NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Where do the Chiefs land after a weekend of upsets?
By Grant Tuttle
It was another wild week of NFL football. This weekend included upsets to the remaining two undefeated teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. On top of those major upsets, there were a number of surprises. All of a sudden, after just one weekend, things look wide open at the top of the NFL power rankings.
Today, we take a look at every team in the league and move them to their proper position in the newest edition of our NFL power rankings. What happens to the Eagles and 49ers? And most importantly, where are the Kansas City Chiefs on this list? We discuss!
1. Philadelphia Eagles (5-1)
Last Week: 1 (-)
Every team has a bad game here and there. The Jets knocked off the Eagles after Jalen Hurts threw an uncharacteristic three interceptions, including one that sealed their fate in the matchup. I still believe in the Eagles being one of the four best teams in the NFL. It just happens sometimes. The good teams just find a way to make it a one-time occurrence.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1)
Last week: 3 (+1)
Once again, the Chiefs won a weird game. On one hand, the defense looked dominant once again, holding Denver to just 8 points. On the other, the offense cannot stop stalling out at the end of drives. Struggles aside, the Chiefs have not had the combination of a great defense and a great quarterback since they won their first Super Bowl in 1970. If they can iron out some of the issues on offense, this could be another Super Bowl year in Kansas City.
3. Miami Dolphins (5-1)
Last Week: 4 (+1)
The Carolina Panthers gave the Dolphins a scare for about 8 minutes of game time. After taking a 14-0 lead, the Panthers were crushed by the Dolphins the rest of the way. We should always celebrate a win, but getting to play the Giants, Panthers, and Broncos in three of their last four games, we should certainly consider pumping the breaks.
4. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
Last week: 2 (-4)
The weather conditions were terrible this week against the Browns but that is not the reason that the 49ers lost. They had key injuries on offense that will truly test Brock Purdy's ability going forward. Those injuries are not small potatoes: They include Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, who are arguably the team's best playmakers. If they are out for any extended time, life might become drastically different in San Francisco.
5. Detroit Lions (5-1)
Last Week: 5 (-)
Perhaps the narrative needs to be changed about the Lions. They are no longer a real underdog story. They should be considered what they are: One of the three best teams in the NFC. Jared Goff has been dealing and the Lions have been rolling in the passing attack. More importantly, however, the Lions have had a very stout defense, something that they did not have a season ago. If I was an NFL coach, the Lions would be one of the few teams that I would not want to face.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
Last Week: 6 (-)
Jacksonville is a team to watch out for. They are starting to find their footing and could be a problem for AFC foes down the stretch. After a dominant victory against the Colts this week and a win over Buffalo a week ago, they have proven that they can beat very different kinds of teams. Once they reach their full potential, they should be a dark horse contender in the AFC.
7. Los Angeles Rams (3-3)
Last Week: 11 (+4)
After a relatively slow start, the Rams eviscerated the Cardinals. While this was no surprise, there are reasons to believe that the Rams might be a tough out later in the year. Matthew Stafford himself has not been top-notch but Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are one of the best receiver duos in football. I would be buying some stock in the Rams.
8. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
Last Week: 9 (+1)
To this point in the season, the Cowboys have not had a win that they can be proud of, unless they are counting this week's victory over the Chargers. Let's rehash this before the hype train leaves the station again. The Cowboys have beaten the Giants, Jets, Patriots, and now the Chargers. Let's continue to pump those breaks.