Breaking down the NFL power rankings for Week 10. Some major risers and fallers, including the Chargers! Make sure to drop your thoughts and feedback in the comment section.
No. 10: Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are surging right now. Overnight, new head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff have transformed the Chargers’ defense from one of the worst units in the NFL last season to one of the best in the entire league. The Chargers are surrendering a league-lowest 12.6 points per game. Justin Herbert is starting to play like an MVP candidate, and JK Dobbins is leading a fierce rushing attack. Despite some early-season struggles, the Bolts are getting hot at the right time and look like they could develop into a force in the AFC.
No. 9: Houston Texans
The Houston Texans suffered a tough loss in Week 9 on the road against the New York Jets. The Texans were the far superior team going into the matchup but the underdogs prevailed, handing Houston its third loss of the season. The Texans are still one of the AFC’s top dogs with star QB C.J. Stroud leading the way. However, injuries have taken a toll on this roster and the offense is depleted — two factors that could hold the Texans back in the long run.
No. 8: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers were on bye in Week 9, coming off a primetime win over the Giants the week prior. The Steelers’ defense has been suffocating opponents throughout the season and the offense seems to be hitting a new gear ever since Russell Wilson took over for Justin Fields as the team’s starting quarterback. Defense wins championships, and the Steelers have a defense that can take them pretty far. But can their offense match that intensity?
No. 7: Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)
The Philadelphia Eagles have had their ups and downs this season, but their roster’s top talents are enough to keep them fighting with the best teams in the league. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith lead an explosive offense. Their defense has its lapses but is also filled with talent. Despite questions regarding head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles are still a formidable opponent near the top of the NFC.
No. 6: Washington Commanders (7-2)
Washington Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels is not only an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, but he’s also a legitimate MVP candidate. New head coach Dan Quinn is leading the Commanders to a tremendous turnaround, developing their defense into a top unit in the NFC. The Commanders could make some late-season noise if Daniels keeps playing at such an elite level.
No. 5: Minnesota Vikings (6-2)
The Minnesota Vikings aren’t as red-hot as they were earlier in the season, but their resilience in tight wins demonstrates their talent and ability to make plays in the clutch. Sam Darnold is enjoying his career resurgence, making the most of the Vikings’ bevy of playmakers and leading Minnesota to a 6-2 record. But, for as good as the Vikings might be, will they be able to catch the Detroit Lions in the NFC North race?
No. 4: Buffalo Bills (7-2)
Josh Allen is getting his name back in MVP conversations as he has the Buffalo Bills rolling in recent weeks. Their tightly-contested win over the Miami Dolphins has them in the driver’s seat of the AFC East. The Bills are a sound team on both sides of the ball and have the top-end talent to make a deep postseason run.
No. 3: Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
Lamar Jackson looks like he could be on his way to receiving the third MVP Trophy of his career and he’s only 27 years old. The Ravens trampled the Denver Broncos in Week 9 as Jackson threw with accuracy and led an explosive Ravens offense to a 41-10 win. The Ravens’ defense is menacing, too. Baltimore has been a contender for several years now, but even the most optimistic Ravens fans might be surprised by how good this team has looked through the first nine weeks of the season.
No. 2: Detroit Lions (7-1)
The Detroit Lions made a statement in their Week 9 win over their rival Green Bay Packers. The defense gave Packers QB Jordan Love trouble and the offense piled on the points early. The Lions have one of the league’s most dynamic rushing attacks paired with a quarterback playing lights out this season and an explosive group of receiving talent. The Lions are the NFC’s team to beat.
No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs (8-0)
Somehow, some way, the Kansas City Chiefs just keep finding ways to win. They’re the only undefeated team left in the NFL. They pulled off a thrilling overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9, led by the heroics of Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have dealt with injuries throughout the season but have also made some reinforcements to their roster via trade. Until proven otherwise, the Chiefs are the NFL’s team to beat.