Buccaneers Reach Top of NFL Week 6 Power Rankings
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached the top of the rankings. Another victory against another top NFC team, this time in more dominating fashion, sees them rise all the way to No. 1. The question becomes whether they can sustain the success as the injuries pile up.
Jacksonville came back down to Earth this week at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. After seemingly being able to shut down every opponent and get whatever they want on the ground, the Jaguars have hit a wall.
The Miami Dolphins are falling apart. It is quickly becoming a lost season and beginning to look like it will be when, not if, coach Mike McDaniel will be fired.
1. (+3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)
Last Week: 30-19 win vs. San Francisco 49ers
The MVP chants have begun raining down on Tez Johnson, scratch that, Baker Mayfield. The quarterback stepped up with every weapon on the roster going down with injuries. Already missing running back Bucky Irving and wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr., Mayfield lost rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka during the game to a hamstring injury. It did not matter, as Mayfield scrambled for a first-down conversion on third-and-14 in the third quarter, as well as throwing touchdowns to wide receivers Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson. On defense, linebacker Yaya Diaby recorded two sacks, while cornerback Jamel Dean picked off his second pass of the season.
Up Next: at Detroit Lions, Monday, 7 p.m.
2. (+3) Indianapolis Colts (5-1)
Last Week: 31-27 win vs. Arizona Cardinals
Running back Jonathan Taylor was held to one of his worst games of the season, rushing for just 123 yards and a touchdown. That is how good he has been. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren had one of the best first drives you could ask for, catching three passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. The rest of the game saw him catch just three more passes for 26 yards. Defensive end Kwity Paye had both of the Colts sacks.
Up Next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
3. (-2) Detroit Lions (4-2)
Last Week: 30-17 loss at Kansas City Chiefs
The Detroit defense showed more fight after the game than during it. Safety Brian Branch started a postgame scuffle after refusing to shake hands with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The offense was efficient, but struggled to finish drives. It turned the ball over on downs twice, and was forced to punt three times.
Up Next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, 7 p.m.
4. (-2) Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Last Week: 24-14 loss at Atlanta Falcons
Josh Allen had his worst game of the season, as he was held to just 180 yards, and also threw two interceptions. The Bills defense forced no turnovers and only two sacks. Expect the bye week to give Allen and Co. the opportunity to reset following back-to-back losses.
Up Next: Bye
5. (-2) Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)
Last Week: 34-17 loss at New York Giants
The Eagles were set up for the perfect bounce-back game following their first loss in Week 5. Instead, the defense did not show up and the offense relied on a glorified rugby scrum to score points. Four straight tush pushes in the second quarter got the Eagles to 17 points, where they remained for the second half. Tight end Dallas Goedert was a bright spot, catching nine passes for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Up Next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m.
6. (+5) Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
Last Week: 30-17 win vs. Detroit Lions
For years, fans have been used to the Chiefs showing up under the brightest lights, and the “Sunday Night Football” game was no different. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns and rushed for another. Eight different receivers caught a pass, including two touchdowns by wide receiver Hollywood Brown and another by Xavier Worthy. It is beginning to look like the Chiefs are back.
Up Next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m.
7. (+2) Green Bay Packers (3-1-1)
Last Week: 27-18 win vs. Cincinnati Bengals
It was the Josh Jacobs show in Green Bay. The running back led the team in rushing and tied for the lead in catches. His two touchdowns on the ground pushed him to six on the season, and adding five catches for 57 yards was a nice touch. The defense left a lot on the table. It was gifted a matchup with a quarterback who had five days to learn an offense and were coming out of a bye, yet still gave up 18 points.
Up Next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
8. (-) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)
Last Week: 23-9 win vs. Cleveland Browns
While beating the Browns this season does not prove anything about a team, the Steelers defense showed up and out. After struggling earlier in the season, it locked down the Browns attack. Six sacks, led by two apiece from cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Nick Herbig, kept the Browns from getting in a rhythm. The rushing attack for the Browns had been a strength, but the Steelers held them to just 65 yards.
Up Next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, 8:15 p.m.
9. (+3) Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
Last Week: 20-12 win at Jacksonville Jaguars
When the ground game shuts downs, just throw the ball to Jaxson Smith-Njigba. The wide receiver caught half of quarterback Sam Darnold’s completions, turning eight catches into 162 yards and a touchdown. The defensive line wrecked havoc on the other side, sacking Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence seven times.
Up Next: vs. Houston Texans, Monday, 10 p.m.
10. (-4) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
Last Week: 20-12 loss vs. Seattle Seahawks
Plenty of the postgame talk was about the mental mistake of rookie wide receiver Travis Hunter. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner lined up offsides on what would have been a 54-yard touchdown to fellow wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The Jaguars still scored on the drive, and the penalty did not impact the outcome. The most disappointing part of the game for Jacksonville was that it mustered just 12 points despite not turning the ball over. Eight punts and a missed field goal kept the Jags out of the game.
Up Next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (London Game)
11. (+3) New England Patriots (4-2)
Last Week: 25-19 win at New Orleans Saints
Quarterback Drake Maye had a strong statline, but it could have been even better if not for multiple big plays being called back because of penalties. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was the biggest beneficiary of the big game from Maye. He caught five passes for 93 yards and two scores.
Up Next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m.
12. (+7) Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
Last Week: 24-14 win vs. Buffalo Bills
Following their 30-point drubbing by the Panthers, the Falcons have won back-to-back games against playoff teams from last year. This week it was Bijan Robinson, who finished with 170 yards and a touchdown on the ground, as well as catching six passes for 68 yards. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. only completed passes to four different players, running backs Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. and wide receiver Drake London, who finished with 10 catches for 158 yards and a score.
Up Next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.
13. (+2) Denver Broncos (4-2)
Last Week: 13-11 win at New York Jets (London Game)
Weird things happen when you travel across the pond. The Broncos struggled offensively, but the defense more than picked up the slack. It recorded nine sacks and allowed only 82 total yards. It was nearly not enough, as a holding call in the end zone resulted in a safety and two points for the Jets, but quarterback Bo Nix was able to put together a fourth-quarter drive that ended in a field goal, giving Denver a lead it would not vanquish.
Up Next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
14. (-7) Washington Commanders (3-3)
Last Week: 25-24 loss vs. Chicago Bears
The Commanders were in the driver’s seat, up two points with just under three minutes to play. Then quarterback Jayden Daniels fumbled, setting up the Bears to complete the comeback. It was a good night stat-wise for Daniels, who threw three touchdowns to three different receivers. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt lost his second fumble in as many weeks.
Up Next: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
15. (+1) Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)
Last Week: 29-27 win at Miami Dolphins
While Ladd McConkey caught his first touchdown of the season last week, the wide receiver showed a return to form in this victory. With Quentin Johnston ruled out pregame, McConkey caught seven passes for 100 yards and a score. He was not the only one to step up in the absence of an offensive weapon, as running back Kimani Vidal more than covered up for the injured Omarion Hampton. Vidal rushed for 124 yards, while adding 14 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Chargers nearly threw the game away, but safety Derwin James Jr. ended the game with an interception.
Up Next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
16. (+4) Chicago Bears (3-2)
Last Week: 25-24 win at Washington Commanders
D’Andre Swift led the way for the Bears with 108 yards on the ground and another 67 through the air, as well as a touchdown. It was the first time Swift topped 100 yards rushing since he played against the Commanders in Week 8 last season. Cornerback Nahshon Wright recovered a fumble on the Commanders’ last drive to set the Bears up for their last drive, which ended with a game-winning field goal.
Up Next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m.
17. (-) Los Angeles Rams (4-2)
Last Week: 17-3 win at Baltimore Ravens
The NFL’s leading receiver, Puka Nacua, suffered an ankle sprain in the victory, and is now expected to miss next week. The Rams are not without other options, with Davante Adams being available in the passing game while Kyren Williams is still a top running back. The defense will be called upon to hold teams like it did this week. Linebacker Nate Landman had 17 tackles, while safety Quentin Lake picked off his first pass of the season.
Up Next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (London Game)
18. (-8) San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
Last Week: 30-19 loss at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The star for San Francisco was kicker Eddy Pineiro. He hit all four of his field goals, and was the reason the 49ers had a chance late in the third quarter. The inability to score touchdowns, and two interceptions from quarterback Mac Jones, kept the 49ers from victory. To Jones’ credit, he threw for 347 yards, going to Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson at wide receiver, and tight end Jake Tonges.
Up Next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.
19. (-1) Minnesota Vikings (3-2)
Last Week: Bye
There are still concerns with quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s ankle coming out of the bye, meaning it may be another week for Carson Wentz. Whoever is playing quarterback will have their work cut out for them against an Eagles defense that got embarrassed in Thursday Night Football in Week 6.
Up Next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m.
20. (+3) Houston Texans (2-3)
Last Week: Bye
A matchup to watch this week will be how much cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is covering wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Two of the brightest young players at their respective positions, the winner of that head-to-head will go a long way to determining the winner. Playing to Stingley’s advantage is the Texans pass rush, which has recorded just 12 sacks in five games, but has the talent to burst the game open.
Up Next: at Seattle Seahawks, Monday, 10 p.m.
21. (+1) Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
Last Week: 31-27 loss at Indianapolis Colts
A week after the worst loss ever, the Cardinals looked much improved against a superior opponent. With quarterback Kyler Murray sidelined, a full month before the new Call of Duty comes out, Jacoby Brissett stepped up deliver all he could. He threw for 320 yards and two scores, although he did throw an interception. The ground game gave him no support, as Bam Knight and Michael Carter combined for 68 yards. Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. picked off his first pass of the season, and just his third of his seven year career.
Up Next: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
22. (-9) Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1)
Last Week: 30-27 loss at Carolina Panthers
This defense is really bad. Giving up 30 points to Carolina is unacceptable for a team that sees itself as a playoff contender. On offense, it was all Dak Prescott and George Pickens. The quarterback-wide receiver combo ended up connecting nine times for 168 yards and a touchdown. Pickens looked like he may challenge Grant Holloway to represent the USA in the hurdles in the Olympics. Unless the defense can figure out how to get consistent stops, the Cowboys ceiling is limited.
Up Next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
23. (+1) Carolina Panthers (3-3)
Last Week: 30-27 win vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys failed to re-sign Rico Dowdle in the offseason after he rushed for 1,079 yards for them in 2024. Dowdle said pregame that his former Cowboys teammates better “buckle up.” Strong words, and yet they somehow undersold what Dowdle would do. For the second straight week, the running back eclipsed 200 total yards. This week it was 183 on the ground with an additional 56 through the air and a touchdown. While the Panthers defense could not stop the Cowboys, Dowdle just about single handedly muscled them to victory with Kendrick Lamar levels of hate running through his veins.
Up Next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m.
24. (+3) New York Giants (2-4)
Last Week: 34-17 win vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Burns is making his case as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. The linebacker recorded two sacks, bringing his season total to seven. On offense, it was the rookie combination of quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo. Dart threw for 195 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another score of 58 yards. Skattebo ran for 98 yards and three scores. Both players are constantly looking for contact, with Dart taking a trip to the blue medical tent. The entire sideline checked on him, including coach Brian Daboll, who is expected to be fined for potentially interfering with the concussion protocol procedure.
Up Next: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
25. (-4) Baltimore Ravens (1-5)
Last Week: 17-3 loss vs. Los Angeles Rams
The AFC North is the worst division in football keeps the Ravens alive, but there are no more excuses once quarterback Lamar Jackson returns. This bye comes at the perfect time, as this skid is unheard of in Baltimore. Running back Derrick Henry played well given he was all the Ravens had. He went for 122 yards on the ground.
Up Next: Bye
26. (-) New Orleans Saints (1-5)
Last Week: 25-19 loss vs. New England Patriots
Taysom Hill is back to being the most frustrating player for fantasy managers. The quarterback/running back/tight end/whatever else the coaching staff wanted that day scored a touchdown, taking away a score from either Alvin Kamara or Kendre Miller. Wide receiver Chris Olave had his best game of the season, finishing with 98 yards on six catches.
Up Next: at Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m.
27. (+2) Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
Last Week: 20-10 win vs. Tennessee Titans.
Do not mistake this victory as the Raiders playing well. The Titans are bad. Ball carriers not named Ashton Jeanty had negative seven yards rushing for the Raiders, while the passing game is still flowing through wide receiver Tre Tucker. The defense did its part, with linebacker Devin White forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass, and defensive end Maxx Crosby recording two sacks.
Up Next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 1 p.m.
28. (-3) Cleveland Browns (1-5)
Last Week: 23-9 loss at Pittsburgh Steelers
Playing against one of the strongest pass rushes in the NFL over the last several years, the Browns decided to abandon the run, which has been their strongest aspect this season, to throw the ball 52 times with rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Obviously not a recipe for success, Gabriel was able to hold onto the ball, not turning it over, but could not lead a touchdown drive. This had led to calls for the most talked about, but least talkative, backup quarterback ever, Shedeur Sanders, to get a chance.
Up Next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m.
29. (-1) Miami Dolphins (1-5)
Last Week: 29-27 loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Dolphins games are nothing if not entertaining. Trailing by 13 in the fourth quarter, touchdowns from running back De’Von Achane and tight end Darren Waller gave them the lead. Then the defense collapsed, allowing a field goal, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw his third interception. Achane proved once again he is going to do all he can to lead this team to victories, rushing for 128 yards and two scores, while Jaylen Waddle had the highlight of the game after catching a pass that looked more like a circus act than a football play. There is not a clear path forward either, as there is an apparent lack of leadership.
Up Next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m.
30. (-) Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
Last Week: 27-18 loss at Green Bay Packers
Joe Flacco may be the answer for the Bengals. The quarterback had five days to learn the playbook, and played well enough to keep the Bengals hanging around. The issue is this defense is not good enough to carry the team. While Flacco will be able to lead the team to multiple scores, if the defense cannot hold opponents below 24 points, the Bengals will continue to lose. The wide receiver room is excited to see Flacco, with Ja’Marr Chase catching 10 passes for 94 yards and a score while Tee Higgins had 62 yards on five catches.
Up Next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m.
31. (-) Tennessee Titans (1-5)
Last Week: 20-10 loss at Las Vegas Raiders
While the Titans would like to see more out of quarterback Cam Ward, they have surrounded him with nothing. Running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears combined for 65 yards rushing, while Ward was sacked six times. He also fumbled twice, and made avoidable mistakes. On defense, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is still looking for his first interception but picked up 10 tackles this week.
Up Next: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m.
32. (-) New York Jets (0-6)
Last Week: 13-11 loss vs. Denver Broncos (London Game)
The Jets offense was laughable. A net negative 10 yards passing after factoring in sacks. Just 92 yards on the ground. The Jets did not even march the length of the field once. Special teams and defense kept them in the game, but it is just unacceptable for a professional football team to play like this. In London it may have worked better for quarterback Justin Fields to try passing the ball with his feet rather than his hands. It would not have been any worse of a showing if he did.
Up Next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m.
Category: Atlanta Falcons, Football, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
