We entered last week with two undefeated teams. Now, there are no unbeaten teams left in our Week 7 NFL Power Rankings. Injuries and upsets dominated headlines on Sunday. Now, let’s take a look at how it updates our NFL rankings.
The 32 teams below are ranked both on where they stand and where they are projected to go. This means that the injuries of today do play a major factor. The NFL is a short season and every loss matters.
With that being said, let’s jump into the Week 7 NFL Power Rankings!
NFL Power Rankings For Week 7
1) San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: 1)
Last week, we asked how the San Francisco 49ers would respond if they had to play from behind. Well, we have that answer. San Francisco’s offense was bullied by the Cleveland Browns defense. While I believe this had more to do with Cleveland’s defense than anything else, there is a fear that opponents now have tape on how to beat the Niners.
Regardless, one road loss isn’t enough to overreact to. The San Francisco 49ers remain the top team in our Week 7 NFL Power Rankings. However, they better take care of business against the Minnesota Vikings this week.
2) Philadelphia Eagles (2)
The Philadelphia Eagles were the other undefeated team to suffer their first loss last week. Injuries and offensive struggles led to the Eagles getting upset by the New York Jets. While the loss isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things, the injury to Lane Johnson is. If Johnson’s ankle injury doesn’t impact him later in the season, the Eagles should be fine. However, Jalen Hurts already isn’t healthy, and possibly losing the team’s best offensive lineman prior to a stretch of tough games isn’t great.
3) Kansas City Chiefs (3)
While the Kansas City Chiefs won last week, their less-than-impressive performance had fans more worried than excited after the game. Once again, receivers not named Travis Kelce are playing poorly. The Chiefs are linked to Frank Clark, who would make a good defense even better. However, the team may want to start shopping for some pass catchers who can beat man coverage as well.
4) Miami Dolphins (4)
The Miami Dolphins started the game in a two-score hole, but they didn’t blink. The Miami offense turned on the Jets and put together a strong display, scoring 42 points overall. The defense needs to do a better job of playing four full quarters, and they will likely improve as they get healthier. Regardless, the Dolphins will need to play complementary football in order to be taken seriously come January.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars (5)
Following two weeks over in London, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t take a bye week in their return home. While this scenario created what could have been a “trap game” against former quarterback Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville easily handled their business at home.
What was most impressive from the Jaguars this week was the defense. Three sacks and four forced turnovers led the Jaguars to a big victory. If the defense continues to play well, Jacksonville will move up our NFL Power Rankings.
MORE: Best Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups Week 7
6) Detroit Lions (7)
The Detroit Lions suffered yet another injury, with David Montgomery leaving the game. The good news is that Amon-Ra St. Brown returned to the lineup and played well. Jared Goff also performed great on the road, which has not always been the norm for him. Overall, Detroit continues to be a well-rounded, tough-minded team. No matter the matchup, the Lions’ opponent is going to be in a dogfight every week.
7) Buffalo Bills (6)
The Buffalo Bills need to stop simply playing to the level of their opponent. Their overall inconsistency and mental lapses make it pretty clear that they aren’t true contenders regardless of the amount of talent on this roster. It’s not even the defensive injuries that are holding this team back. There are offensive issues and mental issues that need to be addressed. For starters, there is no true chain-mover on third downs.
From here on out, we will grade the Bills on what they are. They are a very good team who will play to the level of their opponent. When the moment matters, the play will not be made.
8) Dallas Cowboys (8)
The Dallas Cowboys bounced back from last week’s embarrassment to get a win against the Los Angeles Chargers. While their offensive line needs to be sharper, the Cowboys looked much better on Monday Night Football. Despite some of the injuries, Dallas still has all of the tools to be a contender in the NFC. And with the injuries to other top NFC teams, Cowboys fans have reasons to be optimistic.
9) Baltimore Ravens (10)
The Baltimore Ravens got a big win in London, but this team is still struggling to play a full four quarters. What is getting lost in the mix, or purposely ignored, has been the play of Lamar Jackson. He is doing a terrific job at throwing the ball this season. If his receivers can help him out and hang onto the ball, this team will be a bit more consistent. Don’t overlook this team, though. The Ravens are one of the most talented teams in the NFL.
10) Cleveland Browns (11)
The Cleveland Browns enter the top 10 of our NFL Power Rankings for the first time this season. The Browns are coming off a massive win against the San Francisco 49ers despite not having the predator at quarterback. The addition of Jim Schwartz has made this defense one of the best defensive units in the league, and Myles Garrett is playing like one of the best players in football. If the offense can show up to the party and do their job, this will be a very good football team.