2023 NFL Power Rankings: Week 6
I feel like we say this every year about certain teams, and it never happens, but the 49ers and Eagles may go undefeated. Ok not really since they play each other, but 14–15 wins for each of these teams feels low. They’re that good.
The Lions beat up on a bad team. So why are they this high? Simple. They’re 4–1 with their last 3 games all being double digit blowouts. And they’re doing it week in and week out with injuries all over their roster. This team is well-coached, has depth everywhere, and quite frankly resembles the 49ers in every single way. They’re not at the Niners’ level defensively, but even that unit is pretty solid. In the NFC, the Cowboys are really the only other team with any hopes, but they fall big time this week because they just can’t beat, or even compete with, the 49ers. They’re only chance of making it is if the Eagles or Lions matchup against them and take them out for them.
In the AFC, it looks like it’s going to come down to whoever gets hot in a particular week. The Chiefs are going to be right there, but their offense hasn’t clicked yet. The Dolphins are incredibly explosive, but I still have my reservations about them. Partly because they’re a concussion to Tua away from falling off completely. Partly because they’ve never been there, and were spanked by the Bills. Speaking of the Bills, they were just handled by the Jaguars, so I don’t what to really make of either of those teams, except that they’re both good football teams that will be playing in January. The Ravens may be a little high here, but I’m chalking this loss up to them playing a division rival that always gives them a hard time. I still think they’re a solid team.
I thought the Bengals were back after the 2nd half against the Rams a couple weeks ago. Then they were embarrassed again. But now I think they’re back again. So I really have no idea. What I do know is if they get hot and get into the playoffs, they’ll have a shot. Plus, despite their division appearing to be loaded, the Steelers actually lead it right now. And Pittsburgh has looked awful more times than not this season. And with the Browns being a bit of a mess still not knowing what’s going on with Deshaun Watson, that division may be wide open once again. Early season byes for the Chargers and Seahawks may make for a long season ahead, but these are two quality teams that’ll be in the hunt. A big test out of the bye awaits for the Buccaneers as they get the Lions this week. That should determine whether this team is actually legit, or if they’re a product of a weaker schedule. Regardless, in that division with the Falcons and Saints not being world-beaters, they may wind up with a home playoff game. Really tough losses for both the Commanders and the Packers, but I still believe that these teams will be playing meaningful games in December. And the Jets had a second straight game where Zach Wilson looked like a competent NFL QB.
The Colts handled the Titans, but lost their QB. But you can do worse at for a backup QB than Gardner Minshew. And their rushing attack may just be awesome. If that’s the case, they’ll win some games. Nice win by the Raiders, keeping their season alive. I struggle with this team because they have talent, but they don’t strike me as a team that will realistically be in the hunt later in the season. And the Texans had a tough loss. This young team is fun, but still probably a year or two out from truly contending.
Are the Bears back? I doubt it, but nice win for them on primetime. Justin Fields is hot these past two weeks. That’s exciting to see. The Vikingsmay wind up blowing this whole thing up. They lost again. They lost Justin Jefferson for a bit. Things could get ugly there. Another gross performance by the Giants. They’re arguably the most disappointing team this season. The Patriots are officially done. The mystique that surrounds them is done. Sad times. The Cardinals hung around for a bit, but they simply don’t have talent on their roster. The Panthers are the last remaining winless team. And the Broncos are simply bad.
