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B/R Experts Week 8 NFL Power Rankings
If there's one thing you can expect in the NFL, it's the unexpected. The first seven weeks of the 2025 season have been living proof of that.
Sure, some things have followed the script—or are least starting to. With the return of wide receiver Rashee Rice, the Kansas City Chiefs were an offensive buzzsaw against the hapless Las Vegas Raiders. The Philadelphia Eagles looked as good offensively as they have all season in downing the Minnesota Vikings.
However, few people thought the Baltimore Ravens would be sitting in their off week with one win. Even fewer thought the Indianapolis Colts would look like an unstoppable juggernaut.
Just typing that sentence is vertigo-inducing.
Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have gathered to sift through another wild week around the NFL and rank the league's teams from worst to first.
At least there's no doubt who deserves to occupy the former slot.
32. New York Jets (0-7)
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Last Week: 32
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Carolina 13-6
Every week, it feels more and more likely Aaron Glenn will be one-and-done as the New York Jets' head coach. If he sticks beyond this year, he probably won't be joined by offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.
Nothing is working for the Jets offensively, and Justin Fields hasn't been the only issue. Fields was replaced by Tyrod Taylor for the second half on Sunday, and it didn't make a substantial difference.
New York's quarterback of the future clearly isn't on the roster, and no one should be surprised if the Jets start selling off other veterans who aren't in their long-term plans. - Knox
31. Tennessee Titans (1-6)
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Last Week: 31
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. New England 31-13
What is there to say about the 2025 Tennessee Titans?
That firing Brian Callahan fixed nothing?
That quarterback Cam Ward wasn't even a little wrong about the state of an offense that ranks dead-last in the NFL at just 235.6 yards per game and 13.7 points per game?
That although Ward has no offensive line and blah passing-game weapons, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick hasn't done his team any favors with his level of play this year?
This team is a mess. Tennessee ran for 39 yards against the Patriots, turned it over twice and once again couldn't sustain drives.
The 2025 Titans are woeful. How about we say that? – Davenport
30. Miami Dolphins (1-6)
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Last Week: 30
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Cleveland 31-6
If the Jets didn't exist, the Miami Dolphins would probably be a clear-cut pick for the worst team in the NFL. Somehow, things actually feel worse for the Dolphins than they do for the winless Jets.
Getting blown out by the one-win Browns, even on the road, should be unacceptable for any franchise. So should the lack of positive play, leadership and accountability we've seen from Tua Tagovailoa.
Chris Grier is probably more responsible for Miami's mess than Mike McDaniel, but it feels like both could be out any day now.
Getting out from under Tagovailoa's $212.4 million contract won't be as simple, but it's time to blow everything up. - Knox
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29. New Orleans Saints (1-6)
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Last Week: 28
Week 7 Result: Loss vs. Chicago Bears 26-14
The Saints kept fooling themselves into thinking they were closer to being a good team than they actually are. Sunday's outcome against the Bears showed New Orleans is operating at a disadvantage in nearly every area.
Even quarterback Spencer Rattler, who outperformed expectations, experienced his worst start of the season by committing four turnovers.
At 1-6, the Saints own the NFC's worst record and point differential. Those numbers pretty much tell the tale. - Sobleski
28. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
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Last Week: 26
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City Chiefs 31-0
The Raiders are getting worse as the season progresses.
Forget the team's Week 6 win against the Tennessee Titans, who already fired their head coach. Against legitimate competition in recent weeks, the Raiders lost to the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs by a combined score of 71-6.
Sunday's performance is particularly concerning since Las Vegas couldn't even manage 100 offensive yards.
Granted, Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers weren't available due to injury. Even so, the Raiders should be able to manage more than they did with quarterback Geno Smith, running back Ashton Jeanty, wide receiver Tre Tucker and tight end Michael Mayer still in the lineup. Instead, they managed next to nothing. - Sobleski
27. Cleveland Browns (2-5)
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Cleveland Browns (2-5)
Last Week: 29
Week 7 Result: Won 31-6 vs. Miami
The Cleveland Browns are near the bottom of the power rankings because of their poor record, but this club plays competitive football at home.
The Browns are 2-2 at Huntington Bank Field, where they've beaten the Green Bay Packers and blown out the Miami Dolphins.
More importantly, the Browns can build an offense around rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, regardless of who's their quarterback.
Over the last two weeks, he has rushed for 110 yards and scored three touchdowns in separate single games. With him in the backfield, Cleveland can establish a physical offensive identity. - Moton
26. Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
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Last Week: 24
Week 7 Result: Lost 27-23 vs. Green Bay
Though the Arizona Cardinals lost their fifth consecutive game last Sunday, Jacoby Brissett put together back-to-back solid performances under center in place of starting quarterback Kyler Murray, who's out with a foot injury.
In two starts, Brissett has thrown for 599 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.
The Cardinals don't have a quarterback controversy, but Murray should feel some pressure to return given his inconsistent start to the season.
In the meantime, Arizona must tighten up defensively to maintain leads and close games. - Moton
25. Baltimore Ravens (1-5)
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Last Week: 27
Week 7 Result: Bye Week
Since the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals, only three NFL teams have made the playoffs after a 1-5 start.
So, yes, the Baltimore Ravens have an uphill climb to make their fourth consecutive trip to the postseason, but they have the offensive stars in Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to go on a midseason run.
However, Baltimore needs Jackson healthy following its bye week and a healthier, re-energized defense after giving up the most points per game through the first six weeks of the season.
The Ravens are near the bottom of the rankings, but don't expect them to stay there. - Moton
24. New York Giants (2-5)
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Last Week: 23
Week 7 Result: Lost at Denver 33-32
There are no moral victories in the NFL, especially for a team that could easily have been within a game of .500 instead of having a record that smacks of a tomato can.
The Giants blew Sunday's loss in Denver. The defensive debacle that was the fourth quarter was mind-bending. New York quarterback Jaxson Dart was certainly struggling to wrap his head around it in the post-game presser.
Let's be real, though. The Giants weren't going to the playoffs this year, anyway. What this team needs is progress. Tangible momentum to build on, both for the rest of the season and the offseason that follows.
Going into Denver and dominating a good Broncos team for three quarters is progress—at least relative what the Giants were a month ago.
The question for the next 11 weeks will be whether enough of it can be made to save Brian Daboll's job. - Davenport
23. Houston Texans (2-4)
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Last Week: 20
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Seattle 27-19
Let's just put it out there. The postseason aspirations the Texans had entering 2025? Their preseason status as the favorites in the AFC South?
Those hopes have evaporated.
Houston's defense has done its level-best, including four takeaways Monday night in Seattle. But the offense is busted. Mostly because the offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL.
This is a wasted season in Houston—that line was already bad and essentially made worse on purpose because Laremy Tunsil made too much money. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is playing in what's shaping up to be a lost 2025, and he's eligible to be extended next year.
There are worse teams than the Texans. Many worse coaches than DeMeco Ryans. But good luck finding a general manager who bungled this year more than Nick Caserio. - Davenport
22. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
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Last Week: 25
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Pittsburgh 33-31
Joe Flacco injected hope into the Cincinnati Bengals' playoff hopes, helping the team pull out a win on Thursday while in a passing duel with Aaron Rodgers.
He looked comfortable throwing to wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and also connected with tight end Noah Fant for a touchdown.
More importantly, the Bengals' ground game, which features Chase Brown, had its best showing, balancing the offense with Flacco in the pocket.
Considering Cincinnati beat Pittsburgh without star edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson, the club has plenty of reasons to feel confident about staying in the playoff picture until starting quarterback Joe Burrow returns from toe surgery. - Moton
21. Carolina Panthers (4-3)
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Last Week: 22
Week 7 Result: Win vs. New York Jets 13-6
The Panthers were fortunate to play the NFL's worst team this past weekend, because the Carolina coaching staff hasn't quite figured out how to integrate Chuba Hubbard into the lineup. Also, quarterback Bryce Young suffered an ankle injury during the game.
Even with Young's injury, the Panthers are now built around their run game. Hubbard averaged only 2.2 yards per carry upon his return from his previous calf malady. He even held a slight edge in usage rate over Rico Dowdle. Both are excellent running backs.
However, the Panthers should probably go with the hot hand in Dowdle until he proves he can't handle the load as Carolina's primary back. - Sobleski
20. Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1)
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Last Week: 21
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Washington 44-22
The Dallas Cowboys are a perfect microcosm for the 2025 NFL season: They are borderline impossible to figure out.
That they played well at home against the Commanders isn't a big surprise. Or that the offense was humming. But with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb back on the field, that offense found a new gear—409 total yards and 44 points.
It's the Dallas defense that was befuddling, in that Dallas had a defense. Granted, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels got hurt, but if the Cowboys can somehow repeat even this OK defensive effort, the team becomes a really tough out.
Because with Lamb back, running back Javonte Williams having his best season and quarterback Dak Prescott slinging it, Dallas is going to score points. - Davenport
19. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
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Last Week: 17
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Los Angeles Rams 35-7
Week 7 was when the season started to unravel for the Jacksonville Jaguars—or at least that's what people will be saying in a month.
Two weeks ago, after the Jags got past Kansas City Chiefs under the lights, those same people were wondering whether a 4-1 Jacksonville team might be a real threat in the AFC South.
Since then, the Jags have been handled at home by Seattle and blown out by the Rams where nearly every stat is relatively even except for the score.
Well, that and four unsuccessful fourth-down tries. And the 13 penalties.
The Jaguars aren't a bad team. But they are too reliant on takeaways on defense and too inconsistent on offense to be a good one. - Davenport
18. Minnesota Vikings (3-3)
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Last Week: 19
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Philadelphia 28-22
The Minnesota Vikings didn't immediately turn back to J.J. McCarthy in Week 7, which was absolutely the right call.
The second-year quarterback has been out since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. He's still an inexperienced signal-caller who should be 100 percent healthy and have ample practice time before being thrust back onto the field.
While Carson Wentz's two interceptions—including a pick-six—hurt Minnesota during Sunday's loss, he's played well enough to keep the offense afloat.
The Vikings aren't playing like title contenders, but McCarthy's development should be more important than any potential wild-card run. - Knox
17. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)
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Last Week: 13
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. San Francisco 49ers 20-10
Inconsistency has plagued the Falcons this season.
In Week 6, Atlanta managed an excellent win over the Buffalo Bills, but it laid an egg against the San Francisco 49ers just six days later.
Despite all of the talent on their offense, the Falcons managed only 10 points against a Niners defense missing Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
Some of the blame falls on sophomore quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Still, Atlanta has the type of weapons in Bijan Robinson, Drake Maye and Kyle Pitts to be far more consistent than it's shown to date. - Sobleski
16. Washington Commanders (3-4)
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Last Week: 16
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Dallas 44-22
Last year was a dream season for the Washington Commanders. A lot of things had to go right to get the team all the way to the NFC Championship, including a stellar first season from quarterback Jayden Daniels.
That dream season increased expectations in 2025, but things are on the brink of becoming a nightmare.
The Commanders were already decimated at wide receiver—Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown all missed Sunday's loss to Dallas. But Daniels also left the game with a hamstring injury, and if he misses any real time, the Washington offense will be in tatters.
Add in a defense that sits outside the top 25 in points allowed, and any chances Washington had of another deep playoff run get slimmer by the week. - Davenport
15. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
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Last Week: 15
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Indianapolis Colts 38-24
Justin Herbert is the only reason why the Chargers are competitive at this point in time. He threw for a staggering 420 yards against the Indianapolis Colts just to give his team a chance.
It wasn't enough, though, not when the defense is being rolled and the quarterback's offensive line is decimated by injuries.
The Chargers have lost three of their last four, with a quick turnaround in Week 8 by playing on Thursday Night Football. Herbert can only do so much to keep this squad afloat. - Sobleski
14. Chicago Bears (4-2)
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Last Week: 18
Week 7 Result: Won vs. New Orleans 26-14
That two-game losing streak the Chicago Bears had to open the season feels like a different era. They have won four straight, and it's looking like Ben Johnson just might be the steady head coach the team has been lacking.
While Caleb Williams still isn't playing up to his draft status consistently, Chicago keeps finding ways to support him.
This is starting to look like a confident football team that will be a factor in the NFC playoff race, if not the NFC North divisional race. - Knox
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
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Last Week: 8
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Cincinnati 33-31
Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers usually struggle on Thursday nights, especially against division opponents, but the team hit a new low in Week 7.
Pittsburgh allowed a 40-year-old quarterback who made his second start with a new team and the league's worst run defense to gash them all night. After going up 10-0, the Steelers allowed 20 unanswered points.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey has struggled since the Steelers acquired him from the Miami Dolphins, giving up three touchdowns and a 127.4 passer rating out of a possible 158.3, but Pittsburgh's defensive unit isn't the same stingy group from years past. Opposing teams can pick it apart, as Flacco did on 47 dropbacks.
The Steelers may need to add more speed on defense to keep pace with the league's high-powered offenses. - Moton
12. San Francisco 49ers (5-2)
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Last Week: 13
Week 7 Result: Won 20-10vs. Atlanta
The San Francisco 49ers have mastered the art of winning gritty, low-scoring and tight games through the first seven weeks of the season.
Last Sunday night, they won 20-10, which is their biggest margin of victory this season. San Francisco won its other four games by five or fewer points.
Even more impressive, the 49ers are grinding out victories without their best defensive player, Nick Bosa, or the centerpiece of that unit in linebacker Fred Warner, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury last week.
The 49ers have been in the middle of the pack in our power rankings, but they're surging with backup quarterback Mac Jones and a young defensive group. - Moton
11. New England Patriots (5-2)
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Last Week: 12
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Tennessee 31-13
Yes, the New England Patriots beat up on a bad Tennessee Titans team in Week 7. However, great teams win the games they're supposed to win, which is something New England hasn't always done in recent years.
It might be too early to call these Patriots "great," but they're inching closer to that level by the week.
Mike Vrabel has quickly installed a winning culture, while Drake Maye is quietly (though the buzz is getting louder) playing at an MVP level. - Knox
10. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
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Last Week: 11
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Houston 27-18
The Seattle Seahawks head into their Week 8 bye with one of the league's best records, and they're 3-0 on the road, which should provide them the confidence to handle a challenging stretch. They will play three of their next four games away from home.
Seattle is balanced on both sides of the ball. It fields a top-six scoring offense and defense, though it won't be able to routinely win while losing the turnover battle as was the case Monday night.
The Seahawks are among the league leaders in giveaways, which is something head coach Mike Macdonald can work on with his team during the off week. - Moton
9. Denver Broncos (5-2)
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Last Week: 10
Week 7 Result: Won vs. New York Giants 33-32
The Broncos made history Sunday by scoring the most fourth-quarter points ever after being shut out in the previous three frames. The comeback victory serves as a feather in the team's cap.
Denver showed tremendous resiliency in the contest, yet it played rather poorly through three quarters. There is plenty for the Broncos coaching staff to address this week.
However, Sean Payton's squad continues to show it can win in a variety of different manners during Denver's current four-game winning streak.
In the end, a win is a win no matter how a team reached that point. - Sobleski
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
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Last Week: 1
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Detroit Lions 24-9
The Baker Mayfield magic finally vanished, which is stunning considering the situation he faced during Monday's meeting with the Detroit Lions.
The Lions secondary had been depleted to the point where every starter at all five key positions wasn't in the lineup. Yet Mayfield managed under five yards per attempt.
Tampa Bay's WR1, Mike Evans, did leave the contest with a concussion and shoulder injury. Even so, the onus falls on Mayfield for simply not playing well.
His accuracy was off all evening, and he played with a frenetic energy in the pocket, as a quarterback clearly not comfortable with his protection.
The outcome shows the Bucs aren't counted among the NFC's elite tier, where the Lions prowl. - Sobleski
7. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
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Last Week: 6
Week 7 Result: Bye
The bye week came at a good time for the Buffalo Bills.
While back-to-back losses to the Patriots and Falcons are concerning, Buffalo's injury list—which included Terrel Bernard, DaQuan Jones, Matt Milano, Dalton Kincaid and Josh Palmer—was an even bigger issue coming out of Week 6.
Buffalo needs to get back on track after a couple of mistake-filled games, but getting healthier should give the Bills a massive boost.
If they can bounce back in Carolina on Sunday, they'll regain plenty of momentum ahead of their Week 9 showdown with Kansas City. - Knox
6. Detroit Lions (6-2)
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Last Week: 7
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Tampa Bay 24-9
Detroit's win on Monday night speaks volumes about the team's ceiling in 2025.
While it's worth noting the Buccaneers were without several of their offensive starters, the Lions were equally injured on defense.
Based off of the intensity and the results alone, it was easy to forget coordinator Kelvin Sheppard was working with a secondary full of backups.
Sure, the Lions lost both of their coordinators in the offseason, are again dealing with injuries and have already lost as many games as they did in 2024. However, this is the same dynamic and resilient team that reached the NFC title game two years ago.
If Detroit can actually catch some breaks this season, it can get back there. That said, the bye week couldn't have come at a better time. - Knox
5. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
28 of 32.jpg?w=684 "APTOPIX Eagles Vikings Football")
Last Week: 5
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Minnesota 28-22
Sunday's win in Minnesota wasn't emphatic. It wasn't especially pretty, either. The Eagles struggled to run the ball, and the defense isn't as good as a year ago.
Week 7 was important for Philly, though, and not just because it snapped its losing streak.
Getting 326 passing yards from quarterback Jalen Hurts and massive games from wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith was huge. The slumbering passing attack lurched to life against a Vikings pass defense that was second in the NFL entering the game.
The Eagles have been all kinds of out of balance offensively this year, largely because opponents were becoming less concerned with the vertical passing attack.
If those opponents have to start respecting it, the sledding for Saquon Barkley becomes easier. And the Eagles become one of the NFL's most dangerous teams. - Davenport
4. Green Bay Packers (4-1-1)
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Last Week: 3
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Arizona 27-23
The Green Bay Packers' 4-1-1 record says they should be considered a top-tier team, but records can be deceiving.
Green Bay picked up quality wins over the Lions and Commanders to start the season, but its two wins since have come against mediocre teams playing with backup quarterbacks.
The Packers barely survived another sloppy one (10 penalties) in Week 7 and have been much more impressive at home than on the road.
With a Sunday night trip to Pittsburgh on tap, the Packers should have a prime opportunity to prove they're as good as their record suggests. - Knox
3. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
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Last Week: 9
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Las Vegas Raiders 31-0
Rashee Rice's return after a six-game suspension added a different dynamic to the Chiefs offense. He immediately entered the lineup, and Patrick Mahomes targeted him a time-high 10 times, which turned into seven receptions for 42 yards and two scores.
After a slow start, the Chiefs are rolling again. Mahomes can drop to pass, with multiple weapons to exploit. Rice is tremendous after the catch. Xavier Worthy's field-tilting speed provides instant offense. Tyquan Thornton has shown so much improvement. Hollywood Brown brings a veteran presence among the wide receivers.
Meanwhile, tight end Travis Kelce can still get the job done. - Sobleski
2. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
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Last Week: 4
Week 7 Result: Won 35-7 vs. Jacksonville
Without Pro Bowl wide receiver Puka Nacua, the Los Angeles Rams dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, which illustrated the gap between a Super Bowl-caliber team and a club still learning to play a clean game and avoid self-inflicted penalties.
At 37, Matthew Stafford is still one of the league's best passers, and he's the driving force for a top-five club in the power rankings. - Moton
1. Indianapolis Colts (6-1)
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Last Week: 2
Week 7 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Chargers 38-24
The Indianapolis Colts may legitimately be the NFL's best team after seven weeks—just like no one expected.
Given where we ranked the Colts last week, Bleacher Report can't be accused of underselling Indy. But we aren't immune to the same feeling many have. The clock is going to strike midnight on a team most expected to be mediocre in 2025.
But running back Jonathan Taylor gashed another team to the tune of 134 total yards and three scores. Quarterback Daniel Jones played another excellent game. And the Colts dropped 38 on a Chargers team that was in the postseason last year.
Maybe they just can't tell time. Or maybe these Colts are the most improbable Super Bowl contender in recent memory. – Davenport
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