We’re almost halfway through the NFL season, and the latest JetNation NFL Power Rankings are here to break down which teams are rising and which are fading fast. The Colts and Lions are making serious playoff pushes, while the Jets continue their race for the number one draft pick.
Indianapolis Colts 6-1 (Last Week: 2)
I didn’t expect to have the Colts to be on top of my rankings at any point this season. Shane Steichen is in lead for coach of the year honors.
Next Three: TEN, PIT, ATL: If the Colts can handle the Steelers, they will be 9-1 and in the driver’s seat for home field in the AFC.
Detroit Lions 5-2 (Last Week: 3)
The Lions are back to being the Lions with a lethal running game and a top-flight passing game.
Next Three: MIN, WAS, @PHL: No easy weeks for the Lions. Their brutal schedule continues. I think they finish this stretch at 7-3.
Philadelphia Eagles 5-2 (Last Week: 4)
The Eagles found their passing game and put the Vikings away on the road.
Next Three: BYE, NYG, GB: If the Eagles can continue to fine tune their passing game over the bye, they finish this stretch at 7-2.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-2 (Last Week: 1)
The Bucs stay on top was short lived, but they are still a major factor in the NFC. There is no shame in losing to the Lions.
Next Three: NO, BYE, NE: Tampa rolls through NO and NE at home to sit comfortably at 7-2.
Green Bay Packers 4-1-1 (Last Week: 6)
The Packers won a tough road game in AZ. Life is hard with the Lions chasing you.
Next Three: PIT, CAR, PHL: Tough road ahead for Green Bay. They will be 5-3-1 in three weeks’ time.
Los Angeles Rams 5-2 (Last Week: 7)
The Rams rolled impressively over the Jags in Europe without Puka.
Next Three: NO, SF, SEA: The Rams will be in the middle of a dog fight in the AFC West at 7-3 after this next stretch.
Kansas City 4-3 (Last Week: 9)
The Chiefs were hardly challenged Sunday against Las Vegas.
Next Three: WAS, BUF, DEN: Brutal stretch for KC coming up. They will be 6-4 when it’s over.
Seattle Seahawks 5-2 (Last Week: 10)
The Seahawks can play with anyone in the league.
Next Three: BYE, @WAS, AZ: If the Seahawks can win in Washington, they will be 7-2 and in front in the AFC West.
San Francisco 49ers 5-2 (Last Week: Unranked)
The Niners are pivoting in and out of the top ten. San Fran needs to be more consistent.
Next Three: @HOU, @NYG, LAR: Not an easy run for the Niners. They manage okay with a 7-3 record after the Rams matchup.
Buffalo Bills 4-2 (Last Week: 5)
Two straight losses to less than stellar competition – something is wrong with the Bills.
Next Three: BYE, CAR, KC: We think that we will see something closer to the team we expected the Bills to be after the bye week. Buffalo will be 6-2 when this stretch is over.
32 New York Jets 0-7 (Last Week: 32)
The Jets are on the clock. There is some good news – the defense has put two strong games together. After allowing teams to average over thirty points per game, the Jets have allowed just twenty-six points in their last two games. They have managed to lose both games as the offense is beyond terrible right now.
The Jets are traveling to Cincinnati this week to face a revived Bengals team. It will be a difficult task to slow the Bengal offense. The hard truth is that there are not many dates left that look to be winnable. There is a very real chance that the Jets will make history as the league’s first 0-17 team. If they do finish winless, can Aaron Glenn survive? Will the Jets be looking for yet another head coach at season’s end? If they are, how will they attract a top coaching talent, and how will they compete in free agency? There is a momentum building that has had several years to gain strength. It is going to be hard to stop.