power rankings
1. Rams (8-0) — Guess we can utter the P-word now. They’re halfway to a perfect season. Right about now, the ’72 Dolphins are starting to get nervous.
2. Patriots (6-2) — There’s something to be said for beating the teams you’re supposed to beat, even if it doesn’t look pretty.
3. Chiefs (7-1) — Anyone waiting for Patrick Mahomes to have a bad game, don’t hold your breath.
4. Saints (6-1) — They’re beating teams with Drew Brees not having to throw 50 times, and with the defense making big plays. Now there’s a recipe that wins in January.
5. Chargers (5-2) — Time for them to beat some good teams and show they’re for real.
6. Panthers (5-2) — They didn’t get the memo about the Ravens having a top-ranked defense. Cam Newton ran all over them and continues to play like an MVP candidate.
7. Steelers (4-2-1) — James Connor has had three straight games with over 100 yards rushing. At this point, whether Le’Veon Bell comes back or not, who cares? This team is still a contender.
8. Vikings (4-3-1) — Can’t win when you’re constantly losing the turnover battle. And they’re losing those quite often.
9. Eagles (4-4) — Can a defending Super Bowl champion be a sleeper team? People had them written off, but they’re playing well, and Golden Tate was just added to Carson Wentz’ arsenal.
10. Redskins (5-2) — They still have an anemic passing game. Fortunately for them, they also have 33-year old Adrian Peterson. He can still run, and go all the way. He chugged 64 yards for a TD last week.
11. Packers (3-3-1) — Earth to Ty Montgomery. If you’re told to stay in the endzone with the kickoff, stay in the endzone! No surprise he was traded last week.
12. Ravens (4-4) — A few weeks ago, they appeared to be in good position to end their three-year playoff drought. Now, not so much.
13. Bengals (5-3) — Their defense gave up nearly 600 yards of total offense to the Buccaneers — and still won.
14. Bears (4-3) — Sitting Khalil Mack and getting his ankle healthy while beating up inferior teams makes a lot of sense.
15. Seahawks (4-3) — Is there a wildcard spot in their future? Sure looks like it the way Russell Wilson & Co. are playing.
16. Texans (5-3) — After losing wideout Will Fuller for the season, made a necessary move by acquiring Demaryius Thomas at the trade deadline. Can’t leave DeShaun Watson without weapons.
17. Jaguars (3-5) — They kicked some tires but didn’t trade for a quarterback at the deadline. They remain all-in on Blake Bortles. Good luck with that.
18. Dolphins (4-4) — Brocktober seemed like the shortest month on the calendar, didn’t it?
19. Lions (3-4) — Acquiring noted run stuffer Damon “Snacks” Harrison did little to help them stop the run.
20. Falcons (3-4) — Their bye week isn’t going to cure all their injury woes. But they’re still not quite out of it.
21. Cowboys (3-4) — Jason Garrett has them on a strict schedule. Win, lose, win, lose, win, lose. This week is their ‘win’ week.
22. Titans (3-4) — Mike Vrabel had to find some magic dust during the bye because his team’s playoff hopes are fading.
23. Broncos (3-5) — Maybe Von Miller needs to guarantee that their defense is going to dominate and play better more often.
24. Colts (3-5) — Andrew Luck sure looks good and can pile up the points against the bad teams. That’s something.
25. Bucs (3-4) — Dirk Koetter is the next coach on the hot seat. Fitzmagic might not save him this time around.
26. Browns (2-5-1) — Hue Jackson couldn’t survive all the dysfunction. So the first head coaching search is underway in the place it usually starts.
27. Jets (3-5) — How bad is their offense? Deontay Burnett, an undrafted rookie they previously cut, was their leading receiver against the Bears.
28. Bills (2-6) — Nathan Peterman jumps back in as the starter at quarterback. They’ve now gone from bad, to worse, to don’t even bother.
29. Giants (1-7) — Rookie backup quarterback Kyle Lauletta appeared headed for more game action in place of Eli Manning. That was before his bizarre traffic stop.
30. Cardinals (2-6) — At the beginning of the year, sweeping the 49ers might have sounded good. Now, no biggie.
31. 49ers (1-7) — Without Jimmy Garoppolo, they’ve fallen and can’t get up. They can’t get through the season fast enough.
32. Raiders (1-6) — Jon Gruden is swimming in first round picks. He better not lose the draft.