Written by Ben Slavin
Week 6 brought some great games, a couple unexpected blowouts, and an instant-classic Sunday night game. Continuing one of the most confusing seasons in recent memory, the worst teams in the league refused to be compliant while a few of the better ones didn’t live up to their billings. While it’s frustrating for ranking purposes, the NFL’s parity is what makes it so great.
Once again, now that we’re into the season, teams will move up or down a lot based on trades, injuries, or big wins or losses. Who the opponent was, how close of a game it was, and just in general how good the team looked will be considered more than just getting the victory.
32. San Francisco 49ers (1-5, Same)
Kyle Shanahan is doing an amazing job. He has his team fighting with C.J. Beathard at quarterback -- he made some nice throws Monday night-- and a running back who coming into the season was largely unknown outside of the Bay Area. Without the massive injury streak, the 49ers could be competing for a playoff spot. With them, the 49ers will be a pesky team picking in the top five of the draft.
31. Oakland Raiders (1-5, Down 1)
Oakland has a lot more talent than the other teams surrounding them, especially offensively. The problem for them has been effort and arguably coaching. Jon Gruden decided the core he inherited wasn’t good enough and is now blowing it up piece by piece. Everyone knows about the Khalil Mack trade and now it’s Amari Cooper on the trading block. Who knows how long Derek Carr has.
Oakland has a lot more talent than the other teams surrounding them, especially offensively. The problem for them has been effort and arguably coaching. Jon Gruden decided the core he inherited wasn’t good enough and is now blowing it up piece by piece. Everyone knows about the Khalil Mack trade and now it’s Amari Cooper on the trading block. Who knows how long Derek Carr has.
30. Arizona Cardinals (1-5, Up 1)
Arizona put the Vikings on upset alert for a little while. For a team so devoid of talent, that’s impressive. Similar to his predecessor in Carolina Sean McDermott, Steve Wilks has his guys fighting and tenacious on defense. They’re building a foundation, even if it isn’t showing in their record.
Arizona put the Vikings on upset alert for a little while. For a team so devoid of talent, that’s impressive. Similar to his predecessor in Carolina Sean McDermott, Steve Wilks has his guys fighting and tenacious on defense. They’re building a foundation, even if it isn’t showing in their record.
29. New York Giants (1-5, Down 4)
For the past few years, the Giants offense has been overly-reliant on Odell Beckham Jr. If he didn’t make a big play, they rarely moved the ball. Now that they can’t even get the ball to Beckham, Saquon Barkley has taken over his role. If Saquon doesn’t break three tackles, they probably are going three-and-out. Saquon often does, though, and needs to be considered for top running back in the league.
For the past few years, the Giants offense has been overly-reliant on Odell Beckham Jr. If he didn’t make a big play, they rarely moved the ball. Now that they can’t even get the ball to Beckham, Saquon Barkley has taken over his role. If Saquon doesn’t break three tackles, they probably are going three-and-out. Saquon often does, though, and needs to be considered for top running back in the league.
28. Indianapolis Colts (1-5, Up 1)
The Colts lost a turnover fest to the Jets Sunday. The defense took a step back from their early season improvement as the Jets scored almost every time they didn’t turn it over. In the red zone, they stepped it up, making the Jets kick seven field goals. Andrew Luck and the offense are not the same without their number one wideout and tight end.
The Colts lost a turnover fest to the Jets Sunday. The defense took a step back from their early season improvement as the Jets scored almost every time they didn’t turn it over. In the red zone, they stepped it up, making the Jets kick seven field goals. Andrew Luck and the offense are not the same without their number one wideout and tight end.
27. Buffalo Bills (2-4, Up 1)
It’s not going to happen, but Sean McDermott deserves at least one throwaway vote for Coach of the Year. He nearly led his team to another upset win this week. It’s no longer you can’t overlook the Bills. Now, Buffalo can beat any team that doesn’t execute.
It’s not going to happen, but Sean McDermott deserves at least one throwaway vote for Coach of the Year. He nearly led his team to another upset win this week. It’s no longer you can’t overlook the Bills. Now, Buffalo can beat any team that doesn’t execute.
26. Denver Broncos (2-4, Same)
For the second straight week, the Broncos defense was gashed left and right. At least this week it was Todd Gurley, not Isaiah Crowell. Regardless, if everyone can run on them, the Broncos are not going to win too many games.
For the second straight week, the Broncos defense was gashed left and right. At least this week it was Todd Gurley, not Isaiah Crowell. Regardless, if everyone can run on them, the Broncos are not going to win too many games.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3, Down 3)
It appears his long break didn’t kick Jameis Winston’s Jekyll and hyde routine. Thrown in with some great throws and multiple touchdown drives were two ugly red zone interceptions. Despite the loss, the Bucs took a step in the right direction, firing defensive coordinator Mike Smith. Whoever takes over the job can’t do any worse.
It appears his long break didn’t kick Jameis Winston’s Jekyll and hyde routine. Thrown in with some great throws and multiple touchdown drives were two ugly red zone interceptions. Despite the loss, the Bucs took a step in the right direction, firing defensive coordinator Mike Smith. Whoever takes over the job can’t do any worse.
24. Tennessee Titans (3-3, Down 8)
That was an embarrassing game. The defense was pretty stout. Add in the horrifying offensive performance, though, and you get an overall pathetic showing. Marcus Mariota looked like he might die out there. After allowing 11 sacks, the offensive line coach definitely will.
That was an embarrassing game. The defense was pretty stout. Add in the horrifying offensive performance, though, and you get an overall pathetic showing. Marcus Mariota looked like he might die out there. After allowing 11 sacks, the offensive line coach definitely will.
23. New York Jets (3-3, Same)
Sam Darnold’s growth continues. After throwing an ugly interception early, Darnold stepped it up and made some great throws. The defense played alright. The only thing preventing them from allowing even more points and yards was the four turnovers they forced.
Sam Darnold’s growth continues. After throwing an ugly interception early, Darnold stepped it up and made some great throws. The defense played alright. The only thing preventing them from allowing even more points and yards was the four turnovers they forced.
22. Atlanta Falcons (2-4, Down 1)
The Atlanta defense it still horrible. If Jameis Winston doesn’t throw two interceptions at the goal line, the Bucs likely score two more touchdowns and win the game. Even their electric offense can’t compensate for how bad the defense is.
The Atlanta defense it still horrible. If Jameis Winston doesn’t throw two interceptions at the goal line, the Bucs likely score two more touchdowns and win the game. Even their electric offense can’t compensate for how bad the defense is.
21. Cleveland Browns (2-3-1, Down 6)
It’s getting harder and harder to believe in Cleveland. Baker Mayfield is turning the ball over a lot and has yet to get in sync with his receivers. The defense, which I was very high on, is similar to Baker in that it’s talented and has a lot of great plays, but gets burned too often with mental lapses and mistakes.
It’s getting harder and harder to believe in Cleveland. Baker Mayfield is turning the ball over a lot and has yet to get in sync with his receivers. The defense, which I was very high on, is similar to Baker in that it’s talented and has a lot of great plays, but gets burned too often with mental lapses and mistakes.
20. Seattle Seahawks (3-3, Up 7)
The Seahawks defense played great in London. The Raiders as a team may be, but their offense is no joke. Frank Clark is becoming a number one pass rusher and easing the losses of Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. With a strong run game as well, Seattle is still a solid team. With their home field advantage, they could steal some games.
The Seahawks defense played great in London. The Raiders as a team may be, but their offense is no joke. Frank Clark is becoming a number one pass rusher and easing the losses of Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. With a strong run game as well, Seattle is still a solid team. With their home field advantage, they could steal some games.
19. Detroit Lions (2-3, Up 1)
Fresh off a week off, the Lions get the Dolphins in Miami. The same exact situation the Bears had before an overtime loss.
Fresh off a week off, the Lions get the Dolphins in Miami. The same exact situation the Bears had before an overtime loss.
18. Miami Dolphins (4-2, Up 6)
While everyone is right in calling the Dolphins 3-0 start a fluke, that doesn’t mean they’re bad. Those big plays that made their start unsustainable have become a weekly occurrence. They’re good enough to get by on defense without verging on shootout territory. If Miami can beat a good Bears team with Brock Osweiler -- who wasn’t that bad Sunday -- starting, they can do anything.
While everyone is right in calling the Dolphins 3-0 start a fluke, that doesn’t mean they’re bad. Those big plays that made their start unsustainable have become a weekly occurrence. They’re good enough to get by on defense without verging on shootout territory. If Miami can beat a good Bears team with Brock Osweiler -- who wasn’t that bad Sunday -- starting, they can do anything.
17. Houston Texans (3-3, Same)
Houston fell into the giant Buffalo bear trap Sunday. Unlike Minnesota and Tennessee, they were able to get out without losing the leg. While they still haven’t had their nice coming together game, Houston is on a three game win streak.
Houston fell into the giant Buffalo bear trap Sunday. Unlike Minnesota and Tennessee, they were able to get out without losing the leg. While they still haven’t had their nice coming together game, Houston is on a three game win streak.
16. Washington Redskins (3-2, Up 3)
Credit goes to Washington for pulling out the win. Did they really deserve it? No. Despite having lost the turnover battle by three, Carolina was driving to win the game. If Cam Newton hit any of his passes on the last series, Washington is 2-3. They’re not, though, and are still atop the NFC East.
Credit goes to Washington for pulling out the win. Did they really deserve it? No. Despite having lost the turnover battle by three, Carolina was driving to win the game. If Cam Newton hit any of his passes on the last series, Washington is 2-3. They’re not, though, and are still atop the NFC East.
15. Dallas Cowboys (3-3, Up 3)
The Cowboys absolutely dominated one of the best teams in the league. Mainly because they finally unleashed Dak Prescott as a runner. Even though his throwing isn’t great, Dak’s running ability is up there with the best quarterbacks. If they keep letting him run, a much more open offense will follow. The wins will come too.
The Cowboys absolutely dominated one of the best teams in the league. Mainly because they finally unleashed Dak Prescott as a runner. Even though his throwing isn’t great, Dak’s running ability is up there with the best quarterbacks. If they keep letting him run, a much more open offense will follow. The wins will come too.
14. Green Bay Packers (3-2-1, Down 1)
A win’s a win. Still, a more inspiring one would have been nice. Against the depleted 49ers, Green Bay needed fourth quarter heroics from Aaron Rodgers to get the win. Any defense getting shredded by C.J. Beathard is not a good look.
A win’s a win. Still, a more inspiring one would have been nice. Against the depleted 49ers, Green Bay needed fourth quarter heroics from Aaron Rodgers to get the win. Any defense getting shredded by C.J. Beathard is not a good look.
13. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2, Down 2)
Cincy competed well against the team that’s dominated them recently. How you look matters more than how you fare and the Bengals led often throughout the game, including right before an Antonio Brown catch-and-run touchdown sealed their fate.
Cincy competed well against the team that’s dominated them recently. How you look matters more than how you fare and the Bengals led often throughout the game, including right before an Antonio Brown catch-and-run touchdown sealed their fate.
12. Baltimore Ravens (4-2, Up 2)
That was one of the better defensive games we’ve seen in the last decade. Five sacks is impressive. Eleven is nearly unheard of. The Titans barely surpassed 100 yards. If the offense came to play, we could’ve seen a score similar to the Ravens week one thrashing of the Bills.
That was one of the better defensive games we’ve seen in the last decade. Five sacks is impressive. Eleven is nearly unheard of. The Titans barely surpassed 100 yards. If the offense came to play, we could’ve seen a score similar to the Ravens week one thrashing of the Bills.
11. Carolina Panthers (3-2, Down 2)
The Panthers allowed a lot of yards, but held the Redskins to 3 when it mattered. Offensively, Carolina did whatever they wanted. Take away the three turnovers and the Panthers win 99/100 times. Unfortunately there are no do-overs in the NFL.
The Panthers allowed a lot of yards, but held the Redskins to 3 when it mattered. Offensively, Carolina did whatever they wanted. Take away the three turnovers and the Panthers win 99/100 times. Unfortunately there are no do-overs in the NFL.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3, Down 5)
Jacksonville needs to figure it out real quick. The decision to double down on Blake Bortles is looking worse and worse as each week passes. Even the star-studded defense has been bad the last two weeks. One of the most talented teams in the league, the Jags are in danger of missing the playoffs if they don’t get it together.
Jacksonville needs to figure it out real quick. The decision to double down on Blake Bortles is looking worse and worse as each week passes. Even the star-studded defense has been bad the last two weeks. One of the most talented teams in the league, the Jags are in danger of missing the playoffs if they don’t get it together.
9. Chicago Bears (3-2, Down 2)
The Bears were put into an awful situation, having to go through bye-week rust in approximately 1000°, 100% humidity Miami heat. It appears the only thing that can slow down Khalil Mack and the Bears defense is heat stroke. Normally I would expect an emphatic rebound, but the Patriots await next week.
The Bears were put into an awful situation, having to go through bye-week rust in approximately 1000°, 100% humidity Miami heat. It appears the only thing that can slow down Khalil Mack and the Bears defense is heat stroke. Normally I would expect an emphatic rebound, but the Patriots await next week.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (3-3, Up 4)
Beating a hated divisional rival is always fun and the Eagles got to have a lot of fun Thursday night. The defense could’ve gone for a shutout if not for Saquon Barkley being literally untackleable. With his favorite target Alshon Jeffery now back, Carson Wentz is starting to resemble the MVP favorite he was last year before tearing his ACL.
Beating a hated divisional rival is always fun and the Eagles got to have a lot of fun Thursday night. The defense could’ve gone for a shutout if not for Saquon Barkley being literally untackleable. With his favorite target Alshon Jeffery now back, Carson Wentz is starting to resemble the MVP favorite he was last year before tearing his ACL.
7. Minnesota Vikings (3-2-1, Up 1)
The Vikings allowed the one-win Cardinals to hang around a lot longer than they should have. Until a Dan Bailey field goal with 13 seconds left in the first half, this was a tie game. The Vikings have not fully gotten over their issues on either side of the ball.
The Vikings allowed the one-win Cardinals to hang around a lot longer than they should have. Until a Dan Bailey field goal with 13 seconds left in the first half, this was a tie game. The Vikings have not fully gotten over their issues on either side of the ball.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2-1, Up 4)
Pittsburgh seems to have largely figured out their early-season slump. What they (along with everyone else) haven’t figured out is when or if Le’veon Bell will return. Without him, this team will never reach their peak. They’re still pretty damn good without him, though.
Pittsburgh seems to have largely figured out their early-season slump. What they (along with everyone else) haven’t figured out is when or if Le’veon Bell will return. Without him, this team will never reach their peak. They’re still pretty damn good without him, though.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2, Same)
Many people were discounting the Chargers early on due to their two losses. Those same people are just now realizing the two losses were to the 5-1 Chiefs and 6-0 Rams. The Chargers are going to have to keep blowing out the Browns of the world to get any attention.
Many people were discounting the Chargers early on due to their two losses. Those same people are just now realizing the two losses were to the 5-1 Chiefs and 6-0 Rams. The Chargers are going to have to keep blowing out the Browns of the world to get any attention.
4. New Orleans Saints (4-1, Down 1)
The Saints come back from their bye with a trip to Baltimore. I’m sure Terrell Suggs and the Baltimore defense will greet them kindly.
The Saints come back from their bye with a trip to Baltimore. I’m sure Terrell Suggs and the Baltimore defense will greet them kindly.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1, Down 1)
Patrick Mahomes made some great throws Sunday night. He also missed a few guaranteed touchdowns that could have kept the Chiefs unbeaten. With how porous the defense is, Mahomes is going to have to hit every throw for them to be the AFC Super Bowl representatives. Overall, the Chiefs should be encouraged losing by three after their worst game of the year.
Patrick Mahomes made some great throws Sunday night. He also missed a few guaranteed touchdowns that could have kept the Chiefs unbeaten. With how porous the defense is, Mahomes is going to have to hit every throw for them to be the AFC Super Bowl representatives. Overall, the Chiefs should be encouraged losing by three after their worst game of the year.
2. New England Patriots (4-2, Up 2)
Remember when everyone said the Patriots were dead? That was a fun and distant time. Now the Chiefs are coming off two blowout wins and giving the Chiefs their first loss. They’re officially back as the AFC favorites.
Remember when everyone said the Patriots were dead? That was a fun and distant time. Now the Chiefs are coming off two blowout wins and giving the Chiefs their first loss. They’re officially back as the AFC favorites.
1. Los Angeles Rams (6-0, Same)
Even when they don’t play their best, the Rams still control their opponents. The pass attack underwhelmed by their standards, but Todd Gurley picked up the slack, going over 200 yards rushing. The defense rebounded too. Barring injuries, we’ll almost definitely be seeing the Rams in February.
Think your team is ranked too low? Or just in general think I know nothing about football? Go crazy in the comments.
Works Cited
Orr, Conor. “How the Patriots-Chiefs Showdown on Sunday Night Unfolded.” SI.com, 15 Oct. 2018, www.si.com/nfl/2018/10/15/patriots-chiefs-tom-brady-patrick-mahomes-sunday-night-football.
Even when they don’t play their best, the Rams still control their opponents. The pass attack underwhelmed by their standards, but Todd Gurley picked up the slack, going over 200 yards rushing. The defense rebounded too. Barring injuries, we’ll almost definitely be seeing the Rams in February.
Think your team is ranked too low? Or just in general think I know nothing about football? Go crazy in the comments.
Works Cited
Orr, Conor. “How the Patriots-Chiefs Showdown on Sunday Night Unfolded.” SI.com, 15 Oct. 2018, www.si.com/nfl/2018/10/15/patriots-chiefs-tom-brady-patrick-mahomes-sunday-night-football.
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