After six weeks, every NFL team but two has at least two losses and there are no more winless squads. And after underdogs went 11-3 in Week 6 and two double-digit road underdogs won outright against teams regarded as legitimate contenders, how on Earth do we sort out this 2017 jumble? Let’s give it a shot!
NFL Week 7 Power Ranks: Parity, a Wide Open NFC, Confusion, Chaos, and Hope
THE SAD AND THE WINLESS
32. Cleveland Browns (0-6)
This tier is sponsored by the Browns — in perpetuity.
31. San Francisco 49ers (0-6)
Every week it looks like they might sneak a win but don’t. Perhaps third-round rookie QB and new starter C.J. Beathard can deliver one.
THEY HAD MUCH HIGHER ASPIRATIONS
30. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
The Ravens will be paying Joe Flacco (5.42 yards per pass attempt, ahead of only Jay Cutler and DeShone Kizer) for their Super Bowl XLVII through at least the 2019 season.
29. Indianapolis Colts (2-4)
Jacoby Brissett has been a savior but he’s not a superhero.
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)
Things have been ugly on defense and now Jameis Winston’s shoulder is banged up (day-to-day).
27. Oakland Raiders (2-4)
Four straight losses and Derek Carr (back) is limited, and the defense is still one of the worst in the league.
A JUMBLED MESS OF REBUILDS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS
26. New York Giants (1-5)
The Giants are alive and reminded everyone why they were considered a contender preseason. Let’s see if they have a winning streak in ‘em (hosting Seattle).
25. Chicago Bears (2-4)
A tough schedule awaits Mitch Trubisky (CAR, @NO, vs. DET, @PHI) but Chicago announced their readiness for the growing pains by installing the rookie.
24. Miami Dolphins (3-2)
I’m stunned they beat Atlanta in Atlanta. This team is a total enigma and could possibly improve to 6-2 with Jets, Ravens and Raiders upcoming.
23. New York Jets (3-3)
Now playing: “Scrappy”: the story of the 2017 New York Jets.
IF ANYONE SAYS THEY KNOW, THEY’RE LYING
22. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4)
Hey, look who’s winning close football games in the fourth quarter.
21. Tennessee Titans (3-3)
Perfectly mediocre.
20. Detroit Lions (3-3)
Ditto, only a banged-up Matthew Stafford has become a pinata behind a rough offensive line.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
Last we saw them, A.J. Green torched the Bills’ secondary in Week 5 and Vontaze Burfict wreaked havoc (the good, personal foul-free kind).
18. Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
They needed that bye to lick their wounds after two straight home losses and now head to the Bay Area (SF) with Ezekiel Elliott suiting up, thanks to a temporary restraining order of his six-game suspension over domestic violence allegations.
17. Arizona Cardinals (3-3)
Does Adrian Peterson (26 carries, 134 yards and 2 scores in Week 6) really give them a running game or was that a one-week anomaly?
PLAYOFFS BUBBLE BUBBLE
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)
Coming off a hard-fought home loss to the Rams that turned on special teams plays, the defense is still the real deal.
15. Denver Broncos (3-2)
After a brief, strange trip, Brock Osweiler was back under center in Denver last week. The defense will have to carry this team into the playoffs.
14. Buffalo Bills (3-2)
Likewise regarding the defense. They certainly ought to beat the visiting Buccaneers this week.
13. Green Bay Packers (4-2)
Aaron Rodgers (collarbone, possibly done for the season) is worth about 10 points on the spread — and same as in the Power Ranks. They’re 5.5 home underdogs this week to the red-hot Saints. Your move, Brett Hundley.
GOOD BUT FLAWED (AREN’T THEY ALL)
12. New Orleans Saints (3-2)
We know what the offense can do. Led by havoc-wreaking DE Cam Jordan, the defense really has improved.
11. Washington Redskins (3-2)
This is a good and pretty balanced team with a very difficult remaining schedule (next up: at PHI, vs. DAL, @SEA, vs. MIN, @NO).
10. Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
That was a really, really bad loss by the Falcons as an 11-point home favorite. A Super Bowl LI rematch awaits on Sunday night at Foxboro.
9. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
The loss of (mediocre) left tackle Luke Joeckel (knee) spells even more chaos on the offensive line.
8. Houston Texans (3-3)
The major losses on defense are brutal, but the combination of a dynamic Deshaun Watson-led offense and a still-solid defense keeps them formidable.
7. Carolina Panthers (4-2)
Another concussion for star LB Luke Kuechly. At least the return of center Ryan Kalil will lift the offense.
6. Minnesota Vikings (4-2)
Can they really seize the NFC North with Case Keenum at the helm? This past Sunday’s outcome was one sign and the defense may be good enough to carry them.
5. Los Angeles Rams (4-2)
A road win at Jacksonville is not your typical “signature” win but it is for this new-look team on the rise.
4. New England Patriots (4-2)
The defense still lacks a pass rush and cohesiveness but Brady-Belichick, you know how it goes.
CREAM OF THE CROP
3. Philadelphia Eagles (5-1)
Good offense, fierce defense, solid special teams, currently the NFC’s best.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
This is a talent-packed squad that will be very dangerous once the offense puts it all together.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1)
Still numero uno despite the loss to #2-ranked Pittsburgh, now headed to the drain-swirling Raiders.
See you back on Friday for the TPS report on the Week 7 betting slate with game predictions.
