There was some slight movement after last week’s interesting Sunday. Now, we get to start to see who is a real contender, and who isn’t. Let’s take a look at this week’s NFL Power Pyramid.
1. Kansas City (5-0) Next: 10/20 @ SF
As the leaves change, the Chiefs do not. Plug and play, four tight ends, and another play that Andy Reid got from who knows where. The Chiefs handled the Saints on Monday despite the close-ish score. Now a long rest for a team that needs it before the rematch with the Niners.
2. Minnesota (5-0) Next: 10/20 vs DET
Sam Darnold finally played a pedestrian game across the pond. The Vikings defense did the job. That’s a dangerous combination. Now the Vikes get the post London rest before a Norris clash with Detroit in the twin cities.
3. Detroit (3-1) Next: @ Dallas Sunday
The rested, fighting Dan Campbell’s head to Texas to take on an interesting Dallas team. Who are the Cowboys exactly? We should get a great gauge this Sunday. Detroit can make a huge statement here.
4. Houston (4-1) Next: Sunday @ NE
Loved the grit that Demeco’s club showed on Sunday. That second half surge from Buffalo would’ve crumbled most teams. The Texans have a solid mix of veterans and young players. The Collins injury is something to monitor. I will be watching them intently on defense Sunday against a piss poor New England offense.
5. Tampa Bay (3-2) Next: Sunday @ NO
I’m not faulting the Bucs for losing a divisional road game on a short week. They’re still the team I trust the most in the South. They’ll get a bounce back chance against New Orleans who will more than likely not have Derek Carr for a few weeks. They HAVE to get the running game going…like now!
6. Buffalo (3-2) Next: Monday @ NYJ
The Bills battled back when they could’ve folded Sunday. Keon Coleman and Josh Allen are starting to get that tempo together. Now the Bills finish their mini gauntlet against the Jets who are a mess. Monday night could be fascinating theater.
7. Washington (4-1) Next: Sunday @ BAL
The Commanders get to step up in class this weekend. A game that CBS cock blocked from being flexed. Daniels will be tested by that Ravens D and crowd. But, this beltway battle is something you won’t want to miss. Washington has plenty of vets on the field AND on the sidelines to settle any nerves that might be there.
8. Atlanta (3-2) Next: Sunday @ CAR
The first place dirty birds break through the pyramid. A gritty win in OT for the Falcons behind Kirk Cousins fantastic performance. Atlanta is starting to get in sync on both sides of the ball. Amazing what happens to a team that finally utilizes talented weapons on offense right? Mooney was a below the radar signing that will continue to pay dividends.
9. Seattle (3-2) Next: Thursday vs SF
Seattle has dropped two in a row and injuries have taken their toll. They played well in Detroit and just came out flat against the Giants. Entirely possible that there was a slight look ahead to the 49ers. The lack of Kenneth Walker touches against New York is a little unsettling. It clearly was for the Seahawks offense that was disjointed all day.
10. Dallas (3-2) Next: Sunday vs DET
Will the real Dallas Cowboys please stand up? A couple of complete turds. A few wins vs inferior opponents. Then they go into Pittsburgh and pull the road upset off late. The offensive talent in Dallas (outside of the RB room) is off the charts. The disconnect is the biggest mystery.
Baltimore, then Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Green Bay, and the Chargers are the next five. All good, all talented…issues abound.
10 for now and I’ll see you here next week!
