17. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
Last Week: 20 (+3)
(BYE WEEK)
18. Washington Commanders (2-3)
Last Week: 17 (-1)
The Commanders went from looking competent against the Eagles to getting blown out by the Bears. The problem is that they seem to have a new problem on a weekly basis. Perhaps they will find consistency at some point but for now, they are a team that will be trending downward.
19. Houston Texans (2-3)
Last Week: 19 (-)
Houston is frisky but appears to be the little brother at this point. They are too inexperienced to be taken seriously but they might be a very, very good football team in a few years. I would buy their stock on a long-term investment. For this year, however, they are a fun story that will probably fall short of the playoffs. Perhaps a last year's Detroit Lions-type situation?
20. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
Last week: 23 (+3)
The Bengals can feel good about beating the Cardinals if they want to. I am not convinced, nor should you be.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
Last Week: 21 (-)
No team has bounced around in these power rankings as much as Pittsburgh. They get bopped by the Texans and then they beat the Ravens? What. Is. This. Team? We should all step back and withhold judgment for at least a couple of weeks.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)
Last Week: 29 (+7)
The Raiders pulled off a win that was unexpected against the Packers on Monday night. The key was not that Davante Adams or anyone else on the offense had a great game. The thing that took them to victory was their defense. Personally, I can't imagine the Raiders turning it around this year but you can see the potential.
23. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Last Week: 16 (-7)
The Packers are pretty middle-of-the-road. They don't seem to do any one thing well and without a real identity, we will likely see a continuation of ups and downs throughout the year. The NFC North is the Lions' to lose. When was the last time that was said out loud?
24. New York Jets (3-2)
Last Week: 26 (+2)
The Jets got their revenge for the offseason comments made by Sean Payton about Nathaniel Hackett. The Jets aren't dead yet but they are going to need top-notch performances from their running backs, receivers, and defense to drag Zach Wilson to the playoffs.