32. Detroit Lions (0-6)
High – 32|Low – 32|Previous Rank: 30 (-2)
Now being the only winless team left in the NFL, the time for the Lions to bring up the rear in an NSSM power rankings article has finally come. After multiple close losses to rivals and strong NFL teams alike, Detroit looked completely indefensible in their loss to the young breakout team in Cincinnati this week, with Goff throwing only a 66% completion rate, just over 200 yards, no TDS, and an INT. With the “trade check” match looming against Goff’s former team the Rams, headlined by longtime Detroit QB Matt Stafford, Detroit is being hailed as near 14 point underdogs, and you can only assume they will still be the only winless team in the league next week.
- Jacob
31. Houston Texans (1-5)
High – 30|Low – 31|Previous Rank: 31 (=)
You see the Texans play a game like their week 5 22-25 loss to the Patriots and want to believe they can compete and then they get blown out by the Colts 31-3. The schedule for this team is only getting harder, Davis Mills is still starting this week, the only thing you can really be excited about for the Texans right now is that they may manage to trade away Deshaun Watson after all, maybe this team will see the 20s in these article before the season ends, but for now this is still one of the worst teams in the league, no matter what they’ve brought to the table each week.
- Jacob
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
High – 29|Low – 31|Previous Rank: 32 (+2)
OI THE JAGGIES MOVIN’ TO LONDON INNIT? Maybe they should. Playing in their second home city, the Jaguars were finally able to grind out a win after losing 20 in a row. Things continue to turn around for Urban Meyer faster than he could ever have hoped, what with the other coaching news in the NFL and now obtaining his first win. Trevor Lawrence (25-41, 319 YDS, TD) continues to grow as an NFL quarterback and now has just 1 interception in his last 3 games after throwing 7 in his first 3.
- Drew
29. New York Jets (1-5)
High – 28|Low – 30|Previous Rank: 29 (=)
The Jets were on a bye week but got exactly what they needed to jump up a few spots on our power rankings… a Titans win over the Bills. This makes their one win over the Titans not as meaningless as some of the other 1-4 teams in the league. After this week the Jets will go against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots in a battle of rookie quarterbacks.
- Brendn
28. Miami Dolphins (1-5)
High – 27|Low – 29|Previous Rank: 26 (-2)
#PICKWATCH. The Dolphins 2021 season has quickly become a tragedy, the latest act of which was a loss to the Jacksonville Jungle Cats, who had lost their previous 20 games. As of a fan of the Eagles, who hold the Dolphins first round pick in 2022, I love to see it. Sorry Miami fans. On the bright side, it appears that talks between Miami and Houston are heating up, and a deal could happen very soon that will land Deshaun Watson. What better to right this messy ship than a QB with 22 sexual misconduct cases filed against him?
- Drew
27. New York Giants (1-5)
High – 26|Low – 27|Previous Rank: 27 (=)
Not a great week for the New York Football Giants as they were steamrolled by the LA Rams. Post concussion protocol Danny Dimes (29/51, 242 YDs, 3 INT) was outclassed by the Rams defense and could not find much footing. The Giants allowed 28 points in the 2nd Quarter and it was garbage time the rest of the way. This injury ridden Giants team will need to stop turning the ball over if they want a chance next week when they play the Carolina Panthers.
- Brendn
26. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
High – 26|Low – 28|Previous Rank: 28 (+2)
People try to tell you to set realistic goals, but the Atlanta Falcons moved up 2 spots on a bye week. Anything is possible.
- Jacob
25. Washington Football Team (2-4)
High – 25|Low – 25|Previous Rank: 25 (=)
Washington spends their second week in a row being ranked 25th across the board. So what exactly makes this team so clearly the 25th best in the league? Surely it can’t just be that the bottom 7 is basically set in stone across all NFL content right now and the Washington is clearly the worst team outside of that group, right? Nah that’s probably why. The Football Team looked completely outclassed on both sides of the ball in their 13-31 loss to Kansas City, and while I understand that bad teams looking lost against the Chiefs is to be expected, when you remember that this team was lauded all off season as having a solid defense if nothing else, you really do wonder why this team is even trying after a game like this.
- Jacob
24. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
High – 22|Low – 23|Previous Rank: 20 (-4)
Nothing to see here. Move along.
But really, the Eagles were thiiiiiis close to completing a 21-point comeback against the defending champs in Week 6. As has been the case for the majority of 2021, Philly’s offense looked about as lively as a mortuary for the first 2 and a half quarters but started to get some momentum and cut Tampa Bay’s 28-7 lead to 28-22. On the Bucs final drive, the nail in the coffin for the Eagles was a totally cool taunting call against Genard Avery after a first down stop of Leonard Fournette. Thank you NFL, very cool!
- Drew
23. Indianapolis Colts (2-4)
High – 17|Low – 24|Previous Rank: 24 (+1)
For me, Indianapolis is the most slept on team in the league at the moment. The past three weeks Wentz and Taylor have put on clinics on offense and have given them every opportunity to win. That being said, this team has an incredibly tough schedule for the rest of the year. There are four very winnable games (Jets, Texans, and Jags x2) left for them, but they will have to battle to get any wins in the other seven matchups. Perhaps the brightest spot for this team is that for better or for worse the Titans play to the level of their opposition, meaning that the door for the division title just might crack open for them.
- Cameron
22. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
High – 18|Low – 24|Previous Rank: 13 (-9)
The Seahawks are so close to stealing these games while Russ is out. Geno Smith (23/32, 209 YDs, TD, Fumble) played a nice game in regulation, but fumbled in overtime to set up a Steelers game winning kick. Alex Collins (20 CAR, 101 YDs, TD) had a good game for Seattle on the ground and looked like he was shot out of a cannon on some of his runs. Hopefully the Seahawks can get Russ back before they fall too far out of playoff contention.
- Brendn
21. Chicago Bears (3-3)
High – 18|Low – 24|Previous Rank: 22 (+1)
21st seems about right for Chicago this year. Despite having a better record than some of the teams above them, Chicago has just looked unconvincing all year. This team wavers between down right awful and somewhat decent. They’re lack of consistency in either direction keeps them from sliding down and from climbing. Justin Fields has started to find his feet a little bit in the NFL, so there is some reason for Bears fans to be optimistic about the rest of the campaign.
- Cameron
20. Denver Broncos (3-3)
High – 17|Low – 22|Previous Rank: 16 (-4)
This is much more like it. After beating up on the worst of the worst in the NFL the first three weeks, Denver is 0-3 against teams not in contention for the number one overall pick in next year’s draft. I’ll admit, they had me fooled after Week 3, but after three resounding losses, opinions on Vic Fangio’s team have cooled considerably. They rank 29th in PPG the last three weeks and have allowed the 9th most points in their last three. Being in the bottom ten in both of those stats is a recipe for a bad time.
- Cameron
19. New England Patriots (2-4)
High – 16|Low – 22|Previous Rank: 24 (+2)
Every week I feel myself believing in this team just a litttttllleee bit more. After taking the red hot Dallas Cowboys to OT, Mac Jones (15/21, 229 YDS, 2 TD, INT) is continuing to grow into his role as the team’s reliable everyman QB, relying on Damien Harris (18 CAR, 101 YDS, TD) for a good amount of the work as well. Even sitting at 2-4 I think the Patriots have a lot to feel good about right now and I’m excited to see them grow..
- Jacob
18. Minnesota Vikings (3-3)
High – 17|Low – 21|Previous Rank: 23 (+6)
The Vikings win one of the more interesting games this week in overtime against the Panthers. After a missed game winning kick, Kurt Cousins (33/48, 373 YDs, 3 TD) lead the Vikings down the field for a game winning touchdown to K.J. Osborn (6 REC, 78 YDs, TD) making the Vikings 3-3. Adam Thielen (11 REC, 126 YDs, TD) had a nice game, as did Dalvin Cook (29 CAR, 140 YDs, TD) who returned to form in his first game back off of injury and got the majority of the carries right away. Despite fumbling 4 times this offense was moving the ball nicely.
- Brendn
17. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
High – 13|Low – 21|Previous Rank: 12 (-5)
The Santa Clara 49ers had a bye week, so not much to say here. Jimmy G should be good to start against Indianapolis on Sunday, but with Trey Lance breathing down his neck he’ll surely feel the pressure to turn in a good performance against a Colts team that is on the up and up.
- Cameron
16. Carolina Panthers (3-3)
High – 15|Low – 24|Previous Rank: 17 (+1)
The Panthers have dropped 3 straight games after starting 3-0, and it continues to become painfully apparent how much this team needs Christian McCaffery. While Carolina was able to put up 28 points against a less-than-stellar Minnesota defense, the Panthers were unable to pull off the OT victory in Week 6, continuing their descent into mediocrity. Sam Darnold (41.5 CMP%, 207 YDS, TD, INT) has not been the same since CMC’s absence, and the team will need more from him to get things back on track. Luckily, a matchup against the 1-5 Giants in Week 7 looks like a good place to start.
- Drew
15. New Orleans Saints (3-2)
High – 13|Low – 16|Previous Rank: 17 (=)
The Saints stay right where they are at on our Power Rankings. Currently at 15, right in the middle of the pack, the Saints have some nice upside as they hope to get franchise WR Michael Thomas back. Famous Jameis is going to have to be more consistent if this team wants a shot at a Wild Card spot in the NFC. The Saints do stop the run on defense and create turnovers, however a lot of times Jameis gives the ball right back to the other team. They play the Seahawks on Monday Night Football next week in their return.
- Brendn
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3)
High -12|Low – 16|Previous Rank: 19 (+5)
The Steelers pull out a tough win against the Russel Wilson-less Seahawks to move to .500. It was another well gameplanned game as Big Ben(29/40, 229 YDs, TD) is about as immobile as any QB in NFL history. TJ Watt came up huge in Overtime for the Steelers, as he gets a huge sack on 3rd and 4 to stop the first possession of overtime, and then also strip sacks Geno Smith to give his team the ball in field goal range.
- Brendn
13. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
High – 11|Low – 14|Previous Rank: 14 (+1)
The Bengals pounced on the struggling Detroit Lions in another Battle of the Big Cats in Week 6. Don’t look now but Joe Burrow (19-29, 271 YDS, 3 TD, INT in the win) has his team in 2nd place in the NFC North. Their only two losses have been by three points each, a sign that they have been in each game with a chance to win. They face division leaders Baltimore in Week 7, where a Cincinnati upset would turn this division upside-down. The big headline leading into the game is Burrow’s voice. No, he isn’t blowing critics away on some reality singing show, in fact he isn’t using his voice at all. He has been on voice rest after suffering a throat contusion against Green Bay in Week 5. It didn’t seem to have much impact on him against the Lions, but that may not be the case in a more hostile environment in Baltimore
- Cameron
12. Las Vegas Raiders (3-2)
High – 8|Low – 14|Previous Rank: 18 (+6)
Rich Bisaccia gives the Raiders a 1-0 start in the post-Guden era as they defeat their divisional foe the Denver Broncos. The big play potential of this offense was on display as Derek Carr (18/27, 341 YDs, 2 TD) found Henry Ruggs (3 REC, 97 YDs, TD) and Bryan Edwards (2 REC, 67 YDs) on huge plays for the Raiders. This balanced offense also had its safety valves in place as RBs Josh Jacobs (16 CAR, 53 YDs, TD) and Kenyon Drake (4 CAR, 34 YDs, TD, 2 REC, 39 YDs, TD) made the most of their touches. This was a nice win for a Raiders squad looking to move on past Gruden and keep this promising season alive.
- Brendn
11. Cleveland Browns (3-3)
High – 8|Low – 12|Previous Rank: 9 (-2)
Talk about a beat up offense. Coming off of a disappointing showing against the Cardinals in week 6, the Browns now host the Broncos 4 short days later in Denver missing multiple major pieces of their team, including injuries on Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham, and Nick Chubb. Can Case Keenum get his revenge against the Broncos? I hope not.
- Jacob
10. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
High – 9|Low – 10|Previous Rank: 10 (=)
Looking at the final score of KC’s Week 6 tilt against the Washington Web Designers (31-13), you might think it was a classic, Chiefs style dominant victory. At the time, however, it didn’t really feel like that at all. Washington actually led the game 13-10 at half, and Patrick Mahomes (32-47, 397 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT) struggled early once again. He now trails only Zach Wilson in interceptions this season with 8. Andy Reid’s team might still make the playoffs by just beating up on lesser teams, but if they want a chance to make any real waves again this year, they will need to change their trajectory fast, and more defensive performances like the second half of Week 6 is a good place to start.
- Brendn
9. Tennessee Titans (4-2)
High – 9|Low – 11|Previous Rank: 11 (+2)
The Titans shock everyone with an upset win on Monday Night Football against the 6 point favorite Buffalo Bills. The Derrick Henry MVP train was chuggin as Henry (20 CAR, 143 YDs, 3 TDs) ran for 100+ yards in his 5th straight game. Tannehill (18/29, 216 YDs, INT) was servicable but sailed a few crutial passes over recievers, which is hard to do when throwing to AJ Brown and Julio Jones.
- Brendn
8. Dallas Cowboys (5-1)
High – 4|Low – 11|Previous Rank: 8 (=)
I’m sad. I think I want to write this blurb less than Drew this week. After an incredible amount of luck, Dallas topped New England in Overtime 35-29. The game swung in their favor when Kendrick Bourne ran the wrong route and dropped a pass that Trevon Diggs then intercepted and ran back to the house for six. If not for that dropped pass the Cowboys would be sitting at 4-2, but here we are. The Patriots scored to take the lead on the next play, but Dak (36-51, 445 YDS, 3 TD, INT) put Greg the Leg Zuerlein in position to send the game into OT, which he did. Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb for the game winner after a questionable decision by Bill Belichick to punt the ball away. Whatever. I guess the Cowboys are good.
- Cameron
7. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)
High – 6|Low – 8|Previous Rank: 5 (-2)
The Los Angeles Chargers drop 2 spots in our rankings this week, and you have to assume their loss to the Ravens is why. Herbert (22-39, 195 YDS, TD, INT) had his lowest producing game of the year, resulting in a 6-34 loss for LA, easily their weakest showing of the year. There’s still a lot to be excited about from both the Chargers and Herbert, but at the moment games like this are going to keep them out of the top of the conversation.
- Jacob
6. Green Bay Packers (5-1)
High – 6|Low – 7|Previous Rank: 6 (=)
With each passing week, Green Bay’s Week 1 blunder looks more and more like an anomaly. The defense has looked incredibly different since then, allowing an average of just 19.6 points per game after allowing 38 in that Week 1 game. In addition, Aaron Rodgers has gotten back to his elite form, throwing 12 touchdowns and only 1 interception since the opener, and his mind-meld connection with Davante Adams continues to wreck opposing defenses every week. Rodgers and Co. will look to continue their dominant stretch in Week 7 against the Washington Soccer Club.
- Drew
5. Los Angeles Rams (5-1)
High – 3|Low – 7|Previous Rank: 4 (-1)
That’s the Rams we know and love (or hate, if you’re a rival NFC West fan). After two middling offensive performances, Los Angeles returned to dominance in Week 7 with a 38-11 blowout against the New York Giants. Matthew Stafford (22-28, 251 YDS, 4 TD, INT) had another great game for his new team, and now has thrown for 16 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions on the season. At this point, it’s hard to fault Los Angeles for that loss to the (still undefeated) Arizona Cardinals, so it’s safe to say that this is still one of the NFL’s top squads. Week 7’s matchup against the Lions will finally answer the question on everyone’s mind: who won the Stafford for Goff trade?…
- Drew
4. Baltimore Ravens (5-1)
High – 2|Low – 5|Previous Rank: 7 (+3)
Is there a team with more momentum right now than the Baltimore Ravens? After dropping their opener in a nail-biting overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Ravens have rattled off 5 wins in a row, including quality wins over the Chiefs and Chargers. The latter of those came in Week 6, when Baltimore looked completely dominant and held Los Angeles to just 6 points while putting up 34 of their own. Things looked rough when the Ravens’ running backs kept dropping like… dead Ravens? (sorry), but Lamar Jackson has really put this team on his back, à la Greg Jennings with a broken leg. (Psssst… Don’t look now, but Lamar Jackson is +1200 to win MVP this year, and if he keeps up his current pace, it’s going to be hard to keep that award from him.)
- Drew
3. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
High – 2|Low – 5|Previous Rank: 1 (-2)
Football is a game of inches. At no point has that been more true this season than when the Bills lost to the Titans on Monday night. Buffalo got off to a hot start, but found themselves trailing by three in the final moments of the game. Josh Allen (35-47, 353 YDS, 3 TD, INT, 9 CAR, 26 YDS) led his team deep into Titans territory on their final possession only to turn the ball over on downs. Allen got an unfavorable spot on a third down scramble that left the Bills offense facing 4th and less than a yard with 13 seconds on the clock from the Titans 3 yard line. Coach Sean McDermott opted to go for the win rather than a game-tying field goal, and Allen fell once he fielded the snap and the hearts of Bills fans watching fell with him. Buffalo should bounce back next week against a floundering Dolphins squad.
- Cameron
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)
High – 2|Low – 3|Previous Rank: 3 (+1)
While the perfect season has been out of reach for a while now, Mr. Perfect has still been putting in work down in Tampa. NFL passing leader Tom Brady threw for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns in their Week 6 win over Philadelphia (it feels crazy that we can still write sentences like that in 2021). Injuries are a major concern on paper for this team, but on the field they keep on churning out wins. Bruce Arians has his team playing at a very high level, and they look like a real threat to repeat as champions.
- Cameron
1. Arizona Cardinals (6-0)
High – 1|Low – 1|Previous Rank: 2 (+1)
Remaining as the only 6-0 team, the Cardinals now sit in the hallowed 1st place spot. Kyler Murray (20-30, 229 YDS, 4 TDS) continued to make his case for MVP in their dominant win over the Browns, and interestingly managed to bring the run game into play for a change, using James Connor (16 CAR, 71 YDS) and Chase Edmonds (4 CAR, 46 YDS). This continues to be the most versatile offense in the league and 6 wins is just the beginning for this team.
- Jacob