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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Brendan Sugrue

NFL Power Rankings entering Week 7: Chaos creates shakeup at the top

Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season saw the final two unbeaten teams fall, ensuring once again that no team will end the regular season with zero losses. The San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles both played tough road games and came out with a loss. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins look to be fully back on track after having the largest margin of victory of any team this week.

It was a week that saw plenty of bad and sluggish football, with only 10 teams scoring more than 20 points in their games. Did that mean there were plenty of moves and shakers in the power rankings, though?

Each week of the season, Bears Wire will unveil power rankings of all 32 NFL teams. Here are the rankings entering Week 7.

1. Miami Dolphins (5-1)

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) catches a pass for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) follows on the play during the first half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Oct. 15, 2023.
  • Week 6 result: 42-21 win vs. Carolina Panthers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 3

Miami is so good, they can fall behind by two scores early in the first quarter and still drop 40 points in a laugher. Their defense could use some work but if their offense continues at this pace, they won’t need much help.

2. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)

Oct 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 17-19 loss at Cleveland Browns
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 1

Despite losing their biggest offensive players, the 49ers were still in this game and had a shot to win. Rookie kickers can come back to bite you, however. San Francisco should still be okay, even with the injuries to some of their star players. But perhaps the formula to stop Brock Purdy has finally been revealed.

3. Detroit Lions (5-1)

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 20-6 win at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 5

The Lions might be the most complete team in the league right now. They’re playing with a swagger we haven’t seen in a long time. This team fights for one another and made easy work of the Buccaneers on the road.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-1)

Oct 15, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni coaches against the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 14-20 loss at New York Jets
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 2

Jalen Hurts had perhaps his worst game in years as the last-standing undefeated NFL team suffered a loss. The Jets defense had the Eagles’ number all game long, but they could have leaned on their effective running game to put this one on ice. Let’s see how the Eagles adjust going forward.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1)

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts to a call against the Denver Broncos during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 19-8 win vs. Denver Broncos
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 4

The Chiefs are still one of the top teams, but their offense isn’t what it used to be. They need to tighten up when they face stiffer competition, otherwise they could start to tumble down the rankings by racking up losses.

6. Buffalo Bills (4-2)

Oct 15, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Quintin Morris (85) reacts to scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 14-9 win vs. New York Giants
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 6

Did the Bills have a London hangover? They struggled mightily against the lowly Giants and just barely got the win (with an assist from the officials). Like the Chiefs, they’ll need to step it up as well against tougher competition.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) scores a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts 37-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
  • Week 6 result: 37-20 win vs. Indianapolis Colts
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 7

The Jaguars are starting to pounce on their opponents after back-to-back solid weeks. But the injury to Trevor Lawrence could squash all of the good vibes. If he’s out for an extended period of time, they could fall fast. It doesn’t help they have a Thursday night game, either.

8. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

Oct 15, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball during the second half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 24-16 win at Tennessee Titans (London)
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 11

When it comes to games being played in London, you just want to get out with a win any way you can. The Ravens took care of business in an ugly one thanks to their defense. Getting to London early to acclimate didn’t hurt, either.

9. Cleveland Browns (3-2)

Oct 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns place kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) kicks a field goal during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 19-17 win vs. San Francisco 49ers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 13

If the Browns can just get a little bit from their offense, their defense will do the rest. They’re quietly putting together one of the best defensive seasons in recent memory and can stifle any offense.

10. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)

Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 20-17 win at Los Angeles Chargers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 9

The Cowboys won the war of coaching wits against the Chargers, even if they lost several battles in the process. It’s a good thing they have talent across the roster to make up for it, too.

11. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) hands off to Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 6 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Seattle Seahawks at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.
  • Week 6 result: 13-17 loss at Cincinnati Bengals
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 8

Seattle played well enough to get a win over the Bengals, but struggled to finish when in the red zone. They’re going to be a tough opponent week in and week out, but they’re just outside the upper echelon of NFC teams.

12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) reacts after catch in the second quarter during an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
  • Week 6 result: 17-13 win vs. Seattle Seahawks
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 16

Cincinnati won big in Week 5 and won ugly in Week 6. They’re still not back to the dominant team from the last couple seasons, but they’re finally stringing together wins. It helps when Joe Burrow is healthy, too.

13. Houston Texans (3-3)

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks for an open receiver during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 20-13 win vs. New Orleans Saints
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 17

Could the Texans actually be for real? They’re only .500 but they’ve gutted out some tough victories and have a real shot in a weak AFC South. Even if C.J. Stroud through the first interception of his career, he’s got this team playing at a high level.

14. Los Angeles Chargers (2-3)

Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 17-20 loss vs. Dallas Cowboys
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 12

Even though they’re battling injuries and ailments, this Chargers team is too good to be 2-3 at this point in the season. They played a decent game against the Cowboys, too, but couldn’t manufacture a final drive to win or force overtime after a back-breaking interception.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 6-20 loss vs. Detroit Lions
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 10

The shine is starting to come off Tampa’s hot start. They’re capable of beating the bad teams in the NFL, but struggle mightily against elite competition. They will still compete in a wide-open division, but they’ll need to generate more offense if they have any hope of a playoff berth.

16. New York Jets (3-3)

Oct 15, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead (3) breaks up a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) in front of cornerback Bryce Hall (37) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 20-14 win vs. Philadelphia Eagles
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 23

Don’t look now, but the Jets might be figuring things out. Even with Sauce Gardner out, the Jets defense shut down Philadelphia’s offense and got quality play out of their offense to get the win. It’s not pretty, but it’s an effective brand of football.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

Sep 24, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: No game (bye week)
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 15

18. Los Angeles Rams (3-3)

October 15, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) runs the football against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 26-9 win vs. Arizona Cardinals
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 22

Cooper Kupp is officially back and the Rams have a strong running game. Or at least they did before Kyren Williams went down with an injury. Still, if the Rams can start to put up points consistently, they’ll move their way up the rankings.

19. Washington Commanders (3-3)

Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Khaleke Hudson (47) reacts after a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 24-16 win at Atlanta Falcons
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 24

Sam Howell didn’t need to throw over 50 passes in this game, but still managed three touchdown passes. That was also the number of picks the Commanders made off Desmond Ridder. Washington bounced back after a bad loss to get back to .500, a record they could maintain for the duration of the season.

20. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)

Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (25) is called for pass interference on Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) on a two point conversion attempt during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 16-24 loss vs. Washington Commanders
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 14

Desmond Ridder followed up the best game of his career with one of his worst. To add insult to injury, the Falcons still had plenty of chances to win, but couldn’t manufacture a scoring drive in the fourth quarter. It may be a new week, but it’s the same story for Atlanta, who fell back to .500.

21. Green Bay Packers (2-3)

Oct 9, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) attempts a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: No game (bye week)
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 20

22. Indianapolis Colts (3-3)

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris (95) hurries Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts 37-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
  • Week 6 result: 20-37 loss at Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 18

It turns out Minshew Mania is only a limited-time event. The Colts struggled once again against Jacksonville and Gardner Minshew struggled mightily. Even if Jonathan Taylor and Zach Moss end up creating a dynamic duo at running back, it won’t matter if they can’t throw the ball. This team could continue to fall.

23. New Orleans Saints (3-3)

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) in action during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 13-20 loss at Houston Texans
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 19

It’s becoming clear that New Orleans can’t get it together on offense. If their defense can’t make repeated stops, this team isn’t going to be very competitive. Derek Carr and the offensive staff aren’t gelling together, just watch their final sequence of the game.

24. Tennessee Titans (2-4)

Oct 15, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tavius Robinson (95) in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 16-24 loss vs. Baltimore Ravens (London)
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 21

Speaking of inept offenses, the Titans are stuck in the mud when it comes to their offensive production. They’re incapable of relying on the quarterback to make plays in the moments that matter the most and now they’re down to Malik Willis with Ryan Tannehill going down with an injury.

25. Minnesota Vikings (2-4)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: K.J. Osborn #17 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
  • Week 6 result: 19-13 win at Chicago Bears
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 25

Minnesota got the victory on Sunday, but their offense is night and day when they don’t have Justin Jefferson. Performances like that won’t cut it against many teams, but it did against the Bears, who had no answer for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ blitzes.

26. Las Vegas Raiders (3-3)

Oct 15, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) tries to avoid a tackle from New England Patriots safety Adrian Phillips (21) at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 21-17 win vs. New England Patriots
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 26

The Raiders are easily the worst .500 team of the season up to this point, but they’re still finding ways to win so they deserve some credit. They do have a weak schedule to thank for that, though, after taking down the Patriots. Don’t let the record fool you, this team needs to show a lot more before they can be moved up in the rankings.

27. New York Giants (1-5)

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) goes up over Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) but can’t make the catch on the last play of the game the would have won the game for New York. Instead the Bills held on to win 14-9
  • Week 6 result: 9-14 loss at Buffalo Bills
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 27

At least the Giants kept this one close, but they should have had a win if not for their unacceptable clock management issues. The shine is completely gone from Brian Daboll’s star. It only shows on his head, now.

28. Chicago Bears (1-5)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field after a loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
  • Week 6 result: 13-19 loss vs. Minnesota Vikings
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 28

Are the Bears closer to the team that struggled to get any offense going over the first few weeks? Or the team that launched an offensive assault against two teams in the span of four days? It’s clearly the former after their Week 6 performance.

29. Arizona Cardinals (1-5)

Oct 15, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) knocks the ball out of the hands of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) to force a fumble recovered by the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 9-26 loss at Los Angeles Rams
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 29

The Cardinals were fun to watch at the beginning of the season when they were losing. Now they’re just mainly losing. But Kyler Murray might be ramping up so that make for an interesting product again. Even if it isn’t good.

30. Denver Broncos (1-5)

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (22) runs the ball after an interception during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 8-19 loss at Kansas City Chiefs
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 30

Kansas City did their best to serve up a win to the Broncos and they didn’t want anything to do with it. This team is on the verge of a fire sale with a bleak future ahead of them.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-6)

Oct 15, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) attempts a pass against the Miami Dophins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 21-42 loss at Miami Dolphins
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 31

Can the Panthers consider their two-score lead over the Dolphins a victory? Absolutely not, but it might be the closest thing to one they see for a while. The Panthers are engulfed in turmoil and now get the chance to see what they could have had when they face C.J. Stroud and the Texans.

32. New England Patriots (1-5)

Oct 15, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki (88) reacts to a play against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 6 result: 17-21 loss at Las Vegas Raiders
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 32

Walk off into the sunset, Bill Belichick. It’s time.

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