There is now one remaining undefeated and one remaining team yet to taste victory this season. And just like everyone expected, the Minnesota Vikings are the lone unbeaten, while the Los Angeles Chargers are winless.
We say it each week, but the NFL is unpredictable and uncertain. It’s full of tricks and treats.
Halloween is this Saturday, and it’s spooky season. So, it’s time for a Halloween edition of the Arrowhead Pride power rankings.
On Halloween night, some houses are known for giving out the
good candy. Similarly, some teams have given their fans king-size candy bars, while others have kept the porch light off and given little to cheer about.
Although the Vikings remain undefeated, they are far from a perfect football team. Every NFL team has warts and reasons to worry. In this Halloween edition of the power rankings, we ask: what should frighten each fanbase for the remainder of the season?
Biggest riser: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +7
Biggest faller: Baltimore Ravens -7
This week, along with myself, staff voters were: Maurice Elston, Ron Kopp Jr., Rocky Magana, and Jared Sapp.
1. Buffalo Bills (3rd)
James Cook’s fumbling issue. He has four fumbles on the season.
2. Minnesota Vikings (4th)
They may be 6-0, but the (second) quarterback they shipped out of town is now playing better than the current quarterback under center.
3. San Francisco 49ers (1st)
Their first loss on the season coming in a trap game against the middling Atlanta Falcons.
4. Seattle Seahawks (10th)
Guard Quenton Nelson’s arrival should help their running game. But outside of his throws to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Sam Darnold hasn’t played well this season.
5. Chicago Bears (5th)
Caleb Williams can clearly make any throw on the football field. But is their defense good enough to carry them in the loaded NFC North?
6. Kansas City Chiefs (2nd)
I could write an essay on what Chiefs fans fear after that dreadful performance on Sunday night. Top of the list is the seemingly never-ending issue at wide receiver, and the lack of a pass rush. Oh, and the rapid decline of the once-reliable kicker Harrison Butker. This is just to name a few.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (8th)
Brian Thomas Jr.’s career has fallen off a cliff since a great rookie debut.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (9th)
I don’t like the rumors I’m hearing about the Bengals trading for Jonathan Taylor. That would shore up one of the only perceived weaknesses on their roster.
9. New England Patriots (7th)
The lack of chemistry between quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver AJ Brown. Brown has missed time this season due to a high ankle sprain. But in three games, he has only 9 receptions for 101 yards.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (14th)
Aaron Rodgers is having a respectable season for his last dance. But throwing your employer (and all other NFL owners) under the bus in your post-game press conference is not a great look.
11. Denver Broncos (11th)
Bo Nix has regressed and Jaylen Waddle has been a non-factor since joining the club.
12. Detroit Lions (13th)
Their defense seems to be improving, but it remains a major liability if they’re to be a serious NFC contender.
13. Baltimore Ravens (6th)
Lamar Jackson’s health. When will he return to the lineup? Jackson has started only one full season in his nine-year career.
14. Green Bay Packers (12th)
An offense that relies on the deep ball and a defense that can’t rely on Micah Parsons’ availability.
15. Cleveland Browns (16th)
Their slow starts. They look inept for three quarters before turning it on in the fourth.
16. Los Angeles Rams (17th)
They’ve suffered four more losses so far than some in the media thought they would for the entirety of the season. They’ve had major injuries on both sides of the ball. But beyond the injuries, they’ve just continued to shoot themselves in the foot.
17. New York Giants (20th)
Putting their hopes in JJ McCarthy seems risky.
18. Atlanta Falcons (21st)
Potentially more offensive weapons than any team in the league—but unable to put it together on a weekly basis.
19. Carolina Panthers (15th)
A team that just can’t seem to get over the hump and take the next step into formidable contender.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27th)
A 30-point divisional win is nothing to scoff at. But Baker Mayfield threw for only 64 yards in his return. Is he healthy and ready for the remainder of the season?
21. Houston Texans (18th)
Their defense is not what it was billed to be before the season. It was assumed they would turn it on after an 0-4 start, but the hole is pretty deep. I’ve said it before—but fortunately for them, they play in the AFC South.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (19th)
They haven’t won a game since head coach Klint Kubiak declared at halftime against the Chiefs they would win the game (they didn’t).
23. Dallas Cowboys (22nd)
A defense that only looks formidable against backup quarterbacks.
24. Philadelphia Eagles (24th)
Legal ramifications from the handling of Jalen Hurt’s blood clot medical emergency.
25. New Orleans Saints (23rd)
Quarterback Tyler Shough is playing good football—good enough to win. But the Saints’ running game is pathetic. Their effort on Sunday? 17 rushes for 18 yards.
26. Indianapolis Colts (26th)
Who will be playing for this team—or coaching this team in November? The fire sale has already begun in Indy. Josh Downs to Kansas City, anyone?
27. Washington Commanders (29th)
Jayden Daniels has not won a football game in over a calendar year. A real concern for your franchise quarterback—not to mention the repeated elbow injuries.
28. New York Jets (28th)
Head coach Aaron Glenn losing the football team.
29. Arizona Cardinals (25th)
A top five running back who can’t stay on the field, and has yet to burst onto the scene. But they’re good for a win to knock you out of your Survivor league every 2-3 weeks.
30. Miami Dolphins (31st)
Potentially losing the number one overall draft pick by winning a game. Although did the ‘72 Dolphins pop open their champagne the Dolphins wouldn’t go 0-17?
31. Tennessee Titans (30th)
Head coach Robert Saleh’s devotion to Cam Ward. He just hasn’t looked good, and certainly not what he was billed to be as the first overall draft pick.
32. Los Angeles Chargers (32nd)
They have more players listed on their injury report than fans at their home games.
