Contenders
1. Kansas City Chiefs (6–0)Kansas City’s latest addition of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins makes this team all the more dangerous if not more explosive. In addition, quarterback Patrick Mahomes needs something to get over the hump of six touchdowns versus eight interceptions.
Detroit answered the bell in a big game against the Minnesota Vikings, and the Lions defense didn’t miss a beat without Aidan Hutchinson. Lions quarterback Jared Goff remains one of the most efficient signal callers in the league with a 73.6 percent completion rate and 111.5 rating.
Minnesota still has one of the better teams in the league and that’s despite quarterback Sam Darnold only having one touchdown in the past two games. Darnold has otherwise kept the offense going in key moments, including a comeback attempt against the Lions.
Baltimore got a statement win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as quarterback Lamar Jackson threw five touchdown passes. Running back Derrick Henry, meanwhile, is gaining steam with four games of well over 100 yards since Sept. 22.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen still has no interceptions, and he now has wide receiver Amari Cooper to throw to. The Bills defense, meanwhile, keeps locking down opponents, allowing only 19.4 points per game.
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love has multiple touchdowns in every start this season, and the Packers’ defense has been limiting teams to 20.4 points per game. Adding Robert Saleh to the coaching staff could provide a midseason boost.
Except for a late field goal in Green Bay, the Texans could be one of three one-loss teams. The Texans are getting solid play from quarterback C.J. Stroud, and running back Joe Mixon has been reliable on the ground.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin proved the value of his call to make Russell Wilson the starting quarterback. It elevated an offense for a team that already has a stout defense.
Washington may have to survive another week without rookie sensation quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, the Commanders showed they have more than Daniels in a 40–7 beatdown of the Carolina Panthers.
In The Hunt
11. Chicago Bears (4–2)While the Bears have made strides this season, a brutal NFC North Division will make the second half of the season challenging. The Bears will need improved play from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, and the defense will need to keep up its stingy 16.8 points allowed per game.
San Francisco getting healthy keeps looking more elusive amid Deebo Samuel’s illness and an injury to wideout Brandon Aiyuk. The Niners are also waiting for running back Christian McCaffrey to get back on the field.
Seattle beat another division leader soundly and took the NFC West lead in the process. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith turned in his strongest game of the season, but he has to contend with the Bills next.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins couldn’t keep the offense humming against the Seattle Seahawks, and the defense gave up 34 points. In addition, the Falcons have only one win outside the NFC South.
Denver’s defense is allowing just 15.1 points per game, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix is making progress. The Broncos get a pair of big tests in November with the Chiefs and Ravens.
The Colts keep winning behind quarterback Joe Flacco, who has seven touchdowns versus a pick this season. Indianapolis’ defense meanwhile has taken care of business against weaker opponents with 27 points allowed in the past two weeks.
While the Chargers defense continues to shine, the offense took a wrong turn against the Arizona Cardinals with just 15 points. The Chargers defense will need to be on track before mid-November, when a brutal schedule awaits.
The Buccaneers are no picture of health with wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined. The defense, which is also banged up, gave up a third straight game of 27 or more points.
If Dallas can get Micah Parsons back on the field, the defense could get back on track. However, the Cowboys’ lack of a running game could cripple the offense the rest of the way.
Cincinnati has a winning streak, and quarterback Joe Burrow remains hot with 14 touchdowns versus two picks. The Bengals could get above .500 going into a showdown with the Ravens on Nov. 17.
The Jets didn’t find an immediate solution in adding Davante Adams, and the defense slipped against the Steelers. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be facing his first losing season since 2022 with the Packers.
Longshots
23. New Orleans Saints (2–5)The Saints’ slide continues, and quarterback Derek Carr remains out. New Orleans’ defense meanwhile hasn’t held an opponent under 25 points since Week 3.
The Dolphins haven’t scored more than 15 points in a game since quarterback Tua Tagovailoa last played a snap. Things won’t get easier with the Cardinals and Bills on the horizon.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll looks secure for the season despite his team’s continued struggles. The Giants get another two tough tests in the Steelers and Commanders over the next two weeks.
Las Vegas has a three-game losing streak with the Chiefs and Bengals around the corner. Injuries are still a big factor for the Raiders.
Building for Next Year
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (2–5)Jacksonville blew out the Patriots in London, but the Jaguars have a long way to go still. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence completes 62.1 percent of his passes, and the defense gives up 27.7 points per game.
Tennessee hasn’t beaten a team with its original starter this season, and the Lions are next on the schedule. Titans running back Tony Pollard remains consistent despite the team’s struggles.
Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has five touchdowns in two games, but the team has a long way to go. New England has been blown out in four of the past five weeks.
With quarterback Deshaun Watson out for the season, things continue to trend south for the Browns. The defense gets a monster challenge in Jackson and the Ravens next.
Carolina will have to start quarterback Bryce Young again after Andy Dalton’s car accident. The Panthers defense likewise has much to prove after holding no opponent under 26 points this season.
