Watch**
21\. Carolina Panthers (3-3) +2
20\. Minnesota Vikings (3-2) +1
19\. Houston Texans (2-3) -2
18\. New England Patriots (4-2) -2
17\. Chicago Bears (3-2) +3
16\. Atlanta Falcons (3-2) +3
**B Tier: Dark Horse Contenders**
15\. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
14\. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) -3
13\. Denver Broncos (4-2) -3
12\. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3) +2
11\. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)
**A Tier: The Real Deal**
1. **Washington Commanders (3-3) -3**
The Commanders fell to 3-3 after the Bears entered the DMV and pulled off a stunner 25-24 victory on Monday night. I would not consider this loss a sign of the Commanders’ downfall, but more just how good Ben Johnson’s Bears are.
Jayden Daniels and the pass game had a night. Daniels had 19 completions on 26 attempts with 211 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Zach Ertz, Chris Moore and Luke McCaffrey were Daniels’ main targets Monday night, with a combined 122 yards and three touchdowns in the air. Yet the Commanders had their faults.
Washington’s key players, Deebo Samuel and Jacory Croskey-Merrit, were dominant all night after they both had their respective breakouts against the Chargers in week five. Samuel had only 14 all-purpose yards on four targets and one rush, and Croskey-Merritt had 61 rushing yards on 17 attempts and a fumble. This defense let the Bears’ offense pick them apart as well. D’Andre Swift and Caleb Williams had a night against this Commanders defense. Swift had 14 carries for 108 yards on the ground and two receiving for 67 yards and a touchdown in the air. Caleb Williams was nearly flawless as well, with 252 yards in the air on 17 completions and a passing and rushing touchdown.
Even though the Commanders fall to 3-3, they are still down their star pass catcher, Terry McLaurin, and this team has proved that when healthy, they are a true contender in this league.
1. **San Francisco 49ers (4-2) -1**
The 2025 San Francisco 49ers may go down as one of the NFL’s biggest what-ifs in recent memory. Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh came ready this year and have put on a coaching master class despite the number of injuries they have dealt with. Fred Warner, George Kittle, Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa and many more have gone down, hurting this team massively.
Yet despite the massive injury list on this roster attempting to strip San Fran of any playoff dreams, this team shows its resiliency week in and week out. Mac Jones has shown up and showed out in the place of starting quarterback Brock Purdy. Jones has 1,252 yards in the air with six touchdowns and three interceptions over four games, with two of those coming from his uncharacteristic game against the Buccaneers this past Sunday. Kendrick Bourne has also proved to be a legit starter, stepping up after Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall have been battling injury throughout the young season. Bourne has 371 yards on 23 receptions over 5 games, with 284 of those yards in the 49ers’ past two games against the Rams and Tampa Bay.
One thing has stayed consistent despite the injuries, the defense and the run game. Robert Saleh has developed the perfect next man up mentality for San Fran defensively. Despite Nick Bosa and Fred Warner going down, this team still manages to do their job and give their offense a chance to win games. Due to this defense’s ability to get the job done, the 9ers have come up big in games, like when they upset the division rival Rams. Christian McCaffrey has been dominant, too, with 336 yards in the run game and a touchdown, as well as 444 yards in the receiving game with three touchdowns. CMC has dominated to start the season and is sending notice to the league that when he’s healthy, he’ll singlehandedly win this team’s game.
The 49ers have had nowhere near an ideal start to the season. Yet superstar coaching and possibly the best two-way threat back in the league ensure that this team can go toe to toe with just about anyone.
1. **Seattle Seahawks (4-2) +5**
The Hawks are 4-2, yet this is arguably the best the Hawks have looked since Pete Carroll decided Marshawn Lynch couldn’t run two yards. This team is a total of four points from being 6-0, and it shows on the field.
Offensively, Seattle is lights out. Sam Darnold has been earning every cent of his 40-million-dollar paycheck, racking up 1,541 passing yards on 114 completions with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. Darnold also has an overall QBR this season of 78.5, being the third-best in the league among all quarterbacks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has also become the premier wide receiver in Seattle and arguably a top-three receiver in the league. Smith-Njigba has racked up 696 yards on 42 receptions and three touchdowns, with a big 61-yard touchdown and catch against Jacksonville this past Sunday. Rookie receiver Tory Horton has also balled out for the Hawks as well, with three touchdowns on nine receptions and 113 yards in the air.
Seattle’s defensive unit has taken a step forward this season as well, being ranked No. 6 in allowed points per game with 19.5, No. 4 in allowed touchdowns a game with two, and No. 6 in average yards allowed per play with 4.8. This unit has been on a tear on every level of the field as well. The Hawks’ pass rush has racked up a total of 20 sacks and 31 tackles for loss, while this secondary has combined for seven interceptions, with Ernest Jones IV and Cobe Bryant each with two.
The Seattle Seahawks have come to play this season. With a 4-2 record and a lot of NFC juggernauts in the Packers and Eagles showing their faults, don’t be surprised if the Hawks pave a path to the Super Bowl.
1. **Los Angeles Rams (4-2) +2**
The Rams had what felt like a bye week against what’s left of the once-dominant Ravens. With a scary scene as Puka Nacua seems to be hit with an ankle injury, yet I think this team is still in a great place to dominate.
Matthew Stafford has continued his dominant season and frankly, I’m confused as to why he’s not involved in MVP conversations. Matt leads the league in passing yards with 1,684, is tied for No. 3 with 12 touchdowns thrown, and has thrown only two interceptions through six games. Los Angeles pass catchers continue to dominate the field as well. Puka Nacua continues his legendary season, leading the league in receptions with 54 and is No. 2 in yards with 616, only behind Seattle wideout Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Davante Adams and Tutu Atwell have proven to be a great pair behind the best wideout in the league this season. Adams has 396 yards on three touchdowns, while Atwell has 164 yards on only four receptions with a score.
The defense has been nothing short of electric to start the season, topping the charts in just about every stat. The Rams’ defensive unit ranks No. 3 in five stats, those being points per game with 18.3, yards per play with 4.6, points per play with .276, opponents’ redzone scoring percentage with 44.44%, and opponents’ touchdowns per game with 1.7. The two main standouts this season continue to be the young pass-rushing duo of Byron Young and Jared Verse, who have combined for 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
The Rams are a blocked field goal and an overtime game winner away from being 6-0, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the Rams are and will continue to be a top team in the NFL.
1. **Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) -1**
The Eagles’ weaknesses have been exposed after two crushing losses to Sean Peyton’s Broncos and Jaxon Dart and company in back-to-back weeks. Despite these struggles, especially on the offensive side of the ball, there’s no denying the talent.
Let’s start on a positive note. The defense has continued to be great and has had players come up big for them recently. Corner Quinyon Mitchell has looked great to start year two as CB 1 for the Eagles. Mitchell has only allowed 18 receptions and has 19 tackles on the season. Mitchelle also has seven passes defended, tied for fifth among all corners. Linebacker duo Zach Baun and rookie Jihaad Campbell have also been balling out, combining for two sacks and four tackles for loss on the ground. The pair has also combined for five passes defended and both have a pick in the air.
The offense is where the true problem lies for Philly. Despite what Jalen Hurts’ stat line shows with 1,172 yards in the air and eight touchdowns with an interception, this offense is truly struggling. Star pass-catching duo A.J. Brown and Davonte Smith have not been seeing the ball this season, as they both only have one touchdown, which, when combined, is three less than tight end Dallas Goedert. Saquon Barkley has also failed to replicate his one-of-one season last year, in which he had zero explosive plays this season and only averages 3.4 yards per rush. A lot of the blame for this lack of offense has been pointed at first-year offensive coordinator Kevin Pitulou; in fact, even his players have noticed his role. Star right tackle for Philly, Lane Johnson, even called out Pitulou’s offensive scheme for its recent slump during a press conference.
So, where will this offensive struggle end? Frankly, I don’t know, but what I do know is that when this team is firing on all cylinders, they are easily the best team in the league, and once they get back on track, no one will be able to stop them.
**S Tier: Super Bowl Ready**
1. **Indianapolis Colts (5-1) +1**
After six weeks of play, I’m convinced that the Daniel Jones-led Indianapolis Colts may have a real shot at winning the AFC this year. If you told me that I’d be saying this six weeks ago, I would have thought you were insane. Yet, I digress, because the Colts are the real deal.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Somehow, some way, Daniel Jones has the best QBR in the league through six weeks at 79.7, while also racking up 1,502 yards on eight touchdowns and three interceptions. Jones hasn’t been the only one to defy the odds, as this pass-catching group has showcased its premier talent as well. Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Tyler Warren have been Jones’ main targets in the air as they’ve combined for seven touchdowns on 83 receptions from the trio. Lastly, but certainty not least, Johathon Taylor has defied the odds and beat the washed allegations, leading the league in carries, yards and touchdowns, with 115, 603 and seven on the ground, returning to that elite form we saw in 2021.
Although the defense hasn’t been especially outstanding, they have still gotten the job done. Defensive Tackle Deforest Buckner has made a big impact, racking up a sack and five tackles for loss. Corner Mekhi Blackmon has been a game changer for this secondary as well, with two interceptions and three passes deflected. He’s had the passing game on lock for anyone that opposes this Colts roster.
With future comeback player of the year Daniel Jones at the helm, and Johnathon Taylor quieting the doubters and proving he’s a top-five back, don’t be surprised when this Indy squad continues to dominate down the stretch as they have through the first six weeks.
1. **Green Bay Packers (3-1-1) -1**
The Packers beat the Bengals 27-18 in what felt like an extra bye week for this talented roster, as they improved to 3-1-1 on the season.
Jordan Love had a game, throwing for 259 yards on 19 completions with a touchdown and a pick. Matthew Golden also continues to get better by the week, with three receptions for 86 yards. Romeo Doubs and Tucker Kraft are still Love’s favorite targets, though, as the duo racked up seven receptions on 98 yards and a touchdown. The run game was what really won the Packers this game. Josh Jacobs had himself a week with 93 yards on the ground and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Jacobs was also valuable in the receiving game, with five receptions and 57 yards.
The Defense also had a decent showing against what is left of the Bengals’ offense. Edgerrin Cooper had the best game, with 11 total tackles and a tackle for loss. Luka Van Ness also had a game, with a sack and tackle for loss. The defense ended the day with a total of 67 tackles, one sack and five tackles for loss.
After a loss and a tie in weeks three and four, I think many have forgotten just how good this roster is. But after seeing their week one and two performances against elite teams like the Commanders and Lions, there is no way I am ready to give up on this team just yet and is why they fall to four in my power rankings.
Buffalo has come back down to earth, losing two in a row to teams that this roster on paper should have had no problem beating. Defensive struggles and injuries have held this team back, yet that doesn’t mean they won’t continue to dominate.
This offense has been undeniably fantastic. With superstar Josh Allen at the helm, there is no counting out Buffalo against just about anyone. Allen has racked up 1,397 yards on 11 touchdowns and four interceptions, with those interceptions coming in the last three weeks, when the Bills have struggled the most. Yet we can’t put all the blame on Allen, as this pass-catching unit is rather abysmal outside of a few players. The leading pass catcher in this offense is tight end Dalton Kincaid, with 287 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Wide receivers Kalil Shakir and Keon Coleman follow closely behind on the stat sheet, each with two touchdowns and a combination of 505 receiving yards.
What’s really done for this offense is running back James Cook having a breakout year, racking up 537 yards on 11 carries and five touchdowns. What’s really held this team back, especially in the past few weeks, is the defense. Buffalo’s defense does not rank anywhere near the top ten in any stat as a defensive unit, with its best statistic being ranked No. 11 in opponents’ redzone scoring % at 55.56%. Buffalo is dead last in average yards allowed per rush, with 5.8 yards. Yet to their credit, their secondary hasn’t been too bad, being ranked No. 4 in pass yards allowed per game with 167.2.
There is no doubt that Buffalo is legit. With an MVP candidate at QB and a young and talented core in the skills position, even with some issues to clean up on the defensive side of the ball, this team will stay at the top of the league.
Say what you want to say about the calls, or rather the lack of calls in this game, the Lions dropped a big one to the Chiefs on Sunday night. Yet I wouldn’t put this so much on the Lions being bad, but rather Patrick Mahomes and company still having it in them to be the best.
Jared Goff continued wheeling and dealing, throwing for 203 yards and two touchdowns on 23 completions and 29 attempts. The pass catchers balled out too in this loss. Jameson Williams racked up 66 yards and a touchdown on six receptions, while Sam Laporta had 55 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery had a rough night, though, as the duo only rushed for 89 yards on 21 carries and zero touchdowns. Gibbs had an average of 3.8 yards per rushing attempt, proving not to be his best.
Defensively, they let up some big ones as well. Patrick Mahomes had a night, which is to be expected from an MVP candidate. Mahomes racked up 257 yards and three touchdowns on 22 completions and 30 attempts, while also having a rushing touchdown on 32 yards on the ground. This Detroit unit also let up a lot in the pass game to KC. Hollywood Brown had a night, with 4 receptions for 45 yards and two touchdowns, while Worthy was also able to score on two receptions and 20 yards. The Lions also let up 112 yards on the ground, being picked apart in the passing and running game as the Chiefs were able to put up 30 against this unit.
Yes, to truly be a contender in this league, you must win big games like this one, and they came up short. Yet don’t be fooled by a single loss; this Lions team still put on a show, especially offensively. If they clean a few things up on both sides of the ball, they will continue to dominate and prove why they still are among the best in this league.
1. **Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) +3**
Two words. Baker Mayfield. Despite the injuries, the Mayfield-led Buccaneers proved once again just how good they are, no matter what you throw at them and made a statement against the 49ers on Sunday.
Buccaneers quarterback and my pick for MVP through six weeks, Baker Mayfield, balled out against San Francisco with 256 yards in the air and two touchdowns on 17 completions and only six incompletions. The pass game was still electric even with injuries, as Kameran Johnson and Sterling Shepard came up big this week. Johnson had four receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown, while Shepard had two receptions for 51 yards. Former Oregon Duck Tez Johnson got some love, too, with one reception for 45 yards that ended in a touchdown. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker have also done a great job filling in for Bucky Irving. White and Tucker combined for 90 yards on 23 attempts, each getting into the endzone.
This defense balled out too, showing up the Mac Jones offense as Kindle Vildore and Jamel Dean each got an interception. This pass rush became a nightmare for Mac and company as they combined for six sacks and ten QB hits on Sunday, with two of them coming from pass rusher Yaya Diaby. The Buccaneers defense combined for 76 tackles and gave this once-electric 49ers offense a run for its money.
Despite the injuries to Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka, this team showed out to improve to 5-1. Tampa’s ability to continue to win close games against good opponents despite any adversity they face fails to amaze me. That’s why Todd Bowles’ unit is the best team in the league and makes it to number one on my list for the first time this season.