Week 6 NFL Power Rankings

A big cluster of teams at the top, without anyone displaying dominance

For more info you can find the archive of previous Power Rankings posts, including the initial offseason rankings that detail much of the methodology of coming up with the Week 1 rankings.

TEAM OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE STRENGTH

*Downloadable power ratings/rankings available in the paid subscriber Google sheet.

I revamped this plot below to only factor in 2024 numbers. It’s a clearer delineation of how teams have performed so far this year, knowing that I also add in some 2023 priors (roughly 15% at this point) and injury adjustments, primarily at quarterback.

Switching to only looking at 2024 results gives an idea of how much of a mess it is determining the best teams in the NFL this season. The Buffalo Bills have been good offensively, but not defensively. Surprisingly, the same case for the Baltimore Ravens, who normally have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

The grouping of the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers have both good offenses and defenses, but neither unit outstanding. The Minnesota Vikings creep into the top tier, but not based on the much-hyped performance of Sam Darnold, but instead their top-notching defense. The New Orleans Saints are the last of the top-tier, though they might be without their quarterback this Sunday due to injury.

UNEXPECTED POINTS POWER RANKINGS