The Week 7 NFL Power Rankings saw our top teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings, take a much-needed bye. However, the rest of the top teams were in action, and most delivered solid performances to maintain their spots. A major storyline emerging this season is the strength of the NFC North.
Every team in the division is above .500, and there’s a realistic possibility that all three NFC Wild Card spots could be filled by North teams come playoff time. Right now, the Vikings, Lions, and Bears all sit comfortably in the top 10 of our rankings. If the Green Bay Packers continue their recent surge, they could join their division rivals at the top of the league standings. With that in mind, let’s dive into our Week 7 NFL Power Rankings and see where every team stands after another thrilling football week.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
The Chiefs were on a bye in Week 6, but their reign as the top team in the NFL remains undisputed. With Patrick Mahomes and their elite offense well-rested, Kansas City is poised for a potential Super Bowl preview as they travel to the Bay Area to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. This matchup could further validate the Chiefs’ dominance as they seek to remain unbeaten.
2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Like the Chiefs, the Vikings also enjoyed a bye in Week 6, keeping their perfect record intact. Now, the focus shifts to a high-stakes NFC North clash against the surging Detroit Lions. With Sam Darnold playing some of his best football and a defense led by Brian Flores firing on all cylinders, the Vikings look to solidify their hold atop the division.
3. Detroit Lions (4-1)
The Lions leap to number three after delivering a statement victory over the Dallas Cowboys, dismantling them 47-9. Scoring over 40 points in back-to-back games, Detroit’s offense is firing on all cylinders. However, their Super Bowl aspirations took a hit with the season-ending injury to defensive anchor Aidan Hutchinson. Despite the setback, the Lions remain a formidable force in the NFC, setting up a must-watch showdown with the Vikings in Week 7.
4. Houston Texans (4-1)
With the Titans and Jaguars struggling, the Texans have seized control of the AFC South. In Week 6, Houston cruised past the New England Patriots with a commanding 41-21 victory. Rookie QB C.J. Stroud continues to impress as he leads the Texans toward a potential playoff berth. Crucial upcoming matchups against the Packers and division-rival Colts could determine whether Houston can take a firm grip on the AFC South.
5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
The Ravens’ resurgence continues as they extended their winning streak to four games with a hard-fought victory over the rising Washington Commanders. With Derrick Henry pounding the ground game and Lamar Jackson back in MVP form, Baltimore looks like a serious contender in the AFC. The Ravens’ momentum is peaking at the right time, positioning them as a team to watch in the playoff race.
6. Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
Kirk Cousins is starting to hit his stride in Atlanta. After an emotional overtime win over the Buccaneers in Week 5, the Falcons avoided any letdown, securing a solid 38-20 win over the Panthers in Week 6. The Falcons now sit tied for the NFC South lead, and Cousins’ play has brought much-needed stability to the offense. Atlanta’s playoff push is gaining traction as their confidence continues to grow.
7. Chicago Bears (4-2)
Rookie QB Caleb Williams is proving he can lead the Bears to long-term success, with Chicago posting over 30 points for the second straight week. As the competition heats up with future matchups against the Vikings, Lions, Packers, and 49ers, the Bears must stay consistent to remain in the playoff hunt. The Week 7 showdown against the Commanders is shaping to be a defining moment for both teams’ seasons.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
The Steelers have found their future quarterback in Justin Fields, who has stabilized the offense. After a tough loss to the Cowboys in Week 5, Pittsburgh rebounded with an impressive 32-13 win over the Raiders. With Fields managing the offense and the defense returning to form, the Steelers are positioning themselves as legitimate contenders in the AFC.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)
Many doubted the Buccaneers after the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, but Tampa Bay has shown they’re still in the fight for the NFC South crown. Fueled by key defensive adjustments, a dominating second half against the Saints led to a commanding 51-27 victory. With the Bucs now tied with Atlanta for the division lead, Tampa Bay is proving they’re not ready to relinquish their hold on the NFC South just yet.
10. Washington Commanders (4-2)
The Commanders’ four-game winning streak was snapped in a narrow 7-point loss to the red-hot Ravens, but Washington has plenty to be optimistic about. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels continues to impress, and the team’s resilience is evident. With a favorable remaining schedule, Washington is poised to make a serious playoff push as they look to bounce back in Week 7.
11. Green Bay Packers (4-2)
Jordan Love had some shaky moments against the Cardinals, but his aggressive play and clutch decisions helped the Packers secure a much-needed win. Love must be on top of his game as Green Bay faces the surging Houston Texans in Week 7.
12. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
While their Week 6 performance wasn’t the sharpest, the 49ers still showed flashes of the championship-caliber team they’re expected to be. With key playmakers returning to form, San Francisco is gearing up for a pivotal Week 7 showdown—a Super Bowl LVIII rematch against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. This matchup could be a major turning point in the 49ers’ season and a true test of their title aspirations.
13. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
On Monday night, the Bills pulled out a gritty 23-20 victory over the New York Jets, further cementing their position atop the AFC East. While it wasn’t their most dominant performance, Buffalo showed they can win tough, close games. With the division wide open, it’s becoming clear that the road to the AFC East title still runs through Buffalo.
14. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
Coming off their bye week, the Chargers looked sharp in their victory over the Broncos. Justin Herbert appears to be regaining his form, and the defense is coming together under Jesse Minter. If their running game continues to improve, the Chargers will remain in the hunt in the AFC.
15. Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
With Joe Flacco at the helm and Jonathan Taylor sidelined the Colts have become reliant on their passing game. Flacco has been fearless, but Indianapolis desperately needs their rushing attack to return to make a legitimate playoff push.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)
Jalen Hurts finally found his rhythm in the Eagles’ win over the Browns, connecting with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for some big plays. The defense also showed improvement, but they must build on this performance to stay competitive in the NFC East.
17. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
The Seahawks are starting to stumble after a strong start, with Geno Smith’s high passing volume not translating into efficient results. The defense is also beginning to falter, particularly against the run. Seattle needs to regroup quickly to stay relevant in a tough NFC West.
19. Denver Broncos (3-3)
Bo Nix continues to show resilience, but the Broncos must start faster offensively to avoid relying solely on his late-game heroics. Their run defense remains a major concern, and the team must address these issues to stay competitive in the AFC West.
20. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
Joe Burrow’s gutsy performance helped the Bengals scrape by the Giants in a crucial win. With Burrow back in form, Cincinnati’s offense is starting to click again. The defense must step up in Week 7 as they face the struggling Browns.
21. New York Giants (2-4)
The Giants’ offense is starting to show more life with Brian Daboll utilizing younger players, but the results haven’t been consistent. The team continues to waste solid defensive performances, and unless they find a way to finish drives, their playoff hopes may slip away.
22. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Coming off their bye, the Dolphins face several key offensive questions, particularly with injuries affecting their roster. Head coach Mike McDaniel must adjust quickly to keep Miami in the playoff race, starting with a run-heavy approach against the Colts.
23. New York Jets (2-4)
Controversial penalties and miscues led to the Jets’ 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. But the Jets have help on the way after acquiring former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams. The decision to acquire the All-Pro wideout indicates that the Jets are all on winning a championship this season.
24. Tennessee Titans (2-4)
Will Levis is getting his chance, but hiding him behind a run-heavy offense may not be enough for the Titans. If they don’t allow Levis to showcase his abilities, Tennessee may look for another QB in the 2025 draft.
25. New Orleans Saints (2-4)
The Saints are unraveling, with injuries piling up and their defense faltering. Spencer Rattler’s starting debut wasn’t enough to overcome these issues, and with Derek Carr sidelined, things are looking bleak in New Orleans.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
The Raiders’ offense continues to struggle, even after a quarterback change. With their defense also crumbling outside of Maxx Crosby, it’s clear that Las Vegas may be in for a long rebuild, likely starting in the 2025 draft.
27. Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
Kyler Murray had a rough outing in Green Bay, and the loss of Marvin Harrison Jr. to a concussion only worsened things. The Cardinals’ defense continues to struggle, leaving Murray to carry too much of the burden.
28. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)
The Rams are inching closer to full health on offense, with key receivers returning. But unless their defense can shore up its issues, especially against the pass, Los Angeles will continue to struggle to compete in a tough NFC West.
29. Carolina Panthers (1-5)
Andy Dalton is keeping the Panthers competitive, but with a porous run defense and struggles against big plays, it’s becoming harder to stay in games. Carolina is rebuilding, and their roster will need an overhaul in the offseason.
30. Cleveland Browns (1-5)
The Browns’ defense made a valiant effort against the Eagles, but the offense continues to be the team’s downfall. Sticking with Deshaun Watson may end up sinking Cleveland’s season, and head coach Kevin Stefanski might soon be on the hot seat.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
Doug Pederson’s team looks lost, both offensively and defensively. After a dismal showing in London, Pederson’s job security is becoming a real question, especially with the team showing little fight on either side of the ball.
32. New England Patriots (1-5)
Drake Maye brought some excitement to the Patriots’ offense, but securing a win against the Texans wasn’t enough. Maye’s development will be the focus for New England moving forward as the team looks toward building for the future.
