B/R Experts Week 7 NFL Power Rankings

We're six weeks into the 2025 NFL season, and things are getting wild.

Some of the teams at the top of the league are stumbling. In Week 6, the Philadelphia Eagles not only lost but were doubled up by a one-win New York Giants team. With the Detroit Lions losing at Kansas City, for the third week in a row the Bleacher Report NFL Power Rankings features a new No. 1 team.

That team is most assuredly not the Baltimore Ravens, who are 1-5 after another loss at home and in full-on implosion mode.

Meanwhile, a Carolina Panthers team most expected to be bottom feeders has pulled off back-to-back wins and sits at 3-3. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to the best start in franchise history at 5-1. The Cleveland Browns are struggling significantly this season.

It just goes to show you can always expect the unexpected in the NFL. That last outcome was maybe in line with expectations. However, surprises are always possible.

As they do every week, Bleacher Report NFL Analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski are here to rank all 32 teams from worst to first.

The team occupying the basement here should surprise no one.

32. New York Jets (0-6)

AP Photo/Kin Cheung

Jets QB Justin Fields

Last Week: 32

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Denver 13-11

As the only winless team in the league, the Jets are in the pits of the power rankings, which isn't a surprise.

Head coach Aaron Glenn took umbrage with a reporter's question about Justin Fields' status as the starting quarterback, but it was a fair inquiry, considering the signal-caller's poor showing. Fields held onto the ball far too long, which led to a number of the nine sacks he took in London. He's struggled mightily in two contests this season and may be one poor outing away from the bench. -- Moton

31. Tennessee Titans (1-5)

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Titans QB Cam Ward

Last Week: 31

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Las Vegas 20-10

There really aren't many Tennessee Titans positives to discuss right now, aside from the fact that Cam Ward continues to show occasional flashes of elite talent while playing with poise behind a bad offensive line.

It took an epic Arizona Cardinals collapse for Tennessee to pick up its first win of the season last week. The Titans did nothing to build on that victory during Sunday's lopsided loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Tennessee has a couple of defensive standouts and may have found its quarterback in Ward. It's hard to think the Titans have much else to build around, though, and that includes a front office and coaching staff that just jettisoned Brian Callahan. -- Knox

30. Miami Dolphins (1-5)

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

Last Week: 30

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Los Angeles Chargers 29-27

Following a tough loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, who kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired in regulation, Tua Tagovailoa called out his teammates for missing or being late to player-only meetings.

Tagovailoa specifically pointed out the leadership structure (or the lack thereof) as a reason for the team's shortcomings. While he spoke candidly, the sixth-year quarterback must look in the mirror as a leader in Miami's locker room.  

The Dolphins could fall further in a downward spiral if Tagovailoa's teammates have an issue with his postgame comments. -- Moton

29. Cleveland Browns (1-5)

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Browns QB Dillon Gabriel

Last Week: 27

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 23-9

Dillon Gabriel's second start didn't go nearly as well as his first. A major issue is coming to light, with the rookie signal-caller's inability to drive the ball down the field. He completed five-of-25 passes over 10 yards during first two starts. Cleveland can't stretch the field. The Browns are also struggling to block anyone because of poor offensive tackle play. When Gabriel does get time, his receivers continue to drop passes. 

At 1-5, the Browns are once again stuck in the swirling vortex of a lost season. The hope is that Gabriel asserts himself as QB1. If he doesn't play well, Shedeur Sanders needs a look to prove what he can do. Otherwise, Cleveland's enduring search for the franchise quarterback will continue next offseason. -- Sobleski

28. New Orleans Saints (1-5)

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Saints WR Chris Olave

Last Week: 28

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. New England 25-19

So, about the momentum that the Saints built after winning their first game of 2025 in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Well, that's gone.

On some level, it can be argued that first-year head coach Kellen Moore deserves a fair amount of credit. Yes, the Saints are a one-win team. But with the exception of a Week 3 meltdown in Seattle, New Orleans has been in every game this season.

That's saying something, because the Saints just don't have the talent to hang with good teams this season. The offense was held under 20 points for the fourth time in six games. The defense can only do so much when the offense can't sustain drives.

It's going to be a long season in the Big Easy. But that might be the worst thing in the long run.

This is a team that has needed a ground-up rebuild for years. -- Davenport

27. Baltimore Ravens (1-5)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens RB Derrick Henry

Last Week: 22

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Los Angeles Rams 17-3

At 1-5, the Ravens season isn't over, but Baltimore is teetering on the edge of oblivion. Current expectations place quarterback Lamar Jackson back into the starting lineup after next weekend's bye. Jackson isn't going to solve all of the team's problems, though, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.  The Ravens own a bottom four defense coming out of Sunday's action.

Even with Jackson back on the field and healthy, the Ravens aren't going to win shootout after shootout in order to turn around the season. To be fair, the post-bye schedule is manageable with one team owning a winning record between now and the start of December. Maybe a little magic can happen, but Jackson will need to be truly special during the next stretch of games. -- Sobleski

26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby

Last Week: 29

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Tennessee 20-10

There were reasons for optimism in the Raiders' win over the Titans Sunday. Vegas is getting rookie running back Ashton Jeanty going. Edge-rusher Maxx Crosby was a force, logging two sacks. Linebacker Devin White was everywhere, leading the team in tackles with a sack, a forced fumble and an interception.

It was such a good day that Raiders quarterback Geno Smith only threw one interception.

It's not a game that changes anything, though. Smith was serviceable under center. Jeanty averaged 3.3 yards per carry because the Vegas O-Line is getting no push. The Raiders didn't win because they were better. They were victorious because the Titans were worse.

The Raiders now face three straight games against teams with winning records, including in-division road trips to face the Chiefs and Broncos.

We'll all be reminded soon enough how bad this team really is. -- Davenport

25. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Bengals QB Joe Flacco

Last Week: 24

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Green Bay Packers 27-18

The plan to start Joe Flacco five days after his acquisition from the rival Cleveland Browns didn't inspire much hope in the Bengals' chances to beat the Packers. Unsurprisingly, Cincinnati lost. However, after an inauspicious start, Flacco started to connect with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Bengals were within one score during the fourth quarter. 

Flacco can go into his second week as a member of the Bengals with a fresh start knowing he's Cincinnati's starter. Unfortunately, he still won't get a full week of practice under his belt since the Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. At minimum, Flacco might have enough time to memorize all of his teammates' names by the time he takes the field again. -- Sobleski

24. Arizona Cardinals (2-4)

AP Photo/AJ Mast

Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett

Last Week: 23

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Indianapolis Colts 31-27

A conversation needs to be had within the walls of the Cardinals' facilities. Arizona's offense looked significantly better Sunday with Jacoby Brissett leading the way than it had at any point during Kyle Murray's run to start the season. 

Murray is now in his seventh season, and he's yet to show the level of consistency necessary to be a premium quarterback. Yes, the 2019 No. 1 shows flashes of brilliance with difference-making athleticism. But he still struggles with his decision-making and overall play from the pocket. 

Brissett is who he is. He's not going to light the NFL on fire. At the same time, he understands how to run an offense and execute. He did so extremely well against what was a good Colts offense entering the contest. Brissett may actually place the Cardinals in a better position to win for the rest of the season, even when Murray is recovered from his foot injury. -- Sobleski

23. New York Giants (2-4)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Giants QB Jaxson Dart

Last Week: 25

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Philadelphia 34-17

Are the New York Giants playoff contenders? Probably not, but they're quickly becoming one of the more fun squads to watch in the NFL.

Jaxson Dart isn't perfect, and if he doesn't adjust the way he runs, he's going to miss time. However, he has the arm talent to attack all areas of the field, and his mobility can keep opposing defenses off-balance. He and Cam Skattebo are giving New York an offensive identity, and when the offense is able to sustain drives, a talented defensive front has opportunities to shine.

This is a team with potential, and while potential alone won't win games, it may be enough to guarantee 2026 employment for Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Getting wins, like Thursday's over the Philadelphia Eagles, will certainly help. -- Knox

22. Carolina Panthers (3-3)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle

Last Week: 26

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Dallas 30-27

Don't look now, but the Carolina Panthers are a .500 football team six weeks into the regular season. It's first time Carolina has had as many wins as losses since the team was 5-5 in 2021.

Thanks to a second straight massive outing from running back Rico Dowdle (whose 239 scrimmage yards in Week 6 and 473 scrimmage yards the past two weeks are both franchise records), the Panthers snuck past the Dallas Cowboys and are now undefeated at home.

Quarterback Bryce Young still isn't posting big numbers—Week 6 was the fifth time in six games he has failed to throw for 200 yards. But he isn't making a lot of mistakes with the ball. Rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan caught two touchdown passes and the Carolina defense under 300 yards of offense.

Are the Panthers good? Maybe not. But there's no denying that they are getting better. -- Davenport

21. Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1)

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Cowboys WR George Pickens

Last Week: 18

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Carolina 30-27

The Dallas Cowboys aren't quite who we thought they were entering the season. Brian Schottenheimer has the offense playing at an elite level—even without CeeDee Lamb—while Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level.

Unfortunately, Dallas' defense has been every bit as bad as most expected it to be following the Micah Parsons trade. The Cowboys came into Week 6 ranked 32nd in yards allowed and 29th in points allowed. Surprisingly, they coughed up 410 yards to Carolina and fell to 2-3-1 on the season.

Cowboys fans are enjoying some incredibly fun games in 2025, but they won't enjoy a deep playoff run unless Dallas adds some defensive help. -- Knox

20. Houston Texans (2-3)

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Texans QB C.J. Stroud

Last Week: 21

Week 6 Result: Bye Week

It'll be interesting to see if the Week 5 bye helps or hinders the Houston Texans.

On one hand, it'll give Houston an extra week to prepare for a very good Seattle Seahawks team. On the other, it puts a pause on any momentum the Texans picked up during blowout wins over the Titans and Ravens.

Of course, the Titans and Ravens haven't been good this season. Upcoming games against the Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos will tell us a lot more about where the 2-3 Texans actually stand. -- Knox

19. Minnesota Vikings (3-2)

AP Photo/Peter Morrison

Vikings QB Justin Jefferson

Last Week: 16

Week 6 Result: Bye

The Minnesota Vikings limped into their Week 6 bye with a banged-up offense. Running back Aaron Jones Sr. is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is recovering from a high ankle sprain, and his backup, Carson Wentz, played through a left shoulder injury behind an offensive line that featured three reserves filling in for injured starters.

While a healthier offense should help the Vikings come out strong from an off week, McCarthy must show improvement upon his return to action. In two games this season, he threw for just 301 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions with a 58.5 percent completion rate. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, McCarthy's status for Week 7 is uncertain. -- Moton

18. Chicago Bears (3-2)

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Bears RB D'Andre Swift

Last Week: 20

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Washington 25-24

The surging Chicago Bears have won three consecutive games, and they came out of their Week 5 bye with a strong run game, racking up a season-high 145 rushing yards. D'Andre Swift led the charge on the ground with 108 yards and also caught two passes for 67 yards and a touchdown.

In Week 7, the Bears will look to extend their winning streak in a home matchup against the one-win New Orleans Saints. Chicago is moving up the power rankings, and the NFC North has become one of the most interesting divisions in the league. -- Moton

17. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun

Last Week: 10

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Seattle 20-12

The Jacksonville Jaguars may still be one of the top teams in the AFC. Last Monday's win over the Kansas City Chiefs would suggest as much. However, Jacksonville is probably still a year away from legitimately being in the Super Bowl conversation.

The Jags entered Week 6 with an NFL-best 14 takeaways. That's obviously a positive, but it helped mask the reality that Jacksonville's 23rd-ranked defense and 15th-ranked offense have been more good than great.

Mistakes, drops and poor offensive line play doomed Jacksonville against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, and there were no takeaways to help even the odds.

Can the Jaguars win a lot of games and possibly an AFC South title in 2025? Absolutely, but Sunday's loss showed just how turnover-dependent Jacksonville's defense is. -- Knox

16. Washington Commanders (3-3)

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

Last Week: 13

Week 6 Result: vs. Chicago (Monday Night Football)

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Chicago 25-24

Monday night's game was a big one for the Washington Commanders, and their loss was telling.

A win over Chicago would have given the Commanders a share of the NFC East lead at a time when the reigning-champion Eagles might be showing some cracks. Unfortunately, Washington fell behind early, failed to stop Chicago late, and lost on a last-second field goal.

A year ago, the Commanders simply seemed destined to win one-score games. Their latest loss serves as a reminder that winning everything close isn't sustainable. Washington is talented. It's also a .500 team. -- Knox

15. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Chargers RB Kimani Vidal

Last Week: 15

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Miami 29-27

For a time, it appeared the Los Angeles Chargers were headed for a third straight loss. A second in three weeks to a bad team. The kind of skid that would have called their viability as a contender in the AFC West into serious question.

But that's not what happened. Los Angeles staged a pair of comebacks, including a last-second one, to get past a bad Dolphins team and keep pace with the Broncos in the division.

Los Angeles overcame injury issues and especially in the backfield, with Kimani Vidal racking up 138 total yards and a score with Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton on injured reserve. Justin Herbert is the NFL's best quarterback rarely mentioned with the NFL's best quarterbacks.

Inconsistency remains an issue with the Bolts. But make no mistake—this is a team that can hang with the AFC's elite if they put it all together. -- Davenport

14. Atlanta Falcons (3-2)

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson

Last Week: 17

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Buffalo 24-14

Will the real Atlanta Falcons please stand up?

Fans will undoubtedly find this ranking low. After all, the Falcons just notched a double-digit win over a Bills team that has held the No. 1 spot in these rankings as recently as, well, this week.

It was an impressive victory. The young trip of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London was all but unstoppable against the Bills. Atlanta's defense held the Bills under 300 yards of offense and turned Buffalo over twice. Atlanta has three wins over playoff teams from a year ago already this season.

But the Falcons also got shellacked 30-0 by the Panthers. It's going to take another quality win or two to wash the stink of that loss off and establish Atlanta as a real player in the NFC South.

With trips to San Francisco and New England coming up, this young (and potentially) dangerous) Falcons team will have an opportunity to earn them. -- Davenport

13. San Francisco 49ers (4-2)

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

49ers LB Fred Warner

Last Week: 5

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-19

The Niners might own a 4-2 record, but it's hard not to be despondent about the team's chances after the roster suffered yet another devastating injury. 

Linebacker Fred Warner left Sunday's contest with a season-ending dislocated ankle. Warner is the game's best off-ball linebacker. He's the beating heart of San Francisco's defense. San Francisco already lost their best defensive lineman when Nick Bosa went down with a torn ACL. 

Eventually, fellow stars Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk are expected back after nursing injuries. However, the loss of two major defensive pieces may be too much to handle when talking about those who are legitimate difference-makers. The Niners can't adequately replace either and shouldn't be expected to do so. -- Sobleski

12. New England Patriots (4-2)

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Patriots QB Drake Maye

Last Week: 19

Week 6 Result: Won vs. New Orleans 25-19

Unlike some upstart teams that come out flat after a big win, the New England Patriots put together another quality performance on the road against the New Orleans Saints.

Drake Maye carved up the Saints' secondary, throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns. He's an ascending talent among the league's rising quarterbacks, while bringing the Patriots back into the AFC playoff discussion. -- Moton

11. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold

Last Week: 14

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 20-12

Mike MacDonald's defense came to play Sunday in Jacksonville. The Seahawks generated seven sacks, 17 quarterback hits and a 54 percent pressure rate. No quarterback can withstand that level of pressure in his face for the entirety of a game. They'll all crumble. 

Granted, Seattle's D won't be as prolific each and every week. It's a good thing the organization can lean on the connection between quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Over the last two weeks, Smith-Njigba caught 16 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Things are coming together nicely for Seattle. -- Sobleski

10. Denver Broncos (4-2)

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Broncos EDGE Nik Bonitto

Last Week: 11

Week 6 Result: Won vs. New York Jets 13-11

There's an old-timey saying in the NFL that defense wins championships. But even in today's high-scoring, pass-wacky league it's still true.

Defense was certainly how the Broncos got past the Jets in London Sunday. On a day where Denver's offense was underwhelming (and then some), the Broncos schwacked the Jets. New York had all of 82 total yards. After you factor in the yardage lost due to nine Denver sacks, the Jets had -10 passing yards—the fewest passing yards a team has had in the 21st century.

This isn't the first time Denver's offense has been MIA this season. But the Broncos kept pace in the AFC West for the same reason they are legitimate contenders in the AFC—last year's No. 1 defense is every bit as smothering this season.

Six weeks into the season, Denver is averaging five sacks a game and has 10 more sacks than any team in the league.

Get after the quarterback like that, and you're going to have success. -- Davenport

9. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy

Last Week: 12

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Detroit 30-17

You'd think we would know better than to discount the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs. Jason Voorhees has nothing on these guys when it comes to being impossible to kill.

Kansas City is "just" a .500 team after taking care of the Lions on Sunday night. Their schedule remains brutally difficult, with next week's tilt with the Raiders both a welcome respite and a divisional matchup that screams "trap game."

However, this was the Chiefs' most impressive win of the season, and the team is about to add wide receiver Rashee Rice that had already improved markedly with Xavier Worthy on the field.

Mahomes is dealing. Kansas City's defense remains as solid as ever.

Until they get beat in the playoffs (which they will make—more likely than not as AFC West champions (again)), the road to Santa Clara in the AFC goes where it does every year.

Right through Kansas City.  -- Davenport

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers

Last Week: 9

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Cleveland Browns 23-9

At 4-1, the Steelers are already cruising through the AFC North. Pittsburgh holds a 2.5-game lead in the division through six weeks of play. Each of their rivals are dealing with problems at quarterback. The Steelers, meanwhile, are getting everything they hoped after going all-in with Aaron Rodgers behind center. 

The most impressive aspect of Sunday's performance in yet another victory over the Browns in Pittsburgh was Cleveland's inability to pressure Rodgers. The Steelers' offensive line had been suspect. Even with Myles Garrett prowling, the Steelers didn't surrender a single sack and only three quarterback hits in total. If Rodgers remains upright, it won't matter how old he is because the veteran signal-caller can still pick apart defenses. -- Sobleski

7. Detroit Lions (4-2)

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown

Last Week: 1

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City 30-17

The Detroit Lions don't need to regroup after a double-digit loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Jared Goff's illegal motion penalty cost them four points, and Amon-Ra St. Brown's drop resulted in a turnover on downs and gave the Chiefs a short field on a touchdown drive.

The Lions will bounce back, but their offense needs a signature performance against a quality opponent or defense. Detroit looked like world beaters after blowing out the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, who are without quarterback Joe Burrow, but it lost by two possessions to the Green Bay Packers and Chiefs in the team's worst offensive outings. -- Moton

6. Buffalo Bills (4-2)

AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes

Bills RB James Cook

Last Week: 3

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Atlanta 24-14

Though many expected the Buffalo Bills to bounce back from their first loss of the season, they went flat under the Monday night bright lights. The Bills scored a season-low of 14 points and gave up a whopping 443 total yards from scrimmage. Buffalo must patch up its run defense, which ranked 30th going into Week 6, and allowed 170 yards and a score to Bijan Robinson. 

Just two weeks ago, the Bills were the league's last unbeaten team. Now, they need to figure out how to end a two-game skid. -- Moton

5. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley

Last Week: 2

Week 6 Result: Lost vs. Giants 34-17

The Eagles have an identity problem. Right now, they're trying to be a team that lines up and outplays the competition. That "we're just that much better than you" attitude isn't working right now.

Two weeks ago, Philly refused to lean on Saquon Barkley and the ground game while trying to close it out against the Broncos. On Thursday, the Eagles defense refused to respect Jaxson Dart's scrambling ability, even though he repeatedly made plays with his legs.

The Eagles still have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. If they don't ditch the predictable play-calling and start making adjustments, though, the Philly Panic Meter will continue to rise. -- Knox

4. Los Angeles Rams (4-2)

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Rams LB Nate Landman

Last Week: 8

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Baltimore Ravens 17-3

The Rams don't get enough credit for how often they find hidden gems. Beyond the well-documented rise of wide receiver Puka Nacua, general manager Les Snead and his scouting staff continue to find contributors, particularly in the mid-to-late rounds of the NFL draft. This time, the organization's pro personnel department deserves credit for identifying and bringing in linebacker Nate Landman. 

Landman played three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after making the roster as an undrafted free agent. Landman has been on an absolute tear over the last two weeks with 31 total tackles, including 17 Sunday against the Ravens. His performance coupled with the Rams' talented defensive front show that Los Angeles isn't just about flashy offensive play. Sean McVay's defense can go out and win the team some games. -- Sobleski

3. Green Bay Packers (3-1-1)

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Packers RB Josh Jacobs

Last Week: 6

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Cincinnati 27-18

In Week 6, the Green Bay Packers faced a more competitive Cincinnati Bengals squad than the team that lost in three consecutive blowouts.

The Packers didn't win style points with their victory, but they're one of the league's most balanced clubs with Jordan Love distributing the ball in the passing game, a strong ground attack led by Josh Jacobs and a defense that's top five in yards allowed. -- Moton

2. Indianapolis Colts (5-1)

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Colts TE Tyler Warren

Last Week: 7

Week 6 Result: Won vs. Arizona 31-27

The Colts moved to 5-1 on Sunday, thanks to another strong offensive performance by Daniel Jones, Tyler Warren and Jonathan Taylor. This group continues to look like it could be a long-term core for Indianapolis—and it continues to keep Shane Steichen far away from any hot seat.

However, Indy's defense, which came in ranked third in points allowed, took a big step backward against a Jacoby Brissett-led Cardinals offense. Of course, the Colts played without cornerbacks Kenny Moore II (Achilles) and Charvarius Ward Sr. (concussion).

Great teams find ways to win ugly games, and the Colts have firmly established themselves as a top-five squad. -- Knox

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield

Last Week: 4

Week 6 Result: Won vs. San Francisco 30-19

Sure. Tampa at No. 1. Why not? We all saw that coming.

The good news for the Buccaneers is that Tampa notched yet another victory. In fact, after spending the first month-plus of the season winning nailbiters, the Bucs logged their first win by more than three points. Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield is legitimately playing at an MVP-level. At 5-1, the Buccaneers have tied their best start in franchise history.

The bad news is that much like the 49ers team Tampa beat Sunday, injuries are adding up for the Buccaneers—especially at wide receiver.

The Bucs were already without the services of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and in Sunday's win Emeka Egbuka went down with a hamstring injury.

Mayfield overcame that adversity Sunday. But with a trip to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions next on the slate, things aren't going to get any easier. – Davenport