NFL Power Rankings: Breaking Down Every Team Heading into Week 7

Week 7 of the 2013 NFL season is upon us, making this a perfect time to highlight where every team in the league stands.

There’s a ton of teams currently in the middle of the pack and sitting at .500 after six weeks, which makes this upcoming slate of games crucial to the playoff picture.

Check out my latest power rankings and let me know what you think about where I ranked your favorite team in the comments.

32. New York Giants (0-6)

The G-Men are arguably the league’s worst team, posting a disgusting turnover differential and finding new ways to lose every week.

While there are some bright spots on this team, it may be time for the front office to hold a fire sale and get excited for 2014.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-5)

Tampa has a chance to become a quality organization when it finds a quality head coach.

Ever since Jon Gruden was fired in 2009, the Bucs have floundered under Raheem Morris and Greg Schiano. Neither is a capable NFL leader and it’s likely that the club is interviewing candidates for the job sooner than later.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-6)

The Jags fought hard against the Denver Broncos, but still came up well short of their first win of 2013.

Justin Blackmon is definitely a superstar in the making, and once he has a quality quarterback he could become the league’s best wide receiver. At least the three Jacksonville fans remaining have that to hope for.

29. Washington Redskins (1-4)

Robert Griffin III is pledging to run more now than he’s more comfortable with his surgically repaired knee after the bye, per John Keim of ESPN.com.

Regardless of how many yards he gains on the ground, it’s hard to see the Redskins' replacement-level defense keeping this team in many games.

28. Minnesota Vikings (1-4)

The Vikings are hoping that Josh Freeman can solve their quarterback conundrum, but that is unlikely if his recent performances in Tampa are any indication.

It would be nice if Minnesota could just find a legit signal-caller before Adrian Peterson’s prime is completely wasted. The potential Hall of Fame back deserves that much at least.

27. Houston Texans (2-4)

What a surprise: another team at the bottom of the power rankings without an elite option under center. The Texans' once-powerful rushing attack isn’t able to carry this squad without the threat of the defense being burned through the air, something neither Matt Schaub or T.J. Yates has been able accomplish in 2013.

Now, as ESPN's Tania Ganguli reported, the team is turning to Case Keenum.

This team can no longer be considered a playoff contender and will continue to lose games until the signal-callers stop turning over the rock and start making some plays. Week 7 at Kansas City will be a tough obstacle.

26. Atlanta Falcons (1-4)

It’s well past the time for Falcons fans to panic, as most should start looking forward to who will be selected with a high pick in the 2014 draft.

At 1-4 and trailing the New Orleans Saints by a large margin in the NFC South, there is no reason to believe that Atlanta has what it takes to make a postseason appearance in 2013.

Factor in Julio Jones’ season-ending injury and Roddy White's lingering ailments, and you are looking at a team that has had its main weapon—the vaunted passing attack—completely destroyed and with it any hope of redeeming this campaign.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4)

Pittsburgh finally earned a much-needed win in 2013, defeating the Jets 19-6 in an all-around solid effort.

Fans are hoping that outing wasn’t a fluke and that this squad can keep it rolling against the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 7.

24. Oakland Raiders (2-4)

The Raiders are an interesting club, but they won’t be competing in the AFC West anytime soon due to Kansas City's and Denver’s presence.

Oakland’s offensive line will need to step up and protect Terrelle Pryor if the Black and Silver’s losing ways are ever going to change.

23. Buffalo Bills (2-4)

This squad didn’t completely crumble despite EJ Manuel’s absence in Week 6.

The Bills rallied under Thad Lewis and fought the Cincinnati Bengals into overtime before eventually succumbing to a late field goal.

Regardless, the performance builds hope that this team can remain relevant and eventually shine when the rookie signal-caller returns.

22. Carolina Panthers (2-3)

The Panthers were reeling from a tough loss to the Cardinals in Week 5, but Cam Newton put together a pantheon performance to lead his side past the Vikings in Week 6. The defense has also been playing better.

Look for them to move to .500 against the Rams at home on Sunday.

21. Arizona Cardinals (3-3)

The Cards have been winning games despite Carson Palmer’s ineptitude under center.

That won’t remain the case if top wideout Larry Fitzgerald struggles with his hamstring injury and gets shut down by the Seattle Seahawks' powerful secondary in Week 7's Thursday night game at home.

20. San Diego Chargers (3-3)

The Bolts are coming off a supercharged win over the Indianapolis Colts in prime time and look poised to make a run into the second half of the season.

They have a very winnable matchup against the Jags in Week 7 before their well-timed bye, as the schedule gets tougher starting in Week 10 against the Broncos.

19. New York Jets (3-3)

Gang Green is playing old-school football, relying on a tough defense and running game to get wins.

Rookie quarterback Geno Smith hasn’t been too bad either and is a large reason why the Jets are .500 heading into a home rematch with AFC East rival New England.

18. Cleveland Browns (3-3)

The Browns are going to struggle with Brandon Weeden slinging the rock, but the rest of this team is capable of hanging with anyone in the league.

If head coach Rob Chudzinski can keep a short leash on his quarterback and limit the turnovers, the Browns will have a shot at winning a few more games in 2013.

17. Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)

Chip Kelly’s offense is once again soaring, this time with Nick Foles handling the starting signal-caller duties.

There’s a good chance he remains installed in that position despite Michael Vick's health if he can guide Philly past the Dallas Cowboys at home in a must-win NFC East showdown.

16. St. Louis Rams (3-3)

The Rams are an up-and-down team that has recently been crushing foes with their defense and finally finding a rhythm on offense.

The NFC West is one of the toughest divisions to win in, but this team is still a dark horse to make the playoffs in 2013.

15. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)

America’s Team gutted out a solid win over the Redskins in Week 6 and now have a chance to take a lead in the division by knocking off the Eagles.

It may be a bit tougher with the possibility of star back DeMarco Murray missing the showdown, but Tony Romo and the receivers in this vertical passing attack have what it takes to hang a ton of points on Philly’s subpar secondary.

14. Tennessee Titans (3-3)

The Titans have utilized a terrific defensive effort to reach .500, despite the loss of starting quarterback Jake Locker.

If the D can keep playing at that level, there is no doubt that this squad can compete with any team in the league.

13. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)

The defending Super Bowl champs haven’t exactly shocked the world in 2013, but they have been solid enough to remain on the playoff radar and that is all that matters.

As long as young weapons keep stepping up to help out Joe Flacco, this team could easily make another run as an AFC wild card.

12. Miami Dolphins (3-2)

The ‘Phins are coming off a bye and ready to get into the meat of their 2013 schedule.

If Ryan Tannehill could get just a little more time to throw, he has the opportunity to become one of the best players over the second half of the season.

11. Detroit Lions (4-2)

The Lions may not be a defensive juggernaut, but their offense has been getting the job done—even without Calvin Johnson dominating the opposing secondary.

Players like Reggie Bush, Kris Durham and Joseph Fauria are stepping up in his wake and helping Detroit become a powerhouse that should be in line for a postseason appearance at the end of this year.

10. Green Bay Packers (3-2)

The injury bug bit the Pack hard in Week 6, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to doubt Aaron Rodgers and Co.

Even without Randall Cobb and possibly James Jones, this team still has the ability to attack through the air and should not be discounted whatsoever against the visiting Browns in Week 7.

9. Chicago Bears (4-2)

The Bears are a fearsome team that is currently neck and neck with the Lions for the NFC North lead. They look like a revitalized group under head coach Marc Trestman and should finally make a playoff run for the first time since 2010.

Jay Cutler is playing for his contract and has more than earned one at this juncture, but he has to avoid the late collapse that has plagued this group in recent years.

8. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)

The Bengals haven’t exactly been blowing out opponents, but they have quality wins over some of the league’s best clubs.

As long as A.J. Green continues to be an elite downfield weapon, Andy Dalton continues his maturation as an NFL starting signal-caller and the defense is capable of coming up with huge stops, this team will be fine and should win the AFC North.

7. Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

Although the Colts recently lost to the Chargers, there is an opportunity to make a statement at home against the Broncos during Peyton Manning’s return to Indianapolis.

It is going to be a must-watch Sunday Night Football matchup that pits two of the AFC’s best opponents against one another, and you won’t want to miss it.

6. San Francisco 49ers (4-2)

The 49ers are one of the more intriguing teams in the league, as they have been utilizing power football—defense and running—to win.

That may cost them a few games during the regular season, but San Fran is a great bet to make a run back to the Super Bowl.

5. New Orleans Saints (5-1)

The Saints' undefeated run ended in Foxborough, with the Patriots tossing a last-second touchdown to overcome this NFC South powerhouse.

New Orleans is still one of the league’s top-tier teams and that hasn’t changed a bit after Tom Brady’s incredible strike. Don’t be surprised if this group gets back on track immediately with a decimation of the Bills after their Week 7 bye.

4. Seattle Seahawks (5-1)

The Seahawks haven’t been winning pretty, but they have what it takes to get the job done on a weekly basis.

Couple a dual-threat quarterback with a beast-mode rusher and one of the NFL’s top defenses, and you have a Seattle squad that isn’t going to lose many games in 2013.

3. New England Patriots (5-1)

The Pats are capable of winning games dirty and that is what you often see from Super Bowl contenders.

A combination of grizzled veteran faces like Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are blending nicely with emerging stars like Kenbrell Thompkins to make up the 2013 Pats, a fearsome group that should only get better with the eventual return of Rob Gronkowski.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (6-0)

The undefeated Chiefs continue to roll with Andy Reid at the helm and Alex Smith under center, using the league’s top turnover differential to best opponents on a weekly basis.

There is nothing sexy about this Kansas City side, but it is not an opponent that teams should take lightly.

1. Denver Broncos (6-0)

There isn’t much left to say about this team.

Peyton Manning is playing with a chip on his shoulder after an early playoff exit last season and could lead the Broncos to an undefeated record. The sky is the limit for this explosive offense and improving defense.