NFL WEEK 10 Power Rankings
Last week’s rankings in parenthesis
1. Saints 7-1 (Last week: 2):
Drew Brees returned before open date, but Saints D has been bigger story. May be Sean Payton’s most complete team.
2. 49ers 8-0 (3):
Jimmy Garoppolo had a big game vs. Cards, completing 28 of 37 for 317 yards, career-high four TDs and best-ever passer rating of 136.9.
3. Ravens 6-2 (7):
Made as significant a statement as you will see in the NFL midseason when they pounded the previously-unbeaten Patriots 37-20.
4. Patriots 8-1 (1):
Defense had been playing at a record-setting level but the unit got a bit of a reality check in the road loss to the Ravens.
5. Chiefs 6-3 (6):
Patrick Mahomes likely will return Sunday vs. the Titans. They got what they needed from backup QB Matt Moore in beating Vikings.
6. Texans 6-3 (9):
Carlos Hyde racked up 160 of team’s 216 rushing yards as they drubbed Jags 26-3 in London. Get week off to rest up before a key stretch.
7. Packers 7-2 (4):
Despite WR Davante Adams’ return, 4-game winning streak ended with a disappointing effort on the road vs. the Chargers.
8. Seahawks 7-2 (10):
If they want to catch 49ers in the NFC West, they must beat them on the road Monday. Russell Wilson could be up to the task.
9. Colts 5-3 (5):
Got good news when they learned QB Jacoby Brissett suffered only MCL sprain and might be able to play this week vs. the Dolphins.
10. Rams 5-3 (11):
Defense, despite significant turnover, is playing better. Held last three opponents (Bengals, Falcons, 49ers) to 40 total points.
11. Cowboys 5-3 (12):
Overcame two early turnovers to turn away Giants 37-18 on the road Monday. It was their sixth straight vs. the Giants.
12. Vikings 6-3 (8):
Looked like they were in a good spot heading to KC, but offense lacked balance. Maybe it was the step up in class.
13. Eagles 5-4 (13):
Rebounded from loss to Cowboys with wins vs. Bills and Bears. They’re off this week before hosting the Patriots and Seahawks.
14. Bills 6-2 (15):
Schedule has been very easy. Pats and Eagles are their only opponents with winning records, and they both beat the Bills.
15. Chargers 4-5 (21):
Had best game of year so far beating Packers. It’s worth wondering if Anthony Lynn’s team is starting its typical second-half surge.
16. Panthers 5-3 (16):
Handled the Titans. Now they’ll be able to measure themselves vs. one of the NFC’s better teams with a trip to Green Bay.
17. Steelers 4-4 (18):
Traded Dolphins a first-round draft pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick earlier. The safety has four INT since joining the team.
18. Raiders 4-4 (20):
Rookie Hunter Renfrow developing into kind of slot WR they hoped he would. They can get above .500 with a win this week.
19. Lions 3-4-1 (14):
It’s all on the shoulders of QB Matthew Stafford with the running game effectively grounded as Kerryon Johnson is out injured.
20. Jaguars 4-5 (17):
The Gardner Minshew show was fun while it lasted, but the Jag named Nick Foles the starter when they return fromtheir open date.
21. Titans 4-5 (19):
Held scoreless in first half of Sunday’s loss to Panthers. It was the fourth time they’ve been shut out in the first half this season.
22. Bears 3-5 (22):
Managed just 9 yards of offense in first half of Sunday’s loss to Eagles. It’s a vicious cycle Matt Nagy’s offense is stuck in.
23. Cardinals 3-5-1 (24):
Offense is beginning to take shape, but they’re going to be an NFC West basement dweller until they can upgrade defense.
24. Broncos 3-6 (25):
Matched season high of 24 points in a five-point win over Browns in what was the first career start for QB Brandon Allen.
25. Giants 2-7 (26):
Rookie QB Daniel Jones lost his league-leading seventh and eighth fumbles and was intercepted in Monday’s loss to the Cowboys.
26. Browns 2-6 (23):
One of league’s most disappointing teams. Unless things turn around, coach Freddie Kitchens could be one-and-done.
27. Buccaneers 2-6 (27):
Jameis Winston vowed to play better and did in a 40-34 OT road loss at Seattle. He passed for 335 yards without an INT.
28. Dolphins 1-7 (32):
Spiral to No. 1 pick hit a detour when they ended 7-game skid with a convincing victory over the Jets.
29. Falcons 1-7 (29):
Coach Dan Quinn wasn’t forced to walk the plank during the week off, but he appears on borrowed time with owner Arthur Blank.
30. Redskins 1-8 (30):
Switch to rookie QB Dwayne Haskins didn’t end offensive skid. They haven’t scored a TD in the last three games.
31. Jets 1-7 (28):
Reached new depths when they lost on road to Dolphins, putting intense pressure on first-year coach Adam Gase.
32. Bengals 0-8 (31):
And then there was one. While the Bengals sat at home during their week off, they became the league’s only remaining winless team.