The top of our list is strong and sturdy. The bottom has a foundation as solid as your mom’s apple crumble at Thanksgiving. Let’s take a look at this week’s NFL Power Pyramid.
1. Kansas City (5-0) Next: @ SF Sunday
The rested Chiefs visit also rested San Francisco on Sunday. Super Bowl rematch aside, Patrick Mahomes is 4-0 vs San Francisco. He averages 339 yards passing with a 10:4 touchdown to interception ratio vs the Niners. The Chiefs have averaged 29.2 points per game in those contests, safe to say that Andy and Pat are very much in the Niners heads.
2. Minnesota (5-0) Next: vs DET Sunday
Minnesota got a needed break after grounding the Jets in London. Now, it’s the NFC North battle we didn’t see coming. No doubt the game of the weekend. The status of Aaron Jones (hip) for Sunday is huge. Jones has been a major help to Darnold’s hot start.
3. Detroit (4-1) Next: @ MIN Sunday
The highest of highs and lowest of lows after Sunday’s Texas sized ass kicking of the Cowboys. Losing Hutchinson leaves a major hole not only on the defense, but the spirit of the Lions. However, if we’ve learned anything from Dan Campbell’s Lions during his tenure, they’re resilient and tough as hell, much like their city.
4. Houston (5-1) Next: @ GB Sunday
We shouldn’t be surprised with the AFC’s current two seed anymore.This team is for real. Well coached, balanced and explosive, the Texans continue on their upward trajectory. A tough road game awaits at Lambeau on Sunday. It’s hard not to like EVERYTHING about Houston..
5. Tampa Bay (4-2) Next: vs BAL Monday
Aside from a “what the hell?” second quarter outside the french quarter, Tampa did what they had to on Sunday…dominate the Saints. And, what do you know? The Bucs amassed 277 yards on the ground with Sean Tucker leading the way. Can’t say enough about the job 1st year OC, Liam Coen has done with that offense. A HUGE test on Monday night awaits
6. Buffalo (4-2) Next: vs TEN Sunday
Buffalo finished their mini gauntlet at 1-2. That being said, they still lead the East. Amari Cooper was a huge grab for them as they navigate forward. Ray Davis was sensational Monday night in a game where Buffalo didn’t look particularly great. They should handle business in front of the Mafia vs Tennessee before a cross country trip to the pacific northwest.
7. Baltimore (4-2) Next: @ TB Monday
Ok, I’m coming around on the Ravens. A tough and gritty win vs the Commanders on Sunday. Baltimore has something they really haven’t had- a passing game. No knock on the reigning MVP because he’s never had to do it. Back to back 300+ yard games because of the Derrick Henry factor is huge. If this keeps up, Jackson could nab MVP #3 and go back to back.
8. Atlanta (4-2) Next: vs SEA Sunday
I’m also coming around on the Dirty Birds as well. No, not because they beat up the lowly Panthers, but because this team is very balanced. Cousins is starting to look more comfortable on his feet, they can beat you on the ground and through the air. They also have a defense that’s stingy as hell. They’ll get a Seattle team coming in on a tailspin Sunday before a rematch with Tampa.
9. Green Bay (4-2) Next: vs HOU Sunday
Is the NFC North the best division in football? It just might be. The Packers youngsters are maturing right in front of our eyes. Green Bay did what they had to against Arizona. The impressive thing? ELEVEN different Packers touched the ball from the skill positions on Sunday. The options, much like the Wisconsin cheeses, are plentiful.
10. Washington (4-2) Next: vs CAR
The Commanders stepped up in class and held their own on Sunday. Let’s be fair here, the absence of Brian Robinson Jr, played a HUGE role in Sunday’s result. That being said, the one area that Adam Peters and company has not had time to improve yet showed on Sunday. The biggest flaw in Washington’s defense is their secondary and Baltimore exposed that big time. The loss of Jonathan Allen is huge as well. All that said, I still like my preseason pick of this being a playoff team.
San Francisco, then Chicago, the Chargers, Steelers, and Seahawks are the next five. Come on Tomlin, you’re really going with Russ? The defense is carrying the Steelers (haven’t heard that before right?), and Fields isn’t making mistakes. All that with the 20th ranked offensive line in the NFL. This makes ZERO sense.
10 for no
w and I’ll see you here next week!
