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It’s Week 7 of the NFL common season.
Our energy panel — a gaggle of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities — evaluated how groups are stacking up thru six weeks.
From the surprising dominance of the NFC East to the 4-2 New York Jets, it’s been laborious to expect what’s going to occur week to week. These Power Rankings mirror that. But we (once more) have a brand new No. 1 workforce after the Buffalo Bills defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, and there are formally 3 groups from the state of New York within the peak 10.
In addition to our up to date scores, we checked in with NFL Nation journalists around the league and requested them to call something that we, and most people, were given improper about every workforce. They discover expectancies which have been exceeded and expectancies that experience no longer been met thru those six weeks of the season.
Let’s get to it.
Jump to a workforce:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 6 rating: 2
The best of expectancies had been set for the Buffalo Bills, and they’ve proven why many idea this workforce might be the most productive within the league. Quarterback Josh Allen is enjoying at an MVP-type degree, and go rusher Von Miller is acting because the workforce was hoping with six sacks. I’m no longer positive many idea the Bills would stay profitable regardless of lacking key gamers. Buffalo has handled accidents to a number of starters, together with protection Micah Hyde struggling a season-ending neck damage. The workforce is getting more healthy, however backups have in large part been as much as the duty, appearing simply how well-rounded of a roster GM Brandon Beane has constructed. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 6 rating: 3
I believed quarterback Jalen Hurts would support in his 2nd complete season because the starter, however wasn’t anticipating him to be within the early MVP dialog. His strides within the passing recreation were in particular notable. He ranks 9th in of completion share thru six video games (66.8%) in comparison to twenty sixth closing yr (61.3%). He is 3rd in yards in keeping with strive (8.23) and has best dedicated two turnovers whilst losing again 221 instances and working it 77 instances. Hurts is a number one explanation why the Eagles are undefeated. — Tim McManus
Week 6 rating: 1
The go rush, with 14 sacks thru 5 video games, is advanced. Last season, the Chiefs had 31 sacks over 17 video games, leaving them twenty ninth within the league. The Chiefs wish to support their go rush with their entrance 4 rather than Chris Jones when they do not blitz. The Chiefs have 8 sacks with their down linemen, together with 3 from Jones. Linebackers or defensive backs have the opposite six. — Adam Teicher
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Stephen A. Smith highlights the Chiefs’ want for a celebrity WR in the event that they need to peak the Bills this yr.
Week 6 rating: 4
There used to be common skepticism that trainer Kevin O’Connell would have the workforce bodily able for the beginning of the season after a singular summer time pushed by way of sports activities efficiency theories. Key gamers noticed little to no preseason motion, regardless of a schematic overhaul, and there have been just a handful of intensely bodily practices sessions. But no longer best had been the Vikings able to open 5-1, however 21 in their 22 starters have made each and every get started. The best exception used to be protection Harrison Smith, who overlooked one recreation on account of a concussion. — Kevin Seifert
Week 6 rating: 11
The Giants were not anticipated to win many video games this season (my projection used to be six). You blame me? They hadn’t crowned six wins in any of the former 5 seasons. But all they have accomplished up to now is use techniques to win, whether or not it is by way of going for 2 within the opener, shutting out Aaron Rodgers in the second one part or getting their first interception of the season to win them the sport in opposition to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. It does not topic that the Giants are twenty third in general offense and fifteenth in protection. Coach Brian Daboll has this workforce believing and completing. They’ve outscored combatants 87-49 in the second one part of video games. — Jordan Raanan
Week 6 rating: 5
First, I did not get anything else improper. I believed the protection will be the power. I believed the run recreation could be higher than other folks idea. I did not know they might win 4 directly video games with out Dak Prescott, and neither did anyone else no longer associated with the franchise. Cooper Rush merits a ton of credit score for what he used to be in a position to do in Prescott’s absence. He has earned a role as a backup within the NFL for on the other hand lengthy any person desires him to be a backup. He saved the season alive as a result of there used to be not anything however doom and gloom after Prescott suffered a fractured thumb within the season opener. The Cowboys play Detroit and Chicago prior to heading into the bye week. If Prescott performs as anticipated, the Cowboys shall be within the thick of the playoff chase. — Todd Archer
Week 6 rating: 7
Coming in, it used to be idea that the Ravens would have the NFL’s very best secondary. But, Baltimore ranks twenty eighth in opposition to the go, giving up a median 267.7 yards in the course of the air. The actual downside has been within the fourth quarter, the place the Ravens have allowed 552 yards passing and 6 landing passes. This is a marvel for the reason that Baltimore has 3 first-round alternatives (cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters in conjunction with Kyle Hamilton) and a peak free-agent signing (protection Marcus Williams) within the secondary. It may not get any more uncomplicated with out Williams, who’s out for a longer length after dislocating his wrist in Week 5. — Jamison Hensley
Week 6 rating: 10
After rating a few of the worst devices within the NFL (No. 29 total) permitting a median of 27 issues in keeping with recreation in 2021, it used to be broadly idea that the Bolts protection would catapult up the scores after important offseason upgrades in staff. However, regardless of the additions of All Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack, Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, the Chargers stay ranked a few of the league’s worst defenses (No. 26 total), permitting a median of 25.3 issues in keeping with recreation. And a loss of development and function can not only be blamed at the lack of Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa, who used to be put on injured reserve after Week 3 after present process groin surgical operation. — Lindsey Thiry
Week 6 rating: 16
The rookie elegance is growing sooner than anticipated. Cornerback Sauce Gardner and working again Breece Hall, specifically, have made such an have an effect on that they’ve to be regarded as applicants for Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year, respectively. Gardner has 8 go breakups, one interception and has allowed just one reception in guy protection, in keeping with NFL Next Gen Stats. Hall changed Michael Carter because the RB1 and is 9th within the league with 609 yards from scrimmage. Growing pains? Not in any respect. — Rich Cimini
Week 6 rating: 9
It turns out the 2022 Bucs aren’t the similar workforce that received the Super Bowl in 2020 or that submit 30 issues on combatants closing yr. “I feel like everyone thinks we’re a team that we’re not,” proper take on Tristan Wirfs stated Sunday. “We haven’t done anything yet. We’re 3-3. It ain’t good. That’s what we are. Your record is what you are. We’ve gotta be better.” They’re averaging simply 20 issues a recreation and scoring touchdowns on best 50% in their crimson zone drives — twenty first within the NFL. Last season they had been scoring touchdowns on 64.4% in their crimson zone drives. — Jenna Laine
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Dan Orlovsky and Mina Kimes react to the Cardinals buying and selling for Robbie Anderson.
Week 6 rating: 13
It used to be the hope that huge receiver Allen Robinson II would step in right away and make an have an effect on along Cooper Kupp. While Robinson is coming off his very best recreation of the season for the Rams — 5 catches for 63 yards and a landing — for far of the season he has struggled to constantly connect to Matthew Stafford. The pair — and the Rams’ offense — took a step in the suitable route on Sunday, however it is still noticed whether or not they may be able to stay up the manufacturing in opposition to harder upcoming combatants. — Sarah Barshop
Week 6 rating: 6
After making an investment in important particular groups sources within the offseason, we idea the unit could be hugely advanced. The 49ers spent just right cash to reinforce their protection devices and signal returner Ray-Ray McCloud. They even employed a brand new particular groups trainer in Brian Schneider to convey all of it in combination. The effects were combined as San Francisco nonetheless struggles on kickoff returns, has given up 23.2 yards in keeping with kick go back (9th worst within the NFL) and had two box targets blocked. The result’s a unit with an anticipated issues added of minus-3.5, which is twenty first within the NFL. It’s higher than closing yr right now however it is nonetheless no longer the place the 49ers would find it irresistible to be. — Nick Wagoner
Week 6 rating: 14
The Cleveland Browns completed the 2021 season within the peak 5 in lowest opposing QBR (51.1), fewest web yards in keeping with passing strive (5.97) and best go rush win charge (49.9%). With nearly each and every starter again, that used to be meant to translate into an elite defensive unit this season. Instead, Cleveland’s protection has fallen aside. The Browns are properly out of doors the highest 10 in all 3 of the aforementioned classes. But maximum telling, they now rank thirty first in defensive potency. The Browns do have the ability to show it round. Yet not anything about their performances up to now suggests that they’re going to. — Ben Baby
Week 6 rating: 8
Oh, if there have been just one factor. On offense, the Packers have the bottom six-game level general in any six video games of Aaron Rodgers‘ profession. Even with out Davante Adams, this used to be no longer the expectancy on account of guys like Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. The protection, loaded with first-round alternatives and high-priced unfastened brokers that had everybody projecting them as a top-tier protection, nonetheless can not forestall the run. And even the particular groups that appeared hugely advanced reverted Sunday and had each a box function and a punt blocked. That’s how an amazing department favourite can recede to mediocrity so temporarily. — Rob Demovsky
Week 6 rating: 19
The hesitance at first of the season used to be that the offense, led by way of coaches Matt Patricia and Joe Judge whose number one revel in have been on protection and particular groups, could be an Achilles’ heel. Instead, the coaches were instrumental in getting rookie QB Bailey Zappe up to the mark in an emergency scenario. Zappe is 2-0 as a starter, and in simply over 11 quarters is 51-of-70 for 596 yards, with 4 touchdowns and one interception. — Mike Reiss
Week 6 rating: 15
Since taking up as Tennessee’s starter in 2019, 26 of Ryan Tannehill‘s 82 landing passes have long gone to tight ends. Veteran unfastened agent Austin Hooper gave the impression of a herbal fit to get pleasure from Tannehill’s willingness to get the tight ends concerned. Hooper and Tannehill labored broadly to generate chemistry right through coaching camp. Judging from how steadily the 2 gamers hooked up in observe, Hooper seemed to be on his strategy to a productive season again in July. But that hasn’t been the case. Hooper has best stuck six passes for 55 yards thru 5 video games and is but to attain a landing. — Turron Davenport
Week 6 rating: 12
There used to be numerous out of doors skepticism whether or not or no longer Tua Tagovailoa may just energy an offense that featured Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Instead, he led the NFL in QBR in the course of the first 3 weeks of the season and ranked 2nd in passing yards. Most importantly, the Dolphins began 3-0. He’s overlooked the previous two and a part video games and their offensive potency has plummeted; the Dolphins ranked 2nd within the league in anticipated issues added in Weeks 1-3 — in Weeks 4-6, that rating has dropped to twenty eighth. Contrary to standard trust getting into the season, this workforce is quantifiably higher with Tagovailoa underneath middle. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
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Field Yates says he nonetheless does not view Mike Gesicki as a competent fable starter regardless of his giant efficiency in Week 6.
Week 6 rating: 20
The expectation used to be that Geno Smith could be a large drop off from Russell Wilson. However, Smith has been probably the most largest surprises of the season — and a ways higher than his predecessor has been right through his tough get started in Denver. Even with a quiet efficiency in Week 6, Smith ranks fourth in Total QBR (68.5%), first in of completion share (73.4%) and 3rd in touchdown-to-interception ratio (9-2). And it is not as although he is simply been a recreation supervisor. Smith has tried the 14th-most passes and needed to lift the Seahawks to their first two victories whilst their protection faltered. — Brady Henderson
Week 6 rating: 24
The Falcons had been meant to be dangerous. Having a 3-3 report thru six video games with a transparent plan is healthier than maximum can have anticipated. Contrary to my preseason idea, Atlanta has been in a position to run on any opponent it has confronted with a large number of backs, the league’s No. 3 speeding workforce. Its protection has been opportunistic and created power at key instances. The brotherly love of all of the roster, mixed with a department void of a dominant workforce, must have Atlanta within the playoff dialog for plenty of, many weeks to come back. — Michael Rothstein
Week 6 rating: 25
The perception that the Indianapolis Colts’ younger team of huge receivers and tight ends had been the most important worry hasn’t confirmed to be true. Surprisingly, that identify belongs to an offensive line that has struggled in epic type and has undermined all of the offense. The Colts have used other offensive line combos in every of the previous 3 video games, with not one of the adjustments triggered by way of damage. They in the end appear to have discovered a workable unit in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars — the road’s very best appearing of the season. As for the receivers and tight ends, the kids are truly beginning to flash, in particular rookie receiver Alec Pierce. Now, consistency is the following function. — Stephen Holder
Week 6 rating: 17
It used to be assumed Saints protection would select up the place it left off and stay peak tier regardless of an overhauled secondary. But they’ve only one interception as a workforce, have fallen from No. 7 in general protection in 2021 to No. 17 this season and not have the vaunted run protection they as soon as had. The offense continues to get the eye, however the protection has made some key errors this yr, together with overlooked tackles in vital moments. — Katherine Terrell
Week 6 rating: 22
Running again James Robinson suffered a torn Achilles on Dec. 26 and the Jacksonville Jaguars had been cautious with him right through the offseason and coaching camp. Head trainer Doug Pederson used to be hopeful Robinson could be able to move within the season opener, however no one used to be positive what sort of conditioning Robinson would have and what kind of paintings he may just deal with. The assumption used to be extra Travis Etienne Jr. early within the season till Robinson used to be complete cross. However, he is had no problems in any respect and leads the Jaguars in carries (81) and speeding yards (340). He’s splitting time with Etienne, however that used to be all the time the plan. — Michael DiRocco
Week 6 rating: 18
The Browns completed the 2021 season within the peak 5 in lowest opposing QBR (51.1), fewest web yards in keeping with passing strive (5.97) and best go rush win charge (49.9%). With nearly each and every starter again, that used to be meant to translate into an elite defensive unit this season. Instead, Cleveland’s protection has fallen aside. The Browns are properly out of doors the highest 10 in all 3 of the aforementioned classes. But maximum telling, they now rank thirty first in defensive potency. The Browns do have the ability to show it round. Yet not anything about their performances up to now suggests that they’re going to. — Jake Trotter
Week 6 rating: 23
Russell Wilson‘s arrival has no longer introduced the speedy jumpstart to the workforce’s offense maximum had anticipated. The Broncos have scored simply seven touchdowns over their first six video games, and Wilson has appeared uncomfortable from time to time as he makes an attempt to navigate this season. — Jeff Legwold
Week 6 rating: 29
It’s no longer such a lot that we were given it improper, it is that outdoor elements affected early impressions of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ protection. This gave the impression of a championship-caliber unit in coaching camp, however the Week 1 damage to T.J. Watt coupled with accidents to the secondary uncovered the Steelers’ loss of intensity in the course of the first 5 weeks of the season. But in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Steelers in the end confirmed they may be able to be a dominant protection with a patchwork secondary and power up the center. The Steelers had two sacks, best their 2nd multi-sack recreation since Watt’s damage. And, they held the Bucs to two.9 yards in keeping with lift — the most productive efficiency of a much-maligned Steelers’ run protection. — Brooke Pryor
Week 6 rating: 21
The Cardinals’ offense wasn’t in a position to continue to exist DeAndre Hopkins‘ suspension in addition to we idea. They did not ranking within the first quarter for the primary 5 video games and went two video games this yr with out an offensive landing. With all their different goals, the expectancy used to be that the Cardinals could be enjoying higher than it has with out Hopkins, however as an alternative the workforce is 2-4 able for the receiver to go back. — Josh Weinfuss
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Dan Orlovsky and Mina Kimes react to the Cardinals buying and selling for Robbie Anderson.
Week 6 rating: 26
We idea the Raiders would possibly make use of a working back-by-committee method. Instead, Josh Jacobs is the unquestioned lead again. Jacobs, who didn’t have his fifth-year choice picked up, used to be 3rd within the NFL with 490 speeding yards getting into the Raiders’ bye week. He had accounted for 91.1% of the yards picked up at the flooring by way of Raiders’ RBs, 82.6% of the entire offensive yards received by way of Las Vegas’ backs. Yeah, it positive turns out Jacobs desires a brand new contract. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 6 rating: 31
Washington’s offense used to be idea to have advanced after including quarterback Carson Wentz, receiver Jahan Dotson and a wholesome Curtis Samuel. Fact take a look at: It’s no longer. They’re averaging 16.7 offensive issues in keeping with recreation in comparison to 18.7 closing season. Wentz has struggled at the back of a line that may’t go give protection to and in an offense that has yet again failed to determine an identification. Injuries have performed a job — Washington is on its fourth middle — however different groups have treated the ones significantly better than Washington. And the place to begin with the road, due to staff choices, wasn’t just right for the Commanders. — John Keim
Week 6 rating: 27
Cole Kmet is not having the breakout season we projected. While such a lot used to be manufactured from the relationship between huge receiver Darnell Mooney and quarterback Justin Fields right through the offseason, Kmet used to be additionally anticipated to be an enormous a part of the Bears’ passing assault coming off a yr the place he stuck 60 passes for 612 yards. I believed all of Jimmy Graham’s crimson zone goals would have long gone to Kmet, however the tight finish has best had two passes come his method throughout the 20-yard line. Through six video games, Kmet has 10 catches for 116 yards. His important serve as in Chicago’s offense is as a blocker, which I do not believe many noticed coming bearing in mind the loss of ability/manufacturing from others within the passing recreation must make him a peak goal. — Courtney Cronin
Week 6 rating: 28
The Texans don’t seem to be as dangerous as their report of 1-3-1 would counsel. In each and every Texans’ recreation this season the outcome has come down to at least one force within the fourth quarter, however within the majority of them, they have not been in a position to drag out the win. Closing has been their factor as they have best been outscored by way of 13 issues, which ranks seventeenth within the NFL. The protection has saved video games shut by way of permitting best 19 issues in keeping with recreation, thirteenth within the NFL. And some effects got here in opposition to first rate combatants within the Chargers, Colts and Broncos led by way of celebrity quarterbacks. — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 6 rating: 30
The Lions are nonetheless very a lot within the rebuilding level regardless of early ideas that they advanced. A 1-4 get started is a reminder that this squad nonetheless has some key items — significantly on protection — to fill prior to turning into a sound contender. Some mavens projected the Lions to have a significantly better report at this level, however the protection has already allowed 170 issues in the course of the first 5 video games, which might be essentially the most in franchise historical past. — Eric Woodyard
Week 6 rating: 32
That quarterback Baker Mayfield could be an improve over Sam Darnold and assist the Carolina Panthers to seven to 9 wins. He’s no longer. Mayfield’s numbers around the board are the worst of his profession and worse than Darnold’s had been a yr in the past when he used to be probably the most worst quarterbacks within the league. And the Panthers, who have already got fired trainer Matt Rhule, are 1-5 without a transparent trail to seven to 9 wins. — David Newton