NFL power rankings: Chiefs are cruising

The Kansas City Chiefs are crushing every opponent in their wake in recent weeks, and suddenly appear to be one of the best teams in the National Football League. It is an odd statement to make about a team that is only 5-5 and playing without its most explosive weapon in Jamaal Charles, but it’s the facts.

At this point, Kansas City is actually the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs and would be playing the Denver Broncos if the season ended today. Could you imagine the week leading up to that clash if it happens? The world might actually come off its axis.

Right here, our Ben Almquist is ranking the Chiefs ninth in his NFL power rankings, which seems very fair considering all that has transpired. Kansas City also has the easiest schedule of any team in the league over the last six weeks, so the Chiefs are in prime position to continue rising through the ranks.

Yahoo: 9

"Never thought a couple months ago I’d be saying this, but Charcandrick West’s health is a really big story this week. He left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Kansas City vs. Buffalo on Sunday is a huge game in the playoff picture."

NFL.com: 13

"If you started Spencer Ware in fantasy Sunday, you ARE that guy in the FanDuel-changed-my-life commercials. Ware is far from the only offensive player who’s stepped up in the Chiefs’ four-game win streak. Not that it matters when the defense goes out and plays like the 2000 Ravens. Or is it the 1985 Bears? Thirty-nine points yielded over the past 16 quarters of football = elite D in 2015 … or any other year, for that matter. One more note for the road: Anyone remember this article? Told ya."

MLive.com: 11

"Another outstanding performance by the Chiefs defense was overshadowed, nay eclipsed, by 346-pound Dontari Poe’s 1-yard touchdown run. (Last week: 16)"

Bleacher Report: 12

"So no, you can’t shrug off what the Chiefs have done over their last four games, especially when focusing on their dominant defense. Throughout the win streak Kansas City is averaging only 9.75 points allowed per game."