The 2025 NFL season has officially reached the midway point. Let's look back at the best individu...

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theScore's midseason NFL All-Pros: Our picks for best at every position

An exciting NFL trade deadline is officially in the books. After breaking down the biggest deals ...

<p><em>An exciting NFL trade deadline is officially in the books. After <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3374577" href="https://thescore.com/news/3374577">breaking down the biggest deals</a> in the moment, let's zoom out for big-picture look at the overall winners and losers from this year's action.</em></p><h3>Winner: Future Jets (maybe)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808633/cropped_GettyImages-2201939333.jpg?ts=1762323532" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808633/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201939333.jpg?ts=1762323532 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808633/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201939333.jpg?ts=1762323532 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808633/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201939333.jpg?ts=1762323532 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808633/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201939333.jpg?ts=1762323532 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808633/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201939333.jpg?ts=1762323532 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stacy Revere / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>We'll start by discussing both sides of a stunning day for the Jets. It's tough to imagine that they went into the deadline wanting to move Sauce Gardner or Quinnen Williams. There are only so many players that are truly untouchable, though. Virtually every non-quarterback has a price. And when teams step up with the kinds of offers that have the potential to alter the future of your franchise, you have no choice but to listen. The Jets were evidently blown away by the collection of picks that was put on the table for their pair of elite defensive players. And rightly so.</p><p>Because as difficult as it may be to find defenders of that caliber, this team knows as well as anyone that tracking down a franchise quarterback can be damn near impossible. Getting a pair of first-round picks from the Colts for Gardner, and then first- and second-round selections from the Cowboys for Williams, gives New York all the capital it could possibly need to navigate the next two drafts in search of a young passer. And who knows? If the Jets are as bad as they look on paper, perhaps they end up at the top of the 2026 draft all on their own, allowing them to use all these extra picks on other top prospects that can grow alongside their new quarterback. That brings us to the other side of this.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Loser: Current Jets (definitely)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808584/cropped_GettyImages-2242418457.jpg?ts=1762323587" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808584/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242418457.jpg?ts=1762323587 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808584/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242418457.jpg?ts=1762323587 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808584/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242418457.jpg?ts=1762323587 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808584/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242418457.jpg?ts=1762323587 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808584/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242418457.jpg?ts=1762323587 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Logan Bowles / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>While it's possible that the Jets turn all of this draft capital into the kind of rebuild that finally produces a consistent winner, it's going to be a long road to get there. If you thought this team was bad after a pathetic 1-7 start, just wait to see what it looks like when their two best players are removed from the equation. There might not be another win on the schedule from here on out. With that in mind, everyone in the organization needs to be aligned on expectations over the second half.</p><p>Again, the Jets naturally ending up with the No. 1 pick in addition to all the picks acquired Thursday would be something of a dream scenario for first-year general manager Darren Mougey. Anyone capable of taking the long-term view can surely appreciate that. But what about the rest of the roster? How many of the other top players are going to be excited about sticking around when young superstars are getting shipped out for picks? Breece Hall reportedly wanted to be traded on deadline day. Considering the effort to stockpile picks, and the fact that Hall is scheduled to hit free agency in March, it's a little shocking that the Jets didn't oblige. With a number of exciting pieces on the roster, I had previously seen this team as one that could potentially be a top QB prospect away from taking off. That's simply no longer the case after Thursday's wheeling and dealing. Tearing things down in this manner undoubtedly creates a longer road back to relevance. Haven't Jets fans been through enough already?</p><h3>Winner: Chris Ballard</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764695/cropped_GettyImages-2192683502.jpg?ts=1762323623" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764695/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192683502.jpg?ts=1762323623 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764695/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192683502.jpg?ts=1762323623 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764695/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192683502.jpg?ts=1762323623 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764695/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192683502.jpg?ts=1762323623 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764695/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192683502.jpg?ts=1762323623 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Casterline / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Colts are all in. That's probably the first time we can say that about a Chris Ballard team. The ninth-year general manager has a well-earned reputation as one of the league's most conservative team builders. In years past, you could pretty much guarantee that he'd pass up any and all opportunities to make big moves in favor of a more methodical approach. It turns out these things can change when you finally find your quarterback.</p><p>That's not to say I'm completely convinced that Daniel Jones is certain to return value on the long-term deal he inevitably receives in Indy. Nobody can argue with the results we've seen thus far, though. The Colts are legitimately good, and they know it. So while you could certainly quibble with the price tag in the Sauce Gardner blockbuster - there will always be a strong case to be made against spending multiple first-round picks on a non-quarterback - I have no choice but to respect the long overdue boldness. Gardner is, conservatively, one of the five best cornerbacks in football. He's still only 25 years old, and he's already under contract through 2030. Barring some sort of catastrophic collapse, adding this type of game-changer in the midst of his prime should ensure nobody in Indianapolis is missing a pair of late first-rounders.</p><h3>Loser: Bengals</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805633/cropped_GettyImages-2236783853.jpg?ts=1760498659" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805633/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236783853.jpg?ts=1760498659 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805633/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236783853.jpg?ts=1760498659 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805633/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236783853.jpg?ts=1760498659 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805633/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236783853.jpg?ts=1760498659 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805633/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236783853.jpg?ts=1760498659 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Berding / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's long been understood that the Bengals have a different way of doing business. To be clear, I mean that negatively. Declining to move Trey Hendrickson before the deadline is just another example of the stubborn approach that so consistently ends up setting this organization back.</p><p>Keeping Hendrickson would be a totally reasonable move if there was any intention of paying him what he's worth. After multiple years of contract standoffs, including a 2025 training camp hold-in resolved by a one-year band-aid solution, there's no reason to believe that's going to happen. Hendrickson is scheduled to become a free agent in March. Considering the prices teams were evidently willing to pay for impact defenders at this year's deadline, there was likely a real opportunity for Cincinnati to flip the 30-year-old for picks to help rebuild this barren roster. The Bengals could theoretically use the franchise tag in March and entertain trade options thereafter, but there's no telling what Hendrickson could net them at that point. Why not capitalize on a hot trade market in the midst of what is likely a lost season?</p><h3>Winner: Sam Darnold</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808360/cropped_GettyImages-2244704500.jpg?ts=1762324460" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808360/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244704500.jpg?ts=1762324460 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808360/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244704500.jpg?ts=1762324460 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808360/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244704500.jpg?ts=1762324460 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808360/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244704500.jpg?ts=1762324460 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808360/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244704500.jpg?ts=1762324460 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Greg Fiume / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Seahawks probably didn't have to make an addition to the receiving corps. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and rookie Tory Horton were already producing at a high level for Sam Darnold, who's been playing out of his mind halfway through his debut season in Seattle. But smart teams don't sit back when they have a real chance to compete. An aggressive move for Rashid Shaheed should make this passing game even more dangerous than it already is.</p><p>Shaheed is one of the NFL's premier vertical targets, and reuniting Klint Kubiak should allow for optimal usage in that regard. The new Seahawks coordinator had already been leaning heavily upon the vertical game, and Darnold is delivering downfield better than any other quarterback so far this season. In fact, his 144.8 passer rating on throws of 20-plus yards downfield is the best mark posted since air yards were first tracked in 2006, according to TruMedia. The Seahawks leaning into that ability even more should not only set the stage for more team success, but the gaudy numbers could very well make Darnold an MVP front-runner in the process. It may only be a matter of time before the three-year, $100.5-million deal he signed in March is replaced with a monster extension that solidifies him as Seattle's new franchise quarterback.</p><h3>Loser: Aaron Rodgers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/cropped_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Seb Daly / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Everyone assumed the Steelers would be sniffing around receivers ahead of the deadline. The need for a capable No. 2 across from DK Metcalf couldn't have been more obvious. And after an offseason in which Pittsburgh really seemed to embraced the win-now approach of trying to build a contender around Aaron Rodgers, it seemed like a lock that a meaningful move would be made. Any such expectations were evidently giving this staff far too much credit.</p><p>The Steelers were indeed in the mix for Jakobi Meyers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, but they ultimately got outbid by the Jaguars. The price: 4th- and 6th-round picks. Even if you think that was too much to pay (it wasn't), how was there not any sort of pivot to another option? Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who officially signed with the team as a free agent Tuesday, is now the sole addition to upgrade that painfully thin group. While he was a pleasant surprise in New Orleans last year, and the history with Rodgers probably helps the fit, this is an extremely underwhelming way for the Steelers to enter the second half. Unless last week's win over the Colts proves to be the first step in a monumental turnaround for a rapidly declining defense, I'm not sure this offense has nearly enough firepower to compensate.</p><h3>Winner: Eagles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807428/cropped_GettyImages-2242342575.jpg?ts=1762324358" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807428/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242342575.jpg?ts=1762324358 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807428/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242342575.jpg?ts=1762324358 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807428/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242342575.jpg?ts=1762324358 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807428/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242342575.jpg?ts=1762324358 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807428/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242342575.jpg?ts=1762324358 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The first half of the Eagles' season was a bit of a roller coaster. The offense appeared to have sorted things out in bouncing back from a concerning two-game losing streak, but there were still some real concerns about whether this defense (T-13th in EPA/play, T-22nd in success rate) could do the same. Howie Roseman wasn't about to sit around and wait to find out.</p><p>Philly getting Jaelan Phillips from Miami for a third-round pick has the potential to be a steal. The former first-rounder could be exactly exactly what this pass-rush needs to start trending back toward the more disruptive ways of last year's championship run. Phillips has bounced back from a pair of injury-ridden seasons to rank 11th among edge defenders in pass-rush win rate, according to PFF. The Eagles were also facing question marks at the third cornerback spot alongside Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Doubling down with Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander is a fascinating way to give coordinator Vic Fangio some options. Could a fresh start can help Alexander show glimpses of the form he enjoyed in Green Bay before falling out of favor on a one-year deal in Baltimore? Crucially, because the Eagles have always done such a great job of building up draft capital, these swings were probably pretty easy to justify. Roseman is the best in the business. His latest work makes me a little more optimistic about the Eagles' chances of defending their Super Bowl title.</p><h3>Loser: Commanders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808425/cropped_GettyImages-2243696929.jpg?ts=1762323792" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808425/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243696929.jpg?ts=1762323792 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808425/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243696929.jpg?ts=1762323792 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808425/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243696929.jpg?ts=1762323792 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808425/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243696929.jpg?ts=1762323792 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808425/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243696929.jpg?ts=1762323792 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Eulitt / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Commanders are effectively out of the playoff picture at 3-6, and there's pretty much no hope of salvaging the season with Jayden Daniels now set to miss time. Considering they entered the season with the oldest roster we've seen <a href="https://www.phillyvoice.com/ranking-nfl-teams-age-after-53-man-cutdowns-2025-edition/">since at least 2012</a>, you'd think they would have been primed for a bit of a selling spree at the trade deadline. Instead, it was nothing but crickets.</p><p>Washington rolling into the second half of a lost season with aging veterans like Von Miller, Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and even Deebo Samuel all playing out expiring deals really has me rethinking the endless praise we all had for this new staff coming off last year's NFC title game appearance. Aside from making the no-brainer pick with Daniels at No. 2 overall, this roster-building effort has left much to be desired. Taking whatever you could get for a few older players unlikely to be on the team next year could have gone a long way toward restocking some draft capital. Regression did hit harder than expected this season, but the Commanders have quite a bit of work to do if they're going to bounce back next year.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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Winners and losers from the NFL trade deadline

Catch up on theScore's running analysis for every notable NFL deal made before this year's Nov. 4...

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NFL trade deadline: Analysis for every notable deal

The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET. See below for everything you need to know...

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NFL trade deadline: Transaction tracker and best available players

NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.  Jump to: ARI | ATL | BAL |...

<p><em>NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">1. Los Angeles Rams (6-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808296/cropped_GettyImages-2244676224.jpg?ts=1762225221" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808296/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244676224.jpg?ts=1762225221 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808296/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244676224.jpg?ts=1762225221 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808296/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244676224.jpg?ts=1762225221 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808296/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244676224.jpg?ts=1762225221 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808296/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244676224.jpg?ts=1762225221 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Wally Skalij / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A Rams offense led by Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams has been everything we imagined. Not to be outdone, the defense leads the league in EPA/play, according to TruMedia. This might be the NFL's most complete team halfway through the season.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">2. Buffalo Bills (6-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><p>Are the Bills back? I'm buying it. A brutal two-game stretch against the Patriots and Falcons was enough to sound the alarm, but Buffalo responded by dominating the Panthers and knocking off the red-hot Chiefs. A struggling defense holding Patrick Mahomes to a career-worst 44.1% completion rate is a particularly encouraging sign.</p><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p>I'm holding firm with the Chiefs despite their relatively underwhelming record. The offense has looked dangerous over the last few weeks with the receiving corps at full strength, and first-round rookie left tackle Josh Simmons is back after missing time due to a personal issue.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">4. Detroit Lions (5-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><p>Falling to a scuffling Vikings team in Week 9 is certainly a setback for the Lions. Division contests can be tough to predict, so there's no reason to overreact. Still, the ground game being a nonfactor against a suspect Minnesota run defense is at least worth monitoring.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">5. Indianapolis Colts (7-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808475/cropped_GettyImages-2244654741.jpg?ts=1762225411" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808475/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244654741.jpg?ts=1762225411 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808475/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244654741.jpg?ts=1762225411 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808475/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244654741.jpg?ts=1762225411 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808475/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244654741.jpg?ts=1762225411 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808475/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244654741.jpg?ts=1762225411 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Sargent / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><p>The Colts had to slip up at some point, right? Now, the question is whether other teams can replicate the Steelers' convincing win. Few opponents are likely to force the ball into Daniel Jones' hands 50 times, but that's clearly the best shot at stifling Indy's league-leading offense in EPA/play.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">6. Seattle Seahawks (6-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p>Seattle's big-play passing game is showing no signs of slowing down, and Sunday night's beatdown of the Commanders marked another outstanding effort from Mike Macdonald's defense. Nobody will want to face this team in the playoffs.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">7. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><p>Philly seems to have steadied the ship after starting October with an especially frustrating two-game losing streak. The Eagles put together their best rushing performance of the season heading into the bye, and Howie Roseman has now bolstered the defense with trades for Jaelan Phillips, Jaire Alexander, and Michael Carter II.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><p>Mike Evans' absence until mid-December is a significant blow to the Bucs' offense, but this group has overcome injury issues all year. And with the defense quietly making major improvements compared to past seasons, the star receiver's eventual return should come with Tampa Bay still comfortably atop the NFC South.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">9. New England Patriots (7-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><p>Sunday's win over the Falcons marks the Patriots' sixth straight victory. Sacks remain an issue, but Drake Maye is quickly emerging as a top quarterback. A playoff appearance would be a great start for the Mike Vrabel era.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">10. Denver Broncos (7-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808476/cropped_GettyImages-2244226859.jpg?ts=1762225537" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808476/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244226859.jpg?ts=1762225537 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808476/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244226859.jpg?ts=1762225537 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808476/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244226859.jpg?ts=1762225537 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808476/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244226859.jpg?ts=1762225537 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808476/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244226859.jpg?ts=1762225537 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p>I still have my fair share of concerns about Denver's offense lacking consistency. That said, Bo Nix ranking third among all QBs in fourth-quarter EPA/dropback makes it easy to see how the Broncos have managed to pull out as many wins as they have. They'll be a real contender if they can start to string together a few complete performances.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">11. Green Bay Packers (5-2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p>We know the Packers' potential, but something is missing on offense. Scoring only 23 points across losses to the Browns and Panthers is inexcusable for a Super Bowl-caliber team. With Tucker Kraft out for the year, it's fair to question if that ceiling remains attainable.</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">12. San Francisco 49ers (6-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p>The 49ers' offense has continued to operate at a high level despite a host of injuries. This could be one of the NFL's best scoring attacks when Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, and Brandon Aiyuk return to the field. Can a beat-up defense piece things together enough for San Francisco to capitalize?</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">13. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p>The Steelers' convincing win over the Colts was one of the more stunning results of the season. While one game isn't nearly enough to forget about everything we've already seen from this defense, it's certainly worth staying patient to see if it can be the start of a turnaround.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">14. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><p>The Jaguars' offense has shown flashes at times, but the Travis Hunter injury limits this group's potential to find another gear in the second half. Additionally, the defense has struggled significantly after a hot start, ranking 27th in EPA/play since Week 5. </p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">15. Baltimore Ravens (3-5)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807950/cropped_GettyImages-2244253835.jpg?ts=1762225578" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807950/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244253835.jpg?ts=1762225578 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807950/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244253835.jpg?ts=1762225578 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807950/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244253835.jpg?ts=1762225578 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807950/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244253835.jpg?ts=1762225578 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807950/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244253835.jpg?ts=1762225578 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><p>Lamar Jackson returned to the field with a near-perfect four-touchdown performance in Thursday's win over the Dolphins. With their superstar quarterback leading the way and the defense trending up of late, the Ravens have a chance to climb out of the early hole they dug for themselves.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">16. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><p>The Chargers are in the playoff mix, but concerns persist about their trajectory. Injuries have again hit the offensive line, and Joe Alt is headed back to the sidelines with his second high ankle sprain of the season. Justin Herbert being under constant pressure and taking six sacks made Los Angeles' win over the lowly Titans far closer than it needed to be.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">17. Chicago Bears (5-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p>Chicago is finally putting things together in the run game, which is helping the offense take off. However, the defense has to improve if the Bears are to capitalize on that firepower. Giving up 42 points to the Bengals is embarrassing, even if they did pull out the win.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">18. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p>J.J. McCarthy's return was far from perfect, but it was enough to help the Vikings secure a massive division win over the Lions. Minnesota may still have a chance to make noise if the second-year quarterback can build on the promising effort.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">19. Carolina Panthers (5-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><p>The Panthers are incredibly difficult to read. Their passing can be a mess, but they've found their bread and butter with a Rico Dowdle-led ground game. Although the defense has been inconsistent, this past week's win over the Packers was another example of things trending in the right direction. Either way, Carolina is a lot better than many of us realized.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">20. Houston Texans (3-5)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808246/cropped_GettyImages-2244646491.jpg?ts=1762225826" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808246/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244646491.jpg?ts=1762225826 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808246/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244646491.jpg?ts=1762225826 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808246/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244646491.jpg?ts=1762225826 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808246/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244646491.jpg?ts=1762225826 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808246/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244646491.jpg?ts=1762225826 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Logan Bowles / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><p>The Texans came up short against the Broncos after C.J. Stroud exited early with a concussion. They'll hope he can return soon, as there's no more room for error following a frustrating first half.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">21. Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p>Dallas' offense has provided some fun moments this year, but that unit was just as bad as the defense Monday night against the Cardinals. At this point, it doesn't matter what Jerry Jones does or doesn't do at the trade deadline. The Cowboys aren't going anywhere.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">22. Atlanta Falcons (3-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><p>Drake London was unbelievable Sunday against the Patriots, making one highlight-reel grab after another en route to a nine-catch, three-touchdown day. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts accounted for all but one of Michael Penix's other 13 completions in the contest, illustrating just how little help London is getting from his fellow wideouts.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">23. Arizona Cardinals (3-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><p>The Cardinals averaged 18.8 points and 170.2 passing yards across the first five games of the year with Kyler Murray under center. In three contests with Jacoby Brissett, they've posted 25.7 points and 256.3 passing yards. Are we nearing the end of the Murray era in Arizona?</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">24. New York Giants (2-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><p>It's already another season down the drain for the Giants, but this one at least comes with some sense of hope. Even without his top playmakers, Jaxson Dart looks like he belongs. Another offseason to build up the roster could make this team a fun watch in 2026.</p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">25. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808291/cropped_GettyImages-2243866041.jpg?ts=1762238455" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808291/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243866041.jpg?ts=1762238455 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808291/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243866041.jpg?ts=1762238455 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808291/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243866041.jpg?ts=1762238455 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808291/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243866041.jpg?ts=1762238455 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808291/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243866041.jpg?ts=1762238455 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Casterline / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p>Trading for Joe Flacco has given the Bengals some life on offense. Unfortunately, the state of their defense makes it tough for them to compete regardless of who's at quarterback. This roster is in rough shape beyond its few superstars.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">26. Washington Commanders (3-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p>The Commanders rolling into this season with the NFL's oldest roster seems like malpractice in hindsight. Regression has hit Washington hard after last year's run to the NFC title game, and now Jayden Daniels seems likely to miss an extended period with a left elbow injury.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">27. Cleveland Browns (2-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><p>Kevin Stefanski giving up play-calling duties would appear to be an ominous sign for his chances of keeping his job next offseason. Considering how much work this roster needed after the Deshaun Watson debacle, is that really a fair outcome?</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">28. Miami Dolphins (2-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p>The Dolphins are likely headed for a rebuild. If Miami guts the roster at the deadline, it's probably going to be in the mix for a top-five pick next year. Starting over with a new quarterback would have to be a consideration at that point.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">29. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><p>Brock Bowers looks like the best tight end in football again after taking three games to get healthy. But even his three-touchdown performance wasn't enough to help the Raiders beat the undermanned Jaguars. That's how far this team has to go.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">30. New Orleans Saints (1-8)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808477/cropped_GettyImages-2244697278.jpg?ts=1762225930" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808477/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244697278.jpg?ts=1762225930 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808477/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244697278.jpg?ts=1762225930 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808477/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244697278.jpg?ts=1762225930 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808477/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244697278.jpg?ts=1762225930 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808477/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244697278.jpg?ts=1762225930 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brooke Sutton / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><p>Spencer Rattler probably didn't deserve to be benched, but it's understandable for the Saints to want to get an extended look at Tyler Shough before next year's draft. The second-round rookie made his first start against the Rams defense, which, maybe predictably, didn't yield inspiring results.</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">31. New York Jets (1-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p>The Jets went into their bye on a high note two weeks ago and are hoping a season-best scoring effort can be the start of something heading into the campaign's second half. Based on everything else we've seen, though, it's far more likely that New York's lone win was merely the result of playing the Bengals.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">32. Tennessee Titans (1-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p>The Titans might have their quarterback of the future, but they don't have much around him. It's going to be a long road back for this organization. Ownership can't afford to miss on another head coaching hire.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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NFL Power Rankings - Week 10: Bills back in business, Packers slide

Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their si...

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h2>Sunday night spotlight</h2><h3>Seahawks taking flight</h3><p>The Seahawks dominating the Commanders in front of a national audience should bring the entire football world around on something that's been brewing for a while now: this team is for real. Cooper Kupp's absence bumped Tory Horton into the starting lineup for Sunday's prime-time affair, and the red-hot Seattle passing game didn't miss a beat. Sam Darnold threw touchdowns on four straight drives to open the evening, the first two of which went to the fifth-round rookie. Another incredibly efficient outing from the veteran quarterback (21 of 24, 330 yards) now has him sitting third among all quarterbacks in EPA/dropback, according to TruMedia. The run game hasn't been nearly as efficient to this point, but I'm expecting to see a deal made to upgrade the interior offensive line. And that might not be it. After losing Ernest Jones to a knee injury Sunday night, a big move at linebacker should be on the table, too. This team has a real chance to make a run right now. Why sit back?</p><h3>An unexpected seller</h3><p>Speaking of the trade deadline, let's talk about a team on the opposite end of the spectrum. Washington is sitting at a disappointing 3-6 after nine games. Regression always seemed possible, if not likely, after a surprising run to the NFC title game last year. But this has been far beyond what anyone could have imagined. And now, Jayden Daniels appears likely to miss significant time after a gruesome injury to his non-throwing arm Sunday night. All of this has to lead the Commanders to sell off at the deadline. This team can't afford to get caught up in what should have been. The roster - the oldest the NFL has seen <a href="https://www.phillyvoice.com/ranking-nfl-teams-age-after-53-man-cutdowns-2025-edition/">since at least 2012</a> - is filled with big-name veterans who won't be long-term building blocks in Washington. Von Miller, Deebo Samuel, Bobby Wagner, and Zach Ertz are among the many names that could be made available. Passing up the opportunity to replenish draft capital would make it all the more difficult for the Commanders to retool in a timely fashion.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h2>Late-afternoon games</h2><h3>Bills get the Chiefs again</h3><p>I'll be honest here: I truly thought this game was shaping up to be a convincing win for the Chiefs. As strange as it felt not to expect another instant classic from an incredible rivalry, these two teams simply hadn't been playing the same level of football over the last month or so. But things change. Josh Allen was nearly perfect, completing 23 of 26 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown while adding another pair of scores on the ground. Crucially, a struggling Bills defense also stepped up with its most impressive performance of the season. Patrick Mahomes set a new career-low for completion percentage (44.1%), connecting on just 15 of 34 passes. I'd still like to see the Bills add a receiver before the deadline to maximize what's possible here, but a healthy Dalton Kincaid (6 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD) is a major boost the passing game. Can the Bills take the momentum from this statement win and run off a bunch more before getting their second shot at the Patriots in December? More importantly, can they finally find a way to have one of these wins over the Chiefs in the playoffs?</p><h3>Stafford as good as ever</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808311/cropped_GettyImages-2244673576.jpg?ts=1762134584" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808311/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244673576.jpg?ts=1762134584 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808311/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244673576.jpg?ts=1762134584 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808311/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244673576.jpg?ts=1762134584 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808311/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244673576.jpg?ts=1762134584 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808311/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244673576.jpg?ts=1762134584 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Wally Skalij / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Rams stepping up to keep Matthew Stafford this offseason didn't come without risk. There had to be at least some level of concern about the investment when the 37-year-old missed time over the summer with a back injury. Eight games in, any such reservations are firmly in the rearview mirror. A four-touchdown effort in Sunday's blowout win over New Orleans already puts Stafford up to a league-best 21 passing scores on the year. He also has just two interceptions on the season, and none since Week 2. This was the vision with one of the league's best pocket passers running a Sean McVay offense that features the complementary talents of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Nacua is a high-volume superstar, and Stafford's red-zone connection with Adams improves every week. Add in a defense that's tied for second in EPA/play, and this team has a real case as the top dog in the NFC. Even if a more measured approach to team building is what helped put them in position for another Super Bowl run, they should be attacking the trade deadline aggressively.</p><h3>Bowers is back</h3><p>Brock Bowers tried for weeks to play through a knee injury suffered in the season opener, but he just wasn't himself. After three straight losses, the Raiders had no choice but to shut him down in an effort to get him back to full strength. Sunday's game against the Jaguars was his first appearance since Week 4, and the time away appears to have done the trick. Bowers looked exactly like the superstar talent we saw as a rookie, immediately reassuming his role as the No. 1 target in the Las Vegas offense while racking up 12 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns. His third score gave the Raiders a chance to win in overtime, but a failed two-point conversion ultimately saw them come up short. Bowers and Ashton Jeanty (89 total yards, 1 TD) teaming up for this kind of performance at least provides a sense of hope for the future amid an otherwise disappointing first season under a new leadership regime.</p><h2>Early kickoffs</h2><h3>Vikings stun Lions</h3><p>J.J. McCarthy's return was the big story of Sunday's game in Detroit, and the second-year quarterback delivered a much-needed win for the scuffling Vikings. It certainly wasn't perfect, as McCarthy went through long stretches of difficulties dealing with pressure and delivering the ball accurately downfield. But a hot start, including two straight touchdown passes to open the game, at least offer a glimpse of what things might look like if he can get things rolling consistently. And just like we saw in a thrilling Week 1 win over the Bears, he stepped up with a big play to help seal the win late. The Vikings may have an outside chance of keeping their season alive if the run defense can build upon its impressive showing against the Lions. But either way, the rest of this season will be about McCarthy's development. Vikings fans will have every reason to be excited about the future if he's able to make those flashes more consistent.</p><h3>A blueprint for facing the Colts?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808266/cropped_GettyImages-2244662203.jpg?ts=1762134655" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808266/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244662203.jpg?ts=1762134655 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808266/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244662203.jpg?ts=1762134655 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808266/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244662203.jpg?ts=1762134655 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808266/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244662203.jpg?ts=1762134655 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808266/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244662203.jpg?ts=1762134655 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Sargent / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Colts have finally slipped up. There's no reason to panic just yet, as we're still talking about one of the NFL's most consistent teams over the first half of the season. There's a reason they're sitting a 7-2 with a league-best point differential of 109. But Sunday's game in Pittsburgh confirmed that they aren't invincible. If by some chance you are able to build a lead and make this offense play from behind, a Jonathan Taylor-led run game suddenly becomes less of a factor. And as good as Daniel Jones has been this year, this offense couldn't possibly be expected to maintain the same level of efficiency when the game is solely in his hands. That's exactly what we saw play out this week, as the Steelers' pass-rush was able to tee off with Jones dropping back 50 times. The result: five sacks, three interceptions, and two Jones fumbles. Add in another giveaway from Josh Downs, and the Colts became the first team all year to cough up six turnovers in a game. Indy may need some defensive reinforcements at the trade deadline to help disrupt the blueprint Pittsburgh mapped out.</p><h3>Packers disappoint again</h3><p>It might be time to start worrying about the Packers' offense. We've seen the explosiveness in spurts, typically when their backs are against the wall and they have no choice but to push the ball down the field, but even crunch-time opportunities weren't enough to make things click Sunday against the Panthers. And now, with Tucker Kraft suffering a potentially significant knee injury, the lack of elite targets becomes an even more glaring issue. I'm not going to throw in the towel just yet, I've got far too much confidence in Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur to figure it out with all they other options they have. And a high-end defense, which held Bryce Young to a season-low 102 passing yards, gives the offense time to figure it out. But the clock is ticking. The Packers have to be able to trade shots with some of the offenses they'll meet in January if they expect to avoid another playoff disappointment.</p><h3>Monangai breaks out</h3><p>Who says the Bears need a running back? OK, maybe it was me. It's still easy to see how an established star might take this offense to another level, but a bold move no longer seems necessary. That's because the run-game operation as a whole has finally started to come together after a disappointing first month. D'Andre Swift got the party started with back-to-back 100-yard outings in mid-October, and Kyle Monangai took things to another level with his opportunity to serve as the lead back this week. The seventh-round rookie was the driving force behind Chicago's shootout win in Cincinnati, taking his 26 carries for 176 yards. That's the most by a Bears running back since Matt Forte topped the 200-yard mark in 2011. Swift will remain a part of this offense upon his return from a groin injury, but perhaps he ends up trending more toward a pass-game role. Monangai's unique combination of power and lateral quickness makes him an incredibly appealing option to lead the way on early downs. Either way, the upward trajectory of this unit is an exciting development for the Bears. Their trade deadline business can now focus exclusively on a defense that needs all the help it can get after giving up 42 points to the Bengals. Adding an edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat feels like a must.</p><h3>Flacco move paying off</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808350/cropped_GettyImages-2243680558.jpg?ts=1762138265" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808350/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243680558.jpg?ts=1762138265 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808350/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243680558.jpg?ts=1762138265 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808350/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243680558.jpg?ts=1762138265 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808350/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243680558.jpg?ts=1762138265 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808350/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243680558.jpg?ts=1762138265 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Casterline / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Bengals will say that the Joe Flacco trade was made with an eye on keeping their season alive. That was never really a realistic expectation, but it's at least kept things from going off the rails. Cincinnati had to find a quarterback capable of giving their superstar receivers a chance to produce. Flacco is well past his prime, and his gunslinger ways come with plenty of turnover risk, but he's clearly still capable of pushing the ball downfield in that way. We saw all of that in Sunday's shootout against the Bears, where Flacco threw for 470 yards, four touchdowns, and a pair of interceptions. It didn't lead to a win, because Cincinnati is bad enough everywhere else to surrender 47 points at home. Giving up a 58-yard game-winning touchdown to Colston Loveland with less than 20 seconds to play sums up all their issues in that regard. But nobody can say the Bengals haven't at least found a way to stay interesting.</p><h3>Chargers can't catch a break</h3><p>It really felt like this year might be different for the Chargers. After an incredible 3-0 start against division opponents, they seemed like a real threat to the Chiefs at the top of the AFC West. As has so often been the case for this team, though, injuries have really started to pile up. Star left tackle Rashawn Slater was lost for the year in the preseason. Joe Alt made his return to the lineup in Week 7 after missing a few weeks, but he left Sunday's win over the Titans with a second high ankle sprain. This time, he's reportedly facing surgery. Tennessee racking up six sacks for the first time since 2023 tells you everything you need to know about the prospects of this offensive line looking ahead. Even at 6-3, it's tough to feel the least bit encouraged about the Chargers' upside.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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Sunday Rundown: Key takeaways from Week 9's biggest games

NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.  This week, we identify eve...

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NFL Power Rankings - Week 9: Every team's best win so far

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h2>Sunday night spotlight</h2><h3>Packers' offense heats up</h3><p>This is the kind of performance we'd been waiting to see from the Packers' offense. In fairness, it's not like the first six games of the season were bad. It just felt like, given the potential, they weren't quite hitting that extra gear. At least not until they absolutely had to. A favorable matchup with the Steelers probably helped on this night (more on that below), but this group has the ability to pick anyone apart with Tucker Kraft (142 yards, 2 TDs) making magic after the catch and Christian Watson (4 catches, 85 yards) back in the mix to stretch the field. The complete effort from this passing attack saw Jordan Love (360 yards, 3 TDs) put together the best game of his career by EPA/dropback, according to TruMedia, at one point becoming the first Packers quarterback since Brett Favre to complete 20 straight passes in a game. Consistency will be the key from here, and that should start with pushing the ball downfield from the jump. If this game proves to be the start of the offensive explosion many of us anticipated, it'll be that much sweeter for Green Bay to look back knowing it all clicked as they denied Aaron Rodgers a little revenge-game glory.</p><h3>Steelers need more than a WR</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807364/cropped_GettyImages-2243492594.jpg?ts=1761536417" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807364/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243492594.jpg?ts=1761536417 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807364/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243492594.jpg?ts=1761536417 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807364/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243492594.jpg?ts=1761536417 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807364/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243492594.jpg?ts=1761536417 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807364/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243492594.jpg?ts=1761536417 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>You're going to hear a lot about the Steelers sniffing around receivers at the trade deadline. The need for a reliable No. 2 opposite DK Metcalf couldn't be more obvious. And while the offense may want to lean on the run game first and foremost, the ceiling will remain relatively limited if Aaron Rodgers doesn't have the weapons he needs to really open things up when a game calls for it. If that's the only move this team makes before Nov. 4, though, it had better be for a true game-changer. Because as strange as it is to say for anyone who has watched football for the last two decades, we may be well past the point where the Pittsburgh defense is leading the charge. Another hapless effort Sunday night against the Packers drives home the reality of this new era. The Steelers' defense is tied for 24th with a 51.8% success rate. That's the worst mark this team has posted over the first eight games of a season since at least 2000. There's been a lot of talk about how predictable this unit has become over the years, and the big-name veterans haven't been nearly enough to make the simplicity work. Now 4-3 with a tough schedule ahead, Pittsburgh is going to have a hard time capitalizing on its hot start.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h2>Late-afternoon games</h2><h3>Broncos keep it rolling</h3><p>I've had my share of questions about the Broncos' offense. While I'm not about to consider them resolved after a cupcake matchup against the Cowboys' defense, it would be impossible to ignore how different this unit has looked over the last five quarters. A 33-point onslaught in the final frame against the Giants last week was a promising sign of what is possible with this group. Denver took that momentum and followed it up with the most complete offensive effort of the season in a 44-24 win over Dallas. Bo Nix was in complete control after an early interception, becoming the first Broncos quarterback since Peyton Manning to account for four touchdowns in back-to-back games. Crucially, he made several big-time throws down the field en route to a season-best 8.5 yards per attempt. Again, the opponent qualifier demands that we avoid getting carried away here. But these are still incredibly positive signs after a frustrating start for the offense. Next week's game against the Texans provides an excellent opportunity for the Broncos to prove it against a top defensive opponent.</p><h3>Cowboys need to swing big</h3><p>So, about that Cowboys defense. Eight games in, this unit is posting the third-worst defensive EPA/play since at least 2000. Considering the personnel in place - both at defensive coordinator and throughout the roster - we probably shouldn't be expecting any sort of monumental turnaround. That's a big reason why, in a recent piece <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3375201" href="https://thescore.com/news/3375201">exploring realistic trade ideas</a>, I had the Cowboys taking a big swing with a deal to acquire two impact defenders from the Dolphins. Will Jerry Jones be that bold? Probably not. But can he really justify wasting an elite offense (T-2nd in EPA/play) spearheaded by an MVP-caliber season from Dak Prescott? If he's serious about winning, and avoiding narratives about the Micah Parsons trade sparking the worst scoring defense in Cowboys history, Jones has no choice but to get aggressive.</p><h3>OPOY race already over?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807327/cropped_GettyImages-2243485408.jpg?ts=1761526869" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807327/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243485408.jpg?ts=1761526869 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807327/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243485408.jpg?ts=1761526869 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807327/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243485408.jpg?ts=1761526869 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807327/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243485408.jpg?ts=1761526869 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807327/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243485408.jpg?ts=1761526869 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Lyons / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jonathan Taylor is in the midst of a truly incredible season, and he only seems to be getting better with every passing week. Sunday's win over the Titans marked his most impressive performance of the season so far, needing just 12 carries to post 158 yards. That 12.8-yard average is the fourth-best mark of any running back with 12-plus carries since at least 2000. The blowout win also saw Taylor score three touchdowns for the fourth time already this season, two shy of LaDainian Tomlinson's record. And with 14 total touchdowns on the year, he's just one short of the most ever recorded through eight games. It's still early, but that puts him on a 17-game pace of 29 scores, which would be within striking distance of Tomlinson's single-season record (31). Assuming he stays healthy, it's tough to imagine anyone catching Taylor for Offensive Player of the Year honors over the second half of the season. And if he comes anywhere near holding his current statistical pace, he'll probably have a case as the first non-QB MVP since 2012, too.</p><h3>Return of Bucs defense</h3><p>Nobody had any doubts about the Bucs' offense heading into this season. The same couldn't have been said about the defense. That unit turning things around after a frustrating few seasons has been critical for Tampa Bay's ability to overcome the early rash of injuries on the other side of the ball. It's also a big reason Todd Bowles should be in the mix for Coach of the Year honors. Sunday's win over the Saints marked the Bucs' best game by EPA/play since 2021. On the season overall, Tampa Bay is now tied for sixth by that same metric. That's a meteoric rise after back-to-back seasons checking in at 18th. Bowles' pressure packages are getting home like they did during his tenure as defensive coordinator, as the Bucs rank third with 25 sacks and second with second with 128 pressures, according to PFF. They're also taking the ball away as well as anyone, tied for third in turnovers. This team is going to be an extremely tough out if the offense can get some better luck with injuries.</p><h2>Early kickoffs</h2><h3>Tush push has to go</h3><p>I truly didn't anticipate ending up on this side of the debate. The way I saw it, the NFL did the right thing in rejecting a ban during the offseason. And I still felt that way up until this week, even if a rule change felt inevitable in the wake of early officiating issues and the <a href="https://x.com/SharpFootball/status/1979958294891364653">best non-football argument we've seen yet</a>. But the latest controversy has to be the final straw. In case you missed it, the Giants were robbed of a critical turnover early in Sunday's game against the Eagles. Kayvon Thibodeaux had clearly stripped the ball away from Jalen Hurts as he crossed the line to gain on a tush push. But because officials had blown the play dead, it wasn't reviewable. The early whistle is just the latest evidence that officials simply have no ability to call this play correctly. While it certainly feels wrong to be taking away something that one team does so much better than everyone else, the league really has no choice at this point. Can the Eagles, who have now put together two straight promising offensive outings, take advantage of their last year with the cheat-code play?</p><h3>Ravens stay alive</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807302/cropped_GettyImages-2243466981.jpg?ts=1761515325" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807302/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243466981.jpg?ts=1761515325 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807302/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243466981.jpg?ts=1761515325 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807302/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243466981.jpg?ts=1761515325 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807302/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243466981.jpg?ts=1761515325 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807302/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243466981.jpg?ts=1761515325 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Greg Fiume / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>This feels like a potential turning point for the Ravens, doesn't it? A 1-5 start wasn't how anyone saw their season going. Much of it was their own doing, but injuries certainly made it difficult to deal with a tough opening schedule. A huge win over the up-and-coming Bears puts Baltimore in an extremely interesting spot ahead of Lamar Jackson's expected return next week. Not only is the offense likely to get back on track with the perennial MVP candidate under center, but there are some mildly encouraging signs from the defense, too. Prior to last week's bye, a much-improved effort against the run helped the Ravens hold the Rams to just 17 points. Prior to Sunday's 30-16 defeat in Baltimore, the Bears had been the only team to score 21-plus points in every game this season. Everyone's favorite preseason juggernaut still has a long way to go at 2-5, but a healthier Ravens roster could easily flip the script from here and take advantage of an easy schedule (at MIA, at MIN, at CLE, vs. NYJ, vs. CIN) to get to 7-5 heading into December.</p><h3>Stroud back?</h3><p>Speaking of slow starters, the Texans might not be done yet, either. Last week's game against the Seahawks wasn't exactly how they wanted to come out of the bye, but the Seattle defense tends to have that effect on opponents. Houston bounced back this week against the 49ers with its most impressive offensive performance of the season. C.J. Stroud completed 30 of 39 attempts for 318 yards, his biggest passing day since Week 5 of last season. Rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel stepped into lead roles in the absence of Nico Collins, combining for nine catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown. Crucially, a beleaguered offensive line didn't give up a sack for the first time this year. Has the offense finally found the sort of pass-protection answers that might allow Stroud to get back to the player he was as a rookie? The apparent progress on that front will be put to the test in next week's home date with the Broncos. With a dominant defense leading the league in EPA/play, a league-average offense may be all Houston needs to make some noise in the second half of the season.</p><h3>Bills' run game explodes</h3><p>The Bills desperately needed a game like this. After back-to-back losses against the Patriots and Falcons, it was only natural to wonder whether this team had been overrated based on past accomplishments. I wasn't ready to go quite that far, but the offense clearly needed to be better if this was going to be the year for Buffalo. A career-best 216-yard day from James Cook en route to a 40-6 win over the Panthers is a big step in the right direction. The Bills will still need another receiver to maximize everything Josh Allen brings as a passer, and I tend to assume they'll be aggressive in addressing that need before the Nov. 4 trade deadline. But a run game like this gives the Bills' offense an excellent foundation to lean on no matter what's happening on the boundary. Let's see if they can build on it in next week's heavyweight matchup against the Chiefs. Nobody will remember the October hiccups if they can handle business there.</p><h3>Falcons boggle the mind</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807125/cropped_GettyImages-2241916693.jpg?ts=1761515366" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807125/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241916693.jpg?ts=1761515366 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807125/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241916693.jpg?ts=1761515366 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807125/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241916693.jpg?ts=1761515366 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807125/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241916693.jpg?ts=1761515366 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807125/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241916693.jpg?ts=1761515366 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>I'm done trying to figure out this Falcons team. The offense being without Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London was undoubtedly a big part of Sunday's disappointing effort against Miami, but that isn't nearly enough to explain a 34-10 beatdown on home field against one of the worst teams in football. The new-look Atlanta defense couldn't do much to stop the Dolphins from marching up and down the field. A struggling Tua Tagovailoa led the way with his first four-touchdown game since last November, facing pressure on just six of his 27 dropbacks. Even if this offense is healthy moving forward, it just seems like everything about this team is too volatile to have any real expectations this season. Now 3-4 with games against the Patriots and Colts on deck, the Falcons may be hard-pressed to chase down their first winning season since 2017.</p><h3>Garrett deserves better</h3><p>Myles Garrett is arguably the best player in all of football. His truly unmatched physical abilities were once again on display in Sunday's game against the Patriots, as the four-time All-Pro racked up a career-high five sacks. In most other situations, a pass-rush performance like this would at least give a team a chance to pull out a win. The Browns, unfortunately, are not most teams. A 32-13 defeat makes Garrett the only player to record five-plus sacks in a double-digit loss since the stat was first recorded in 1982, according to <a href="https://x.com/DanteKopFlem/status/1982538940377944509">NFL research</a>. Yikes. I'm on record as believing that a young Browns roster can help get this thing turned around once the Deshaun Watson contract is off the books. Perhaps Garrett agrees. After signing a four-year, $160-million deal to stand down from his offseason trade request, he isn't going anywhere, anyway. But at 29 years old, the Browns are already at risk of never getting to capitalize on a generational player. They can't afford any missteps if they're going to compete while Garrett is still in his prime.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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<p><em>NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.</em></p><p><em>This week, we identify one move or strategy for every team looking ahead to the Nov. 4 trade deadline.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">1. Detroit Lions (5-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806494/cropped_GettyImages-2241919855.jpg?ts=1761027085" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806494/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241919855.jpg?ts=1761027085 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806494/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241919855.jpg?ts=1761027085 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806494/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241919855.jpg?ts=1761027085 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806494/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241919855.jpg?ts=1761027085 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806494/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241919855.jpg?ts=1761027085 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><p><strong>Find bookend for Hutchinson.</strong> The Lions have had a glaring need for an edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson for a while now. With a Super Bowl run still on the table and several candidates to fill that spot, now is the time to get aggressive. Trey Hendrickson, anyone?</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">2. Indianapolis Colts (6-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p><strong>Trade for cornerback.</strong> The Colts' defense has done some good things, but the cornerback room is in rough shape with Charvarius Ward headed to IR and Xavien Howard suddenly retiring. Perhaps a reunion with Lou Anarumo could help Cam Taylor-Britt make good on his early career flashes.</p><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">3. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><p><strong>Bolster defensive line.</strong> The pass rush was already a bit of a weak spot for Kansas City, and rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott is now out for the year with a torn ACL. The Chiefs could use reinforcements both inside and on the edge.</p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">4. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p><strong>Upgrade at cornerback.</strong> The Rams' defense has been sneaky great this campaign, sitting tied for second in EPA/play, according to TruMedia. But the cornerback room feels dangerously thin. A veteran addition would help ensure this group continues to operate at a high level.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806518/cropped_GettyImages-2241927740.jpg?ts=1761027169" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806518/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241927740.jpg?ts=1761027169 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806518/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241927740.jpg?ts=1761027169 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806518/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241927740.jpg?ts=1761027169 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806518/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241927740.jpg?ts=1761027169 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806518/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241927740.jpg?ts=1761027169 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><p><strong>Add to defensive front.</strong> Tampa Bay's pass rush is trending up, but there's no time to get comfortable. The Bucs' defense could push another step forward with an addition to the group, either on the edge or as an interior complement to Vita Vea.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">6. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><p><strong>Improve interior O-line.</strong> Seattle's run game finding more consistency would take the team's offensive breakout to new heights, and that'll have to start up front. With the Saints shaping up to be sellers, Cesar Ruiz could fit the team's needs. He played under Seahawks offensive line coach John Benton last year in New Orleans.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">7. Green Bay Packers (4-1-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><p><strong>Fill need at cornerback.</strong> If this struggling group is going to hold up in the playoffs, the Packers have to move Nate Hobbs to his natural position in the slot and make an addition on the outside. A trade to reunite with Rasul Douglas could be the perfect low-cost acquisition to solve that problem.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">8. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><p><strong>Trade for an edge rusher.</strong> The Eagles' defense is tied for 26th with 11 sacks and ranks dead last in rush success rate. A true three-down player on the edge, like Dolphins defensive end Bradley Chubb, would go a long way toward addressing both issues.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">9. Buffalo Bills (4-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p><strong>Pursue No. 1 target.</strong> Here we are, once again, waiting for the Bills to make the big move they need at receiver. Will they be bold enough to do it? History says probably not. But a top talent like Chris Olave would be the dream addition to open up this passing game.</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">10. San Francisco 49ers (5-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806519/cropped_GettyImages-2241917645.jpg?ts=1761027275" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806519/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241917645.jpg?ts=1761027275 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806519/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241917645.jpg?ts=1761027275 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806519/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241917645.jpg?ts=1761027275 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806519/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241917645.jpg?ts=1761027275 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806519/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241917645.jpg?ts=1761027275 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p><strong>Improve pass rush.</strong> Getting back with Robert Saleh has again unlocked Bryce Huff's unique rush skill set. Could the Jets being in sell mode give the 49ers' defensive coordinator another opportunity for a reunion? Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson II are logical targets to help replace Nick Bosa.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">11. New England Patriots (5-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p><strong>Add another WR.</strong> Drake Maye is already playing at an MVP level. Maybe he pulls away from the rest of the pack if the Patriots stay aggressive and make a move at receiver, perhaps bringing back a familiar face in Jakobi Meyers.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">12. Denver Broncos (5-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><p><strong>Upgrade interior offensive line.</strong> The Broncos' offense had been sputtering before an absurd 33-point fourth quarter against the Giants. Replacing the injured Ben Powers at left guard may be imperative if this group is going to find a shred of consistency looking ahead.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">13. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><p><strong>Round out pass rush.</strong> Calais Campbell signed in Arizona to finish his career where it started. With the Cardinals spiraling, though, might another former team come calling for the defensive tackle? The Jaguars could use another interior presence to complete a strong group up front.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">14. Chicago Bears (4-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p><strong>Trade for a running back.</strong> D'Andre Swift posted back-to-back 100-yard performances, but Chicago's run game could have an even higher ceiling with a top talent leading the backfield. Breece Hall has seemed like a sensible Bears trade target for months, and the impending free agent should be available with the Jets sitting at 0-7.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">15. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805906/cropped_GettyImages-2241503904.jpg?ts=1761027513" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805906/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241503904.jpg?ts=1761027513 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805906/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241503904.jpg?ts=1761027513 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805906/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241503904.jpg?ts=1761027513 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805906/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241503904.jpg?ts=1761027513 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805906/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241503904.jpg?ts=1761027513 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dylan Buell / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><p><strong>Find a No. 2 receiver.</strong> The Steelers have to bring in another receiver to run opposite DK Metcalf. Jakobi Meyers is a fit here, but Rashid Shaheed might be the best-case scenario if his speed allows Aaron Rodgers to improve upon his 6.1 air yards per attempt, which ranks 32nd among all qualified quarterbacks.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">16. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><p><strong>Add another receiver.</strong> Darnell Mooney is a capable running mate for Drake London, but the Falcons' receiver depth chart is in rough shape otherwise. Finding a capable No. 3 could be an important move for the ongoing development of Michael Penix Jr.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">17. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p><strong>Patch up the offensive line.</strong> Justin Herbert is seeing pressure on 39.1% of dropbacks, tied for the fourth-worst rate in the league. That has to change if the Chargers' offense is going to get back on track, and this beat-up offensive line will need reinforcements to make it happen.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">18. Carolina Panthers (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p><strong>Stay patient.</strong> The Panthers deserve credit since they've been better than anyone expected. However, that doesn't mean they need to get crazy at the deadline. With Bryce Young suffering a high ankle sprain before the upcoming big games against the Bills and Packers, staying in this position might be difficult for Carolina.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">19. Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p><strong>Bolster defense.</strong> Sitting just one spot ahead of the last-place Bengals in defensive success rate, the Cowboys could use help at all three levels of the field. Jerry Jones sitting back at the deadline would virtually guarantee that this elite offense goes to waste.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">20. Minnesota Vikings (3-3)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806520/cropped_GettyImages-2242059049.jpg?ts=1761027635" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806520/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242059049.jpg?ts=1761027635 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806520/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242059049.jpg?ts=1761027635 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806520/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242059049.jpg?ts=1761027635 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806520/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242059049.jpg?ts=1761027635 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806520/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242059049.jpg?ts=1761027635 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stephen Maturen / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p><strong>Add OL depth.</strong> The Vikings' offensive line hasn't been the strength we expected after a busy offseason. That group might need help if Minnesota wants to set up J.J. McCarthy for success when he returns from his ankle injury.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">21. Washington Commanders (3-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><p><strong>Be flexible.</strong> Washington had its sights set on competing, but things change. Now 3-4 and with Jayden Daniels nursing a hamstring injury ahead of a challenging three-game stretch, the Commanders might have to be prepared to accept this isn't their year. Given the club has the NFL's oldest roster, selling at the deadline has to be an option.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">22. Houston Texans (2-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><p><strong>Stand pat.</strong> The Texans still have a chance to turn it on and make a run, but it's certainly no guarantee after a 2-4 start. With that in mind, it might be a good idea for Houston to stay patient and hang onto what could be an important collection of 2026 draft assets.</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">23. New York Giants (2-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><p><strong>Get Dart a receiver.</strong> Who says you need to be a playoff team to buy at the deadline? Some things are more important than short-term success. Aiding Jaxson Dart's development with a top target to replace the injured Malik Nabers could pay off in the long run.</p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">24. Baltimore Ravens (1-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><p><strong>Swing big for edge rusher.</strong> The Ravens certainly won't pack it in after a 1-5 start. And considering the state of the AFC North and the favorable schedule that lies ahead for the club, Baltimore might still have a chance. Addressing its biggest defensive need can only help those efforts.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">25. Cleveland Browns (2-5)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806257/cropped_GettyImages-2242033614.jpg?ts=1761027692" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806257/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242033614.jpg?ts=1761027692 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806257/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242033614.jpg?ts=1761027692 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806257/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242033614.jpg?ts=1761027692 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806257/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242033614.jpg?ts=1761027692 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806257/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242033614.jpg?ts=1761027692 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Miller / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><p><strong>Sell a veteran guard.</strong> The Browns probably don't want to decimate an already suspect offensive line by parting with Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. Still, it might be wise to get something for at least one of the two, as the longtime teammates are free agents in March.</p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">26. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><p><strong>Trade Trey Hendrickson.</strong> It's long been clear that the Bengals aren't going to meet Hendrickson's price tag on a long-term contract. Passing up the opportunity to flip him for a Day 2 pick before he leaves in free agency would be the latest misstep in this saga.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">27. Arizona Cardinals (2-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p><strong>Get all the picks you can.</strong> The Cardinals' season is quickly going down the drain. There aren't too many obvious trade candidates on the roster, but Jonah Williams and Calais Campbell are the kind of veterans on expiring deals who are worth shopping.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">28. New Orleans Saints (1-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p><strong>Sell, sell, sell.</strong> Although they may favor a long-term extension for Chris Olave, the Saints have plenty of other veterans whom they should make available. That group could include Alvin Kamara, Rashid Shaheed, Demario Davis, and Alontae Taylor.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">29. Miami Dolphins (1-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><p><strong>Trade everyone.</strong> It's time for Miami to tear things down. Assuming they're willing to accept that reality, the Dolphins should be the busiest seller at this year's trade deadline. Bradley Chubb, Jaelen Phillips, and Rasul Douglas are just a few of the many names potentially on the move.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806521/cropped_GettyImages-2242051978.jpg?ts=1761027833" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806521/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242051978.jpg?ts=1761027833 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806521/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242051978.jpg?ts=1761027833 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806521/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242051978.jpg?ts=1761027833 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806521/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242051978.jpg?ts=1761027833 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806521/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242051978.jpg?ts=1761027833 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jamie Squire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><p><strong>Sell expiring veterans.</strong> It's been jarring to see the Raiders somehow get worse after bringing in Pete Carroll and Geno Smith. While this probably won't be a true fire sale, there's no reason to hang on to impending free agents like Jakobi Meyers and Malcolm Koonce.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">31. Tennessee Titans (1-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p><strong>Listen on almost anyone.</strong> The Titans probably don't want to be doing anything that impacts Cam Ward's development, so perhaps they'll resist subtracting from his offensive line and receiving corps. Everyone else could be available for the right price.</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">32. New York Jets (0-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p><strong>Pick your spots.</strong> Teams will certainly call about a number of standout defenders, and the Jets will likely end up making a few deals. A little restraint may be in order, though. Players like Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson II should remain foundation pieces for what is still a talented defense.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32909973/related

NFL Power Rankings - Week 8: One trade deadline move for every team

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h2>Sunday night spotlight</h2><h3>Saleh will get 2nd chance</h3><p>Losing both Nick Bosa and Fred Warner for the rest of the season could have been enough to tank the 49ers' defense in any other year. The critical move to reunite with Robert Saleh gives this unit a chance. We saw that play out on the big stage Sunday night, as San Francisco held Atlanta to just 10 points in moving to 5-2 on the season. Saleh's defense bottled up a typically strong Falcons run game, limiting Bijan Robinson and Co. to 3.1 yards per carry while also making things difficult on Michael Penix Jr. The timely pressure and coverage looks kept the second-year quarterback from establishing any sort of rhythm after a promising two-game stretch. In total, the complete effort produced San Francisco's second-best defensive performance by EPA/play this season, according to TruMedia. If this continues and the defense has a key role in the 49ers getting back to the playoffs, look for Saleh to get his second head coaching opportunity sooner than later. While there's more to that job than mastering one side of the ball, he wouldn't be the first person to fare better away from the never-ending dysfunction of the Jets organization.</p><h2>Late-afternoon games</h2><h3>Chaos in Denver</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806349/cropped_GettyImages-2242088844.jpg?ts=1760932473" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806349/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242088844.jpg?ts=1760932473 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806349/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242088844.jpg?ts=1760932473 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806349/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242088844.jpg?ts=1760932473 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806349/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242088844.jpg?ts=1760932473 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806349/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242088844.jpg?ts=1760932473 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Edmonds / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>What in the world did we just watch? The Broncos entered the fourth quarter against the Giants trailing 19-0. By the end of the frame, a walk-off field goal saw Denver escape with a 33-32 win. On one hand, I'm inclined to circle back to the same questions I had about the Broncos last week. This offense, for the most part, has not been good enough. Bo Nix completing 11 of 25 passes for 105 yards through three quarters demonstrates why the Broncos have seemingly been at risk of wasting another strong defense. That can't happen against a Giants defense that entered this week tied for 25th in EPA/play. On the other hand, the wild comeback finally provided a glimpse of what many have been expecting to see from this scoring attack. Can that strong finish, which saw Nix rack up four total touchdowns in the same quarter, be the start of something in that regard? It'll have to be if this team plans on competing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Colts keep rolling</h3><p>Daniel Jones said it best after Sunday's 38-24 win over the Chargers. Asked what people who may be surprised about the Colts' early-season performance should know about this team, the veteran quarterback laughed and told <a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/1980051907038072925">CBS</a>, "Sounds like y'all didn't know much." He's right. Running through the Chargers on the road is the most convincing evidence yet that the hot start is no mirage. Indy's offense continued firing on all cylinders in handing a tough L.A. defense its worst EPA/play performance across two years under Jesse Minter. The Colts' defense also did its part, stealing a pair of extra possessions at the end of the first half with consecutive interceptions off Justin Herbert. It may still take a while before Indy gets its due respect as a legitimate contender. That's probably because we're all understandably a little hesitant to buy in on Jones sustaining his current level of play. But consider this: the Colts would be sitting at a perfect 7-0 if it weren't for a pair of costly second-half miscues from Adonai Mitchell in a loss to the Rams. This has been the most consistent team in football through seven weeks.</p><h3>Another frustrating win</h3><p>The Packers simply refuse to make things easy. Last week's win over the Bengals was far more difficult than it needed to be, and they were right back at it Sunday in Arizona. A game against the sputtering Cardinals, who were led by backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, should have been the perfect opportunity for Green Bay to put it all together. A win is a win, but this isn't the kind of matchup that should have us feeling so uneasy about a supposed Super Bowl contender. The secondary is an obvious problem spot that must be addressed before the trade deadline. A big move to that end would go a long way toward maximizing the presence of Micah Parsons, whose three sacks were key in holding off the Cardinals. The passing game is putting up strong numbers overall (6th in EPA/dropback, T-9th in success rate), but it's almost like they only operate at a consistently high level when they absolutely have to. Could the desire to put on a show next week against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers finally break them out of that habit?</p><h2>Early kickoffs</h2><h3>Chiefs taking off</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806259/cropped_GettyImages-2242035623.jpg?ts=1760932496" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806259/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242035623.jpg?ts=1760932496 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806259/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242035623.jpg?ts=1760932496 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806259/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242035623.jpg?ts=1760932496 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806259/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242035623.jpg?ts=1760932496 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806259/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242035623.jpg?ts=1760932496 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Eulitt / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's probably time to start wrapping up all those early-season conversations about parity. The uniquely level playing field among contenders was certainly a breath of fresh air after several years of the same old powerhouses. But the longer it lasted, the more it seemed like it was only going to open the door for a certain team that has dominated the league like few others. Right on schedule, here come the Chiefs. Kansas City took another major step in the right direction after last week's big win over the Lions, laying the beatdown of all beatdowns on the division-rival Raiders. Not the most daunting challenge, in fairness, but Gardner Minshew getting into the game up 31-0 in the third quarter demonstrates what's possible when this offense is operating at full strength. Rashee Rice made an immediate impact in his highly anticipated return, recording two touchdowns on seven catches, and the Chiefs finished the day with as many first downs (30) as the Raiders did offensive plays. This may only be the beginning of their ascent back to the top.</p><h3>Hurts back?</h3><p>The Eagles desperately needed a win this week in Minnesota. And if Philly was going to inspire any sort of confidence after a frustrating start, getting that result behind a big day from the offense was imperative. Check and check. As has been the case for much of his career, Jalen Hurts rose to the occasion when his team needed him most. A still-stagnant run game didn't do him any favors, but the Eagles quarterback was able to rediscover some of his old magic in the downfield passing game. He gashed a stingy Vikings defense for seven plays of 20-plus yards, including long touchdown strikes to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and a 45-yard play to Brown in crunch time to seal the win. Hurts completing 19 of 23 passes for 326 yards, three scores, and no interceptions represents the best start of his career by EPA/dropback. I'd like to see this on a semi-consistent basis before I abandon any and all concerns about the Eagles, but the ceiling is still there when Hurts is doing what he does best. Good things happen when you're pushing the ball downfield to receivers like that.</p><h3>Tush push ban on the way</h3><p>In less exciting news for the Eagles, Sunday's game provided further evidence that we should probably expect an official ban of the tush push next offseason. I've written that any such move would be soft, and I still believe it. But there's simply too much working against it now. First, we had the early-season controversies of uncalled false starts. Those high-profile blunders alone were probably enough for the NFL to get ample votes the next time the issue is brought to owners. This week, it was the Vikings trying to counter the play by laying a defender on the ground parallel to the line of scrimmage.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vikings attempt to defend the tush push <a href="https://t.co/vPlgCXmFAn">pic.twitter.com/vPlgCXmFAn</a></p>— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1979958294891364653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>That only bolsters the argument that this is a non-football play, and there's probably a player-safety case to be made, too. In the end, it probably doesn't matter. The Eagles are going to be better than everyone else at sneak plays regardless of whether there's a push from behind. Just don't be surprised when the current mechanic is banned when it's inevitably brought to the table again in the spring.</p><h3>McDaniel on thin ice</h3><p>It felt like Mike McDaniel was on the hot seat before this season even kicked off. And with the Dolphins stumbling out of the gate, it quickly became difficult to imagine him finding a way to save his job. That situation could realistically come to a head as soon as this week. Nobody wants to make a midseason coaching change, and one could argue that there is no actual upside in doing so. If there was ever a game that would force ownership to pull the plug, though, it was Sunday's 31-6 loss in Cleveland. Getting so thoroughly embarrassed by the Browns (the Browns!) confirms that there's nothing left to see here. Nobody would blame the Dolphins if they cleaned house and made nearly the entire roster available at the deadline. This experiment is all but over, and a full-scale rebuild may be the only way forward.</p><h3>And what about Tua?</h3><p>A determination on Tua Tagovailoa's future will be among the first big decisions facing the eventual new staff in Miami. Realistically speaking, his play is probably making that decision an easy one. Tua has steadily been heading in the wrong direction ever since he signed that four-year, $212-million extension in 2024. His three-interception day against the Browns was the second-worst start of his career by EPA/dropback. A disastrous season opener against the Colts stands as his fourth-worst game by that same metric. Perhaps Tua fares better in a new system. Considering the Dolphins would take a $99-million dead-money hit to cut him, they may be inclined to find out. But it's not unfair to suggest that McDaniel's system, at least at its peak, elevated Tua's game in ways that others wouldn't. The Dolphins might be better off doing what needs to be done with that contract and turning this nightmare season into an early QB pick.</p><h3>Glenn not inspiring</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805604/cropped_GettyImages-2234384818.jpg?ts=1760912261" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805604/w220xh124_GettyImages-2234384818.jpg?ts=1760912261 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805604/w320xh180_GettyImages-2234384818.jpg?ts=1760912261 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805604/w640xh360_GettyImages-2234384818.jpg?ts=1760912261 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805604/w768xh432_GettyImages-2234384818.jpg?ts=1760912261 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805604/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2234384818.jpg?ts=1760912261 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Evan Bernstein / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>I really try not to panic about first-year head coaches. One season is rarely enough to get a feel for a new regime's chances for long-term success, and these are typically situations that were always going to be multi-year rebuilds. That's absolutely the case with the Jets, but we're somehow already at the point where it's fair to have some concerns about Aaron Glenn. The defense's struggles were the first red flag - that unit has more than enough talent for a respected defensive coach to work with. The regular breakdowns over the first six weeks of the season were inexcusable. And now we get the Justin Fields benching. Fields deserved to be benched, to be clear, but Glenn making the move one week after he snapped back at a reporter for even asking about the possibility is a particularly embarrassing look. The decision clearly didn't give him any more confidence in his offense: Glenn opted to punt the ball back to the Panthers down seven with less than two minutes to play. The Jets are 0-7, and each pathetic outing makes it more difficult to find many wins on this schedule. Could a spectacular first-year flop make Glenn the rare one-and-done coach?</p><h3>Maye breaking Brady records</h3><p>Another week, another outstanding performance from Drake Maye. While some would probably be loath to admit the Patriots have found themselves another special quarterback talent, there's no longer much reason for restraint. The second-year pro is tied with Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield for third in EPA/dropback. Take out a sloppy Week 1 game in the rain, and he'd easily clear Jared Goff for first. This week's near-perfect outing even had a Tom Brady-related historical element: as Maye completing 21 of 23 passes (91.3%) against the Titans set a new franchise record for single-game completion percentage (minimum 20 attempts). The Patriots did a nice job improving the situation around him this past offseason, but I would argue there's still plenty of work to be done there in the years ahead. Maye doing what he's doing in the early days of this new program, leading the way for a 5-2 team sitting atop the AFC East, is worthy of MVP consideration. More importantly, it's a sign that the Patriots may be starting another extended era of winning.</p><h3>Rams mix it up</h3><p>Sunday's game in London figured to be a fascinating test for the Rams. After a six-week stretch in which the entire offense ran through Puka Nacua, it was fair to wonder what that unit might look like with its superstar receiver relegated to the sidelines. The Rams didn't miss a beat while completely altering their offensive approach, giving us every reason to be excited about this team's potential. Sean McVay utilized "13 personnel" (three tight ends, one running back) on 38.7% of plays against the Rams. Not only is that the highest single-game rate of any team in the league so far this season, but it's also nearly double McVay's previous career high (20.3%), set back in 2019. Jacksonville's defense, which entered this week tied for fifth in EPA/play, had no answer for the new looks. That kind of scheme versatility will make the Rams even tougher to defend when Nacua gets back. Davante Adams also happens to be in the process of developing a really nice red-zone connection with Matthew Stafford, hauling in three of the quarterback's five touchdowns on the day. Add in a quietly strong defense, now tied for first in EPA/play after holding the Jaguars to seven points, and you've got the makings of a true Super Bowl contender. Look for the Rams to make a few trade-deadline moves to capitalize on this opportunity.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32894860/related

Sunday Rundown: Key takeaways from Week 7's biggest games

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32819961/related

NFL Power Rankings - Week 7: The biggest question facing every team

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h2>Sunday night spotlight</h2><h3>Chiefs looking scary</h3><p>Early-season records can be deceiving. Anyone focused solely on the standings page may wonder whether or not the Chiefs are the same team that we've seen make five of the last six Super Bowls. They've had their share of disappointments over the first six weeks of the season, it's true. Last week's loss to the Jaguars falls into that category. But a big Sunday night win over the Lions was a reminder (as if we needed one) that this team can turn it on at any moment. With the offense trending up since Xavier Worthy's Week 4 return, and Rashee Rice set to make his season debut next week, now may be that time. Kansas City and Buffalo are a clear step above the competition in the AFC. We're only a few weeks away from the two sides going head-to-head in what could be a preview of yet another playoff showdown.</p><h2>Late-afternoon games</h2><h3>Baker is cooking</h3><p>The Bucs are in the midst of an obscene run of receiver injuries. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan all missed Sunday's game against the 49ers, and star rookie Emeka Egbuka exited the contest with a hamstring issue. Baker Mayfield made sure the offense continued to roll anyway. The veteran quarterback added another signature moment to his incredible season late in the third quarter, evading a sure sack and scrambling around for a wild first down on third-and-14. Two plays later, he looked off the deep safety before delivering a seed to seventh-round rookie Tez Johnson for a 45-yard touchdown. That put the Bucs up 27-19, and they wouldn't look back en route to their fifth win of the season. Mayfield finding a way no matter who's rotating in around him gives him the strongest MVP case of anyone through six weeks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Warner a crushing loss</h3><p>The 49ers somehow managed to overcome a rash of injuries to get off to an impressive 4-1 start. It was easy to get excited about what things might look like when the offense finally got a chance to get healthy, but a pair of devastating losses on defense suddenly threaten to limit their ceiling. Nick Bosa is already out for the year with a torn ACL suffered in Week 3, and the same is reportedly now expected for Fred Warner after he left Sunday's loss with a dislocated and broken ankle. Robert Saleh's return has immediately elevated this defense, but there's only so much coaching can do to compensate for losing two of the best players on the planet. This team just can't catch a break.</p><h3>Flacco gives Bengals life</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805369/cropped_GettyImages-2240642035.jpg?ts=1760315017" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805369/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240642035.jpg?ts=1760315017 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805369/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240642035.jpg?ts=1760315017 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805369/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240642035.jpg?ts=1760315017 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805369/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240642035.jpg?ts=1760315017 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805369/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240642035.jpg?ts=1760315017 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Bengals have no chance of saving their season without Joe Burrow - that should be abundantly clear after four straight losses. I tend to think the front office understands this, too. So while the trade for Joe Flacco likely wasn't made with a playoff run in mind, the goal was probably to at least make the offense watchable. It may well prove to be a success in that regard. Flacco gave the passing game a bit of a spark in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Packers, completing 21 of 30 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Not bad for a 40-year-old quarterback who's only had one week of practice with his new teammates. It's unlikely to lead to many wins, but Bengals fans (and fantasy managers) will be happy to see Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at least have an opportunity to produce.</p><h3>Packers not good enough</h3><p>I had been resisting the temptation to drop the Packers in our weekly NFL Power Rankings. Losing to the Browns and settling for a tie against the Cowboys were less than ideal results, but the Super Bowl ceiling was clearly there. That still hasn't changed, but I was expecting a much more convincing effort coming off a bye against a bad Bengals team. The 27-18 win doesn't quite fit that description. Chase and Higgins exposed a weakness for the Packers at corner, and we're still waiting to see whether one of Green Bay's receivers can emerge as a true go-to target. Addressing the former may require an aggressive move at the deadline. Perhaps a season-best 86-yard effort from first-round rookie Matthew Golden can be a step toward solving the latter.</p><h2>Early kickoffs</h2><h3>Seahawks swarming</h3><p>We touched on the Sam Darnold storyline both last Sunday and in a separate piece on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3364288" href="https://thescore.com/news/3364288">late QB breakouts</a> this week. His performance in Seattle's win over Jacksonville was just the latest step in his journey toward top-10 quarterback status. That development becomes even more exciting when you consider what the Seahawks are capable of doing on the other side of the ball. The potential of that unit was on full display this week, as Mike Macdonald's defense got to Trevor Lawrence for seven sacks. That's one more than he'd taken across the first six games of the season. Get the secondary healthy - Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, and Julian Love were all inactive against the Jaguars - and this unit has a path to top-five production. The Seahawks should be a fun addition to a fascinating group of NFC contenders.</p><h3>Pickens payday incoming</h3><p>Another week, another big game for George Pickens. The Cowboys receiver is taking full advantage of his opportunity as the clear No. 1 in the absence of CeeDee Lamb, and his wallet should be the beneficiary in March. Pickens wouldn't have been traded to Dallas if the Steelers had any interest in paying him. Perhaps that was a justifiable stance at the time, but there will be no shortage of teams with interest in doing so now. The big day in Carolina (nine catches, 168 yards, 1 TD) puts Pickens up to 525 yards (3rd) and six TDs (T-1st) on the year. If this pace continues, he should be looking at a multi-year deal worth upward of $30 million per year. It may be tough for the Cowboys to justify that kind of commitment with Lamb already on the books at $34 million, but losing what he's brought to this offense won't be so easy, either.</p><h3>Steelers need a WR</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805356/cropped_GettyImages-2240295435.jpg?ts=1760305881" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805356/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240295435.jpg?ts=1760305881 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805356/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240295435.jpg?ts=1760305881 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805356/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240295435.jpg?ts=1760305881 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805356/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240295435.jpg?ts=1760305881 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805356/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240295435.jpg?ts=1760305881 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Steelers should be feeling pretty good about how they've started this season. The defense is trending up after a slow start, and Aaron Rodgers has been a steady presence under center on the opposite side. Considering the state of the other teams in the AFC North, a 4-1 record makes Pittsburgh a comfortable front-runner atop the typically competitive division. But the offense still needs more if this is going to be the year the Steelers get their first playoff win since 2016. DK Metcalf was the only Steelers wideout with more than one catch in Sunday's win over the Browns. Kenneth Gainwell had six, while Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith each recorded three. The Steelers should be the first team in line for receiver help ahead of the trade deadline. Raiders veteran Jakobi Meyers provides the kind of inside-out versatility that could go a long way toward elevating this passing game.</p><h3>No more room for error</h3><p>The Ravens falling to the Rams on Sunday isn't much of a surprise - this was always going to be a tough matchup without Lamar Jackson. History isn't working in their favor from here, as there have only been four teams in league history to make the playoffs after starting 1-5. Might there still be some hope, though? Next week's bye should do wonders for this team's efforts to get healthy. Jackson, most notably, is expected to return for the Bears game that follows. Crucially, Baltimore's four most difficult games are already in the rearview mirror. The defense will have to be better to take full advantage of the softer schedule, but perhaps a season-best 241-yard performance against the Rams can be the start of a turnaround in that department. There's enough talent here that we probably shouldn't be ruling anything out just yet.</p><h3>Dowdle gets his revenge</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805321/cropped_GettyImages-2240607232.jpg?ts=1760306111" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805321/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240607232.jpg?ts=1760306111 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805321/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240607232.jpg?ts=1760306111 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805321/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240607232.jpg?ts=1760306111 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805321/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240607232.jpg?ts=1760306111 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805321/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240607232.jpg?ts=1760306111 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Grant Halverson / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Rico Dowdle was admittedly eager to get his shot at his former team, suggesting the Cowboys had "better buckle up" for this week's game. The bulletin-board material did nothing to help Dallas slow down its former running back. Dowdle took another major step in seizing his opportunity in the Carolina offense, taking his 30 carries for 183 yards while adding another 56 yards and one touchdown on four catches out of the backfield. The outstanding performance set a new franchise record for single-game scrimmage yards. Chuba Hubbard will likely be back soon, but it may be tough for him to regain his workhorse role. Dowdle has been the key to back-to-back Panthers wins, accounting for 473 total yards over the last two weeks.</p><h3>What are the Broncos?</h3><p>The Broncos are now 4-2 with a win over the defending Super Bowl champs on their resume. Normally, that'd be enough to make a team a legitimate contender. I want to see more before claiming to have any sort of confidence about that. Last week's comeback win doesn't seem nearly as impressive after what the Eagles did Thursday night against the Giants. This clearly isn't the same Philly team we saw run through the competition in the playoffs. And top dogs shouldn't need to be sweating out a game against the Jets despite racking up nine sacks and allowing minus-10 passing yards. This offense has to find another gear if the Broncos are going to maximize a second straight year of elite defensive play. That means cleaning up the penalties and pushing the ball downfield. Bo Nix currently is tied for 30th among all QBs with 6.7 air yards per attempt, a notable step back from the already-mediocre 7.3 he posted as a rookie.</p><h3>Some things never change</h3><p>The Jets landing Aaron Glenn as their head coach felt like it had the potential to be a culture-changer. We're still waiting for any signs of progress on that front. While much of the focus this week will be on Justin Fields' disaster performance in London (9-for-17, 45 yards, nine sacks), what else did we expect from a limited passer with exactly one starting-caliber receiver against the Broncos' defense? Fields isn't going to be the quarterback of this team next year. The more concerning part, for me, is that this operation as a whole seems like the same old Jets. The offense standing around with no sense of urgency as the clock ticked down at the end of the first half was a particularly terrible look for this new staff. The Jets are probably just one of those teams that has to show us something before we entertain the idea that things are going to be different.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32798528/related

Sunday Rundown: Key takeaways from Week 6's biggest games

We've all done it, right?  Top quarterback prospects are billed as franchise-changing figures. Th...

<p>We've all done it, right?</p><p>Top quarterback prospects are billed as franchise-changing figures. The moment that things aren't trending in that direction in the NFL, panic sets in. Before long, everything that made them such highly touted players is forgotten. Fans, talking heads, and even teams have never been more eager to throw another name into the "bust" category and move on.</p><p>But if ever there was a moment to rewire our brains, this is it.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The early stages of the 2025 season offer an important reminder that, as badly as we may want a young quarterback to single-handedly save a franchise, it's not a reasonable ask. At least not right away. Even more importantly, that quarterback has to be put in a position to succeed. If one team is incapable of creating that environment, that hardly means another team can't.</p><p>This year's top quarterback performers, according to TruMedia's EPA/dropback metric, include a number of the superstar talents you'd expect to be there. Three notable former castoffs are playing as well (or better) than those mainstays.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804874/Screenshot_2025-10-09_at_9.32.54_AM.jpg?ts=1760018153" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804874/Screenshot_2025-10-09_at_9.32.54_AM.jpg?ts=1760018153 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804874/Screenshot_2025-10-09_at_9.32.54_AM.jpg?ts=1760018153 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804874/Screenshot_2025-10-09_at_9.32.54_AM.jpg?ts=1760018153 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804874/Screenshot_2025-10-09_at_9.32.54_AM.jpg?ts=1760018153 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804874/Screenshot_2025-10-09_at_9.32.54_AM.jpg?ts=1760018153 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">TruMedia <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>Daniel Jones is easily the most fascinating of the bunch because - as I'll happily admit - I didn't think this was possible after he got run out of New York. Sure, the Giants were bad, but it was difficult to point to anything in Jones' game that suggested any sort of untapped potential. The 2019 No. 6 overall pick hadn't thrown more than 15 touchdowns in a single season since his rookie year.</p><p>A five-game sample is probably a little small for any sweeping conclusions, but it sure seems like he's found a home in Indianapolis. The Colts, unlike the Giants, provide an excellent ecosystem for a quarterback. A consistent running game has the offense working on schedule, and Jones has better pass protection than ever. Indy also has a wealth of weapons for him to utilize in the passing game, and Shane Steichen's system makes it easy for Jones to get the ball out of his hands on time. The result: a league-best 2.6% sack rate. For reference, he was sacked at a 8.5% clip across his six seasons in New York, 44th among all quarterbacks with at least 750 dropbacks.</p><p>Sam Darnold, selected No. 3 overall by the Jets in 2018, started his redemption arc last year with the Vikings. There was some skepticism about his ability to sustain that production outside the friendly confines of Kevin O'Connell's system, though, and a rocky stint in Carolina was still fresh in the minds of many. The Seahawks capitalized by scooping him up on a surprisingly affordable three-year, $100.5-million contract, and they're seeing an immediate return on their investment.</p><p>The 28-year-old is proving his belated 2024 breakout was only the beginning. Darnold leads a Seahawks offense that ranks fifth in scoring, ninth in yards, and eighth in EPA/play. Crucially, his ability to push the ball downfield has Seattle atop the league in explosive pass play percentage. Darnold's Week 3 performance in a blowout win over the Saints is the single best game from any quarterback this year by EPA/dropback. A 341-yard, four-touchdown effort last week against the Bucs is good for fourth on that list, and it would have been higher were it not for a bad-luck deflection on his last attempt of the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804909/cropped_GettyImages-1415872531.jpg?ts=1760029874" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804909/w220xh124_GettyImages-1415872531.jpg?ts=1760029874 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804909/w320xh180_GettyImages-1415872531.jpg?ts=1760029874 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804909/w640xh360_GettyImages-1415872531.jpg?ts=1760029874 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804909/w768xh432_GettyImages-1415872531.jpg?ts=1760029874 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804909/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1415872531.jpg?ts=1760029874 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>And then there's Baker Mayfield. The Bucs quarterback differs from Jones and Darnold in that he actually had some encouraging moments with Cleveland after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2018. But a playoff run in 2020 wasn't enough to keep the Browns from jumping into the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes a year later (oops!). After a challenging 2022 season split between the Panthers and Rams - the latter of which required him to pick up Sean McVay's offense on the fly - he became something of an afterthought.</p><p>The Bucs were happy to take a swing on his pedigree while trying to pick up the pieces after Tom Brady's retirement, and they were rewarded in a big way. Mayfield has consistently elevated his game since landing in Tampa Bay in 2022. Last year's 41-touchdown effort demonstrated the upside of combining his gunslinger style with a strong supporting cast. Injuries have kept that group from operating at full strength so far this year, but Mayfield hasn't missed a beat. He's thrown 10 touchdowns to just one interception, he's consistently making plays with his legs, and nobody is doing it better in crunch time. Each of the Bucs' four wins required a late, game-winning drive where Mayfield delivered points with less than a minute to play.</p><p>This conversation could even be expanded to include Mac Jones. The 49ers backup has now started three games in place of an injured Brock Purdy and ranks 12th in EPA/dropback. Kyle Shanahan's system has a reputation for getting the most out of quarterbacks - but that's kind of the point. How different would Jones' career look if, as was rumored at the time, the 49ers drafted him in 2021 instead of the Patriots? The No. 15 pick was the runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors that season, but everything fell apart when Bill Belichick turned the offense over to a career defensive coordinator. Shocking.</p><p>Are there highly drafted quarterbacks who probably would have failed no matter their circumstances? Of course, and there will be plenty more. But that list isn't nearly as long as today's QB discourse would have you believe.</p><p>Daniel Jones, Mayfield, and Darnold breaking through in better environments is an excellent example of how frequently talented players are wasted by incompetent organizations. There's a reason Adam Gase, Joe Judge, and Matt Rhule - the Panthers' head coach during the bizarre Darnold-Mayfield season in Carolina - aren't in the NFL anymore.</p><p>So before you rush to write off another young quarterback, consider whether his employer shares any responsibility for his early failures. Maybe the real busts are the teams that so consistently find themselves selecting at the top of the draft.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32744678/related

The rush to write off young QBs has never looked more ridiculous

<p><em>NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803464/cropped_GettyImages-2237683722.jpg?ts=1759804495" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803464/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237683722.jpg?ts=1759804495 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803464/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237683722.jpg?ts=1759804495 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803464/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237683722.jpg?ts=1759804495 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803464/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237683722.jpg?ts=1759804495 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803464/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237683722.jpg?ts=1759804495 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This year's Eagles are certainly more flawed than the team that won Super Bowl LIX, and a Week 5 loss to the Broncos is a wake-up call. But the quality of the four wins prior keeps them in the top spot for now.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">2. Detroit Lions (4-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p>The Lions have officially put to rest any concerns about losing both their coordinators in the same offseason. Detroit has the NFL's No. 4-ranked offense by EPA/play and is tied for sixth by the same metric on defense, according to TruMedia.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">3. Buffalo Bills (4-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><p>There's no need to overreact to Buffalo dropping a tough divisional game against a fast-rising Patriots team. However, the Bills' defense has to improve, and I still think they need a true No. 1 receiver to maximize everything Josh Allen brings to the table.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">4. Green Bay Packers (2-1-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p>The bye week came at a great time for a beat-up Packers offensive line. That group getting back to full strength would go a long way toward Green Bay reaching its Super Bowl ceiling.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><p>The Bucs would surely like to make some of these wins a little less stressful, but it's getting to the point where it feels like a forgone conclusion that they'll pull through when the game's on the line.</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">6. San Francisco 49ers (4-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p>San Francisco's injury issues kept me from putting too much stock into a productive first month. Beating the Rams with Mac Jones drawing in for an injured Brock Purdy gives me no choice but to give in and show the deserved respect.</p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">7. Los Angeles Rams (3-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><p>While the Rams should still be considered one of the top dogs in the NFC, falling to the shorthanded 49ers last week is a bitter pill to swallow. Opponents are starting to expose the back seven of this defense.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">8. Indianapolis Colts (4-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><p>Sunday's beatdown of the Raiders moves Indy to the top of the league in point differential at plus-74. And this isn't just about favorable matchups, either. The Colts are a problem.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">9. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><p>Now do you believe? A statement win over the Chiefs on Monday night all but confirms that Jacksonville's hot start was no mirage. Liam Coen is leading a top-10 offense by success rate, and the Jaguars' defense is tied for fourth in EPA/play.</p><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">10. Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804565/cropped_GettyImages-2239646210.jpg?ts=1759808410" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804565/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239646210.jpg?ts=1759808410 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804565/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239646210.jpg?ts=1759808410 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804565/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239646210.jpg?ts=1759808410 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804565/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239646210.jpg?ts=1759808410 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804565/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239646210.jpg?ts=1759808410 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Carlson / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><p>It would be tough to make the case for the Chiefs to be any lower than this. The three-time defending AFC champs are still far more dangerous than their record suggests. It's not where they want to be after five games, though, and next week's matchup against the Lions could very well drop them to 2-4.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">11. Washington Commanders (3-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p>Jayden Daniels is back after a two-game absence, and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is suddenly one of the NFL's most exciting running backs. A few more defensive performances like the one against the Chargers, and we can silence any talk of Year 2 regression.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">12. Denver Broncos (3-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><p>The Broncos didn't exactly start the season hot, but they could be primed to take off after a huge win over the Eagles. Denver's defense neutralized the Philly run game and got to Jalen Hurts for six sacks.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">13. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><p>Sunday's loss to the Bucs was a heartbreaker, but a productive day provided even more reason to believe that Sam Darnold is for real. The big-money free agent signing ranks third among all QBs in EPA/dropback.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">14. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p>Injuries are really starting to pile up for the Chargers after a promising start to the season. A depleted offensive line has allowed a league-worst 23 QB hits over the last three weeks, and star rookie Omarion Hampton will now miss at least the next four games.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">15. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/cropped_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804501/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237584677.jpg?ts=1759804585 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Seb Daly / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p>Here's hoping the Steelers spent the bye week focusing on ways to start pushing the ball downfield. The offense has shown flashes, but Aaron Rodgers averaging a league-worst 4.8 air yards per attempt won't cut it.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">16. New England Patriots (3-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p>Here comes the Patriots. A statement win over the Bills was a signature moment for both Drake Maye's arrival and the trajectory of this team as a whole. With a favorable upcoming schedule, New England could be a steady riser on the list for the next month.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">17. Chicago Bears (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p>The Bears' offense is slowly coming together under Ben Johnson, but that will only get them so far if the defense doesn't follow suit. Dennis Allen's unit ranks 30th in pass success rate and 32nd by the same metric in the run game.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">18. Minnesota Vikings (3-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><p>Needing to sweat out a last-second win over the Browns isn't a good sign for the weeks and months ahead. Among other things, the Vikings will need better quarterback play to survive an upcoming stretch against the Eagles, Chargers, and Lions.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">19. Houston Texans (2-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p>Are the Texans finally starting to figure things out, or is this two-game win streak the result of a soft stretch of the schedule? Maybe it's both. Houston has a chance to make a run if its offense can sustain what we saw in Sunday's blowout win over the Ravens.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">20. Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804361/cropped_GettyImages-2239420271.jpg?ts=1759804612" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804361/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239420271.jpg?ts=1759804612 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804361/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239420271.jpg?ts=1759804612 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804361/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239420271.jpg?ts=1759804612 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804361/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239420271.jpg?ts=1759804612 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804361/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239420271.jpg?ts=1759804612 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sarah Stier / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><p>Are the Cowboys ... fun? The defense isn't going to offer much, but the offense is good enough to give Dallas a chance to win every week. Dak Prescott is playing the best football of his career, and this run game produces no matter how many starters are missing on the offensive line.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">21. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p>Michael Penix Jr. was excellent in Atlanta's Week 4 win over Washington. The Falcons will emerge as a playoff contender if the 25-year-old quarterback can build on that breakout performance coming out of the bye.</p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">22. Baltimore Ravens (1-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><p>The Ravens are in trouble. Lamar Jackson and a few other key players could return soon, but there's already so little room for error. The Rams are up next, and only four teams in NFL history have made the playoffs after starting a season 1-5.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">23. Cleveland Browns (1-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p>The Browns are at least an interesting watch. That's more than we can say about the rest of the teams in this tier. A spectacular rookie class provides the foundation for a new era that could take shape faster than many are expecting.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">24. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><p>Arizona's mistake-filled collapse against Tennessee is just about as bad as it gets in this league. While the embarrassing loss doesn't have to define the Cardinals' season, it's not like we've seen anything to make us believe that this team is any good.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">25. Carolina Panthers (2-3)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804352/cropped_GettyImages-2239423286.jpg?ts=1759804689" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804352/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239423286.jpg?ts=1759804689 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804352/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239423286.jpg?ts=1759804689 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804352/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239423286.jpg?ts=1759804689 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804352/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239423286.jpg?ts=1759804689 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804352/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239423286.jpg?ts=1759804689 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Josh Lavallee / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><p>Rico Dowdle was the star in Carolina's comeback win over Miami, ripping off a career-high 206 yards in a spot start. Bryce Young must find some semblance of consistency if this squad is to be competitive. Until then, the roller-coaster ride continues.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">26. Miami Dolphins (1-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p>Just when it seemed like the Dolphins' offense had finally started to get things back on track, Miami ended up punting on six of its last seven drives against Carolina. Mike McDaniel's seat is heating up.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">27. New Orleans Saints (1-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p>It'll probably be a while before the Saints return to relevance, but Kellen Moore quietly has his new team doing some good things. Notably, Sunday's win over the Giants provided further confirmation that Spencer Rattler can play quarterback in this league.</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">28. New York Giants (1-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><p>The turnover issues we saw against the Saints were an important reminder that Jaxson Dart's development will be a process. And that was arguably the easiest matchup he'll face all year. These next three weeks (versus Eagles, at Broncos, at Eagles) will be a tough test for the rookie quarterback.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">29. Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><p>Pete Carroll talked a big game about how the Raiders would compete right away, and they've done anything but. After a 40-6 loss to the Colts, fans are still looking for a reason to believe this new regime is any different than the incompetent ones that came before.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">30. Tennessee Titans (1-4)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804397/cropped_GettyImages-2239048721.jpg?ts=1759804777" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804397/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239048721.jpg?ts=1759804777 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804397/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239048721.jpg?ts=1759804777 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804397/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239048721.jpg?ts=1759804777 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804397/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239048721.jpg?ts=1759804777 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804397/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239048721.jpg?ts=1759804777 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p>The Cardinals provided an assist in helping the Titans secure their first win of the year, but it was still nice to see Cam Ward and the offense capitalize on their extra opportunities with a few scoring drives in crunch time. The rookie signal-caller could be a star when he gets the right supporting cast.</p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">31. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><p>Joe Burrow's absence is highlighting the fact that this is one of the worst-constructed rosters in football. Zac Taylor's staff doesn't do much to compensate, either. Are we sure the Bengals will win another game this season?</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">32. New York Jets (0-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><p>The Jets are the NFL's last remaining winless team. While the offense has produced at least a few encouraging moments, the defense is another story. A talented unit giving up a league-worst 24 plays of 20-plus yards isn't the best look for Aaron Glenn and this new coaching staff.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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NFL Power Rankings - Week 6: Patriots climb, Ravens tumble

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h2>Sunday night spotlight</h2><h3>Maye's arrival</h3><p>The Patriots officially have their next superstar quarterback. Drake Maye had been trending in this direction for a while now, with a strong first month building upon the flashes he showed as a rookie. But standout games against the likes of the Dolphins and Panthers were never going to be enough to win over the masses. Outdueling Josh Allen to take down the previously undefeated Bills on the road is an entirely different story. Maye has everything you could possibly want from a franchise quarterback in today's game. The arm talent is special, he's an excellent runner, and he's got the poise and playmaking traits to put it all together and elevate everything around him. This is the kind of player who can turn a team into a playoff regular, and Mike Vrabel may well be in the early stages of building a program capable of maximizing that rare opportunity. The Patriots' run of irrelevance sure didn't last long.</p><h3>Diggs still has it</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804440/cropped_GettyImages-2239455148.jpg?ts=1759719692" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804440/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239455148.jpg?ts=1759719692 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804440/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239455148.jpg?ts=1759719692 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804440/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239455148.jpg?ts=1759719692 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804440/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239455148.jpg?ts=1759719692 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804440/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239455148.jpg?ts=1759719692 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Stefon Diggs is developing something of a reputation for helping young quarterbacks take the next step. His arrival in Buffalo was a big factor for Josh Allen's breakout in 2019, and he's having a similar impact with Maye in New England. Diggs didn't come flying out of the gates to open the season, managing just 112 yards across the first three games combined. But a slow start was always a reasonable expectation coming off a torn ACL. He began to find his stride with 101 yards on six receptions last week before victimizing the Bills to the tune of 10 catches for 146 yards in a prime-time revenge spot. The impressive night marks his highest yardage output since 2022 and the makes him the first Patriots receiver to post consecutive 100-yard games since Julian Edelman in 2019. The 31-year-old could be in for a massive bounce-back year as he and Maye continue to develop their connection.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h2>Late-afternoon games</h2><h3>Bucs always find a way</h3><p>The Bucs are absolutely ridiculous. History tells us that teams so consistently needing last-gasp efforts to pull out wins are destined for regression. In most cases, I'd be inclined to tap that sign here. But I can't help but buy in to the magic after Sunday's thrilling win over the Seahawks. This team has an undeniable knack for coming through in the clutch. It all starts with Baker Mayfield, who capped his 379-yard day with yet another incredible play for a game-tying score late in the fourth quarter. Lavonte David's interception immediately got the ball back, and Rachaad White recording his longest run of the day on third-and-7 ensured Tampa Bay could run the clock out before kicking the game-winner. Ideally, the Bucs wouldn't need to sweat out so many of these games. Once the offense gets back to full strength, it's possible they won't. Either way, it can't hurt that they're so comfortable when the stakes are highest.</p><h3>Seattle was right</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804395/cropped_GettyImages-2239442583.jpg?ts=1759711635" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804395/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239442583.jpg?ts=1759711635 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804395/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239442583.jpg?ts=1759711635 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804395/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239442583.jpg?ts=1759711635 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804395/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239442583.jpg?ts=1759711635 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804395/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239442583.jpg?ts=1759711635 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Olivia Vanni / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Hand up: I was one of the many who didn't understand what the Seahawks were trying to do this offseason. Trading away Geno Smith and signing Sam Darnold felt like an obvious downgrade at the most important position on the field. And while Cooper Kupp was a name at a position of need, the fit seemed odd with Jaxon Smith-Njigba already in place as the primary slot receiver. Well, the Seahawks were right. Darnold has been sensational. Last year's breakout was just the beginning. An unlucky interception ultimately spoiled the end result this week, but his 341-yard, four-touchdown outing now has him ranked third among all QBs in EPA/dropback, according to TruMedia. Smith, meanwhile, has seen his play fall off a cliff after the move to Las Vegas. All the pieces of this offense, including Smith-Njigba and Kupp, have fit together extremely well under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and it may only get better from here. The Seahawks are a legitimate contender in the NFC.</p><h3>An all-time collapse</h3><p>The Cardinals finding a way to drop Sunday's game against the Titans is one of the worst losses you will ever see in the NFL. This one should have been over early in the fourth quarter when Emari Demercado broke free for a 72-yard TD run. But the score remained 21-6 when replay showed that he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line. The Titans immediately capitalized on the new life, with Cam Ward delivering an 80-yard TD drive to cut the lead to nine. While it appeared the Arizona defense had stepped up to slam the door shut the next time out, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson fumbled his interception and the ball was kicked around before being recovered in the end zone for wild Titans score. The offense was again forced to punt the ball back to the Titans six plays later, and a few big plays got Tennessee in position for the game-winning kick. I have no idea what the Cardinals are, but I do know a playoff team doesn't lose like that to the Titans.</p><h3>JCM taking off</h3><p>Anyone who follows fantasy football trends throughout the preseason knows all about Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Once a late-round sleeper worth monitoring, the seventh-round rookie quickly saw his hype go through the roof. At first, it was your standard training camp buzz. Then, the Commanders traded away Brian Robinson. By the time draft season had ramped up in full, he was a regular in the eighth round. The opportunity was there as part of a strong offense, but it seemed possible - maybe even likely - that expectations were getting out of hand. Five games in, nobody is having buyer's remorse. Croskey-Merritt had slowly been trending toward separating himself in Washington's backfield, and now we have the big breakout performance we'd been waiting for. His 111-yard, two-touchdown effort this week was a critical factor in an impressive road win over the Chargers. Some may be inclined to sell high here, but I think this may only be the start of his ascent. Croskey-Merritt currently leads all running backs with 6.6 yards per carry. His unique combination of explosiveness and lateral agility is an especially intriguing fit in a well-designed run game. The Commanders are going to have a tough time keeping him off the field.</p><h2>Early kickoffs</h2><h3>Colts are for real</h3><p>The Raiders may not provide much of a measuring stick, but that wouldn't have stopped previous iterations of the Colts from making things more interesting than they needed to be. This one is different. Sunday's blowout win over Las Vegas was Indy's most complete effort yet. Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor are leading the charge for the NFL's most efficient offense (54.5% success rate), while the defense has taken a major step forward under Lou Anarumo. The special teams units even got in on the fun this week with a blocked punt. The Colts are going to be a problem in the AFC.</p><h3>Dart struggles</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804372/cropped_GettyImages-2239431975.jpg?ts=1759700348" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804372/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239431975.jpg?ts=1759700348 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804372/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239431975.jpg?ts=1759700348 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804372/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239431975.jpg?ts=1759700348 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804372/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239431975.jpg?ts=1759700348 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804372/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239431975.jpg?ts=1759700348 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Logan Bowles / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>As we discussed last week, Dart is going to be a work in progress throughout his rookie season. It's exciting to have him on the field, and his athletic abilities can absolutely open things up to an extent. But it was never going to be fair to expect him to come in and start lighting it up as passer. Sunday's loss to the Saints gave us a good look at the challenges New York will face with a young passer learning on the fly. Dart accounted for three turnovers on the day, including a bizarre fumble and a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions. With Darius Slayton and Cam Skattebo chipping in fumbles of their own, the end result was the Giants failing to put any more points on the board after jumping out to a 14-3 lead. There will be plenty of fun moments in the months ahead, but that Saints game was easily the most favorable matchup on an incredibly challenging schedule. Giants fans should be prepared for growing pains.</p><h3>Momentum for Houston</h3><p>We probably shouldn't put too much stock into the Texans running off back-to-back wins. While the Titans have a real case as the worst team in football, this version of the Ravens - missing as many key players as they are - may not be far off. But the blowout wins against both over the last two weeks are still incredibly encouraging after what we saw from this team over the first three games of the year. C.J. Stroud dicing up Baltimore for 244 yards and four TDs, most notably, is a picture-perfect way for the offense to enter the bye week. Can this inspiring stretch establish a rhythm and allow this offense to look more like the explosive unit we saw during Stroud's rookie season? A Week 7 matchup with a stingy Seahawks defense should tell us everything we need to know on that front.</p><h3>McDaniel waves the white flag</h3><p>I don't love making a weekly talking point out of fourth-down calls - it gets a little repetitive for my liking. But whose fault is that? NFL coaches insist on making these mistakes over and over again. Mike McDaniel made his case for the most cowardly decision of the season by effectively conceding defeat late in Sunday's loss to the Panthers. Trailing by three points with 1:10 to play, the Dolphins coach opted to punt the ball back to Carolina. Converting on a 4th-and-17 from your own 15-yard line is certainly a long shot, but there's simply no excuse for giving up possession with such little time on the clock. Three timeouts weren't going to save the Dolphins when the defense had already given up over 200 rushing yards to Rico Dowdle. The Dolphins have looked better after a rough start, but decisions like this aren't going to help McDaniel's chances of keeping his job.</p><h3>Williams returns to form</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804349/cropped_GettyImages-2239410161.jpg?ts=1759700391" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804349/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239410161.jpg?ts=1759700391 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804349/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239410161.jpg?ts=1759700391 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804349/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239410161.jpg?ts=1759700391 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804349/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239410161.jpg?ts=1759700391 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804349/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239410161.jpg?ts=1759700391 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sarah Stier / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jerry Jones gets a lot criticism for the way he does business, most of which is deserved. The Cowboys entering the season with Javonte Williams as their lead back seemed like the latest example of the owner getting cheap with a clear area of need. It's not looking so crazy now, is it? Williams, finally healthy after a rough road back from injuries in Denver, looks like the player so many thought he could be in the 2021 draft. The former second-rounder is currently the NFL's third-leading rusher after putting up a career-high 135 yards in Sunday's win over the Jets. He's the perfect complement for a passing game that's operating at a high level even without CeeDee Lamb. Not bad for a player picked up on a one-year, $3-million deal.</p><h3>Vikings have work to do</h3><p>The Vikings head into the bye week at 3-2 after surviving a scare against the Browns. It's technically enough to keep them in the mix in the NFC, but that's not going to last if they don't find a way to improve the run defense (tied for 24th by EPA/rush) and get more out of the quarterback position. Neither Carson Wentz nor J.J. McCarthy have been able to meet the low bar to keep things humming in Kevin O'Connell's offense. A beat-up offensive line hasn't helped matters, but these shortcomings could really get exposed with the Eagles, Chargers, and Lions up next. The schedule doesn't get much easier after that, either. It's becoming difficult to imagine this team parlaying the offseason excitement into a playoff run.</p><h3>Patience required</h3><p>The Browns would have loved to close out the Vikings for a big upset in London, but wins aren't necessarily everything in this case. I'm once again choosing to see the positives despite the end result. This rookie class, led by standout running back Quinshon Judkins, continues to generate optimism for the future. The win total may not be all that impressive by the end of the season, but it's crucial that ownership is able to see the vision. Kevin Stefanski knows how to put together an offense when he's not tasked with catering to Deshaun Watson. Dillon Gabriel looking as comfortable as he did in his first career start speaks to that ability. Stay the course with the current staff, find a quarterback at the top of next year's draft, and this team will be ready to roll by the time it can get out from under the worst contract of all time in 2027.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.  This week, we take a look ...

<p><em>NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.</em></p><p><em>This week, we take a look at every team's most valuable non-quarterback through four games.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803503/cropped_GettyImages-2236760871.jpg?ts=1759200367" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803503/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236760871.jpg?ts=1759200367 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803503/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236760871.jpg?ts=1759200367 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803503/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236760871.jpg?ts=1759200367 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803503/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236760871.jpg?ts=1759200367 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803503/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236760871.jpg?ts=1759200367 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><p><strong>Zack Baun.</strong> The Eagles' offense isn't quite there, but the defense is picking up the slack. Baun building off last year's All-Pro breakout is a big reason why.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">2. Buffalo Bills (4-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><p><strong>James Cook.</strong> He tops all running backs with five rushing scores and ranks second only to Jonathan Taylor with 401 yards. It's long past time that Cook gets his due as one of the best in the game.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">3. Detroit Lions (3-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p><strong>Amon-Ra St. Brown. </strong>The Lions' offense hasn't missed a beat after the offseason coordinator change. Having an elite target like St. Brown definitely helps. He already has a league-leading six receiving touchdowns.</p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">4. Los Angeles Rams (3-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><p><strong>Puka Nacua.</strong> It's still early, but Nacua could be chasing history this year. The Rams star is somehow on a 17-game pace for 178 catches and 2,137 yards. Those numbers would shatter the NFL's single-season records.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">5. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803332/cropped_GettyImages-2237913547.jpg?ts=1759200392" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803332/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237913547.jpg?ts=1759200392 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803332/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237913547.jpg?ts=1759200392 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803332/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237913547.jpg?ts=1759200392 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803332/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237913547.jpg?ts=1759200392 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803332/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237913547.jpg?ts=1759200392 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Al Bello / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><p><strong>Quentin Johnston.</strong> Once labeled a first-round bust, Johnston is having a breakout third year that has ignited the Chargers' passing game. His 337 yards and four touchdowns have gone a long way toward compensating for Ladd McConkey's quiet start.</p><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">6. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><p><strong>Xavier Worthy.</strong> I'm not a huge fan of making MVP cases by what things look like when a player isn't on the field, but this is a unique case. It's no coincidence that the Chiefs' offense took off when Worthy returned from injury to face the Ravens.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">7. Green Bay Packers (2-1-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p><strong>Micah Parsons.</strong> The Cowboys provided some cause for concern, but the Packers' defense had been one of the best units in football beforehand. Parsons' arrival was, unsurprisingly, the catalyst for that development.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><p><strong>Emeka Egbuka.</strong> Chris Godwin didn't make his season debut until Week 4, stepping in just as Mike Evans started what could be a multi-game absence. The Bucs' receiving corps could have been in trouble if it weren't for Egbuka immediately emerging as a superstar.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">9. Indianapolis Colts (3-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p><strong>Jonathan Taylor.</strong> With the Colts' offense finally finding stability under Daniel Jones, their run game has taken off. Taylor has a league-best 414 rushing yards and is the early front-runner for Offensive Player of the Year.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">10. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802871/cropped_GettyImages-2235403216.jpg?ts=1759200430" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802871/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235403216.jpg?ts=1759200430 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802871/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235403216.jpg?ts=1759200430 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802871/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235403216.jpg?ts=1759200430 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802871/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235403216.jpg?ts=1759200430 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802871/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235403216.jpg?ts=1759200430 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin K. Aller / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><p><strong>Jaxon Smith-Njigba.</strong> The Seahawks' signing of Cooper Kupp felt like a bit of a weird fit alongside Smith-Njigba, who had also always done his best work out of the slot. However, Smith-Njigba has taken his game to yet another level in Year 3, dominating regardless of where he lines up.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">11. Washington Commanders (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><p><strong>Dorance Armstrong.</strong> The Commanders needed to improve their pass rush this season, and Armstrong answered the call. The 28-year-old is off to the best start of his career, recording three sacks and leading all qualified defensive linemen in pressure rate, according to Next Gen Stats.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">12. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p><strong>Devin Lloyd.</strong> Jacksonville's defense has been better than anyone could have expected. Lloyd, tied for the league lead with three interceptions, has a significant role in that charge.</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">13. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p><strong>Fred Warner.</strong> Warner has long been one of the NFL's best players. A linebacker with a nose for the football and the coverage skills of a safety is basically a cheat code for the 49ers' defense.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">14. Denver Broncos (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p><strong>Garett Bolles.</strong> An outstanding offensive line is the foundation for everything the Broncos do on that side of the ball. Bolles only seems to be getting better with age, as he's been one of the NFL's most consistent pass-blocking left tackles.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">15. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803282/cropped_GettyImages-2237581016.jpg?ts=1759200482" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803282/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237581016.jpg?ts=1759200482 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803282/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237581016.jpg?ts=1759200482 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803282/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237581016.jpg?ts=1759200482 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803282/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237581016.jpg?ts=1759200482 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803282/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237581016.jpg?ts=1759200482 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Seb Daly / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><p><strong>DK Metcalf.</strong> Pittsburgh's big move at receiver is paying off, as Metcalf has touchdowns in each of the last three games. His 126-yard day against the Vikings is a sign of what's possible as he and Aaron Rodgers get more reps together.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">16. Minnesota Vikings (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><p><strong>Jordan Mason.</strong> The Vikings' quarterback play wasn't exactly a highlight of the opening month. Fortunately for this offense, the Mason acquisition has provided a much-needed boost to the ground game. He's a top-10 running back by rush yards over expected.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">17. Chicago Bears (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p><strong>Rome Odunze.</strong> Caleb Williams has a new No. 1 receiver. Odunze is showing all the traits that made him a top-10 pick in last year's draft, posting 296 yards and five touchdowns through four games.</p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">18. Baltimore Ravens (1-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p><strong>Kyle Hamilton.</strong> The defense may be crumbling around him, but Hamilton remains football's best safety. It might not be all that close, either.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">19. Houston Texans (1-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><p><strong>Will Anderson Jr.</strong> Continuing to take steps to become one of the NFL's best pass-rushers, Anderson posted sacks in each of Houston's first three games. He's also tied for the league lead with 22 pressures.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">20. Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803437/cropped_GettyImages-2237679722.jpg?ts=1759200515" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803437/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237679722.jpg?ts=1759200515 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803437/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237679722.jpg?ts=1759200515 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803437/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237679722.jpg?ts=1759200515 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803437/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237679722.jpg?ts=1759200515 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803437/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237679722.jpg?ts=1759200515 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p><strong>George Pickens.</strong> The Cowboys' offense needed a big-play threat on the outside, and Pickens has provided precisely that. CeeDee Lamb's recent injury also makes Pickens' presence that much more valuable.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">21. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><p><strong>Bijan Robinson.</strong> The Falcons' offense is having an up-and-down start, but Robinson brings it every week. His do-it-all skill set might be as close as it gets to Christian McCaffrey, and he's already produced a pair of 100-yard receiving games.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">22. New England Patriots (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><p><strong>Christian Barmore.</strong> Don't let traditional box score stats fool you here because Barmore has picked up right where he left off before last season's health issues. He leads all interior defensive linemen in pressure rate this campaign at 16.1%.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">23. Arizona Cardinals (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><p><strong>Trey McBride.</strong> The Cardinals aren't quite getting what they need from the receiver position, as Marvin Harrison Jr. is still searching for consistency. Having one of the NFL's premier tight ends certainly helps.</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">24. New York Giants (1-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><p><strong>Brian Burns.</strong> The Giants' pass rush is starting to come together, and Burns is the leader of that talented group. He's gotten to the quarterback in each of New York's four games, tying for the league lead with five sacks.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">25. Cleveland Browns (1-3)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801970/cropped_GettyImages-2234364983.jpg?ts=1759200544" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801970/w220xh124_GettyImages-2234364983.jpg?ts=1759200544 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801970/w320xh180_GettyImages-2234364983.jpg?ts=1759200544 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801970/w640xh360_GettyImages-2234364983.jpg?ts=1759200544 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801970/w768xh432_GettyImages-2234364983.jpg?ts=1759200544 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801970/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2234364983.jpg?ts=1759200544 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Miller / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><p><strong>Myles Garrett.</strong> This one is a bit of a layup. Garrett might be the best player in football, regardless of position. He's again been a nightmare for opponents to block this campaign, ranking second among defensive linemen in pressure rate.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">26. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p><strong>Maxx Crosby.</strong> Not only is Crosby the kind of player who opposing teams have to double-team in pass protection, but they'd probably be better off just not running to his side of the formation. Crosby was single-handedly blowing up one play after another in Week 4 against the Bears.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">27. Miami Dolphins (1-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><p><strong>De'Von Achane.</strong> He may not be a traditional feature back, but Achane is the centerpiece of Mike McDaniel's offense. Even when the run game is overwhelmed, he makes his presence felt as a high-volume receiver out of the backfield.</p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">28. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p><strong>Trey Hendrickson.</strong> Hendrickson is maintaining his level of play despite getting no help from the rest of the defense. Considering this season is already going down the drain without Joe Burrow, now may be the time to trade Hendrickson for assets that can help rebuild a brutal roster.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">29. Carolina Panthers (1-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p><strong>Tetairoa McMillan.</strong> The Panthers still have a long way to go elsewhere on offense, but at least Bryce Young now has a true No. 1 wideout. McMillan leads the team with 278 receiving yards, while no other pass-catcher has topped the century mark.</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">30. New York Jets (0-4)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803583/cropped_GettyImages-2235662818.jpg?ts=1759203380" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803583/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235662818.jpg?ts=1759203380 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803583/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235662818.jpg?ts=1759203380 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803583/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235662818.jpg?ts=1759203380 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803583/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235662818.jpg?ts=1759203380 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803583/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235662818.jpg?ts=1759203380 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jordan Bank / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><p><strong>Garrett Wilson.</strong> Whichever quarterback the Jets end up drafting early next year is going to love throwing to Wilson. The former first-rounder's production of 311 yards (sixth) and three touchdowns (tied for eighth) is even more impressive given he's the only real threat in a flawed passing game.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">31. Tennessee Titans (0-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p><strong>Jeffery Simmons.</strong> It's been business as usual for the Titans' best player. Simmons is dominating no matter what else is going on around him, sitting one back of Barmore for tops among interior defensive linemen in pressures.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">32. New Orleans Saints (0-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p><strong>DeMario Davis.</strong> Look no further for the Saints' most attractive trade chip leading up to the deadline. Davis is still playing the run at a high level in his age-36 season. He set a new career high with 136 tackles in 2024, and he's on a 17-game pace for 161 this year.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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NFL Power Rankings - Week 5: Every team's non-QB MVP so far

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h2>Sunday night spotlight</h2><h3>Packers deserved worse</h3><p>It's probably strange to suggest that the Packers should feel fortunate to escape Dallas with a tie. Heading in, anything other than a convincing win would have been a disappointment. Based on the way they handled the end-of-game chaos - bleeding clock in OT before taking a shot at the end zone and somehow still having time for a game-tying kick - the 40-40 draw was far better than they deserved. Even with Micah Parsons in a juicy revenge spot, the defense was unable to take advantage of a beat-up Cowboys offensive line. The result was -0.52 EPA/play, the worst performance of Jeff Hafley's brief run as defensive coordinator and tied for the fourth-worst outing from a defense so far in 2025, according to TruMedia. The special teams units were an adventure in this one, too. This looked like the best team in football over the first two weeks of the season. Perhaps it starts trending back in that direction before long, but the Packers suddenly have work to do at 2-1-1.</p><h3>Dak rules</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803439/cropped_GettyImages-2237679917.jpg?ts=1759117943" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803439/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237679917.jpg?ts=1759117943 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803439/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237679917.jpg?ts=1759117943 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803439/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237679917.jpg?ts=1759117943 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803439/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237679917.jpg?ts=1759117943 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803439/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237679917.jpg?ts=1759117943 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Narratives around Dak Prescott have always reminded me of Tony Romo. A supremely talented quarterback who, for reasons largely beyond his control, never gets the respect he deserves. That's just the unfortunate reality of playing a leading role for a version of America's Team that always finds a way to come up short. Maybe the Parsons trade, oddly enough, can help change that perception. The Cowboys' defense is predictably awful without its former superstar pass-rusher. Anyone who watched Sunday night's matchup understands that Prescott is the reason this team has a chance to win games anyway. The veteran quarterback was playing out of his mind in this particular contest, completing 31 of 40 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. His wild heave to Jalen Tolbert in overtime is the <a href="https://x.com/NextGenStats/status/1972511241223696698">second-most improbable completion</a> of the Next Gen Stats era. The Cowboys have no business being in the playoffs this year. If they somehow make it happen, it better come with some legitimate MVP love for Prescott.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h2>Late-afternoon games</h2><h3>Ravens in trouble</h3><p>I wasn't planning to be overly concerned about whichever team fell to 1-3 after Sunday's heavyweight matchup between the Chiefs and Ravens. I would have stuck to it if Baltimore was even remotely competitive, but I'm not going to be preaching patience anymore. The 37-20 final doesn't even begin to tell the story of how this one went for Baltimore. Lamar Jackson coughed up a pair of crucial turnovers, the offense was oddly eager to abandon a Derrick Henry-led run game, and the defense continues to look like a shell of the dominant group we saw over the second half of last season. That unit currently ranks 30th in EPA/play. The Ravens still have as much talent as any roster in football, but the injuries are really starting to pile up. Jackson, Ronnie Stanley, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins all left this week's game with injuries. Jackson, alone, missing any time with his hamstring injury could be enough to dig a hole that's too big to get out of this year.</p><h3>A silver lining</h3><p>The Colts couldn't close out a win over the Rams, but that shouldn't have much impact on the way we look at this team moving forward. Being in position to beat a Super Bowl contender like this should be taken as a sign that everything else we've seen over the first month of the season is no mirage. Indy might have run away with this one were it not for AD Mitchell fumbling away a long touchdown at the goal line and committing a back-breaking holding call to wipe out Jonathan Taylor's go-ahead score. Daniel Jones, no matter what doubts we may hold about his true upside, is proving to be a steadying presence at the controls of Shane Steichen's offense. And the defense has had some great moments in the early days under Lou Anarumo. The Colts are going to be a tough matchup for pretty much anyone they face.</p><h3>Puka on record pace</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803406/cropped_GettyImages-2237668543.jpg?ts=1759107328" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803406/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237668543.jpg?ts=1759107328 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803406/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237668543.jpg?ts=1759107328 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803406/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237668543.jpg?ts=1759107328 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803406/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237668543.jpg?ts=1759107328 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803406/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237668543.jpg?ts=1759107328 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robert Gauthier / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>We're only four games into the season, so it's probably a little early to start monitoring records. But another monster game from Puka Nacua creates a special situation worth your attention. The Rams superstar is already up to 42 catches for 503 yards on the year, putting him on a 17-game pace of 178 catches and 2,137 yards. That unfathomable stat line would shatter both single-season records. Michael Thomas owns the all-time receptions mark at 149, while Calvin Johnson still has the best yardage total at 1,964. The arrival of Davante Adams might cap Nacua's touchdown potential, irritating fantasy football managers in the process, but the volume he sees everywhere else on the field remains sky-high. And why wouldn't it? There might not be a more dominant receiver in the game right now.</p><h3>Are the Jags ... good?</h3><p>Early-season wins over the Panthers and Texans weren't enough to ease concerns I had about the Jaguars heading in. A road win over the undefeated 49ers, though? Now we're talking. While I'd still like to see more from Trevor Lawrence, Liam Coen quickly has this offense moving in the right direction no matter what he gets from his quarterback. The run game, in particular, has been a meaningful upgrade over what we saw from this group last year. And the defense has been even better. A new system appears to have unlocked a group that finished last season ranked 31st in EPA/play. Four games into this new era, the Jacksonville defense is tied for second by that same metric.</p><h3>49ers missing Bosa</h3><p>The 49ers might need to make a trade if this defense is going to survive without Nick Bosa. The pass rush was virtually non-existent against the Jaguars, as San Francisco was held without a single sack or QB hit. Unfortunately for the 49ers, it might be a while before certain teams are willing to accept their fates as deadline sellers. Robert Saleh is going to have to get creative when it comes to cooking up pressure in upcoming games against the Rams and Bucs. A 3-0 start could disappear in a hurry without meaningful improvement in that all-important area of the game.</p><h3>Geno struggling</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803407/cropped_GettyImages-2237935124.jpg?ts=1759107401" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803407/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237935124.jpg?ts=1759107401 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803407/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237935124.jpg?ts=1759107401 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803407/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237935124.jpg?ts=1759107401 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803407/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237935124.jpg?ts=1759107401 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803407/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237935124.jpg?ts=1759107401 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Raiders trading for Geno Smith was supposed to be a game-changer. And considering the way he played in Seattle over the last few years, getting him for a third-round pick felt like a steal. The excitement around that move has all but disappeared just four games in. His three interceptions were the difference in a heartbreaking loss to the Bears this week, and he's now up to a league-worst seven picks. Smith is no stranger to INTs, but it was never this bad with the Seahawks. The Raiders will have no chance at bouncing back from their tough start if he doesn't start taking care of the ball.</p><h2>Early kickoffs</h2><h3>Dart helps Giants stun Chargers</h3><p>Jaxson Dart certainly wasn't perfect in his first NFL start, throwing for just 111 yards and taking five sacks. But perfection was never the expectation. The Giants were looking for a spark against one of the NFL's best defenses, and that's exactly what they got. The first-round rookie was a breath of fresh air for an offense that had little-to-no juice with Russell Wilson. His ability to make things happen with his legs (54 yards, 1 TD) was crucial in complementing an outstanding effort from the defense and pulling off a shocking win over the Chargers. Dart's development as a passer will be fascinating to monitor in the weeks and months ahead. Unfortunately, he'll have to set out on that journey without the benefit of an elite receiver. Malik Nabers is reportedly believed to have suffered a torn ACL in the win.</p><h3>Chargers OL falling apart</h3><p>Rashawn Slater going down with a season-ending knee injury in training camp was a massive blow to the Chargers' plans on the offensive line. Joe Alt exiting Sunday's game with a reported high ankle sprain complicated matters even further. The early prognosis suggests the star sophomore avoided any sort of long-term injury, but he'll almost certainly miss some time in the coming weeks. As we saw against the Giants, that could present some significant problems for the Chargers' offensive line in the coming weeks. Justin Herbert was under constant pressure in Sunday's upset defeat.</p><h3>Penix bounces back</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803322/cropped_GettyImages-2237908198.jpg?ts=1759107428" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803322/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237908198.jpg?ts=1759107428 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803322/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237908198.jpg?ts=1759107428 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803322/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237908198.jpg?ts=1759107428 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803322/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237908198.jpg?ts=1759107428 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803322/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237908198.jpg?ts=1759107428 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>It wasn't looking good for Michael Penix Jr. this time last week. His performance in a 30-0 loss to the Panthers seemed like a bad sign for his chances of a sophomore breakout, but he responded in the best way possible. The former first-rounder played the best game of his young career in Sunday's win over the Commanders, completing 20 of 26 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns. He did have another bad interception, but the Falcons will live with the occasional turnover when he's making this many plays downfield. The unique arm talent is what makes him a potential difference-maker.</p><h3>Tomlin gets away with it</h3><p>There were several positives to take away from the Steelers' win over the Vikings in Dublin. DK Metcalf finally got involved in a big way (5 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD), Kenneth Gainwell spearheaded a shockingly efficient day on the ground, and the defense managed to get on track (6 sacks, 2 INTs) after a rough start to the year. But Pittsburgh allowed Minnesota to hang around and Mike Tomlin's decision-making nearly gave the game away at the end. Punting the ball instead of trying to put the game away with a 4th-and-1 play on the Vikings' 40-yard line is inexcusable. The Steelers might make some noise this year, and this was a big win to that end, but they aren't good enough to consistently overcome outdated game management.</p><h3>Vikings needed that one</h3><p>It may not seem like a Week 4 loss to the Steelers is that big of a deal - the Vikings are sitting at a respectable 2-2 after the opening month of the season. Take a look at the upcoming schedule, though, and it becomes clear that this game was a major missed opportunity. Wins over the Steelers and the Browns next week would've given the Vikings a 4-1 start to the season, and that could've gone a long way toward their chances of surviving the gauntlet stretch that lies ahead. After the Browns and their bye, the Vikings get the Eagles, Chargers, Lions, Ravens, Bears, Packers, and Seahawks. There could be plenty of losses over that stretch if the quarterback play isn't better than what we've seen from J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz.</p><h3>Patriots trending up?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803368/cropped_GettyImages-2237646746.jpg?ts=1759107464" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803368/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237646746.jpg?ts=1759107464 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803368/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237646746.jpg?ts=1759107464 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803368/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237646746.jpg?ts=1759107464 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803368/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237646746.jpg?ts=1759107464 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803368/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237646746.jpg?ts=1759107464 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>We'll have to take this week's result with a grain of salt, as the Panthers aren't exactly the most daunting opponent. But that doesn't mean it can't still be an important sign of progress for this Patriots team. Sunday's 42-13 victory was easily New England's most complete effort of the year. Drake Maye was nearly perfect on his limited attempts, the defense gave up all of six points until a garbage-time score, and Marcus Jones ripped off an 87-yard punt return touchdown. Most importantly, after last week's five-turnover debacle, the offense took care of the ball. Next week's Sunday night game in Buffalo will be a really interesting test for a team that should only continue to round into form as the season moves forward.</p><h3>Callahan on thin ice?</h3><p>We officially have a front-runner in the race for the first head coach to be fired. With all due respect to Mike McDaniel, there may not be anyone even close to Brian Callahan right now. The hot seat was already getting warm after a blunder-filled 0-3 start. While the Texans may be a more formidable opponent than their record suggests, a 26-0 loss this week should crank up the pressure even more. Cam Ward has the talent to be a productive starter at this level. While it's possible that the Titans simply don't have the roster talent to set him up for success as a rookie, it's beyond clear that the head coach isn't elevating the situation, either. Maybe a midseason change doesn't help, but we're talking about the development of a No. 1 overall pick here. The stakes are high enough that it's probably worth finding out.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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Sunday Rundown: Key takeaways from Week 4's biggest games

<p><em>NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">1. Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800628/cropped_GettyImages-2233899206.jpg?ts=1757391274" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800628/w220xh124_GettyImages-2233899206.jpg?ts=1757391274 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800628/w320xh180_GettyImages-2233899206.jpg?ts=1757391274 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800628/w640xh360_GettyImages-2233899206.jpg?ts=1757391274 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800628/w768xh432_GettyImages-2233899206.jpg?ts=1757391274 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800628/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2233899206.jpg?ts=1757391274 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Jihaad Campbell, LB.</strong> Campbell falling to the Eagles at the end of the first round always felt like a steal. Three games in, it's clear that his do-it-all skill set comes with a superstar ceiling.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">2. Buffalo Bills (3-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><p><strong>Joey Bosa, EDGE.</strong> Bosa's issues have never been about ability - he just couldn't stay on the field toward toward the end of his time with the Chargers. The veteran defensive lineman has been able to do so thus far in Buffalo, and the payoff has been an important upgrade to the pass-rush.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">3. Detroit Lions (2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p><strong>John Morton, OC.</strong> The Lions are doing just fine without Ben Johnson. Morton has the offense operating at its typical high level since rejoining the staff as coordinator. Detroit's 224 rushing yards Monday night are the most the Ravens have allowed in a game since 2017.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">4. Los Angeles Chargers (3-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p><strong>Keenan Allen, WR.</strong> Reuniting with Allen was the smartest move the Chargers made over the summer. The veteran wideout has a team-high 19 catches for 194 yards and three touchdowns, picking up right where he left off after a year away from Justin Herbert.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">5. Green Bay Packers (2-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802409/cropped_GettyImages-2235731522.jpg?ts=1758599928" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802409/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235731522.jpg?ts=1758599928 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802409/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235731522.jpg?ts=1758599928 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802409/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235731522.jpg?ts=1758599928 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802409/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235731522.jpg?ts=1758599928 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802409/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235731522.jpg?ts=1758599928 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Patrick McDermott / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><p><strong>Micah Parsons, EDGE.</strong> Duh. Since being traded to Green Bay a week before the season, Parsons has been as advertised. His explosiveness gives the Packers a real case as the NFL's best defense.</p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">6. Los Angeles Rams (2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><p><strong>Davante Adams, WR.</strong> Puka Nacua should continue to do the heavy lifting in other areas of the field, but Adams is the go-to target when it's time to put points on the board. The future Hall of Famer has two touchdowns through three games, and there should be plenty more to come as he continues to develop a connection with Matthew Stafford.</p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">7. Baltimore Ravens (1-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p><strong>DeAndre Hopkins, WR.</strong> The Ravens' offense finally has a big-bodied target on the outside. Hopkins may be a few years removed from his prime, but he can still make an impact in a reduced role. The veteran wideout provided highlight-reel touchdown grabs in each of Baltimore's first two games.</p><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">8. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><p><strong>Tyquan Thornton, WR.</strong> Josh Simmons gets an honorable mention for solidifying the left tackle spot, but Thornton has been the savior of a short-handed receiving corps. The offense's slow start would have been even worse without the veteran wideout's two touchdowns and ridiculous 19 yards per catch.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><p><strong>Emeka Egbuka, WR.</strong> Mike Evans going down with a hamstring injury further complicates matters for a beat-up Bucs receiving corps. Egbuka, already having established himself as a star, gives the offense a chance to weather the storm.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">10. Washington Commanders (2-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802506/cropped_GettyImages-2236115416.jpg?ts=1758600029" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802506/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236115416.jpg?ts=1758600029 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802506/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236115416.jpg?ts=1758600029 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802506/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236115416.jpg?ts=1758600029 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802506/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236115416.jpg?ts=1758600029 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802506/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236115416.jpg?ts=1758600029 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><p><strong>Laremy Tunsil, LT.</strong> Washington's offseason trade for Tunsil is paying immediate dividends. The five-time Pro Bowler has unsurprisingly solidified the left side of the offensive line.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">11. Indianapolis Colts (3-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p><strong>Daniel Jones, QB.</strong> Can Jones sustain this level of play over the course of a full season? We'll find out. The early signs are incredibly promising, though. His resurgence is key to the Colts emerging as a legitimate playoff contender.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">12. Minnesota Vikings (2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p><strong>Jordan Mason, RB.</strong> The Vikings' passing game remains a work in progress, but their run game is quickly trending upward. Trading for Mason, who's averaging 5.4 yards per carry, was a genius move from this front office.</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">13. San Francisco 49ers (3-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><p><strong>Mykel Williams, EDGE.</strong> Williams looks like the real deal. The first-round rookie is already an impact defender against the run, and it won't be long before the sacks start piling up. The 49ers will need them with Nick Bosa out for the year.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">14. Seattle Seahawks (2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><p><strong>Sam Darnold, QB.</strong> Trading Geno Smith only to turn around and sign Darnold seemed like a risky move. So far, so good. Darnold has been a steady leader for the Seahawks' offense, ranking 12th in EPA/dropback through three games, according to TruMedia.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">15. Denver Broncos (1-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802509/cropped_GettyImages-2236631438.jpg?ts=1758604539" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802509/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236631438.jpg?ts=1758604539 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802509/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236631438.jpg?ts=1758604539 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802509/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236631438.jpg?ts=1758604539 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802509/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236631438.jpg?ts=1758604539 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802509/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236631438.jpg?ts=1758604539 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p><strong>J.K. Dobbins, RB.</strong> RJ Harvey hasn't earned any meaningful workload early in his rookie season. It's a good thing the Broncos had a contingency plan, as Dobbins is once again proving that he's a high-end back when healthy.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">16. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p><strong>Jalen Ramsey, CB.</strong> Aaron Rodgers deserves consideration here, as the Steelers' offense certainly benefits from his occasional flashes. Ramsey is the better player at this stage, though, and it's scary to consider how much worse this disappointing defense would look without that late offseason trade.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">17. Chicago Bears (1-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p><strong>Joe Thuney, G.</strong> Thuney was Chicago's biggest move to upgrade the offensive line, and he's delivered. His presence on the interior is a big reason Caleb Williams should continue to progress as the season goes on.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">18. Arizona Cardinals (2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p><strong>Will Johnson, CB.</strong> Johnson wouldn't have been available in the second round of this year's draft were it not for reported injury concerns. He's immediately shown the cover skills that made him a clear Day 1 talent.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">19. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><p><strong>Jourdan Lewis, CB.</strong> The Jaguars' defense has fared much better than expected early this season, and Lewis is a big reason why. The former Cowboys corner already has six pass breakups and is tied for the league lead with two interceptions.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">20. Houston Texans (0-3)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802508/cropped_GettyImages-2236140332.jpg?ts=1758600224" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802508/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236140332.jpg?ts=1758600224 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802508/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236140332.jpg?ts=1758600224 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802508/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236140332.jpg?ts=1758600224 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802508/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236140332.jpg?ts=1758600224 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802508/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236140332.jpg?ts=1758600224 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><p><strong>Sheldon Rankins, DT.</strong> Reuniting with Rankins was a nice move to give Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. an interior pass-rush complement. That group will have to take over games if the offense continues to struggle.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">21. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><p><strong>George Pickens, WR.</strong> Pickens has put together back-to-back games with exactly five receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown. His production could explode as Dak Prescott's clear No. 1 target in the absence of CeeDee Lamb.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">22. Carolina Panthers (1-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><p><strong>Tetairoa McMillan, WR.</strong> It sure seems like the Panthers hit a home run with this year's first-round pick. McMillan is a true No. 1 target, and 216 yards through three games is only a taste of his upside.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">23. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><p><strong>Divine Deablo, LB.</strong> Deablo is playing the best football of his career after joining the Falcons on a two-year, $14-million deal in free agency. His athleticism has been a huge addition in all phases of Atlanta's defensive game.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">24. Cleveland Browns (1-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p><strong>Harold Fannin Jr., TE.</strong> Four different names from an outstanding Browns draft class are deserving of this honor. Fannin might be the most exciting of the bunch. His ability to make plays after the catch is seamlessly translating to the NFL - the third-round rookie has already forced six missed tackles, tops among all tight ends, according to PFF.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">25. Las Vegas Raiders (1-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801905/cropped_GettyImages-2236014025.jpg?ts=1758600308" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801905/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236014025.jpg?ts=1758600308 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801905/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236014025.jpg?ts=1758600308 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801905/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236014025.jpg?ts=1758600308 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801905/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236014025.jpg?ts=1758600308 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801905/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236014025.jpg?ts=1758600308 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brooke Sutton / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p><strong>Ashton Jeanty, RB.</strong> Jeanty's production has been a disappointment, but that has more to do with the Raiders' pitiful offensive line play than anything else. The first-round rookie looks the part whenever he gets some space to run, and sometimes even when he doesn't. He's tied for fourth with 13 missed tackles.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">26. New England Patriots (1-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p><strong>Harold Landry III, EDGE.</strong> The Mike Vrabel connection really paid off. Landry following his former coach to New England has given the Pats a much-needed boost up front. The veteran pass-rusher is one off the league lead with 3.5 sacks.</p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">27. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><p><strong>Demetrius Knight Jr., LB.</strong> The Bengals didn't make many significant additions to the roster this offseason, but Knight has shown well early on. The second-round linebacker is second among rookies with 21 total tackles.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">28. Miami Dolphins (0-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><p><strong>Minkah Fitzpatrick, S.</strong> Fitzpatrick at least gives this defense one reliable presence on the back end. It hasn't been enough to elevate the rest of the group, but the Dolphins' reunion with their former first-round pick has been a positive.</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">29. New York Jets (0-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p><strong>Armand Membou, RT.</strong> Although the Jets have yet to see results, rounding out their front five was a strong move to set the foundation for the offense. Their first-round rookie provided an immediate upgrade in both pass protection and in the run game.</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">30. New York Giants (0-3)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802345/cropped_GettyImages-2236647132.jpg?ts=1758600368" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802345/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236647132.jpg?ts=1758600368 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802345/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236647132.jpg?ts=1758600368 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802345/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236647132.jpg?ts=1758600368 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802345/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236647132.jpg?ts=1758600368 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802345/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236647132.jpg?ts=1758600368 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kathryn Riley / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><p><strong>Cam Skattebo, RB.</strong> He didn't earn the starting job coming out of camp, but it's pretty clear that Skattebo is the Giants' second-best playmaker. He's forced eight missed tackles on just 23 rushing attempts, and he's also proving to be a capable checkdown option out of the backfield.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">31. Tennessee Titans (0-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><p><strong>Cam Ward, QB.</strong> Forget the stats - nobody would be putting up numbers in this Titans offense. Ward passes the eye test. His arm talent and creativity allow for true franchise-quarterback upside.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">32. New Orleans Saints (0-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p><strong>Jonas Sanker, S.</strong> The Saints may have uncovered a hidden gem with Sanker. The third-round rookie is a reliable tackler, and he's allowed just one catch for five yards in 67 coverage snaps.</p><p><em>Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.</em></p>

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