1. Miami Dolphins (5-1) Last Week #4
Week 7 Matchup: @ Eagles on SNF
Miami retakes the #1 spot on our list and is still far and above the best offense in the league. Tua is leading the league in Rating, yards, yards per attempt and touchdowns and is the frontrunner for MVP so far. The only knock is that their opponents have a combined record of 9-25. Their SNF matchup this week against the Eagles is the biggest game of the year since their Week 4 matchup against the Bills which is their only loss to date. Time for the Dolphins to show they can win when it counts.
2. San Francisco 49ers (5-1) Last Week #1
Week 7 Matchup: @ Vikings on MNF
The 49ers drop on our list after losing to the Cleveland Browns and backup QB P.J. Walker, after a last-second 41-yard field goal was missed by Jake Moody. The 49ers deserve some credit however after injuries took their toll on the offense with stars Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams all being sidelined. They have a chance to get back to work in a long week as they gear up for the 2-4 Vikings on MNF and get back to their dominant win.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) Last Week #2
Week 7 Matchup: vs Dolphins on SNF
The Eagles had a bad week plain and simple. Jalen Hurts threw 3 interceptions against the daunting Jets defense. What 'hurts' the most about this loss is the old saying, "They didn't win this game, we lost it," and that's especially true for the Eagles. They led the game in every single stat but lost the turnover battle 4-0. A huge matchup next weekend sees the Dolphins come to town in a matchup with HUGE '#1 rank' stakes.
4. Buffalo Bills (4-2) Last Week #3
Week 7 Matchup: @ Patriots
The Bills looked not great Sunday night but still walked out 14-9 victors against the banged-up Giants. They are still 5-1 but with back-to-back weak performances of 20-points or less the Bills may be in an identity crisis. Next week should be a win on-paper against the 1-5 Patriots, but a divisional matchup on the road versus one of the best defenses in the league is another test for this team that should be looking for a blowout.
5. Detroit Lions (5-1) Last Week #5
Week 7 Matchup: @ Ravens
The Lions hold the second-longest active winning streak and the 4th highest scoring offense in the league. Jared Goff is a Top-5 QB in almost every stat and has been the leader the Lions thought he would be when they traded Matthew Stafford for him. The Lions have held their opponents to 20 points or less 4 times already this season and will look to do the same when they travel to Baltimore this week for a huge test.
6. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) Last Week #7
Week 7 Matchup: vs Chargers
The Chiefs are the lowest-ranked 5-1 team on this list even though they hold the longest winning streak at 5. They're opponent's record in that span is 10-20 and 3 of those games were by one possession. Patrick Mahomes is having his worst 6-game start to a season in his career and needs to get back to MVP-form if the Chiefs want to truly be a Top-5 team. Maybe Taylor Swift can be the good luck charm...
7. Dallas Cowboys (4-2) Last Week #8
Week 7 Matchup: BYE Week
The Cowboys move up one spot on our list after a great showing on MNF, away against the Chargers. Dak Prescott played one of his best games of the season and the Cowboys now move to 4-0 in games when Dak doesn't throw a pick/ turn the ball over. The Cowboys head into their BYE Week third in the league in turnover difference and passing defense with the Rams coming to Dallas in two weeks. The 'boys may have been embarrassed just last week against the best team in the league but they're still one of the best themselves and are playing like it.
8. Cleveland Browns (3-2) Last Week #9
Week 7 Matchup: @ Colts
A crazy underdog win saw the Browns, (who were +9.5 in the spread) beat the #1-ranked 49ers this week under backup-quarterback P.J. Walker. A true testament to the Browns defense which has ranked best in yards allowed for 3 weeks now. A matchup in Indianapolis should give a chance for the team to get healthy and reiterate how dominant their defense is.
9. Seattle Seahawks (3-2) Last Week #6
Week 7 Matchup: vs Cardinals
The Seahawks are still a great team even after their loss in Cincinnati and may have just played the wrong team at the wrong time. The Bengals are the best 3-3 team in the league and have won 3 of their last 4, while the Seahawks came out of their BYE Week a little rusty. A divisional home game against the Cardinals should be a great game to get their mojo back and start working their way back to a potential Top-5 rank.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) Last Week #10
Week 7 Matchup: @ Rams
The Steelers got to rest up this week and have some extra preparation for a road game with the Rams this week. Great news for the Black and Gold is the return of their #1 receiver Diontae Johnson who was only able to play one quarter of football this season before going to the IR with a hamstring injury. T.J. Watt is still leading the league in sacks even after his BYE Week and will be the biggest reason this Steelers defense will be one of the best for the rest of the season.
11. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) Last Week #11
Week 7 Matchup: vs Lions
The Ravens closed out the 2023 London NFL games with a win over the Titans this week in a performance that saw them let the game become too close in the second half. The Ravens nonetheless stay just outside of the Top-10 of our list thanks to their defense which still ranks 2nd in yards and fourth in points. Lamar Jackson has looked good rushing this year but still hasn't found his groove passing, as soon as he does this team will be ready to make a major push towards the Top-5.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3) Last Week #22
Week 7 Matchup: BYE Week
Joe Shiesty and the Bengals seem to be getting into a groove winning 3 of their last 4 games including beating the Seahawks this week. The Bengals head into their BYE Week this week with all of the momentum in the world in preparation for a GIGANTIC Week 8 matchup in San Francisco. The biggest need for the Bengals was for Joe Burrow to get healthy and it seems like he's doing so just in the nick of time.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) Last Week #12
Week 7 Matchup: vs Falcons
The Buccs had a tough loss at home this week against the Lions where they could only score two field goals. The good news is the Lions are now 3-0 in away games and the Buccaneers are still clearly on the right track with Baker Mayfield. The Buccs also lead the league in sacks allowed, averaging only one per game. With another home matchup upcoming, this time against a divisional foe in the Falcons, the Buccaneers should look to continue their form and stay atop the NFC South for another week.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) Last Week #16
Week 7 Matchup: @ Saints on TNF
Don't look now but the Jaguars are on a 3 game win streak with an average of victory of 13 points. After their dominance in London, the Jags came home and dismantled the lowly Colts this week. They hold the second-best turnover differential in the league and the most takeaways with 15. An upcoming short week going to New Orleans will be a test after a 3-game "home" stand but a matchup that favors the Jaguars slightly.
15. Los Angeles Rams (3-3) Last Week #14
Week 7 Matchup: vs Steelers
Cooper Kupp is officially back in a big way with 7 catches for a48 yards and a touchdown this week in the Rams' blowout win against the Cardinals. The Rams' only losses this season are 3 teams that made conference championships last season and look to be heating up with the return of their OPOY captain. An away matchup against the Steelers' defense should test Matt Stafford and this passing game but either way it's clear this team is trending up and will be a Top-16 team for the rest of the season.
16. Houston Texans (3-3) Last Week #20
Week 7 Matchup: BYE Week
The Texans are my pick for unexpected team of the season. Winning 3 of their last 4 and only losing to the Falcons by a last-second field goal means this team has a lot more W's in it's future. C.J. Stroud ranks 4th in the league in yards and 8th in QB Rating as a rookie with a 9:1 TD-INT ratio and is making a case for OROY. With a Top-10 scoring defense right now, this team is a scary pick for a playoff team come January.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (2-3) Last Week #15
Week 7 Matchup: @ Chiefs
The Chargers came out flat after their BYE Week against the Cowboys on MNF and have dropped to 2-3. While Justin Herbert has made another case for MVP with his stats this year, the team continues to disappear against good teams with their only wins this year coming against the Raiders and Vikings. Even Austin Ekeler's return wasn't enough to push this team over the edge of mediocrity and the Chargers' ceiling is clearly visible. At least while Brandon Staley is there...
18. New Orleans Saints (3-3) Last Week #13
Week 7 Matchup: vs Jaguars on TNF
The Saints have a short week coming up as they get ready to battle the Jags on TNF. After an up-and-down last two weeks, this team needs some stability and to get back to winning ways. Alvin Kamara has been good for the team since his return 3 weeks ago and with Jamaal Williams also set to return, this team should get some momentum heading into this important matchup.
19. New York Jets (3-3) Last Week #23
Week 7 Matchup: BYE Week
The Jets have shocked the world again. After being written off with Zach Wilson leading the charge, the Jets have had an outstanding 3 weeks which has led to them climbing 7 spots in that time. This week saw a defensive masterpiece against the Eagles in the form of 4 takeaways to 0 giveaways for the Jets. Heading into their BYE Week with as much confidence as they've had all season, another situation to monitor is the fact that Aaron Rodgers seems to be on a record pace in recovering from his achilles injury...
20. Green Bay Packers (2-3) Last Week #18
Week 7 Matchup: @ Broncos
The Packers will have had two weeks to gear up for a matchup against the Broncos, meaning this week is a MUST WIN for them. Jordan Love looked terrible in his MNF debut and has to correct a lot of those mistakes in order for this team to succeed at any kind of high level. The only top performer on this team, Jaire Alexander, has also started speaking out against the team's offense which is a terrible sign of things to come.
21. Indianapolis Colts (3-3) Last Week #17
Week 7 Matchup: vs Browns
The Colts had 2 losses this week; Their ninth consecutive loss in Jacksonville by way of 37-20 and the loss of Anthony Richardson for the season. The latter definitely hurts more especially with Gardner Minshew throwing for 3 interceptions last week and sends this once-promising team down to a likely sub-seven win season. A matchup against the #1 defense in the league in the Browns is next up for the Colts who better pray Deshaun Watson is still injured if they want any chance of winning this week.
22. Washington Commanders (3-3) Last Week #21
Week 7 Matchup: @ Giants
The Commanders may be the most up-and-down team in the league this season. 18-point comeback against Denver, 37-3 loss at home against the Bills, bring the undefeated Eagles to overtime in Philly, let Justin Fields go historical on you in the Bears only win in Washington and finally beating the Falcons with Sam Howell's best game of the year. If patterns show us anything the Giants are about to go for 500 yards this week but who can tell at this point.
23. Atlanta Falcons (2-4) Last Week #19
Week 7 Matchup: @ Buccaneers
The Falcons need to find an offensive identity and soon while their defense is still firing on all cylinders. Their defense ranks 4th in yards allowed while their offense ranks 29th in points scored. Bijan Robinson may still be looking for his first rushing touchdown but he has been very good this year and is probably the only reason this offense isn't considered with the Patriots and Steelers of the world.
24. Minnesota Vikings (2-4) Last Week #25
Week 7 Matchup: vs 49ers on MNF
The Vikings-Bears game last week may lowkey be the worst game played this year, but a win is a win is a win and i'm sure the Vikings will take it. Kirk Cousins is having his best season in purple and white and Jordan Addison is doing his best to step in for Justin Jefferson but this team is still missing something. Facing off with the 49ers may on MNF most likely is NOT it and there's a chance the Vikings walk away from this week with their tail between their legs.
25. Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) Last Week #24
Week 7 Matchup: @ Bears
The Raiders are on a 2-game win streak right now but it may be the worst win streak we've seen all season. A sloppy MNF win and a close win against the Patriots does not a .500 team make. This team will start to fall back to reality soon but with a matchup in Solder Field immanent, one must wonder if they can continue their winning ways for a bit longer.
26. Tennessee Titans (2-4) Last Week #27
Week 7 Matchup: BYE Week
The Titans we're the latest victims of the Late London arrival and lost a decent game against the Ravens. They Titans looked terrible in the first half but made the game interesting and almost came back in the second, very similar to the Bills losing to the Jaguars just last week. With a BYE Week upcoming, this team had bigger issues to solve after Ryan Tannehill was carted off with an ankle injury. Malik Willis took the field in London but rookie Will Levis will also be in contention until Tannehill is healthy. Starting their young guns is probably the best thing for this team.
27. Arizona Cardinals (1-5) Last Week #26
Week 7 Matchup: @ Seahawks
So it's safe to say the Week 3 victory against the Cowboys was a fluke right? The Cardinals have lost three straight games by 14+ points and rank Bottom-6 in points and yards allowed. Joshua Dobbs is still showing great poise as does a captain who stays on a sinking ship but unfortunately for Dobbs, this ship is indeed sinking. Doubling down for Arizona, their draft trade for the Texans #1 pick next year seems to not be worth much anymore either.
28. New York Giants (1-5) Last Week #30
Week 7 Matchup: vs Commanders
The Giants may have played their best game of the season last week on SNF with Tyrod Taylor taking the reigns for Daniel Jones. With Jones still questionable for next week's home game against the Commanders, the Giants will be looking for another productive day especially after they were outscored in their first two home games 64-3. The Giants have a very-winnable next 3 games and they should take advantage of it, with or without Jones.
29. New England Patriots (1-5) Last Week #28
Week 7 Matchup: vs Bills
The Patriots look to be on the verge of tanking with reports surfacing of their sight already being on 2024. Who can blame them after a 1-5 start with a matchup against the Bills upcoming. Mac Jones has the 4th worst QBR in the league and the team's supposed "elite" defense has allowed 96 points in 3 weeks. This team should be all-in on the Caleb Williams sweepstakes but with Belichick and Kraft, it seems more likely they will fight for every one of their 5 or 6 wins this season.
30. Chicago Bears (1-5) Last Week #29
Week 7 Matchup: vs Raiders
As said earlier, the Bears lost possibly the worst game that will be played all year while also losing Justin Fields for possibly a couple of games. The 40-20 Chicago Bears from last week seem like a forgotten memory with the bottom-feeder Bears are returning to form. This team's potential while healthy could certainly be as high as 7 wins this year, but with Fields injured or playing as sloppy as they did against the Vikings, their Top-5 pick (along with the Panthers' projected #1) may be the best way to go for the team.
31. Denver Broncos (1-5) Last Week #31
Week 7 Matchup: vs Packers
The Broncos have been a Bottom-3 team every week this season and even despite Russell Wilson's above average season, this team may be ready for a complete overhaul. With Sean Payton and Russell Wilson's contracts tying them to this team for at least three more season, this team should have a fire sale and tank to start a rebuild that could see them be competitive come 2025.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-6) Last Week #32
Week 7 Matchup: BYE Week
The Panthers head into their BYE Week 0-6 with a #32 ranking. The good news? Bryce Young has been improving every week since coming back from injury. This team's roster is actually not Bottom-5 but a mixture of poor play and tough competition has led to them being winless. An extra week to prepare for a 2-week home stand against the Texans and Colts should lead to their first win of the season though. Again, this team is in the beginning of a rebuild and should not be panicking yet, give them some time.
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