1. Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs put the AFC West out of reach essentially in week 7. They’ve only gotten better week after week.
2. Philadelphia Eagles – Philly is clicking again. A good win against a good albeit shorthanded squad. The top two teams from last year are back.
3. San Francisco 49ers – Brook Purdy’s shine might be wearing off. Two straight weeks they’ve had to come from behind and unlike the first QB from his class he can’t finish the comeback. This team’s talent is too good to drop them just yet but next week Cincinnati comes to town. Another loss and sending Trey to Dallas might have been a mistake.
4. Baltimore Ravens – Two mental mistake losses keep this team out of the top three. They’ve looked just as good as the top three teams but have two ugly losses that they caused. A huge win against the Lions helps their resume to continue climbing.
5. Miami Dolphins – A depleted team went to Philly and got handled. 10 points for the high-powered offense doesn’t look good. They’ve got two rough games coming up before their bye and a chance to get healthy.
6. Dallas Cowboys – A week of rest for the Cowboys so not much to say. If Dak can build on his performance against the Chargers the sky’s the limit.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence gave it a go on a short week after suffering a knee injury. The Jags did enough to beat the Saints. A real who’s who’s game next week in Pittsburgh will expose one team.
8. Seattle Seahawks – Geno Smith is in a mini-slump. Mistakes cost them the game against Cincinnati. Mistakes could have cost them against Arizona but it’s Arizona. They’re still a top-five team in the NFC.
9. Detroit Lions – A true humbling was had by this team in Baltimore. They might not be the top contender just yet in the NFC but this loss does not set back their progression it just helps highlight shortcomings.
Cleveland Browns – This one hurts but in spite of their franchise quarterback being an anomaly. Their defense despite giving up 38 points they, excelled enough to win the game.
James