I’m doing something a bit different than traditional power rankings, which fluctuate week to week and don’t really accurately reflect the actual power structure of the league.
In my system, I’m not ranking teams 1-32, rather I’m placing them in tiers. Teams can, and probably will move from one tier to another, both up and down, through the season, but this is how I see them right now.
THE FRONT RUNNERS
Hurts hasn’t even played that well yet & they’re 6-1.Offense showed signs of their glorious past against Chargers, even with a struggling O they won 6 in a row.At full strength, the Niners might be the most complete team in the NFL.
IN PURSUIT
Dolphins need to prove they can beat a good team on the road before they reach serious contender status.If it wasn’t for the meltdown versus Pittsburgh, Baltimore would be in the higher tier.Seattle will make the playoffs, but they’re clearly a level or 2 behind Philly & San Fran.Jaguars have shown flashes of being serious threats, then they’ve also shown flashes of being pretenders.
DARK HORSES
Pittsburgh wins ugly, they haven’t been flashy, but they’re 4-2.At least one of Tampa, New Orleans or Atlanta are making the playoffs. All three have shown flashes of taking the next step, only to take a step backward. Will one of these teams become a real contender?
KEEP AN EYE ON
As Burrow gets healthier, Bengals should start to rise.If Cleveland gets the QB play they’re paying for, they have the defense to make some noise.The Jets D is elite and Aaron Rodgers might defy logic and make it back by the playoffs. Can Zach Wilson keep them in the hunt?
FRAUDS
Is it time to put Josh Allen in the Kirk Cousins category? Is McDermott’s seat getting just a little warm?Detroit will win their division, but they can chill with the Super Bowl talk. They’ll be lucky to not be a one and done in the playoffs.The Cowboys are what they always are. Good, but not great. Brandon Staley should be coaching for his job the rest of the season.The McVay aura has worn off. Stafford is what he’s always been, slightly above average.
VERY, VERY DARK HORSES
Both these teams are lacking in talent, but both have first year coaches that have their teams playing tough. A break or two goes their way, they could shock some people.
PLAYING FOR DRAFT POSITION
The rest of this season is about determining if Mac Jones is the guy.Full rebuild should be coming. Will they move King Henry?Josh McDaniel is proving that he’s totally a product of Belichick & Brady.Russ hasn’t been the issue this season, but he’s clearly on the decline. Will the Giants move on from Daniel Jones a year after overpaying to extend him? Will they pay Saquon?Does Ron Rivera make it to Thanksgiving?Jordan Love has gotten worse with each game, will he turn it around?Will the Vikings hold a fire sale?Is Fields they guy or will Chicago be Caleb Williams’ new home?Carolina could really use DJ Moore and their first round pick in ‘24, both now belong to Chicago.Cardinals are the least talented team, but they play tough. What will Kyler’s return mean?
*SPECIAL EXTRA*
Coaches Most likely to be fired before season’s end:
Nickels and Dimes 