The NFL’s contenders and pretenders are beginning to take shape. It appears we are heading toward the familiar reunion of Kansas City Chiefs–Buffalo Bills in the postseason. Meanwhile in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers
remain undefeated while postseason regulars the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles are seeing their seasons slip through their fingers.Let’s take a look at all eight divisions a third of the way through the season:
The NFC East is pathetic, with no team winning a game in the past
two weeks (including when two teams played each other).
The NFC North is loaded, with all four teams potentially making the postseason. Likewise, all AFC North teams have a winning record.
The 49ers and Chiefs appear to be pulling away from the other teams in both western divisions.
You never know what you’ll get from the AFC or NFC South on a week-to-week basis, while the AFC East appears to be a two-horse race with the resurgence of the New England Patriots on the heels of the Bills.
There’s plenty of football still to be played. No doubt there are teams currently slated to make the postseason who will see their hopes shattered by January. Until then, let’s take a look at how the Arrowhead Pride Power Rankings shook out this week.
Biggest risers: Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans +6
Biggest fallers: Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles -9
This week, along with myself, staff voters were: Caleb James, Ron Kopp Jr., Rocky Magana, and Jared Sapp.
1. San Francisco 49ers (1st)
Great teams take care of business in games against weaker opponents. Even when Washington was mounting a comeback, the 49ers finished out the game with the W.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (2nd)
Not even the most optimistic Chiefs fan could have predicted the impact running back Kenneth Walker III would have.
3. Buffalo Bills (4th)
Another week where they snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
4. Minnesota Vikings (6th)
We’ll find out who this team really is in the next month: Colts, Lions, Bills, Packers, 49ers are on the docket.
5. Chicago Bears (10th)
Petty Caleb Williams might be the answer. I suspect Bears fans love that version of Caleb, just like I love petty Patrick Mahomes.
6. Baltimore Ravens (3rd)
Lamar would have won that football game. Snoop is a fine backup, but if Lamar can’t be relied upon, then I don’t realistically see the Ravens as a legitimate threat in the AFC.
7. New England Patriots (11th)
AJ Brown made his return, and the Patriots won. But the Maye-Brown connection still wasn’t there.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5th)
Win on a walk-off field goal one week. Lose in the same fashion the next.
9. Cincinnati Bengals (9th)
The bye week pushed them into last place in the AFC North—still with a winning record.
10. Seattle Seahawks (7th)
Halloween is coming up. Sam Darnold is already seeing ghosts again.
11. Denver Broncos (12th)
Inconceivably, this team continues to win football games, despite the less-than-elite play from the quarterback position.
12. Green Bay Packers (16th)
Matthew Golden and Christian Watson are becoming an elite tandem at wide receiver. Jordan Love is taking full advantage.
13. Detroit Lions (13th)
Maybe they fixed their defensive issues during the bye week?
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (19th)
I just need to see more from this team before I’m a believer.
15. Carolina Panthers (17th)
The quietest first-place team in the NFL.
16. Cleveland Browns (22nd)
It is amazing that this team sits at first place in the AFC North, especially when you consider that every team currently has a winning record.
17. Los Angeles Rams (8th)
I’m glad Trent McDuffie found his love for football again in the offseason after being traded to the Rams. It’d be really tough to play through this start to the season otherwise.
18. Houston Texans (24th)
How do the Texans do this—and get away with it every year?
19. Las Vegas Raiders (18th)
There’s no doubt this team is better. I’m not sure how many games they’ll win this season, but they’re improved and have a solid foundation.
20. New York Giants (14th)
The Jameis Winston experience was fun while it lasted, but it might be at its end. J.J. McCarthy had more yards in the fourth quarter than Justin Herbert has had in a game this season.
21. Atlanta Falcons (20th)
Bijan Robinson has to touch the ball more than 11 times a game for the Falcons to have a realistic chance at winning.
22. Dallas Cowboys (21st)
It’s just hilarious to watch this team slowly imploding on a weekly basis.
23. New Orleans Saints (25th)
I’m not sure what to make of this team week-to-week.
24. Philadelphia Eagles (15th)
I need the full truth regarding this Jalen Hurts situation. From a medical perspective, it’s not adding up. Regardless, it’s the Tanner McKee show now.
25. Arizona Cardinals (26th)
This team has now knocked out two of my Survivor league teams.
26. Indianapolis Colts (23rd)
This roster and coaching staff may be completely turned over next year. General manager Chris Ballard is just the first domino to fall.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27th)
Still fighting, the latest loss came in overtime. Will this team be better once Baker Mayfield returns?
28. New York Jets (28th)
I’m rooting for head coach Aaron Glenn here. The Jets aren’t winning many games, but they’re still giving great effort and appear to be heading in the right direction.
29. Washington Commanders (29th)
Jayden Daniels hasn’t won a game as a starting quarterback in over a full calendar year.
30. Tennessee Titans (32nd)
The Colts winning a game was so shocking that they got Chris Ballard fired.
31. Miami Dolphins (30th)
Dolphins’ fans got a week’s reprieve.
32. Los Angeles Chargers (31st)
Will offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel have a job when the Chargers return from their bye week? Some serious soul-searching will occur in Los Angeles this week.
