NFL power rankings: 49ers stay hot, Rams plummet in Week 7
By Peter Panacy
NFL Power Rankings: Nos. 32-21
Miami Dolphins. 32. team. 59. . 0-5. Previous:
L, 17-16 vs. Redskins
The Dolphins nearly beat the then-winless Redskins, although a failed two-point conversion ensured Miami’s quest for the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick stayed put.
If you watched this game, we’re sorry.
. 0-6. Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 31. team. 56
L, 23-17 @ Ravens
The Bengals had a lead in this game. They actually did.
Lest we forget, though, Cincinnati’s defense is terrible. This unit gave up nearly 500 yards of offense, and the Bengals now get to host the defensively stout Jaguars in Week 7.
1-5. Previous: . Washington Commanders. 30. team. 58.
W, 17-16 @ Dolphins
The Redskins’ win over the Dolphins won’t affect NFL power rankings at all, especially considering it was a closer game than what Washington would have liked.
At least interim head coach Bill Callahan got his first win this decade.
29. team. 44. . 1-5. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons
L, 34-33 @ Cardinals
The Falcons fell behind early in Arizona, which would have made yet another loss for head coach Dan Quinn and Co. feel bad enough.
But the fact Atlanta came back and was in position to tie late, only to see it all fall apart after a missed would-be game-tying extra point, seems only more painful for Falcons fans.
team. 30. . 1-4. Previous: . New York Jets. 28
W, 24-22 vs. Cowboys
Welcome to the ranks of the winners for a change, Jets. Sure, you might have needed a bit of help from the officials in the waning minutes against the Cowboys. But a win is a win, right? And New York gets a nice little boost in NFL power rankings, too.
It’s good to see quarterback Sam Darnold back on the field. The Jets have missed him a lot. That long touchdown toss to wide receiver Robby Anderson sure was nice.
35. . 2-4. Previous: . Tennessee Titans. 27. team
L, 16-0 @ Broncos
Shutout losses are never good, and it’s certainly an indictment against quarterback Marcus Mariota and the Titans offense.
Mariota was benched after tossing two interceptions. His backup, Ryan Tannehill, didn’t fare much better.
Tennessee is boring to watch this season.
48. . 2-4. Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 26. team
L, 37-26 vs. Panthers
The Buccaneers see a hefty fall in our NFL power rankings this week, following an ugly early showing in London against the Panthers, whom the Bucs beat earlier this season.
Sure, quarterback Jameis Winston tossed for 400 yards. But when you factor in his five interceptions, part of Tampa Bay’s seven turnovers lost, a sizable drop in NFL power rankings is easily justified.
team. 13. . 2-4. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 25
L, 24-17 vs. Steelers
Each year, fans are drawn to the thought this will be the year the Chargers are good. And each year, they’re left disappointed.
2019 seems to be no different, as the Chargers dropped a stinker at home on Sunday Night Football to a quarterback Devlin Hodges-led Steelers squad, which is also dealing with plenty of headaches this season.
2-3-1. Previous: . Arizona Cardinals. 24. team. 32.
W, 34-33 vs. Falcons
The Cardinals had to grind their teeth late at home against the Falcons. But the defense held enough and watched a would-be game-tying extra point miss in the waning seconds.
Quarterback Kyler Murray was awesome, though, tossing three touchdowns and posting a passer rating of 128.2. That was no accident.
23. team. 55. . 2-4. Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers
W, 24-17 @ Chargers
No Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. No Mason Rudolph, either. Instead, Steelers fans watched Hodges toss for 132 yards, a touchdown and an interception — not the best of nights on Sunday night, but good enough for the win.
Running back James Conner is getting back into the action, too, adding two touchdowns in prime time.
31. . 2-4. Previous: . New York Giants. 22. team
W, 35-14 @ Patriots
Don’t let the score fool you, this game was much closer than it appeared. And the Giants defense did a good job to frustrate Patriots quarterback Tom Brady early, only to see a Pats 14-point fourth quarter put the game away.
Daniel Jones struggled, yes, tossing three interceptions in what was a performance he’d like to have back. But he also made some key throws in the game, and he’s giving New York some confidence in coming years.
The G-Men rise a bit in our NFL power rankings despite the tough Thursday Night Football loss.
team. 45. . 2-4. Previous: . Denver Broncos. 21
W, 16-0 vs. Titans
What’s this? A win streak for the Broncos?
While Denver’s offense, outside of running back Phillip Lindsay, wasn’t all that impressive, the Broncos defense surely answered the call. Although impressing against the Titans isn’t much of a feat, but head coach Vic Fangio shouldn’t care.
Shutting out anyone at the NFL level is still quite the accomplishment.