JOHN McCLAIN’S POWER RANKINGS
1. New England 8-0 (1): The Patriots continue to lead the league in scoring, averaging 34.5 points. Tom Brady has a 22-2 TD-to-interception ratio.
2. Cincinnati 8-0 (2): One reason the Bengals are undefeated is the performance of Andy Dalton, who has 18 TD passes and four interceptions.
3. Carolina 8-0 (4): Cam Newton is the third quarterback with multiple touchdown passes and at least one touchdown rushing in at least 15 games.
4. Denver 7-1 (3): Despite giving up 27 in their loss to Indianapolis, the Broncos still rank first in points allowed, surrendering 17.3 a game.
5. Arizona 6-2 (6): If the Cardinals lose at Seattle on Sunday night, their NFC West lead over the Seahawks will be reduced to 1½ games.
6. Minnesota 6-2 (7): Adrian Peterson has 28 career games in which he has rushed for at least 125 yards, ranking sixth in league history.
7. Green Bay 6-2 (5): Losing at Denver and Carolina gave Aaron Rodgers his first back-to-back defeats since the 2010 season.
8. Pittsburgh 5-4 (13): In the 38-35 victory over the Raiders, receiver Antonio Brown set franchise records with 17 receptions for 284 yards.
9. Seattle 4-4 (9): The offensive line must do a better job of protecting quarterback Russell Wilson, who’s been sacked a league-high 31 times.
10. Philadelphia 4-4 (14): After winning at Dallas and moving within a half-game of first, the host Eagles shouldn’t have a problem against Miami.
11. NY Giants 5-4 (15): The Giants might not be alone in first place in the NFC East for long, because they play New England next.
12. Atlanta 6-3 (8): The Falcons have not taken advantage of a cupcake schedule, losing their last two games to Tampa Bay and San Francisco.
13. NY Jets 5-3 (16): They host the Bills in Rex Ryan’s homecoming on Thursday night. A victory gives them a two-game advantage over Buffalo.
14. Indianapolis 4-5 (17): Andrew Luck reached 101 TD passes in 55 games, which is fourth fastest in history, but now he’s out with a lacerated kidney.
15. Buffalo 4-4 (19): If Rex Ryan wins at New York, the Bills will be tied with the Jets for second place in the AFC East.
16. Oakland 4-4 (11): After throwing four touchdown passes against Pittsburgh, Derek Carr is on a pace for 38 TDs and eight interceptions.
17. St. Louis 4-4 (12): Todd Gurley saw his rookierecord streak of four 125-yard rushing games come to an end at Minnesota
18. New Orleans 4-5 (10): Fantasy players love Drew Brees. He has 10 touchdown passes and one rushing TD in the Saints’ last two games.
19. Kansas City 3-5 (21): The Chiefs are coming off their open week. They’re trying to extend their winning streak to three games at Denver.
20. Washington 3-5 (18): Even the most loyal fan knows Washington has no prayer of reaching the playoffs. It’s trying to avoid falling behind Dallas.
21. Miami 3-5 (20): After consecutive losses to New England and Buffalo, the bloom is off the Dan Campbell rose.
22. Houston 3-5 (22): After beating up on Tennessee, the Texans play their next five games against teams that are a combined 29-12.
23. Chicago 3-5 (27): After their three-point win at San Diego, the Bears have played in five straight games decided by three or fewer points.
24. Tampa Bay 3-5 (23): In his second season, coach Lovie Smith has a chance to extend the Cowboys’ losing streak to seven games.
25. San Francisco 3-6 (30): In the 49ers’ upset win over Atlanta, QB Blaine Gabbert played well enough to keep the job over Colin Kaepernick.
26. Baltimore 2-6 (24): The open week came at an ideal time for the Ravens, who are off to their worst start since John Harbaugh became coach.
27. Tennessee 2-6 (31): Marcus Mariota is the first rookie QB in league history to throw four TD passes in two games without an interception.
28. San Diego 2-7 (25): Losing at home to Chicago in a prime-time game is the ultimate insult for a team that’s been a big disappointment.
29. Dallas 2-6 (28): The Cowboys have started three quarterbacks, including two during their sixgame losing streak.
30. Cleveland 2-7 (26): The Browns aren’t going to get better with QB Josh McCown. They need to play Johnny Manziel to see if he can improve.
31. Jacksonville 2-6 (29): In his second season, quarterback Blake Bortles is on pace to throw 34 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions.
32. Detroit 1-7 (32): There’s speculation that big changes in Detroit will involve quarterback Matthew Stafford. They’d be foolish to give up on him.