Week 10 brings some significant movement in my NFL Power Rankings, with several teams making statements and others continuing to struggle with consistency. The biggest risers this week are the Green Bay Packers, who jump four spots to #10, followed by the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys, who each climb three positions. The Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions also make moves into the top 10, climbing two spots apiece.
On the other end of the rankings, the New England Patriots suffer the biggest drop, falling seven positions from #5 to #12 after a disappointing performance against Green Bay. The Minnesota Vikings also slide two spots to #11 following an embarrassing offensive showing against Buffalo.
The top four remain unchanged, with the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Chicago Bears holding their positions. Meanwhile, the NFC South remains wide open, with every team currently holding a losing record. There is still plenty of football left to play, and the coming weeks should provide a clearer picture of which teams are legitimate contenders and which are simply trying to stay afloat.
Here are my NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 10.
#1 San Francisco 49ers (0)
The 49ers’ bye week came at the right time, as they returned to action and dominated the Raiders at home, 38-17. San Francisco forced three interceptions off Kirk Cousins, including a pick-six, and recovered two fumbles to seal the victory. Offensively, Christian McCaffrey contributed both a rushing and receiving touchdown, while Brock Purdy added two touchdown passes to lead the way.
This was exactly the type of performance the 49ers needed. They continue to look like one of the most complete teams in the league and now sit at 7-1. Next up is a matchup against the Cowboys.
#2 Buffalo Bills (0)
Buffalo didn’t win pretty offensively, but its defense shined against a struggling Vikings offense. The Bills intercepted Carson Wentz twice, recovered one of his fumbles, and held Minnesota to just six points. Offensively, Josh Allen threw for 234 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while James Cook rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries.
The Bills secured an impressive, well-rounded victory against a tough Vikings team. While the offense wasn’t particularly explosive, the defense more than made up for it. Next up are the Jets on Sunday.
#3 Denver Broncos (0)
The Broncos did what they do best: mount a fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Panthers on the road. Denver scored on two consecutive fourth-quarter possessions to secure the victory. The Broncos jumped out to a 10-0 lead but allowed Carolina to stay within striking distance, trailing just 14-13 in the third quarter.
Bo Nix, who has now thrown for fewer than 240 yards in five consecutive games, tossed two straight touchdown passes but also threw an interception. Once again, Denver’s rushing attack was held in check, although Jonah Coleman’s return provided a boost with 57 yards and a touchdown.
The Broncos continue to be a cardiac team that finds ways to win. They now sit at 7-2 and head into their bye week.
#4 Chicago Bears (0)
When a team commits five turnovers, winning becomes an uphill battle. The Bears had complete control early, leading 14-0 after the first quarter, before the game began to unravel. Caleb Williams threw four interceptions, and Luther Burden added a late fourth-quarter fumble that gave Tampa Bay the game-tying touchdown. Despite the mistakes, Chicago rallied and connected on a last-second field goal to beat the Buccaneers in what could have been a trap game.
Yes, Williams threw four interceptions, but he also made several impressive throws that kept the Bears competitive. Chicago’s running game was held in check once again against a formidable Buccaneers defensive front. The Bears’ defense, however, delivered, recording two interceptions of its own and consistently pressuring Baker Mayfield. Jeffery Simmons’ addition to the team is already paying dividends.
The Bears head into their bye week riding high at 7-2.
#5 Jacksonville Jaguars (+1)
The Jaguars completely dominated a depleted Ravens team in a downpour in Baltimore. Trevor Lawrence threw for 242 yards and a touchdown, although Baltimore managed to shut down Jacksonville’s rushing attack.
The Jaguars’ defense was equally dominant, allowing Joe Fagnano just 60 passing yards while intercepting him twice. They also kept Derrick Henry in check. There isn’t much more to say about a blowout victory. Jacksonville continues to look like a serious contender in the AFC.
Next up are the 1-7 Titans in Nashville.
#6 Seattle Seahawks (+1)
Even without Sam Darnold, the Seahawks found a way to win behind Drew Lock, who threw for 175 yards and a touchdown. Seattle’s defense completely dominated, allowing just three points to Arizona.
Zach Charbonnet’s second game back provided another positive sign for the Seahawks’ rushing attack, as he recorded 77 yards on 16 carries. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was relatively quiet but still caught seven passes for 51 yards.
Seattle continues to show that it can win even when its starting quarterback is unavailable. Next up, the Seahawks host the Raiders as they look to maintain their position in the NFC playoff picture.
#7 Kansas City Chiefs (+1)
At halftime, the Chiefs found themselves in a competitive contest with the Jets, holding a narrow 14-12 lead. However, Kansas City took complete control after the break, shutting out New York in the second half while scoring three touchdowns to secure a 35-12 victory.
Kenneth Walker led the way with four total touchdowns, two rushing and two receiving, along with 102 rushing yards and 41 receiving yards. Emmett Johnson also found the end zone.
After two rough performances, this was the get-right game Kansas City needed against an inferior opponent. The Chiefs showed why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league when everything is clicking. Next up, Kansas City heads to Atlanta to face the streaky Falcons.
#8 Cincinnati Bengals (+2)
The Bengals completely dismantled the Falcons behind Joe Burrow’s 271 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown. Ja’Marr Chase added 155 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Cincinnati’s defense also held Atlanta’s passing attack in check, allowing just 162 passing yards, one touchdown, and recording an interception. The Falcons did manage to get Bijan Robinson going, as he finished with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. However, Cincinnati’s offense and defense combined for a well-rounded performance and a convincing victory.
The Bengals are beginning to put together the type of performances expected from them heading into the season. Next up is an important divisional matchup against the Steelers on Sunday night.
#9 Detroit Lions (+2)
The Lions won a gritty road game against a Dolphins team that is much tougher than its record suggests, coming away with a 19-9 victory. Jake Bates connected on four field goals, while Jahmyr Gibbs contributed 74 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight passes for 86 yards, but Jared Goff managed just 170 passing yards and threw an interception. Detroit’s defense recorded three sacks and intercepted Malik Willis in the win.
It wasn’t the most explosive offensive performance from Detroit, but the defense and special teams did enough to secure another victory. The Lions now sit at 6-2 and face the Patriots on Sunday morning in Munich.
#10 Green Bay Packers (+4)
Green Bay completely dominated New England in a statement victory on the road. The Packers intercepted Drake Maye three times in the first half and capitalized on nearly every opportunity. Jordan Love gashed the Patriots’ defense for 372 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding another rushing touchdown.
Christian Watson and Matthew Golden overwhelmed New England’s secondary, recording 171 and 164 receiving yards, respectively. Although Josh Jacobs suffered an injury, Kaleb Johnson stepped up with 68 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
Despite holding a 10-point lead at halftime, Green Bay continued to pour it on in the second half, turning the game into a blowout. This was arguably one of the Packers’ most complete performances of the season, and they deserve their four-position jump.
Next up is a rematch against the Vikings.
#11 Minnesota Vikings (-2)
The Vikings got utterly embarrassed by the Bills on Monday night. The offensive effort was putrid, and that’s putting it graciously. Carson Wentz, filling in for Kyler Murray, played poorly, managing just 81 passing yards on a 32% completion rate while throwing two interceptions.
Minnesota’s rushing attack was equally ineffective, managing just 51 yards on 12 carries. That simply isn’t good enough. The defense played well, intercepting Josh Allen, recording four sacks, and doing its best to contain the Bills’ rushing attack. James Cook still managed more than 100 yards, but the defensive effort wasn’t enough to overcome the offensive ineptitude.
The Vikings recently traded for Kirk Cousins, hoping he can stabilize an offense that desperately needs direction. They now face the Packers on Sunday in an important NFC North matchup. How will Minnesota respond?
#12 New England Patriots (-7)
Talk about a drop in the rankings. The Patriots’ turnover problems took another ugly turn as Drake Maye threw three first-half interceptions. Despite those mistakes, New England trailed Green Bay by just 10 points at halftime, 24-14. However, the Patriots’ defense imploded in the second half, allowing another 21 points, while the offense continued to sputter and managed just 13 more points.
New England was outmatched on both sides of the ball.
The Patriots have been a difficult team to figure out this season. At their best, Maye and the defense play well together and deliver a balanced performance. At their worst, the offense becomes erratic, turnovers pile up, and the defense struggles to keep opponents off the scoreboard.
After holding a top-five position last week, the Patriots fall seven spots to #12. Next up is another tough test against the Lions. Which version of the Patriots will show up?
#13 Pittsburgh Steelers (-1)
The Steelers head into their divisional matchup coming off the bye week at 6-2. They face a fellow 6-2 Bengals team in what could be one of the most important games of the season for both clubs.
Pittsburgh slips one spot this week, although its position is largely a result of the teams ahead of it making moves. The Steelers have an opportunity to make a statement against Cincinnati and potentially climb back up the rankings.
The matchup takes place Sunday night.
#14 Los Angeles Rams (-1)
The Rams pulled out an incredibly tough victory against the Commanders. Had it not been for Puka Nacua’s 150 receiving yards and miraculous touchdown catch, along with Myles Garrett’s three sacks in his first game since Week 1, this game could have had a vastly different outcome.
Matthew Stafford continues to struggle this season, managing just 228 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception against Washington. Meanwhile, the rushing duo of Blake Corum and Kyren Williams was held in check.
A win is a win, nonetheless. The Rams’ roller-coaster season now has them sitting at 5-4, with a divisional rematch against the Cardinals next.
Breaking: Puka Nacua is heading to injured reserve with a sprained MCL, PCL, and turf toe. How will the Rams respond without their top two wide receivers for the foreseeable future? This is a significant blow to an offense that already has struggled to find consistency.
#15 New York Giants (+1)
The Giants played a competitive game against the Eagles and came away with a 19-11 victory. J.J. McCarthy suffered an injury but managed to return, much to the relief of Giants fans. McCarthy and Jameis Winston collectively helped lead New York to the win against an injury-depleted Eagles team.
Devin Singletary’s performance against Philadelphia’s struggling rushing defense was underwhelming, as he managed just 31 yards on 21 carries. The Giants’ defense held Joe Milton and Saquon Barkley in check.
It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. New York moves up one position to #15 and continues to lead its division. Next up for the Giants are the Commanders on Thursday night.
#16 Houston Texans (+3)
I have no idea what to make of the Texans. Yes, they are 3-5, but their offense has been excellent this season, and their defense finally put everything together against the winless Chargers.
Houston recorded eight sacks and intercepted Justin Herbert. Offensively, C.J. Stroud threw five touchdown passes and distributed the ball to nine different receivers, which is quite impressive. Kayshon Boutte led the way with 125 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Tank Dell added 105 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Finally, the Texans put together a balanced performance on both sides of the ball. Houston climbs three positions this week, and if this defense can continue to perform at this level, the Texans could become a much more dangerous team down the stretch.
Next up are the Browns in an important matchup for both teams.
#17 Cleveland Browns (-2)
The Browns played a tough game in New Orleans but ultimately fell short. After trailing 9-6 midway through the fourth quarter, K.C. Concepcion caught his first NFL touchdown on a huge 64-yard reception to give Cleveland the late lead. However, the Browns couldn’t keep the Saints out of the end zone, as Audric Estime scored a late touchdown to put New Orleans ahead by three.
The cardiac Browns weren’t finished. Cleveland responded with a seven-play, 41-yard drive that set up Andre Szmyt for a game-tying 51-yard field goal in the final minute. In overtime, the Saints drove down the field and scored a touchdown, but the Browns answered with a 39-yard touchdown reception by Harold Fannin. With a chance to win, Cleveland went for two, but the gamble didn’t pay off.
Shedeur Sanders impressed with 297 passing yards and two touchdowns, although Cleveland’s rushing attack was held in check. After an impressive start to the season, the Browns now sit at 5-4 and face an important matchup against the Texans next.
#18 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1)
After the first quarter, the Buccaneers looked like they were completely out of the game, trailing 14-0 in the Windy City. However, Tampa Bay showed tremendous resilience, intercepting Caleb Williams four times for its second consecutive game with four interceptions. The Buccaneers also recovered a late fourth-quarter fumble from Luther Burden.
Five takeaways and still a loss. How did Tampa Bay manage that? Baker Mayfield threw two costly interceptions of his own. Bucky Irving continued to dominate, recording 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Tez Johnson led the team with 76 receiving yards but also had two costly drops on catchable passes that could have changed the outcome.
The Buccaneers may have lost, but they showed plenty of fight in a game that initially looked out of reach. Tampa Bay drops one position and sits at 3-6 in the wide-open NFC South heading into its bye week.
#19 New Orleans Saints (+1)
The Saints won an overtime thriller against the Browns, 23-22, to remain in the thick of the NFC South race, albeit with a 3-5 record. Until the fourth quarter, both teams played tough defense, with New Orleans holding a 9-6 lead early in the final period. Cleveland scored a touchdown to take the lead, but the Saints responded with a late touchdown of their own to go ahead by three. The Browns then connected on a last-second field goal to force overtime.
New Orleans opened overtime with a touchdown drive, and Cleveland responded with one of its own. However, the Browns elected to go for two and failed to convert, sealing the Saints’ victory.
Tyler Shough continues to improve, throwing for 265 yards and a touchdown, while New Orleans’ rushing attack combined for 160 yards and a touchdown. The defense recorded five sacks and held Cleveland to 2.8 yards per rushing attempt. The Saints did lose two fumbles, but those mistakes ultimately didn’t cost them the game.
In an increasingly wide-open NFC South, which team will take advantage? New Orleans moves up one spot this week. Next up is a very important divisional matchup against the Panthers.
#20 Carolina Panthers (-2)
Carolina played Denver tough but ultimately fell short in a 26-21 loss. An early 10-0 deficit in the first quarter and a 13-7 halftime deficit put the Panthers behind the eight ball. They eventually took the lead before surrendering it in the fourth quarter, falling behind by 12. A late touchdown brought them within five, but they couldn’t complete the comeback.
Bryce Young threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns but also tossed an interception. Chuba Hubbard managed 79 rushing yards against a Broncos defense that has struggled against the run, while Young was sacked three times.
Every team in the NFC South currently has a losing record, making it difficult to determine who will ultimately take control of the division. Carolina drops two positions this week and needs to find a way to turn competitive performances into victories. Next up is a very important divisional matchup against the Saints.
#21 Dallas Cowboys (+3)
Dallas defeated the Colts in a relatively well-rounded contest. The Cowboys’ struggling defense held its own against Indianapolis’ offense, limiting Jonathan Taylor to 46 rushing yards while forcing a fumble. They also held Seth McGowan to 45 rushing yards. Daniel Jones was kept in check as well, finishing with 180 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
However, Dallas’ offense made enough mistakes to keep Indianapolis in the game despite putting up impressive yardage. A Dak Prescott fumble gave the Colts an early short-field touchdown, while CeeDee Lamb lost a fumble on a wild fourth-quarter play that gave Indianapolis another opportunity. A late missed field goal by the usually reliable Brandon Aubrey also kept the Colts within striking distance. Nevertheless, Dallas did just enough to secure the victory.
Prescott finished with 335 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Lamb recorded 195 receiving yards and a touchdown. Javonte Williams added 101 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Not a bad performance for the streaky Cowboys, but too many mistakes kept Indianapolis competitive. Dallas climbs three positions this week and now faces a major test against the 49ers.
#22 Atlanta Falcons (-1)
The Falcons were dominated by the Bengals’ high-powered offense, led by Joe Burrow’s 271 passing yards and three touchdowns and Ja’Marr Chase’s 155 receiving yards on 10 catches and a touchdown.
Bijan Robinson finally broke through with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, but Michael Penix managed just 162 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Atlanta has been a roller coaster this season and now sits at 3-6.
The Falcons drop one position after a disappointing performance against Cincinnati. A tough task awaits, as Atlanta prepares to face the Chiefs.
#23 Baltimore Ravens (-1)
The Ravens’ trade for Jacoby Brissett came a little too late for their Thursday night matchup, forcing Joe Fagnano into the starting role. Playing in a downpour, Baltimore struggled mightily against the Jaguars. Fagnano threw for just 60 yards and two interceptions. The Ravens did manage 172 rushing yards at 5.1 yards per carry, but the offense could only muster 10 points.
Baltimore’s defense was exposed once again, this time by Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence threw for 242 yards and a touchdown, while the Ravens’ rushing defense did manage to limit the Jaguars to 77 yards on 2.6 yards per carry. However, it wasn’t enough to keep Jacksonville from dominating the game.
The Ravens expect Jacoby Brissett to make his first start this weekend against the winless Chargers on Monday night. Baltimore falls one spot and desperately needs to get its season back on track.
#24 Las Vegas Raiders (-1)
The Raiders may now have a quarterback controversy on their hands at 4-5 after Kirk Cousins threw three interceptions, including a pick-six. The closest the Raiders got was within 11 points, but the 49ers proved too dominant. Ashton Jeanty was once again held in check, managing just 25 receiving yards. Brock Bowers impressed with 111 receiving yards and a touchdown, but he was the lone bright spot for Las Vegas.
San Francisco chewed up the Raiders, recording 190 rushing yards and 224 passing yards. Las Vegas has since traded Kirk Cousins on Tuesday, pushing Fernando Mendoza into the starting quarterback role.
The question now is how Mendoza will fare against a tough Seahawks defense. Seattle will be looking to keep rolling despite starting backup quarterback Drew Lock. The Raiders fall one spot to #24.
#25 Arizona Cardinals (0)
Following the trade of Jacoby Brissett to the Ravens, Gardner Minshew took over as Arizona’s starting quarterback. He struggled against Seattle’s vaunted defense, managing just 166 passing yards.
It was a gritty defensive affair, but the Cardinals could only muster three points. Arizona’s defense did its best against Drew Lock and the Seahawks, proving relatively effective for much of the game. However, the offense’s inability to generate points ultimately proved to be its downfall.
The Cardinals remain at #25 this week and will look to turn things around against the Rams.
#26 Washington Commanders (0)
The Commanders played the Rams tough but ultimately fell short in a 20-13 loss. Jayden Daniels threw for 274 yards and a touchdown, but Washington struggled to establish an effective running game. The defense played well but couldn’t contain Puka Nacua, who recorded 150 receiving yards on 14 catches and a touchdown.
Washington also managed to keep Matthew Stafford, Blake Corum, and Kyren Williams relatively quiet, but it wasn’t enough to get the team over the top.
The Commanders now sit at 2-5-1 and have gone just 1-3-1 in one-possession games. Washington holds steady at #26. Next up is a rematch against the Giants on Thursday night.
#27 Philadelphia Eagles (0)
The Eagles made a quarterback change, but it didn’t help as they suffered their seventh consecutive loss. Joe Milton threw for 169 yards and also led the Eagles in rushing with 64 yards. Outside of that, there wasn’t much to celebrate offensively. Saquon Barkley did find the end zone, but his 22 yards on 13 carries certainly weren’t enough to establish a consistent rushing attack.
Philadelphia’s defense played well against J.J. McCarthy, who suffered an injury but later returned, and Jameis Winston. However, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.
The Eagles remain heavily injured and are without their MVP-caliber quarterback. Their season continues to slip away as they head into the bye week on a seven-game losing streak. Philadelphia remains at #27, but the urgency to turn things around is growing.
#28 Miami Dolphins (0)
Miami played tough yet again but came up short. I continue to applaud this team’s effort, especially considering it is the youngest team in the league and is playing under an interim head coach.
Yes, the Dolphins lost, but they held Detroit to just 19 points and 270 total yards. Miami’s offense managed only three field goals and 228 total yards, but keeping a game within 10 points against an upper-echelon team like Detroit deserves recognition for a rebuilding team.
The Dolphins remain at #28 and continue to show some positive signs despite their record. Next up is a matchup against the 2-7 Colts, giving Miami a good opportunity to pick up its second win of the season.
#29 Tennessee Titans (0)
The Titans return from their bye week at 1-7 and face a difficult test against the division-leading Jaguars at home.
Tennessee remains at #29, but the upcoming divisional matchup presents an opportunity to make a statement against one of the AFC’s top teams.
#30 New York Jets (0)
The Jets started the game well, although several offensive drives stalled and resulted in field goals. They trailed Kansas City 14-12 at halftime, but the second half quickly unraveled. New York was shut out after the break while Kansas City scored 21 points to seal the victory.
Three consecutive three-and-outs and two turnovers on downs aren’t what the Jets needed to stay competitive. Breece Hall’s return didn’t produce much, and Geno Smith struggled to get the offense going, although he did avoid turning the ball over. New York’s defense was exposed by Kenneth Walker, who scored four total touchdowns, two rushing and two receiving.
The Jets remain at #30 and face the juggernaut Bills next. They’ll need a much better offensive performance to have a chance.
#31 Indianapolis Colts (0)
Outside of a turnover recovery that resulted in a short-field touchdown, the Colts’ offense was stymied by a struggling Cowboys defense. Indianapolis punted on six consecutive possessions outside of that short-field scoring drive. The Colts’ defense played about as well as it could, especially considering how much time it spent on the field.
Indianapolis attempted a late comeback in the second half, but a Jonathan Taylor fumble disrupted what could have been a productive drive. The defense then held Dallas to a punt and a missed field goal, allowing the Colts to respond with two field goals to tie the game and take the lead.
Eventually, the defense folded. Dak Prescott connected with Ryan Flournoy for a 46-yard reception after a blown coverage by Sauce Gardner, giving Dallas excellent field position. The Cowboys capitalized with a touchdown with just over a minute remaining. On Indianapolis’ next possession, Daniel Jones was called for intentional grounding, and two plays later, an interception sealed the Colts’ fate.
This was an embarrassing offensive performance that dropped Indianapolis to 2-7. Shane Steichen’s seat is hotter than ever. The Colts remain at #31, but their season is quickly slipping away.
#32 Los Angeles Chargers (0)
The Chargers were humiliated once again, this time by the Houston Texans, as they remain winless. Justin Herbert completed just 13 passes for 193 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Los Angeles’ offensive line was exposed yet again, allowing eight sacks. The Chargers’ defense was equally ineffective, surrendering five touchdown passes to C.J. Stroud.
Los Angeles will try to get back on track next week against the Ravens, but this season continues to reach new lows. It’s difficult to see where things go from here for a team that has struggled so mightily.
The Chargers remain at the bottom of the AFN rankings at #32. Until they can put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball, it’s difficult to justify moving them any higher.
