NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Where do the Chiefs land after a weekend of upsets?
By Grant Tuttle
9. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Last Week: 7 (-2)
An ugly win is still a win. There is no excuse to lose to the Giants, but luckily the Bills managed to avoid that loss. While I have concerns about their ability to stop good offensive teams from marching down the field, they still have a bunch of talent. The Bills seem to be at a crossroads that will make or break their season next week against the Patriots. If they lose that game, or if it a close game, it is officially time to start the alarm bells.
10. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Last Week: 10 (-)
Baltimore managed to hang on despite a gallant effort from the Tennessee Titans. It seems as though Baltimore has flashes of greatness and then deep trenches in which they can get exposed. Tennessee was close to breaking the game wide-open, but big plays from the Ravens' front seven kept the game in check.
11. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
Last Week: 8 (-3)
Seattle couldn't quite get it done against the Bengals. Unfortunately for them, they just had trouble finishing drives this week. Seattle has a lot of youth and it will take some time before they are consistently playing their best football. Whether that point will come this season remains to be seen.
12. Cleveland Browns (3-2)
Last Week: 15 (+3)
What a big game for the Browns! Cleveland started P.J. Walker and managed to come away with a big victory against the 49ers. In giving the 49ers their first loss of the season, the Browns sent a message to the rest of the NFL. They are a team with a defense that is to be revered and respected. If they can find their offensive rhythm, they could sneak into an AFC North title.
13. Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
Last Week: 12 (-1)
Gardner Minshew hit 300 yards but turned the ball over four times. You just can't win games in the NFL like that. While I still like what the Colts are building, this week's performance showed that they are a few years away from "hanging with the big dogs."
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Last Week: 13 (-1)
I loved the throwback creamsicle jerseys, but that was the only thing to love about the Bucs. They look more like what I expected at the beginning of the year. They look a step too slow and a tick behind their opponents. It is never a good thing to be coming off of the bye week and look lost in the following game. Perhaps a downfall is coming.
15. Houston Texans (3-3)
Last Week: 19 (+4)
The Texans are yet another team to be buying stock in. In their matchup against the Saints, they allowed New Orleans to score just 13 points. To add to the tremendous defensive showings from Houston, C.J. Stroud looks like he might be in the process of emerging as the best quarterback out of last year's draft class.
16. Washington Commanders (3-3)
Last Week: 18 (+2)
The Commanders ended their three-game skid with a victory over the rollercoaster-riding Atlanta Falcons. The Commanders have flashed the ability to move the ball in different ways. They can occasionally have a great rushing attack or can make big plays through the air. They can also look lost. I don't know yet what to think of the Commanders. Let's table this one for a later discussion.