Here are all 32 teams ranked from worst to first heading into Week 7.
Week 7 was as much of a by-the-book week as you’ll ever see in the NFL. Only the Indianapolis Colts, one point underdogs, won as an underdog. Every other winner was a favorite. To me, this means like the league is really starting to separate us. As you’ll see as you go through the last, around eleven teams already have very slim playoff hopes. And, less than a dozen are teams one could see making a run to the Super Bowl.
Without further ado, here are all 32 teams, ranked worst to first.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
Last Week: 35-16 (L Vs. Bears)
This Week: Vs. Patriots (London)
All the good vibes from a win in Week 5 over the Colts are gone, as the Jaguars were flattened by the Bears in all facets on Sunday. Trevor Lawrence played well again, which is good, but at this point it’s only a matter of time until Doug Pederson is fired.
31. New England Patriots (1-5)
Last Week: 41-21 (L Vs. Texans)
This Week: @ Jaguars (London)
The Patriots are wholly uncompetitive with good teams at this point, as injuries have decimated a roster already short on talent. But, Drake Maye’s starting debut was very encouraging, and that’s what matters this season.
30. Carolina Panthers (1-5)
Last Week: 38-20 (L Vs. Falcons)
This Week: @ Commanders
The Panthers continue to be one of the worst teams in the NFL, though they’re playing with more effort than they did last season. Andy Dalton has regressed since his impressive first few starts for the Panthers, and it may be time to give Bryce Young another try. He looked good in relief in Week 5.
29. Tennessee Titans (1-4)
Last Week: 20-17 (L Vs. Colts)
This Week: @ Bills
Will Levis was wholly ineffective in his return from a shoulder injury that was still clearly bothering him. That doomed the Titans in an otherwise winnable game. They’re playing hard for Brian Callahan, but Levis is holding them back.
28. Cleveland Browns (1-5)
Last Week: 20-16 (L Vs. Eagles)
This Week: Vs. Bengals
It goes to show just how bad the bottom of the league is that that Browns aren’t ranked in the bottom four. Honestly, for everyone but Deshaun Watson, Week 4 was a bit of improvement for the Browns. Ultimately, until a quarterback change is made, expect them to lose every week.
27. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: @ Colts
The Dolphins may be getting Tua Tagovailoa back soon. A win against the Colts without him could keep them in the playoff hunt until he gets back.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
Last Week: 32-13 (L Vs. Steelers)
This Week: @ Rams
The Raiders have had some solid performances this year, but they looked just awful against the Steelers. Frankly, Antonio is coaching like he’s the worst head coach in the league, as the team lacks discipline and often fails to execute in pressure spots.
25. New York Giants (2-4)
Last Week: 17-7 (L Vs. Bengals)
This Week: Vs. Eagles
The defense did an outstanding job against one of the league’s top offenses in the Bengals. Once Malik Nabers and Devin Singletary return, hopefully as soon as Week 7, the Giants could be a tough out. Their defensive front is as good as any in football, and both Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns are playing like. All-Pros.
24. Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
Last Week: 34-13 (L Vs. Packers)
This Week: Vs. Chargers
Week 5’s upset win over the 49ers was a big step forward for the Cardinala. Week 6 was a big step back. They were blown out from the jump, and lost Marvin Harrison Jr. to a concussion. They were expected to be inconsistent, and they’re more competitive than last year, but some movement towards consistency would be encouragings.
23. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. Raiders
Week 7 is a must-win for the Rams. If they can win before they get key players like Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua back, they can keep their playoff hopes alive.
22. New Orleans Saints (2-4)
Last Week: 51-27 (L Vs. Buccaneers)
This Week: Vs. Broncos
Spencer Rattler started for an injured Derek Carr, and the rookie had some flashes before being overwhelmed by Todd Bowles’ defense late. But, the defense gave up nearly 600 yards including nearly 300 on the ground to one of the league’s worst rushing teams. Four straight losses have them moving in the wrong direction.
21. New York Jets (2-4)
Last Week: 23-20 (L Vs. Bills)
This Week: @ Steelers
The week started with the team firing Robert Saleh, and ended with a winnable game slipping through their fingers due to a comedy of errors. Nobody on the Jets sideline seems to be enjoying themselves, and if they lose to the Steelers, things will get ugly. The good news is that they got a deal done for Davante Adams, but it could be too little too late.
20. Dallas Cowboys (3-3
Last Week: 47-9 (L Vs. Lions)
This Week: Bye
The Cowboys are 3-3, but all three losses have been absolute embarrassments. The Lions loss was the biggest embarrassment of all, as the teams looked like they should belong in different leagues. Jerry Jones says he’s not thinking about a coaching change, but there’s no way he liked getting blown out on his birthday.
19. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
Last Week: 36-24 (L Vs. 49ers)
This Week: @ Falcons
The Seahawks didn’t roll over after a slow start against a superior 49ers team. But, ultimately, this is a team that lacks the high-end talent to beat good teams consistently. After a hot start, Geno Smith has come back to earth, which limits their upside, as well.
18. Denver Broncos (3-3)
Last Week: 23-16 (L Vs. Chargers)
This Week: @ Saints
Give the Broncos credit for fighting back after falling behind 23-0 and scoring 16 unanswered points in the 4th quarter. But, you’ve got to ding them for falling behind 23-0, as they struggled in all facets. Still, they’re better than nearly everyone expected them to be.
17. Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
Last Week: 20-17 (W @ Titans)
This Week: Vs. Dolphins
Joe Flacco led the Colts to another win, a good win considering they were once again missing Jonathan Taylor. For a team with playoff hopes, it was a win they had to have against arguably worst team in the division. But, it sounds like they are turning back to Anthony Richardson this week, and he does not give them the same chance to win as Joe Flacco does.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Last Week: 20-16 (W Vs. Browns)
This Week: @ Giants
Yes, the Eagles won. But, after a a bye week filled with criticism, mostly aimed at Head Coach Nick Sirianni, they were wholly uninspiring. Nick Sirianni was picking fights with fans in the stands after the game, and this team could be headed towards dysfunction. That being said, wins are wins.
15. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
Last Week: 23-16 (W @ Broncos)
This Week: @ Cardinals
Even though Jim Harbaugh missed part of the game due to a brief heart issue, the Chargers got off to a fast start and held on to win. All wins are good wins for a rebuilding team that could be ahead of schedule. But, I’m sure that Harbaugh would like them to run the ball better than they did on Sunday.
14. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
Last Week: 17-7 (W @ Giants)
This Week: @ Browns
The defense had been letting the Bengals down while the offense put up big numbers. But, it was a role reversal on Sunday, as the Bengals defense carried the day. Getting healthier up front helped, and the defense should be able to build on that momentum against the Browns.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Last Week: 32-13 (W Vs. Raiders)
This Week: Vs. Jets
TJ Watt is playing MVP-caliber football and the superstar forced two fumbles. The Steelers knew they had a soft schedule to start the year and have come out of it with a respectable record as things will start to get a bit tougher now. But, the offense has to start putting together more full-field touchdown drives together. If Justin Fields can’t start doing it more often, they may have to turn to Russell Wilson.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)
Last Week: 51-27 (W Vs. Saints)
This Week: Vs. Ravens
Baker Mayfield looked like the turnover-prone player he was in Cleveland in the first half, throwing three picks. But, the offense absolutely dominated in the second half, and had just under 600 total yards of offense on the day. The run game, one of the league’s worst, ran for 277 yards behind a breakout game from Sean Tucker. And, the defense stiffened in the second half against Spencer Rattler. We will know a lot more about this team after they take on the Ravens.
11. Atlants Falcons (4-2)
Last Week: 38-20 (W Vs. Panthers)
This Week: Vs. Seahawks
This teams keeps getting better, bit by bit, and that should be scary for other NFC teams. The two-headed backfield monster of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier dominated the game. If they can continue to run it well, Kirk Cousins is good enough to punish teams in the play-action game, unlike the quarterbacks they’ve had the past few years.
10. Chicago Bears (4-2)
Last Week: 35-16 (W Vs. Jaguars)
This Week: Bye
Yes, none of their four wins are against a team with multiple wins. But, the Bears are firing on all cylinders, and it starts with a better run game. That has Caleb Williams more comfortable, it has them playing with a lead, and it puts a stellar defense in great positions. Doubt the Bears at your own risk.
9. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Last Week: 23-20 (W Vs. Jets)
This Week: Vs. Titans
Road wins in the division are always good, and the Bills did get that on Sunday. But, frankly, they did not play well, and only Josh Allen hero ball and Jets dysfunction saved them. This is not the same team that looked like Super Bowl favorites the first three weeks of the season.
8. Washington Commanders (4-2)
Last Week: 30-23 (L Vs. Ravens)
This Week: Vs. Panthers
The Commanders had their four-game win streak broken, and yet I feel more confident in them than I have at any point. Yes, they lost, and their poor defense was exposed. But, this team’s success comes from their offense, and they moved the ball all day against one of the league’s better defenses. Jayden Daniels and his side of the ball is truly one of the league’s best offenses. A golden opportunity to get to 5-2 awaits.
7. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
Last Week: 36-24 (W Vs. Seahawks)
This Week: Vs. Chiefs
The 49ers got back to playing dominant football after their stretch of losing three out of four games from weeks 2-5. Brock Purdy was magnificent, but he always plays better when they run the ball well. That’s what they did, rushing for 228 yards on 33 carries. On the defensive side, there are definitely holes in the back-end. But, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner both played like the superstars they are. A Super Bowl rematch awaits.
6. Green Bay Packers (4-2)
Last Week: 34-13 (W Vs. Cardinals)
This Week: Vs. Texans
Jordan Love is healthy, and that means the Green Bay Packers are a complete team. They thrashed the Cardinals, dominating in all facets. The defense had led the league in interceptions, but didn’t have any on Sunday. Not to worry, they recovered three fumbles instead.
5. Detroit Lions (4-1)
Last Week: 47-9 (W @ Cowboys)
This Week: @ Vikings
The Detroit Lions played the best football game of any team in the National Football League this year on Sunday. They played the Dallas Cowboys completely off the field. So, why did they drop in this week’s rankings? Aiden Hutchinson’s broken leg is likely to keep him out through all of this season and the playoffs. He was playing like a potential DPOY winner, and that’s going to be production that is pretty much impossible to replace. Even without him, though, this is an awesome football team that may be the most fun team in the league.
4. Houston Texans (5-1)
Last Week: 41-21 (W @ Patriots)
This Week: @ Packers
The Texans dominated the Patriots, and the score was closer than the actual game was. Ultimately, there’s not much to glean in a game that features that much of a talent mismatch, and we will know more about them after a trip to Green Bay.
3. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Last Week: 30-23 (W Vs. Commanders)
This Week: @ Buccaneers
You would’ve liked to see the Ravens defense play a bit better against Jayden Daniels in his first big test. But, Daniels is a stud, and they did enough to win the game. The real story is their offense, which is succeeding with incredible balance. 176 on the ground and 308 through the air is an NFL offensive coordinator’s perfect ratio. They seem absolutely unstoppable when Lamar Jackson is throwing the ball like this.
2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. Lions
The red-hot Vikings probably didn’t want such an early bye, given how they were playing. We will know a lot more about them after they take on the Lions this weekend.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: @ 49ers
Last year’s Super Bowl was one of the best NFL games of all-time. A rematch should prove to be just as good of a game between two heavyweights.