4. Baltimore Ravens (4) Record: 8-3 (win vs. Bengals 34-20) – Once Bengals QB Joe Burrows (torn wrist ligament), this game was over. There is no way an untested quarterback with three years of practice squad experience would change the outcome. This win keeps them tied atop the division with the surprising Cleveland Browns and one game ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This division is arguably the best overall in the league.

However, they didn’t leave unscathed. The NFL is a league of attrition, and rushing quarterbacks tend to get nicked up and less proficient and productive as the season progresses. QB Lamar Jackson (ankle) is proof of that, not being able to reach the Super Bowl, much less make it deep into the playoffs. That’s history, but this new offense is helping his health. However, he got hurt, and while it is minor, we won’t know how it affects him moving forward. Remember, he’s missed 11 games over the last two seasons, and the mounting injuries slow him down.

Regardless, ankle or not, Jackson went 16-of-26 for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 54 yards (9-54-0) along with the team banging out 157 rushing yards (31-157-2) to showcase their No. 1 ranked rush offense. This team is beatable, as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts have proven, so their road to a division championship is not a given.

The TE Mark Andrews (ankle) loss has become much more problematic. Originally thought to be a season-ender, per the team, there’s an outside shot he can return this season. However, a cracked fibula and damaged ligaments mean this is a long-term process, but if they can get him back for the playoffs, that’s huge.

However, the playoffs aren’t a lock. They’ve yet to face the 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers won’t be a walk in the park either, but an expected win regardless, but the four other teams aren’t a given.

Elitism is on their Radar!

5. Detroit Lions (5) Record 8-2 (win vs. Chicago Bears 31-26) – Sometimes you have to understand you can toss out the records for division games. Both teams tend to know the nuances of one another, and games are much more physical and close in scoring than fans and analysts want to admit. Was that the case here? Partly, the Bears have been competitive in four of their last six games, but there’s no doubt the Lions may have been looking ahead. It almost cost them.

However, as a Lions fan, you should be concerned. They’ve allowed 26 (Bears), 38 (Chargers), and 38 (Ravens) points in three of the last four games. They’re ranked No. 13 in pass defense and No. 5 in rush defense. However, they’re also ranked No. 12 in most points allowed. They must improve both the pass defense and start lowering these scores. The only caveat is that two of those games’ high scores are against a high-powered offense (Chargers) and an up-and-coming high-powered offense (Ravens).

On a bright note, QB Jared Goff led a combat down by double digits with less than five minutes left in the game (4:15). Goff held it together despite a horrific three-quarters of play. He went 23-of-35 for 236 passing yards, two touchdowns, but three interceptions. He overcame adversity to put the team on his shoulders and come back and win the game. That’s huge in the growth of an NFL quarterback and team. Once Goff left the soap opera of a Rams franchise buying a Super Bowl and thus jettisoning him, he went to a culture that helped him continue his growth (after setbacks) into what we’re seeing today.

Offensively, the Lions rank No. 6 in passing and rushing, so it’s about maturity, winning close games, and creating a culture of “expected success.” They’re on their way, and the only legitimate schedule threat is the Dallas Cowboys. The future looks very bright for Goff and the Lions.  

Better than Average but Still has Kinks to Work Out.

6. Dallas Cowboys (6) Record: 7-3 (win vs. Carolina Panthers 33-10) – Let’s be honest – the Cowboys were supposed to beat up the Panthers as they did here. Their players left unscathed, and it was a tremendous confidence-building game. Remember, “any given Sunday,” so to destroy the opponent as expected isn’t always easy, but it shows the Cowboys handle business they must.

However, they’re still two back from the Eagles, and their schedule isn’t a creampuff. They face the Commanders (twice), the Seahawks, Eagles, Bills, Dolphins and Lions. While the Commanders should bow out to the better team, division games mean you can throw out the records. If anything, the Commanders are losing games at the end that they could win. In other words, those two games could be competitive. However, the rest are all against teams vying for the playoffs. This team could be on the outside looking in.

7. Miami Dolphins (8) Record: 7-3 (win vs. Las Vegas Raiders 20-13) – were the Dolphins overlooking this game? Considering the score, it would seem so, but the Raiders are playing better ball since Antonio Pierce took over as head coach. This game wasn’t the best performance we’ve seen from the Dolphins, and they’ve yet to beat a team with a winning record, but they took care of business despite some gross errors, precisely three turnovers. That’s what elite teams do. They can come back after putting themselves in a hole or keep the lesser team at bay despite miscues.

Tua Tagovailoa had a great night statistically, with 28-of-39 for 325 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. As a team, the rushing attack, while not invisible, didn’t crack 100 rushing yards (99), and the team will have to do a better job in between the tackles. Also, the West Coast offense is predicated on the short pass to the back to compensate for fewer carries, and in that, they did get the ball to their backs – 8-52-1-10, and while adequate, we need to see better production.

Defensively, this defense forced three turnovers (interceptions), and it proved too much for the Raiders to overcome and held Raiders’ former stud RB Josh Jacobs to a mere 39 rushing yards. You take out the rush attack and force a rookie quarterback to try to beat you, and it’s predictable. The Dolphins took care of business, and their actual tests will come facing the Cowboys, Ravens, and Bills. While they have a two-game division lead, nothing’s a given here with these three high-powered offenses yet to meet. Remember, the Bills embarrassed them once already.

8. Cleveland Browns (7) Record: 7-3 (win vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 13-10) – Give the Browns credit. They should’ve lost this game but held on to win. The truth is the Browns are on borrowed time. The Steelers have the No. 29 passing offense and No. 15 rush offense. Defensively, they rank No. 22 against the pass and No. 23 against the rush.

This game was perfect for QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who went 24-of-43 for 1165 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He was damn lucky he was facing the Steelers. He did rush 3-20-0 and gave it his all to eke out a win. However, if there is a team at 6-3 at kickoff (now 6-4) that you could say is a fraud, it’s the Steelers. Lady Luck finally left them.

If QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) had any gas left and was injury-free, then we’re talking about a possible Super Bowl run. However, you’ll find fans and management convincing you why his brand is still on the upswing. The kid is only 28 but looks washed up and doesn’t seem to have the “want” to become elite. Then again, his $230 million contract is fully guaranteed despite the fact he’s a bad citizen and hasn’t won anything. The Browns, to be so close, through their ineptitude, are more than likely to be at home come the Super Bowl.

The Browns won’t get far once the playoffs begin with their quarterback play, and this elite defense has given up 24 or more points in six games this season. Regardless of their No. 1 against the pass and No. 10 against the run, they can also be preyed on. Despite being 7-3, this team has a lot of work to do. Don’t let the 49ers win fool you. That falls under “any given Sunday” because the odds are the Niners win 9-out-of-10 times. Don’t forget the referees gifted them the Colts win. This team doesn’t remind anyone of the Eagles or Chiefs yet.

NFL Power Rankings: Pretenders or Contenders?

9. Houston Texans (9) Record: 6-4 (win vs. Arizona Cardinals 21-16) – Everyone’s raving about the Texans. However, they’re blind to a team with a magical run but many deficiencies. If the Cardinals expect to beat the Chiefs, Ravens, Dolphins, and Bills come playoff time, they should’ve handled the Cardinals.

The Cardinals ranking on offense doesn’t matter as QB Kyler Murray just returned, but the Texans and their No. 24 pass defense with their top tier No. 7 ranked rush defense struggled to contain him. They gave up 123 rushing yards to Arizona and 319 total yards. While not horrific, again, if you want to have a deep playoff run at this point in the season, you must take care of business.

The bright spot continues to be C.J. Stroud, who went 27-of-37 for 336 passing yards, two touchdowns but three interceptions. He had zero interceptions in his first five games when there wasn’t a lot of film on him. He’s thrown five interceptions over the past five games, thus the league may be catching up to him.

Regardless of where the team ends up this season, it’s been an enormous success with their rebuild, and losing the first overall pick in the final game of the season last year may have been a blessing in disguise after watching the overall No. 1 pick in Bryce Young, slowly turning into a bust. It’s too early to say that, but it’s not looking good.

The Texans have a critical game this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars and only have to face the Browns, whereas the Broncos, Jets, Titans (twice), and Colts are winnable games. They have a serious shot at winning this division.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (11) Record: 7-3 (win vs. Tennessee Titans 34-14) – The Jaguars had to have a comeback game after last week’s 34-3 blowout by the Niners. The Jags were facing the No. 15 rush defense and No. 17 pass defense, it would be an expected win, but it would also be a game. That was not true. QB Trevor Lawrence had a solid game, going 24-of-32 for 262 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also went 5-17-2 rushing, and combined with his passing; those are elite fantasy football numbers. Regardless, we’re still waiting for him to become that elite quarterback many still believe he can be, but no one can argue this performance.

Joining the fun was WR Calvin Ridley, who went 7-103-2-9 in a monster game for him. Overall, they amassed 389 total yards, controlled the time of possession, limited their penalties (4), and got to the quarterback twice. This dominance is expected for a team like the Jaguars – on the cusp of competing with the top-tier teams. They took care of business but must continue to improve with the Texans on the docket next week for what will determine the division leader. Then they have the Browns and Ravens to follow. This young team will be battle-tested if they make it to the playoffs and that’s the best experience an up-and-coming can get by playing top-tier teams.

11. Buffalo Bills (14) Record: 6-5 (win vs. New York Jets 32-6) – If you’re a Bills fan, don’t look too deeply into this game. This game is akin to the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the St. Louis Rams in a must-win game back in Week 3. The Jets are regressing, and the Bills not only needed to right the ship, they wanted revenge from their Week 1 upset by the Jets.

QB Josh Allen played color by numbers, taking what the No. 5 ranked but over-tired and beat-down Jets’ secondary gave them. He went 20-of-32 for 275 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The Bills were always in command of this game and eventually wore the defense down. The Bills’ ground game, shockingly ranked No. 9 for the season, gashed the No. 27 ranked rush defense for 130 yards (38-130-0) for an unimpressive 3.4 yards per carry.

This win was necessary, but it doesn’t mean new offensive coordinator Joe Brady is the next whiz kid guru, especially after you study his resume. However, they can build on it and grow, and they’ll need to. They have yet to face the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Chargers and Dolphins. I put the Chargers there because it’s likely to be a close game, and while the Chargers give those away, never say never on any given Sunday! Another note: they’re also two games back from the division-leading Dolphins.

The Rest of the Best or Pretenders

12. Denver Broncos (16) Record: 5-5 (win vs. Minnesota Vikings 21-20) – Does anyone doubt that Nathanial Hackett, former Broncos head coach, is inept and never should’ve gotten the gig? Anyone with half a football mind would agree. The rest are on the teat of Aaron Rodgers’ as he’s the only one left for any football love for Hackett.

The Broncos struggled to score touchdowns, but remember where this team was a year ago and just five games ago when the Dolphins posted 70 points on them! The Broncos prove my belief in reality that it takes time, sometimes up to a year, for a team to learn a playbook, build chemistry, and adapt to a new culture with discipline. We’re seeing that with their last four consecutive wins. That includes wins against the Chiefs and Bills and this week against a resurgent Vikings on a four-game winning streak.

While not looking like his glory days with the Seahawks, QB Russell Wilson is showing some of that old form. He went 27-of-35 for 259 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. This game was a scrappy battle dominated by field goals for the Broncos. It’s a sign while they’re playing better, they still have significant red zone issues, and that’s normal.

Their defense came through as well, forcing three turnovers and containing QB Josh Dobbs, and they pounded him with double-digit hits (10), one interception, and three forced fumbles, with one being a turnover. This win was an overall team effort, and the Broncos have something to build on.

Technically, they’re still in the playoff hunt but are two games back of the division-leading Chiefs and have yet to face the Browns, Texans, Chargers (twice), Lions, and Raiders. Can they win out? Yes, as their wins against the Bills and Chiefs show, they can hang with anyone now. However, they must be perfect and do better than their average 21.7 points per game season against these offenses. Then again, they held the Chiefs to nine points and the Bills to 22 points.

Their defense has stepped it up. Ironically, I questioned coordinator Vance Joseph, who has them humming along and keeping opponents in check. It’ll be fun watching this team, but again, they must be as close to perfect to even think about the playoffs, and even if they run the table, their record may not be good enough to get in.

13. Seattle Seahawks (12) Record: 6-4 (loss vs. Los Angeles Rams 17-16) – This was a shocker. As stated, when division games happen every week, you can toss the records out the window. These two teams have had some monumental games, including upsetting one another, as this week proved. I’ve said it all along: QB Geno Smith (elbow) is a game manager at best who can make the deep throw. His game is limited, but what makes game managers great quarterbacks are keeping turnovers down and being accurate. This week, he was doing his job, going 22-of-34 for 233 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions before injury.

Once backup Drew Locke entered the game, the Rams took advantage, and it was too late when Smith returned. What is shocking is the rushing attack only amassed 68 yards facing the No. 20 ranked rush defense. Maybe it shouldn’t be, as the Seahawks’ rush offense only ranks No. 27 near the league’s bottom tier. Without a rushing attack, any team can beat Seattle. That’s what we saw on Sunday. Smith can’t carry this team, and it takes a complete effort for them to dominate.

Right now, they’re ranked No. 26 in passing offense, No. 27 in rush offense, No. 19 in pass defense, and No. 17 in rush defense. They’re not even a playoff-worthy team now, and their opponents are more physical than they are. That’s supposedly their strength – being physical with a strong, savage rushing attack to go with an efficient passing attack that can go deep. You add a ball-hawk, hard-hitting defense led by their secondary, and we see none of those traits anywhere right now.

When you look at the fact they still have the 49ers (twice), Cowboys, and Eagles on tap, their playoff hopes may not materialize. This would’ve been different a month ago, but this team isn’t trending in the right direction.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (13) Record: 6-4 (loss vs. Cleveland Browns 13-10) – This team finally hit the wall, or Lady Luck said, sayonara. They’re that bad. The Steelers have the No. 29 passing offense and No. 15 rush offense. Defensively, they rank No. 22 against the pass and No. 23 against the rush.

The scapegoat will be offensive coordinator Matt Canada, but some of the playcalling is questionable in his critic’s defense. However, Pickett looks lost, and the game’s speed may be too much for him. He went 15-of-28 for 106 passing yards, no touchdowns, but in a positive, no interceptions. He’s ranked No. 25 in NFL passing and a reason the team lost this game. Until the team understands if it’s Canada or Pickett, we’ll not know. However, the team does, and we’ll likely see Canada gone after the season.

As we all know, RB Jaylen Warren was the only bright spot for the team, going 9-129-1 rushing and 3-16-0-3 receiving. He ripped off a 74-yard touchdown run, but this team needs a balanced attack and greater consistency on defense.

They face the Seahawks and Ravens, which will likely determine their playoff hopes because the Bengals, Cardinals, Patriots, and Colts are winnable games despite having one of the league’s most inept offenses.

NFL Power Rankings: Get it Together and Overachievers

15. Minnesota Vikings (21) Record: 6-5 (loss vs. Denver Broncos 5-5) – The Vikings are turning me into a believer. Sure, they lost, but they had a chance to win this game and extend – against all odds – a four-game winning streak into five. God Bless QB Joshua Dobbs. He almost pulled it out again and is finally getting his due from the media and analysts. He faced a surging Broncos team that many perceive as terrible. That was once the case, but new head coach Sean Payton has turned this team around, proving former head coach Nathanial Hackett is an idiot.

This defense contained QB Josh Dobbs, who still went 20-of-32 for 221 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, he fumbled three times, losing one, and the team had three turnovers, two by Dobbs. The rushing attack ranked No. 21, outdid themselves, and, as a team, gashed the Broncos for 175 yards (36-175-1), with Alexander Mattison leading the way, 18-81-0.

This team was playing above itself the past four games, and statistically, it was bound to catch up to them. It was close but not a shocker in an away game in a loud stadium with a quarterback still learning the ropes and a Broncos team finally playing better and beginning to play at their talent level.

However, the Vikings have questions. Where do they go from here? I do not believe WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) won’t sacrifice himself for anyone, but in his defense, hamstring injuries are tricky and can become chronic. Right or wrong, that means the team can’t count on him. QB Kirk Cousins (Achilles) is gone for the season, and overall, this team ranks No. 15 in passing and No. 21 in rushing. Conversely, they rank No. 26 in pass defense and No. 12 in rush defense. Injuries have cost this team, questionable offseason moves (see running back), and terrible contracts that have impacted their salary cap, too.

They’re not out of it, as the NFC North isn’t strong outside the Lions. The problem is that they’re now three games back from the 8-2 Lions, who are dominating. It’s a significant advantage they play them twice and never say never, but we don’t see them winning out, especially since four division games are on tap (counting the Lions), and these teams tend to play each other tough.

You toss in the Raiders, and it’s not an easy road, but then again, it’s not impossible, so look for them to continue to give it their best versus looking ahead to evaluating talent for next year. No, with Dobbs and the fans riled up with hope, they’ll continue to gut it out.

16. Indianapolis Colts (20) Record: 5-5 (Bye Week)

17. New Orleans Saints (22) Record: 5-5 (Bye Week)

18. Los Angeles Rams (25) Record: 4-6 (win vs. Seattle Seahawks 16-17) – While we always say teams have players who check out when their season is lost, some veterans play for pride, and that’s what is happening to the Rams. Technically, they’re not out of the playoff picture, but at 4-6, it’s barely a long shot. Again, this team isn’t giving up, and you can toss records out when division teams know one another as well as these two do.

This game boiled down to the defense coming up big once Seahawks QB Geno Smith (elbow) went down. Drew Locke wasn’t able to move the team, which allowed the Rams to catch up and barely secure the win (missed Seahawks field goal).

Regarding the playoffs? That’s likely a pipe dream. Sure, continue to field a team of starters and try, but the truth is this team is playing for next year – players for roster spots and Sean McVay (head coach) underlings for their jobs.

Their offense is ranked No. 22 overall, No. 23 in passing, and No. 22 in receiving yards. They would have to go on a hell of a run to make the playoffs, and while their defense isn’t as bad, ranked No. 10 against the pass and No. 20 against the rush, they still have to face the Browns, Ravens, Saints, and 49ers and that’s a big mountain to climb and conquer.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (15) Record: 4-6 (loss vs. Green Bay Packers 23-20) – Who’s shocked that the Chargers lost another close one? They’ve lost to the Saints, Titans, Vikings, and Raiders – three teams with a combined record of 19-23, with only the Vikings with a winning record. They’re not very good, so this loss is no shocker to SoCal (southern California) fans and intelligent analysts like us! All you hear is how the Chargers’ mistakes are killing them. We’re like a broken record from a team with no fundamentals and discipline.

Word on the street is that head coach Brandon Staley is an arrogant bully. He got the job because of the Rams Super Bowl run. You know, the season they rented players to win it all. Rex Ryan put it best about Staley, and I’ll add the team should’ve fired him already. He’s not qualified to be a head coach.

Ignore the yardage because the only thing that mattered this week was that final score. The team couldn’t score enough touchdowns offensively despite the yards between the twenties. QB Justin Herbert went 21-of-36 for 260 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, and the rushing attack was solid, if not outstanding, with the team gaining 150 yards on the ground.

However, this defense is atrocious, and we saw Staley lose it when reporters questioned his defensive play-calling. They’re dead last (No. 32) against the pass, and being that bad means the No. 11 ranking against the rush is a bit deceiving as teams destroy them through the air as Jordan Love did with the game-winning touchdown.

Technically, they’re still in the playoff hunt and are three games behind the Chiefs, but with the Ravens, Broncos (division twice), Raiders (division), Bills, and Chiefs still on tap, we can confidently state, put a fork in them. That pass defense will get eaten alive, especially with Staley calling the plays!

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (18) Record: 4-6 (loss vs. San Francisco 49ers 27-14) – The Bucs feed on mediocre teams, and their only legitimate win against a team vying for the playoffs is the New Orleans Saints, who are 500.

The one positive is that this is a growth year for the team, with QB Baker Mayfield developing chemistry. However, their head coach, Todd Bowles, isn’t guaranteed to return if they don’t win the division or have a losing record. He’s not doing a great job after inheriting a Super Bowl-ready team from former head coach Bruce Arians.

They’re ranked No. 14 in passing offense, and again, Mayfield’s still learning the ropes, so that’s not a bad ranking. However, they’re dead last, No. 32, in rushing offense, which puts too much pressure on the passing attack. They knew they had a problem entering the season. That’s squarely on the shoulders of the front office and coaching staff.

Defensively, this team is ranked No. 30 against the pass, and that’s how teams tend to attack them, thus a No. 10 season ranking against the rush.

However, being only one game back from the Saints, who they beat, they are still in the playoff hunt and play the Saints once more. They could win enough to take the division with the Colts, Panthers (twice), Falcons, Packers, Jaguars, and Saints. Out of that group, the Jaguars is the only team where they are better. The rest? Well, it pays to be in one of the two weakest divisions.

Despite all their issues, this team has a legitimate shot to take the division.

21. Las Vegas Raiders (19) Record: 5-6 (loss vs. Miami Dolphins 20-13) – The Raiders beat up two New York teams with a combined record of 7-14. That said, there’s no guarantee that a Josh McDaniel-led team would’ve won. Then again, he did win three games, so who knows? The point is the Raiders played two losers before meeting up with a team with a .500 record. They even had three turnovers and were in the game for its entirety. It’s a situation where the Raiders are playing better, and the Dolphins likely looked ahead.

Is the team playing better and with more energy under Pierce? Yes, they are, but that tends to wear off after a few weeks. Moving forward is the real tell as they face the Chiefs (twice), Vikings, Chargers, Colts, and a resurgent Broncos. None of those games are a given; they are three games back from the Chiefs. This mountain will be too big to overcome, but look for them to continue playing hard and look for some upsets during this run, as every game is winnable. Yes, that includes the Chiefs because these two teams know one another exceptionally well.

However, with this current offense, don’t look for them to win out, and don’t be shocked if they go down most of these weeks. QB Aidan O’Connell was horrific, going 24-of-41 for 271 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. As Grumblings Media correctly predicted, we didn’t see a great year for RB Brandon Jacobs (14-39-0) after a work-horse season and an ill-advised holdout that set him back this season.

I’m the minority, and I will say WR Davante Adams is outstanding, but that was under QB Aaron Rodgers. Like many receivers, an elite quarterback makes them better than they are, and Adams falls under that. However, this week, he did well, 7-82-1-13, but his attitude and constant whining is an issue the team will have to address this offseason, whether it’s Pierce or a new regime. He still has trade value, and while not likely to go anywhere, they could fetch a pretty penny for him – see the Chiefs, Bills, and Giants as just three examples.