Are the Hawks the best team in the league? Are the Bills and Packers true contenders? Do the Patriots crack the top ten for the first time? Let’s find out.
**F Tier: Is The Season Over Yet?**
1. Tennessee Titans (1-8)
2. Cleveland Browns (2-7) -3
3. New Orleans Saints (2-8)
4. New York Jets (2-7) +2
5. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) +1
6. New York Giants (2-8) -1
7. Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) -1
8. Arizona Cardinals (3-6) -1
9. Miami Dolphins (3-7) +3
**D Tier: Next Year’s Our Year**
1. Washington Commanders (3-7) -1
2. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) +1
3. Carolina Panthers (5-5) -2
4. Atlanta Falcons (3-6)
**C Tier: Wild Card Watch**
1. Houston Texans (4-5) +2
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-5) -1
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4) -1
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4) -1
**B Tier: Dark Horse Contenders**
1. Baltimore Ravens (4-5) +3
2. Chicago Bears (6-3) -1
3. Denver Broncos (8-2) -6
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-4) +2
5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
**A Tier: The Real Deal**
1. **Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) -1**
The Packers have dropped back to back games against the Panthers and Eagles in a rough stretch of two weeks for Green Bay. After being the best team in the league for the first few weeks of the season, it is safe to say these losses have been more than a comeback to earth moment for the Packers.
After a great start to the season Jordan Love has struggled these past few games, specifically against the Eagles. Love went 20 for 36 with zero touchdowns or interceptions, which is a rather uncharacteristic game for the star quarterback. The pass game has struggled as a whole, as breakout tight end Tucker Kraft went down with a season ending injury, and rookie first round receiver Matthew Golden was out this game with an injury, leaving the Packers with a struggling pass game headed by Christian Watson. The pass game struggled especially against a strong Eagles defensive unit, as Love only threw for 176 yards on 36 attempts.
What has stayed strong is the run game. Josh Jacobs has continued to look like a premier back for Green Bay, and was this offense Monday night against Philly. Jacobs rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, scoring the only touchdown of the night for the Packers. Although this was quite a slug fest for both teams overall, the defense has been struggling recently as well, allowing Panthers running back Rico Dowdle to put on a show against their front seven and will Carolina to an upset win in week nine. When considering how much money and talent has been poured into this run defense, this is a little sad from a unit that is supposed to be top tier in this league.
Yes, we have seen the Packers at their ceiling, and when they play at that level I’m convinced they can beat anyone. Yet when they play at their floor like they have these past weeks, I have a hard time seeing Green Bay as a true contender, which is why they fall to ten on my rankings this week.
1. **Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) +1**
Kansas City may have fallen to 5-4 heading into the bye week after a tough loss against Buffalo, but it’s hard to see Kansas City as anything as contenders, especially if they can make the post season.
Patrick Mahomes has been playing like a legit MVP contender this season, which isn’t anything out of the ordinary. Mahomes is 5th among all quarterbacks in passing yards with 2,349 and 2nd overall in QBR with a 74.5 season rating. Mahomes is performing at this level on top of a 17 touchdown to five interception ratio, one of the best in the league. This receiving game has been on fire this season too. All time great tight end Travis Kelce has been having a great season despite his age, catching 41 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns. Star receiver Rashee Rice has looked like a top five receiver coming off of suspension, catching 20 balls for 215 receiving yards and three touchdowns in only three games played this season.
Unfortunately, the 2025 Chiefs offense has been one dimensional, as the run game has been quite abysmal for a team that is supposed to be a contender. Kansas City’s backfield has been headlined by Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, both of whom have struggled this season. Pacheco and Hunt have combined for 623 yards and six touchdowns over nine games, which isn’t even great for a single running back, let alone a pair. Although the defense hasn’t stood out as a top unit, they have still been solid so far this season. The Chiefs have stood out on the stat sheet, standing at No.1 among all defenses in opponents 4th down conversion percentage with a 23.53%, and No.4 in points allowed per game with 17.7
Although this team is 5-4 and in risk of making the playoffs, it is hard to bet against the Chiefs after their reign of dominance the past few seasons, and it is hard to count the Chiefs out if they manage to make the post season, especially at the level Mahomes has been playing this season.
1. **New England Patriots (8-2) +3**
The Patriots have cracked the top ten in the power rankings for the first time this season after a hard fought win against the Buccaneers, proving just how good this team can truly be.
Let us start with the obvious. Drake Maye has been bowling. Maye has been playing like an MVP candidate and top five quarterback in only his second year in the league, and didn’t slow down against Tampa Bay. Maye went 16 for 31, throwing for 270 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Although this was not Maye’s best game, as a second year quarterback against a premier defense, this was far from a bad performance for the young star. The passing game continued to thrive even with breakout receiver Kayshon Boutte injured. Steffon Diggs caught his third touchdown of the season and former WSU receiver Kyle Williams had his breakout play with a 72 yard touchdown pass, proving that there is only more talent in this severely underrated receiver room.
Despite this loaded pass game, Pats fans seem to have finally gotten what they have wanted against the Bucs. Former Ohio State running back Treyveon Henderson finally had his breakout game and got the carries he deserved. Henderson rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns on only 14 carries, proving to be the best back in the Patriots running back room. Although this secondary has struggled, the Pats have also had an elite run defense as well. New England’s run defense ranks No.1 in opponents rush yards per game with 79.2 and opponents rushing touchdowns a game with .3, proving to be one of the best rushing defenses in the league, which is a huge step from the 2024 season.
Although I have been hesitant to put the Patriots in the top ten with such an easy schedule, the Patriots faced a top ten team this past week and came out on top, truly proving that they are a top ten team in the NFL.
1. **Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)**
Although Tampa Bay lost a close one to the Pats, this was a truly close game and I still believe that the Buccaneers are a true contender.
Baker Mayfeild had a redemption game against New England after a rough few weeks. Mayfield threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns, going 28 for 43 and was automatic in the pocket. The young receiving core came to play as well. Rookie duo Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson came to play against the Patriots as they have had to step up with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out due to injury. Egbuka and Johnson combined for ten receptions with 157 yards and three touchdowns, proving to be one of the best young receiving duos in the league.
Although this defense did struggle greatly against the Patriots as the pass game and run game were both clicking for New England, it is hard to blame them when facing such a young and talented offense in an uncharacteristic game for this Tampa Bay unit. The run game has struggled greatly as well with Bucky Irving out, showing just how much this run game relies on the young talent. Sean Tucker and Raachad White combined for less than 100 yards on 19 carries, although this was against one of the best run defenses in the league, it is quite obvious that this backfield is missing Irving’s presence.
Yes Tampa dropped a key win against the Patriots, but I don’t think this has anything to do with the Buccaneers being bad at all. Also with Bucky Irving hoping to return in the next few weeks, something tells me the Buccaneers could very easily win in a rematch with their star running back on the field.
After their win over Kansas City in a tough gameI was confident that Buffalo could reclaim the stop spot and show everyone that they were the best team in the league. That confidence went down the drain after Buffalo got embarrassed by the two-win Dolphins in a game they very easily should have won.
Josh Allen let his MVP chances go down the drain against the Dolphins, throwing for 306 yards with two touchdowns, an interception and a fumble with only a 28.7 quarterback rating. Although this receiving room had a decent game as receiver Keon Coleman and tight end Jackson Hawes both caught passing touchdowns. What really struggled was the run game. You would think that this would have been a great opportunity for James Cook to pop off against a very weak Miami defensive unit, but it could not have gone any worse. Cook ran for 53 yards with a fumble on only 13 carries, which was a sad performance in comparison to the teams last meeting early on this season, in which Cook ran for 108 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
The Bills defense was far from good in a game they really could have redeemed themselves. Allowing Miami to put up 30 points in a game where the Tua threw two interceptions and the Dolphins had two fumbles that the Bills failed to recover. What the Bills unit really failed to stop was Devon Achane. Achane had a day against Buffalo’s defense rushing for 174 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Yes Achane is an elite back, but there is no excuse for a single player to will their team to a win against a team that is supposed to be a top five unit.
Although fluke games happen, this was an unacceptable loss against a bottom tier team, and it is hard to see the Bills contending any time soon if they drop games like this.
**S Tier: Super Bowl Ready**
1. **Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) -1**
Philly is 7-2 and looks like an elite team, but they are going to need to figure some things out if they want to win against true contenders in the future.
Despite pulling off the win, this offense was a slug fest against Green Bay. Jalen Hurts had a really quiet game, going 15 for 26 while throwing for 183 yards and a touchdown. The passing game was nowhere to be seen as well. Despite a touchdown to Devonta Smith the receivers were non-factors as Smith only had four receptions for 69 yards and A.J. Brown has continued to struggle with only two receptions for 13 yards on the day. 2024 offensive player of the year Saquon Barkely continued to struggle this season, granted he was facing an elite front seven. Barkley only rushed for 60 yards on 22 carries with an average of only 2.7 yards per rush.
The defensive unit made up for the offense’s struggles however, as Philly’s defense only allowed Green Bay to put up seven points at home, a season low for the Cheese Heads. Trade deadline pickup Jaelan Phillips balled out in his first game with the Eagles, racking up six tackles, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery in his debut game on a new team. Philly had multiple other impact players on the defense as well. Defensive end Nakobe Dean balled out with seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack. Safety Reed Blankenship was an impact player for the Eagles as well, finishing the game with seven tackles and a fumble recovery.
Although the Eagles walked out of Lambeau with a win, they definitely have a few things to clean up offensively, but if this offense can get it together there is no doubt they are a Super Bowl Contender.
1. **Indianapolis Colts (8-2) -1**
A win is a win, and the Colts proved that in a close overtime win against the three win Falcons in Belgium.
Let’s start with the positive, Danny Dimes is no longer, and Indiana Jones has come to town. After a rough game against Pittsburgh there was a lot of concern that Daniel Jones may return back to his New York form. Jones proved the doubters wrong once again however, going 19 for 26 and throwing for 255 yards with a touchdown and interception against a defense that has been balling out this season. Although Jones did continue to have turnover issues, fumbling the ball three times with one lost, which is not a good sight for Indy. Jones’ favorite target Micheal Pittman was locked up all day and was quite the non factor with only two receptions for 19 yards, but the rest of the receiver room managed to step up big. Alec Pierce had a game with four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown, and favorite to win rookie of the year Tyler Warren balled out with eight receptions for 99 yards.
Despite a job well done from Daniel Jones and this pass game, the real star has been Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has been playing like they should just hand him the MVP trophy now and he only continued his legendary run against the Falcons. Taylor rushed for 244 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries, with a huge 83 touchdown burst that put Indianapolis in prime position to win the game. Although Atlanta’s offense is extremely talented, this Colts defense struggled more than they should have against the Falcons. Drake London had a field day matched up against Colts trade deadline acquisition Sauce Gardner. London caught six balls for 104 yards and a touchdown, and burned Gardner on a crucial two point conversion to tie the game. This was definitely a bad look for the Colts defense, but it is hard to judge them too hard against a tough Atlanta offense.
Although Indy has struggled the past two weeks, and more specifically Daniel Jones, the Colts and Johnathan Taylor are still playing at an elite level and will no doubt bet super bowl contenders come playoff time.
1. **Los Angeles Rams (7-2) +5**
The Rams went into the Bay and pulled the ultimate revenge game against the 49ers 42-26, staying in the race for the NFC West and showing why they’re a top five team.
Finally my quarterback MVP pick Matthew Stafford is getting the MVP love he deserves and continued to ball out in his 6th game in a row since throwing an interception. Stafford tore up San Fran’s secondary, going 24 for 36 while throwing for 280 yards and four touchdowns. He could not do it without his elite receiver duo in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, who popped off against the 49ers. Adams and Nacua combined for 11 receptions and 141 yards and got into the end zone this past Sunday, continuing to look like the best one two receiver combo in the league. Kyren Williams looked to enter his old form this game with 73 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, tearing up Robert Saleh’s defense.
Although the defense had a fluke game, allowing Mac Jones to throw for three touchdowns and 319 yards, the Rams unit was still able to get the job done. Emmanuel Forbes had a nice interception as he continues to thrive in LA, and Kamren Kitchens was able to snag a fumble recovery from Jauan Jennings. The Rams real win on the defensive side this game was locking down Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey easily had the worst game of his season with only 30 yards on 12 carries and no touchdowns. Although they still let up 26 points, holding one of the best backs in the league to only 30 yards is a big win for this Los Angeles defense.
The Rams look legit, and although this is a big jump in the rankings, after seeing how this team is performing on both sides of the ball, I believe they could beat just about any team in the league.
The Lions dominated the Commanders on the road 44-22 in what was a brutal beatdown against an injured Washington team. Although this was definitely an easy win, a win is a win, and the Lions looked good.
Jared Goff balled out against this secondary in one of the best games of his season. Goff went 25 for 33, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns with a QBR of 94.1. The pass game looked elite as well. Jameson Williams balled out after an up and down season, racking up six receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown. Amon Ra continued his dominance this season as well with five receptions for 58 yards and a score as well. The true show belonged to Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs had a field day on the ground with 142 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Gibbs also made an impact in the pass game with three receptions for thirty yards and a passing touchdown on top of his two rushing.
It is a very good thing that this offense was explosive as it is as the defense had quite a slow game against the Commanders this past Sunday. The Commanders were able to put up 22 points on the Lions all without Jayden Daniels. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota balled out as well, going 16 for 22 with 213 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions, exposing how weak this Detroit secondary can be. The Lions run defense managed to stay strong though, allowing less than 100 rushing yards and only one rushing touchdown against the Commanders.
Although this was a walk in the park for the Lions, this offense balled out and showed just how dangerous they can be. If Detroit continues to play like this in the future, they will continue to remain a top team in the league.
1. **Seattle Seahawks (7-2) +4**
The Seahawks take the top spot on my rankings for the first time this year after yet another dominant win against the Cardinals 44-22. Seattle seems to be clicking at all the right times and I am here for it.
Although Sam Darnold had an underwhelming game for his standards, he still got the job done against Arizona. Darnold went 10 for 12, throwing for 178 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued to add to his offensive player of the year level season with five receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. Without Tory Horton healthy it was time for Cooper Kupp to get some target share as well. Kupp proved himself as the yards after catch king with 74 yards on only two receptions. The run game had a quiet and productive day. Zach Charbonett and George Holani were both able to get in the endzone, while Kenneth Walker III had 67 yards on 14 carries with a long 24 yard rush.
The defense had a solid day as well. Rookie Nick Emmanwori had a huge day with nine tackles, half a sack, and four passes defended. Emmanwori has continued to ball out all season and proved to be one of the best value picks in this year’s draft class. Tyrice Knight has continued his dominant season as well, with eight tackles, two sacks, and three passes defended as a linebacker. Overall this defense had a quiet game but continued to prove to be one of the best units in the league when healthy. With Mike McDonald leading this defensive unit it will be hard to count them outside of the top five of current defenses.
Although Seattle had a quiet game for their standards against Arizona, they still put up 44 points and dominated the Cardinals in embarrassing fashion. The Hawks have done this week after week and looked like one of the best teams in the league. As Seattle continues to play like this I can’t help but accept that Seattle is the best team in the league right now.