Although the two best — and only undefeated — teams in the league were off on byes last week, there was plenty of fluctuation behind them despite favorites going 13-0 s/u through Sunday's action.
One division in the NFL has proven to be the best after the season's first six weeks. And it's not even close. NFC North teams are a combined 17-5 on the season entering the NFL Week 7 schedule. The Minnesota Vikings are 5-0. The Detroit Lions are 4-1. The Chicago Bears are 4-2. The Green Bay Packers are 4-2.
The next best division in the league? The AFC West is 13-9. Only one other division has a winning record, with the NFC East at 12-11. As for other divisions, the NFC South and AFC North are both 11-13. The AFC South is 10-13.
However, given the blowout nature of some losses, there are some significant risers and fallers to consider again in the league's latest hierarchy.
1. Kansas City (5-0)
The Chiefs had the chance to regroup in Week 6 with a well-earned bye. They’re one of two unbeaten teams left in the NFL, and it still looks like they have another gear to hit, but they take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. The Chiefs are in an excellent position with a perfect record and leading their division. However, they have areas to improve, particularly red zone efficiency and turnover reduction. The bye week provides an opportunity to address these issues and potentially scout for wide receiver trades to offset the loss of Rashee Rice.
2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
The Vikings are in a surprisingly great position coming out of their bye, with a perfect record and strong performances on both offense and defense. The Vikings haven’t put a foot wrong this season and spent Week 6 on a bye following their win in London a week earlier. However, the rest of the NFC North picked up wins to close the gap on the last undefeated team in the NFC. The NFL’s leading defense in EPA per play (-0.211) will need to be good against the Lions in Week 7. Their upcoming game against the Lions will significantly test their ability to maintain their momentum and solidify their position as top contenders in the NFC.
3. Detroit Lions (4-1)
The Lions have an impressive 4-1 record after six weeks, emerging as a serious contender in the NFC. The Lions went on the road in Week 6 and stomped the Cowboys 47-9, with both sides of the ball looking extremely impressive. They now battle the Minnesota Vikings atop of the NFC North in Week 7. For the first time this season, both units rank top-10 in EPA per play. Their ability to dominate a sometimes strong team like the Cowboys on the road demonstrates their potential for a deep playoff run. Managing injuries, particularly the one to NFL sack leader Aidan Hutchinson, will be crucial for maintaining their momentum.
4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
The Ravens’ recent victory over the Commanders, coupled with strong performances from key players like Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, and Derrick Henry, indicates that they are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. While there are still areas for improvement, particularly on the offensive line, the Ravens appear to be well-positioned for a strong playoff run if they can maintain their current level of play. The Ravens knocked off the upstart Commanders and serves as a reminder that they’re one of the best teams in the NFL after winning four straight games. The offense is rolling and ranks second in the NFL in EPA per play (0.172), and Lamar Jackson looks like an early MVP candidate again.
5. Houston Texans (5-1)
The Texans are emerging as serious contenders in the AFC. C.J. Stroud continues to impress, and the running game was impressive with Joe Mixon back from his ankle injury. The Texans could have fallen prey to a trap game against the New England Patriots but ran out comfortable 41-21 winners. Joe Mixon’s return will certainly help an offense that has struggled on early downs. Nico Collins’ 92.1 grade leads all receivers in the NFL. Their balanced attack on offense and strong defensive performances indicate they could continue to be a threat.
6. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
The Bills bounced back from two-straight losses with a divisional win against the New York Jets. The defense carried the load in the second half, and that’s a good sign for a unit that’s now 13th in EPA per play allowed. The Bills made a strong claim for the division with a tight final score of 23-20 on Monday night. Rookie back Ray Davis shined with James Cook sidelined by a toe injury, adding another element to an offense that has at times struggled this season.
7. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
The 49ers responded to their bad loss to the Arizona Cardinals with an impressive road win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6. They’re back to .500 but have a tough two weeks against the Chiefs and Cowboys before their Week 9 bye. The offense is also fifth in EPA per play. The 49ers are now 3-3, putting them in a tie for first place in the NFC West with the Seahawks. At one point in Week 6, they were down to their third-string running back. If they can reach their Week 9 bye with at least a 4-4 record, they’ll be well-positioned for a strong second half of the season.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Nick Sirianni talking smack to Eagles fans after the Week 6 win against the Browns won’t do him any favors, but getting back in the win column will. The Eagles held on to beat the Browns 20-16 following their bye week and now take on the Giants on the road in Week 7. The Eagles did not really improve after that narrow victory over the Cleveland Browns. The offense continues to underperform, failing to score in the first quarter for the sixth straight game this season, but they do face a relatively favorable schedule in the coming weeks with several games against teams with losing records. With key players returning from injury, they have an opportunity to address their offensive struggles.
9. Washington Commanders(4-2)
The Commanders are just fine after a Week 6 loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Even with that loss to the surging Ravens, it won’t stop the good vibes in Washington. The Commanders own the top spot in the NFC East. They take on the Panthers in Week 7, and the number one offense in EPA per play (0.221) might take over again. With quarterback Jayden Daniels, the offense has been productive, while the defense has been solid, both contributing to their strong record. They have upcoming divisional games against the Giants and Eagles that will be crucial for their standings after their home game this week against Carolina.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)
The Buccaneers secured a dominant 51-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. The Buccaneers will rightly be feeling excellent after dropping 51 points on the Saints. They have the joint lead of the NFC South, but they have a tough game against the Ravens in Week 7. The Bucs had an exceptional offensive performance, accumulating nearly 600 total yards. Despite the win, the Buccaneers turned the ball over three times and were penalized 12 times, indicating some areas for improvement.