Week 7 NFL Power Rankings: Where 49ers stand after loss to Vikings originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Week 7 of the NFL season threw us some unexpected turns.
Mac Jones, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots rose above expectations to stun the Buffalo Bills, while the Philadelphia Eagles put on a defensive masterpiece against the high-flying Miami Dolphins.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens outmaneuvered the Detroit Lions, and the Atlanta Falcons emerged as leaders in the NFC South.
The San Francisco 49ers, a top contender, must defeat the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football to stay in the race for the top spot in the NFC.
Here’s the current power rankings after the Week 7 action:
32. Carolina Panthers (0-6): Panthers can’t lose on a bye week. An ounce of good news in Carolina.
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6): There’s no reason to play Kyler Murray this season.
30. Green Bay Packers (2-4): The Packers have only beaten the Bears this season. Not very impressive.
29. Denver Broncos (2-5): A win is good for morale, unless it jeopardizes future prospects.
28. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4): What’s the deal with Josh McDaniels?
27. New York Giants (2-5): Franchise tagging Daniel Jones was the right call.
26. New England Patriots (2-5): Mac Jones strives to keep the faith.
25. Washington Commanders (3-4): Sam Howell struggled, and Terry McLaurin remains underutilized.
24. Chicago Bears (2-5): The Bears find success with a strong defense.
23. Tennessee Titans (2-4): This Titans team lacks standout qualities.
22. Minnesota Vikings (3-4): The Vikings’ resurgence in the NFC remains unclear.
21. New Orleans Saints (3-4): Derek Carr’s performance is predictable.
20. Houston Texans (3-3): C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson show promise.
19. Indianapolis Colts (3-3): Gardner Minshew’s future looks promising.
18. Los Angeles Rams (3-4): Matt Stafford’s performance is inconsistent.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4): Brandon Staley’s job security hangs in the balance.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4): The Bucs need to improve their running game.
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-3): The Falcons’ recent victories are perplexing.
14. New York Jets (3-3): Aaron Rodgers’ return remains uncertain.
13. Seattle Seahawks (4-3): Jake Bobo’s role in the team is unclear.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3): The Bengals are finding their footing.
11. Buffalo Bills (4-3): The Bills are facing challenges.
10. Cleveland Browns (4-2): Myles Garrett is making a strong case for MVP.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2): The Steelers’ success is unexpected.
8. Detroit Lions (5-2): The Lions have their ups and downs.
7. Dallas Cowboys (4-2): The Cowboys need to prove themselves as contenders.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2): The Jaguars’ recent achievements are remarkable.
5. Miami Dolphins (5-2): The Dolphins need to bounce back after their recent defeat.
4. Baltimore Ravens (5-2): Lamar Jackson’s MVP chances are high.
3. San Francisco 49ers (5-2): The 49ers are facing challenges with injuries and kicking issues.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-1): The Eagles’ defense was exceptional in their recent game.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (6-1): The Chiefs are on an unstoppable path.
