Week 7 Power Rankings, After 7 Weeks Steelers are in the top spot

By: NFLHeads2020

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-0)

This is a no brainer that the last undefeated team tops the power rankings. The defense was unstoppable again, holding the Titans offense to half of the yards they gained last week (292). JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson both had comeback games, allowing for Ben Roethlisberger to spread the ball evenly. The Steelers offense is getting better each week and showing the league that they have many offensive weapons to compliment their stellar defense.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (6-1)

Following a blowout win against the Broncos, the Chiefs will now face the worst team in the league. The Chiefs defense showed their capability with 4 turnovers, and 2 defensive/special teams touchdowns. While the Chiefs figure out their running back situation, don’t count out Patrick Mahomes and his thriving offense just yet. The defense is helping the team win some key games and their offense is arguably the best in the league so watch out! 

3. Tennessee Titans (5-1)

Even after the Titans lost by a missed field goal in the closing seconds, this team helped open up some clarification many fans have about the team. The Titans defense wasn’t all too bad, picking off Ben Roethlisberger 3 times and forcing 2 fumbles (both weren’t recovered), Derrick Henry can run over any defense any given day, and Ryan Tannehill is the real deal. Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry are 12-4 together, making them a very powerful force for the team.

4. Seattle Seahawks (5-1)

Russell Wilson and the Seahawks lost a nail biter this past Sunday, but shocked the NFL with one of the best games of the season. Tyler Lockett had a career game, going off for 200 yards and 3 scores. While the defense hasn’t been there much this season, DK Metcalf has surely made his case for the starting linebacker, making an insane chase down tackle that saved them from a touchdown. Even with Chris Carson out, the Seahawks remain a top 5 team with a potential MVP QB in their hands right now.

5. Green Bay Packers (5-1)

Following much hate after the Packers vs. Buccaneers game, Aaron Rodgers showed the league he is back. Jamaal Williams had a solid game in place of Aaron Jones, making his case as a solid running back in case his teammate requires more time off. The Packers defense was able to shut down Deshaun Watson which allowed for them to capitalize on both sides of the ball.

6. Baltimore Ravens (5-1)

Lamar Jackson has had a few hiccups this year, but remains a solid quarterback this year. With Mark Ingram II out for an unknown amount of time, we might be able to see more playing time from the rookie JK Dobbins. The Ravens have an easy schedule for the rest of the year, with the exception of the Steelers, allowing for the Ravens to win some big games and have a shot at reaching deep into the playoffs this year

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)

Tom Brady is playing solid football this year, making many Patriots fans unhappy that him and Rob Gronkowski are balling out in Florida. Todd Bowles is doing an amazing job coaching the buccaneers defense this year, bouncing back from his old job as the Head Coach of the New York Jets. The Buccaneers have a good chance to make it to the playoffs this year even with Chris Godwin missing even more time due to injuries this year

8. Buffalo Bills (5-2)

Josh Allen has had some unfavorable matchups lately, and faces yet another tough defense this week. The Bills defense is doing well this year, forcing turnovers and making some key sacks. With their favorable schedule the rest of the season, Josh Allen should be able to bounce back and find his receivers in the endzone more often. Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley are looking good on their new teams this year and look to improve throughout the season. The only flaw in this Bills team is finding a way to get Devin Singletary more involved and get him more touches to boost his value on the team

9. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)

This isn’t a shocker that the Rams defense looked exceptionally well on Monday Night Football. Despite Aaron Donald being doubled up on 150+ pass rushes this year, the Rams D-line has still found ways to take down the quarterback. This team relies heavily on their top 5 run defense, and Jared Goff’s capability to march the offense down the field. The Rams have a solid receiving core, and Derrell Henderson Jr. is starting to advance into the lead back role given his increase in touches the past few games.

10. Arizona Cardinals (5-2)

Kyler Murray is starting to make a run as an MVP candidate this year following the offseason trade to acquire DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans. This QB and WR connection between these 2 have made a huge impact on the team allowing them to score much more this year. Buddha Baker is looking outstanding this year, getting his first 2 career interceptions to start the season. With a thriving defense and tough division this year, the Cardinals will need Budda Baker to step up more than ever.

11. New Orleans Saints (4-2)

Michael Thomas is expected to come back this week, which will greatly help out a struggling Drew Brees. Alvin Kamara has been better than ever this year, stepping up in place of their missing star, Michael Thomas. While the defense hasn’t been all too bad this year, everyone can see that Michael Thomas played a big role in their team. This has reflected their record and their offensive production this year, making Drew Brees’ value continue to drop.

12. Chicago Bears (5-2)

The Chicago Bears got slammed this Monday facing one of the toughest defenses all season. David Montgomery doesn’t look like the running back we expected following the tragic Tarik Cohen injury. The Bears defense has been solid like always, but the offense, led by the infamous Nick Foles, hasn’t been able to compliment them just yet. Until the offense can get some offensive production, it is hard to assess the team’s value going forward, despite their 5-2 record to start the season.

13. San Francisco 49ers (4-3)

Is Jimmy Garropolo really back? George Kittle has been the face of their offense since returning from that injury in week 1. Jimmy Garropolo has looked good the past few games, but they didn’t even need him last week after picking off the Patriots 4 times! The running backs have all been in jeopardy this season as it seems that one running back gets hurt each game. These injuries are allowing players like Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty to express their values to the team while the other running backs heal.

14. Las Vegas Raiders (3-3)

This Raiders offense has been one of the most confusing ones this season. It seems that the offense is boom bust this year, being able to top the chiefs, but falling short of the 2-4 Patriots? Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller have been in and out of practices this year, both facing injuries this season. Jon Gruden is starting to build this defense after trading Khalil Mack away a few years ago, making this young team a scary option in the coming years.

15. Cleveland Browns (5-2)

The Browns announced that they have lost Odell Beckham Jr. (ACL injury) for the remainder of the season. Without their star receiver, the Browns receiving core will need to step up this year. Nick Chubb is coming back in a couple weeks and with Kareem Hunt showing the league he isn’t done yet, this offense could be scary even without their star receiver. The Browns secondary has done well this year and Myles Garrett leads the league in sacks with 9. This team has its stars and needs its role players to step up if they want to make a run for the playoffs.

16. Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

Following a bye week, the Colts have a lot on their plate. With a favorable division, except for the Titans, the Colts need to capitalize on their division games this year. Jonathan Taylor has been solid this year in place of an injured Marlon Mack, and Phillip Rivers has found all 3 TE’s for his touchdowns this year, which shouldn’t shock you if you watched him in LA with the Chargers. This Colts defense is stepping up when needed, but without TY HIlton stepping up this year, the receiving core is in danger.

17. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4)

Justin Herbert finally got his second win for his team this season. He has made a case for Rookie of the Year, but Joe Burrow is right there with him. Justin Herbert has proved that he was worth the late round pick in the draft even if his team doesn’t get the wins he wants. Justin Jackson has stepped up in place of Austin Ekeler, and with the chargers defensive players slowly returning from injuries, the fans could be in for a good ol’ ride the rest of the season.

18. Carolina Panthers (3-4)

Where is Christian McCaffery? That’s right, he was taken off the IR this past week and hopes to return to practice soon. While he might not be ready for the game this week, you can expect the running back to be in the backfield week 9, or week 10 at the latest. Teddy Bridgewater and Robby Anderson have found other ways to bring light to the team, making them look like the solid duo we all hoped for this season given both of their talents. This team is on the rise once Christian McCaffery returns, so buckle up!

19. New England Patriots (2-4)

It’s been forever since the NFL has watched this team drop below .500%. Cam Newton was benched last weekend after throwing 3 interceptions, which questions his value on the team. While he still has the starting job for the Patriots, don’t expect him to outperform the opposing quarterback (unless it’s Sam Darnold), or make a huge impact in the passing game. The offense doesn’t have many viable options in the pass game, making it hard for Cam Newton to make some big plays for now. 

20. Miami Dolphins (3-3)

TUA. IS. BACK. Yes, the rookie who was expected to be taken first overall, until a sad injury, has returned to the game he loves. No one knows how he is going to look, but he will have his first test of the season facing the Los Angeles Rams defense. Tua is a mobile quarterback that will be able to scramble and find his targets, so he won’t have to worry much about that. The only thing Miami fans need to worry about is how well Ryan Fitzpatrick can coach this young star, and if Tua Tagovailoa can perform the way everyone believes he will perform at the professional level.

21. Detroit Lions (3-3)

Matthew Stafford marched down the field last Sunday to record his 30th fourth quarter comeback of his career. DeAndre Swift has proven his role as the starting running back of the team following his 23-143-3 performance in the last 2 games. Even though the defense lost Darius Slay, the offense has been able to step up in place of the porous defense this year.

22. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4-1)

Somehow the Eagles are leading the division with a 2-4-1 record this year. In the midst of all of this, Carson Wentz and their defense have stepped up when needed this year. Boston Scott and Miles Sanders could be a solid 1-2 punch once Miles Sanders returns from his injury. Jalen Reagor is expected to return soon, giving the Eagles another young weapon to catch passes. Even with such a porous record this year, the Eagles could play like this all season and still manage to make the playoffs.

23. Denver Broncos (2-4)

Following some major injuries in the beginning of the season, Courtland Sutton (out for season), Von Miller (out for season), Drew Lock (4-6 weeks), and Phillip Lindsay (2-4 weeks), they were bound for some problems. Even with all of these injuries, the Broncos have managed to win 2 games this year. Bradley Chubb is the face of the defense at the moment and while Drew Lock struggles in the passing game, Melvin Gordon II has stepped up for the offense.

24. Minnesota Vikings (1-5)

Justin Jefferson is making a name for himself for the Vikings. While Adam Thielen has been smothered by the cornerbacks, Jefferson has found the loop holes to score some touchdowns for the struggling Kirk Cousins. The Vikings defense has been terrible this year ranking 3rd worst (ahead of Raiders and Cowboys), in points allowed per game. The defense is the main reason for many of the losses, but the offense has shown promise. The one big fix this team needs to work on is their turnovers (-7 turnover differential).

25. Houston Texans (1-6)

Deshaun Watson wasn’t all too bad this weekend, but no matter what he did, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams were no match for the Texans offense. The Texans offense has improved ever since they fired their head coach, but since the defense put the team behind a lot, it makes Deshaun Watson’s job a whole lot harder to play catch up for the remainder of the game. 

26. Cincinnati Bengals (1-5-1)

Joe Burrow has been cooking this year, ranking 3rd in total passing yards this year! The Joe Burrow and Tyler Boyd connection is another solid duo we see in the NFL this year. Following last weekend’s game, we have noticed that Giovani Bernard is another great handcuff to a star running back. Joe Burrow seems to be in the same boat as Justin Herbert this year, carrying the team on their backs and watching the defense break their hearts each game.

27. Washington Football Team (2-5)

The Football Team is officially ahead of the Cowboys in the NFC East. Don’t think anyone would’ve heard that before! The Football Team is a very run based team under Ron Rivera’s offense, so it’s no surprise that Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic are having good seasons so far. Kyle Allen has bounced around in the NFL, but he seems to be set with this team given his performance so far. Chase Young has been exceptional this year, already claiming 2.5 sacks this year. 

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6)

Gardner “Uncle Rico” Minshew II has been slept on by many fans this year. While his record doesn’t reflect his performance, Minshew has proven he can stay in the league and outperform the veterans. The Jaguars have lost many players on their defense, so don’t expect much from this team as they enter the rebuilding season.

29. Atlanta Falcons (1-6)

28-3 lives on for the Falcons. It’s like the never ending Babe Ruth Curse for Falcons fans. The Falcons have officially accidentally scored and lost because of it. Matt Ryan hasn’t been the same this year and all of the trade rumors about Julio Jones have been confirmed to be false. Unless the Falcons can invest in a defense that doesn’t blow leads, this team has nothing to prove for the remainder of the season, especially given their tough division.

30. Dallas Cowboys (2-5)

The Dallas Cowboys are on pace to be the worst NFL defense in history, averaging 34.7 points allowed per game. With Dak Prescott out and Andy Dalton hurt, the Cowboys will most likely be forced to play their 3rd string quarterback, Ben DiNucci on Primetime TV. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have started to split carries and the strong receiving core has been reduced to Amari Cooper now. The Cowboys are all-around terrible this year and without their star quarterback, they too won’t be able to perform well for the remainder of the season.

31. New York Giants (1-6)

The New York teams have not been too exciting to watch this year. Daniel Jones had a wide open touchdown run ahead of him, but he happened to trip on air and fall just before the touchdown. Saquon Barkley was a major loss this season and they haven’t been able to recover from this all season. James Bradberry and the Giants run defense have been the highlights of this team so far, so there’s at least some light in this franchise right now.

32. New York Jets (0-7)

It’s almost time for Halloween guys! Sam Darnold is about to freak out when he sees thousands of ghosts against the chiefs this weekend. The Jets have had a horrendous season and it only makes it worse that Adam Gase has yet to be fired. On the bright side, La’Mical Perine’s value to the team is rising and the defense isn’t all that bad even though they aren’t in the top 20. The Jets are going to be rebuilding this year and hopefully Trevor Lawrence doesn’t clown them and stay at Clemson one more year.