NFL Power Rankings Week 7: How good are Ravens, Lions? Plus more big questions

We’re a 3rd of the best way by way of the NFL season, and we’ve got some solutions about some groups.

The Energy Rankings nonetheless have some questions, although. We’re going to take a look at one large one for each workforce on this week’s rankings. These is probably not essentially the most essential queries, however we expect they’re essentially the most fascinating.

Your query may be: How far did the ultra-impressive Ravens and Lions transfer up? Please learn on.

Final week: 1

Sunday: Bye

One Large Query: Can Sam Darnold stick with it?

Everyone seems to be ready for the Vikings quarterback to show right into a pumpkin. He has began quick earlier than, they are saying, they usually’re proper. Darnold had 1,346 passing yards in Weeks 1 by way of 6 of the 2018 season with the Jets. The distinction? Darnold had 9 passing touchdowns and 7 interceptions to begin that season. This yr, Darnold has 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. In three of the final 4 seasons that Kevin O’Connell has been head coach or offensive coordinator for a workforce, that workforce has been prime 10 within the league in scoring. The Vikings are sixth in the meanwhile (27.80 ppg).

Up subsequent: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

2. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

Final week: 3

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 30-23

One Large Query: Which Raven is the MVP frontrunner?

That’s how good Baltimore’s offense is correct now. Lamar Jackson is enjoying higher than he was final season when he received the MVP award (second within the league in EPA per dropback), however Derrick Henry has been virtually nearly as good. A working again clearly won’t win the league’s MVP award (it hasn’t occurred since Adrian Peterson in 2012), however Henry’s first six video games have been phenomenal. He’s averaging 117.3 yards per sport, which might stand because the second-best dashing whole for a season within the final 10 years, behind solely his personal 2020 season, in keeping with TruMedia.

Up subsequent: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

3. Detroit Lions (4-1)

Final week: 6

Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 47-9

One Large Query: Was Sunday a superb day or a foul day?

The Lions had been essentially the most spectacular workforce within the league towards the Cowboys, however they misplaced the NFL’s sack chief when Aidan Hutchinson suffered a damaged leg. Hutchinson had 7 1/2 sacks and led all defensive linemen with a 25 p.c strain charge on the time of the damage. Humiliating Dallas whereas Jared Goff posted a 153.8 passer ranking Sunday felt good, however a season with the best expectations simply obtained harder.

Up subsequent: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 2

Sunday: Bye

One Large Query: Will they commerce for a large receiver?

JuJu Smith-Schuster is essentially the most confirmed vast receiver on the roster. He hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2018, and he has solely 9 catches this season. Rookie Xavier Worthy, the main lively vast receiver (12 catches, 179 yards), will get higher, however this workforce is making an attempt to three-peat. It could actually’t afford to face pat at this place, can it? The Chiefs are unlikely to get into the Davante Adams sweepstakes, so Browns vast receiver Amari Cooper seems to be like essentially the most engaging possibility.

Up subsequent: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Final week: 4

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 41-21

One Large Query: Can Tank Dell step up?

Sunday was a superb begin however only a begin. Dell caught seven passes for 57 yards towards the Patriots, his highest catch whole and second-highest yardage whole of the season. The primary 5 video games had been tough for the second-year vast receiver. His EPA per goal is down from .46 final yr to .08 this yr, in keeping with TruMedia, however with Nico Collins now on injured reserve, Dell must return to kind. Houston leads the AFC South by two video games, and the Texans want to begin planning for the playoffs. They’ll want Dell in peak kind for that even when Collins returns.

Up subsequent: at Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. Washington Commanders (4-2)

Final week: 5

Sunday: Misplaced to Baltimore Ravens 30-23

One Large Query: Is that this a new-and-improved Kliff Kingsbury?

Washington leads the league in EPA per play (.20) and is scoring on 61.82 p.c of its drives, which is the best charge within the NFL since at the least the 1999 season, in keeping with TruMedia. Kingsbury, the Commanders’ offensive coordinator, coached the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022 and people groups by no means scored on greater than 45 p.c of their drives. Kingsbury’s 2021 workforce began 10-2 earlier than defenses figured issues out, and Arizona misplaced 5 of its final six (together with its wild-card spherical loss). Will he have a counterpunch this season?

Up subsequent: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

7. Inexperienced Bay Packers (4-2)

Final week: 8

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 34-13

One Large Query: Are we sleeping on this workforce?

Inexperienced Bay has received 4 of its final 5 with its solely loss coming by two factors to the No. 1 workforce on this record. The Packers are fourth within the league in level differential (plus 41) and appeared actually good with vast receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs again within the lineup (three touchdowns mixed). The knock at this level could be that their wins have come towards the Colts, Titans, Rams and Cardinals.

Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 7

Monday: Beat New York Jets 23-20

One Large Query: When will Josh Allen throw his first interception?

It’s frankly outstanding given Allen’s free-wheeling model that he hasn’t already. He had at the least two by Week 7 in every of the primary six years of his profession, and he averaged 4.8 in Weeks 1-6 in these seasons. However he hasn’t thrown a decide this yr. A few of it’s luck. Allen has made 5 interception-worthy throws, in keeping with FTNFantasy’s monitoring. However most of it’s as a result of he’s enjoying actually good soccer. Allen, who has 10 landing passes, is third within the league in EPA per dropback (.23).

Up subsequent: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 10

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 38-20

One Large Query: Are the Falcons good?

There’s some proof they’re. The Falcons have received three straight NFC South video games. On Sunday, they rushed for 198 yards one week after Kirk Cousins set the franchise file for passing yards with 509. Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts all made vital contributions towards Carolina. Nevertheless, Atlanta had a adverse level differential earlier than beating the reeling Panthers by 18 factors. The Falcons’ margin of victory was their second-highest because the finish of 2020, and the following two weeks will present large assessments (Seattle after which Tampa Bay for the second time this season).

Up subsequent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

10. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)

Final week: 14

Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 36-24

One Large Query: Will Christian McCaffrey play this season?

The 49ers may have opened the working again’s window to return from IR this week. They didn’t. That’s not an encouraging signal. An NFL Community report final week steered the 49ers are concentrating on Week 10 for the working again’s return, however that sounded extra hopeful than something. Ricky Pearsall, who was shot six weeks in the past, seemingly will play before McCaffrey, who’s affected by Achilles tendinitis. Jordan Mason is second within the league in dashing (609 yards) filling in for McCaffrey, however he doesn’t present the identical complications for opponents.

Up subsequent: vs. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

Final week: 11

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 51-27

One Large Query: What’s going to Mike Evans’ profession numbers be?

Evans is off to a sluggish begin by his requirements (twenty eighth within the league with 310 yards), however with this offense, he may catch fireplace at any time. Evans, who’s in his eleventh yr, is thirtieth all time in receiving yards with 11,990, and Larry Fitzgerald’s 17,492 which is second all time, feels very reachable for the 31-year-old Evans. The Bucs, who had 594 yards towards the Saints, are tied for second within the league in scoring (29.7 ppg).

Up subsequent: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Final week: 12

Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 23-16

One Large Query: Is the protection actually this good?

The Chargers lead the league in factors allowed (13.2), however that may be propped up by the schedule (4 of their 5 opponents are backside 12 within the league in scoring), the turnover margin (plus-7, which ranks tied for second within the league) and an offense that performs keep-away (seventh in time of possession). The Broncos gained 6 yards per play on Sunday, however the Chargers performed their plodding sport, getting 96 yards out of J.Okay. Dobbins and holding on to the ball for greater than 37 minutes.

Up subsequent: at Arizona Cardinals, Monday, 9 p.m. ET

Final week: 17

Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16

One Large Query: When is Cole Kmet Day in Chicago?

Certain, Caleb Williams retains getting higher. The rookie quarterback had a career-high 4 landing passes and his second-best passer ranking (124.4), however how usually can we get to speak about Cole Kmet? The fifth-year tight finish had 5 catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns and was excellent because the workforce’s emergency lengthy snapper Sunday in London after common Scott Daly was injured. Within the second quarter, Kmet caught a 31-yard landing go after which made his first NFL lengthy snap on the additional level. Kmet’s 289 receiving yards are the third most by a decent finish this season.

Up subsequent: Bye

.@ColeKmet scored the landing, then got here in because the emergency lengthy snapper on the PAT.

Legend.

📺: #JAXvsCHI on NFL Community
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/PQ22R2HLrc

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Final week: 15

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 32-13

One Large Query: Why would they begin Russell Wilson?

Justin Fields has been a median quarterback this season, and there has not been a lot proof of late that Wilson can attain that degree. Fields is seventeenth within the league in EPA per dropback (.04). That’s the most effective mark of his four-year profession, and the primary time he’s been in optimistic numbers, and he’s thrown just one interception (versus 5 landing passes). On prime of that, he’s principally half of the Steelers’ run sport with 231 yards and 5 touchdowns on the bottom. At age 35, Wilson can now not present that.

Up subsequent: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

15. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)

Final week: 13

Thursday: Misplaced to San Francisco 49ers 36-24

One Large Query: The place’d Kenneth Walker go?

The Seahawks are final within the league in share of performs working the ball (31.6). That’s the second-lowest share for any workforce within the final 20 years. Quarterback Geno Smith is enjoying good soccer (sixteenth in EPA per dropback), however Walker wants the ball extra. After carrying 20 occasions in Seattle’s season-opening win, Walker has averaged 10 carries per sport. Regardless of this and lacking two video games due to damage, he’s tied for fifth within the league in dashing touchdowns with 5.

Up subsequent: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)

Final week: 9

Sunday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 47-9

One Large Query: Who’s America’s Group now?

The Cowboys have formally forfeited the title. The Lions didn’t take them severely on Sunday (three offensive linemen ran receiving routes) and nobody else ought to both. Dallas is twenty fifth in level margin (minus-42 factors), thirtieth in factors allowed per sport (28), final in dashing yards (463) and final in dashing protection EPA (minus-6.2). Proprietor/GM Jerry Jones hasn’t fired a coach midseason since 2010, however he can’t like being embarrassed like he was Sunday.

Up subsequent: Bye

Final week: 22

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 17-7

One Large Query: Was the 1-4 gap too deep?

The Athletic’s playoff projections give the Bengals a 40 p.c probability to make the postseason, which isn’t dangerous for a workforce that began 0-3 and 1-4. The Bengals play the Browns, Eagles and Raiders within the subsequent three weeks, so it’s totally attainable they might have a profitable file by early November. The way in which Joe Burrow and this offense are enjoying, it appears cheap for this workforce to go on a run. Burrow has 12 passing touchdowns and solely two interceptions, and the Bengals are fourth within the league in EPA per play (.12) and factors per drive (2.67).

Up subsequent: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

18. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)

Final week: 18

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 20-16

One Large Query: What’s occurring with Nick Sirianni?

The Eagles head coach confirmed up after the bye week with a shaved head, chirped at his house followers late within the sport after which confirmed up for the postgame information convention along with his three younger kids in tow. Sirianni doesn’t name the offense or protection for the Eagles, so if his solely contribution is this sort of stuff, will Philly make a change? The Eagles are twenty first within the league in level differential (minus-6) regardless of having a profitable file.

Up subsequent: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Nick Sirianni with a protracted reply on why he introduced his youngsters to the rostrum

Will get emotional speaking about how a lot soccer means to him and his household pic.twitter.com/OmMqmGLWDT

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) October 13, 2024

19. Denver Broncos (3-3)

Final week: 19

Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Chargers 23-16

One Large Query: Are protection and particular groups sufficient?

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has proven some flashes, however he’s thirtieth within the league in passer ranking (73.7), thirty first in EPA per dropback (minus-.18) and has thrown 5 interceptions. The Broncos are twenty ninth within the league in offensive EPA per play (minus-.17) and common yards per drive (22.8). The Broncos are enjoying .500 soccer due to a protection that’s fourth within the league in defensive EPA per play (.16) and fifth in particular groups EPA (16.75).

Up subsequent: at New Orleans Saints, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

20. Indianapolis Colts (3-3)

Final week: 25

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 20-17

One Large Query: What do you do with Anthony Richardson?

The second-year quarterback practiced all week regardless of an indirect damage that saved him out for Week 5. He was restricted on Wednesday and Friday however a full participant on Thursday. Both he aggravated the damage on Thursday or the Colts determined to stick with Joe Flacco for different causes. Both risk is plausible. Indianapolis has received two of the three video games by which Flacco has performed, and it scored 34 factors within the third. Richardson is twenty eighth in EPA per dropback (minus-.08) this yr. Flacco is seventh (.16).

Up subsequent: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

21. New Orleans Saints (2-4)

Final week: 20

Sunday: Misplaced to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 51-27

One Large Query: Is that this protection lastly getting old?

Stalwart defensive finish Cam Jordan is enjoying lower than 50 p.c of the snaps. Linebacker Demario Davis continues to be on the sphere simply over 90 p.c of the snaps, however he doesn’t have a sort out for loss or a game-changing play of any variety. After Sunday, New Orleans is final within the league in yards allowed (395.8 ypg) and thirty first yards per play allowed (6.1). Each numbers are the third worst within the final 24 years of New Orleans soccer.

Up subsequent: vs. Denver Broncos, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

22. Arizona Cardinals (2-4)

Final week: 16

Sunday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 34-13

One Large Query: Did the brand new “Name of Obligation” sport come out early?

Emboldened after main Arizona to a 24-23 win over San Francisco in Week 5, Murray introduced his involvement within the new “Name of Obligation” Black Ops 6 sport, which is about to debut Oct. 25. He may need gotten an early copy, although. Murray’s EPA per dropback Sunday (minus-.07) was his second lowest of the season, and he rushed for less than 14 yards. Murray’s 12 fantasy factors produced towards the Packers had been the tenth fewest of his profession.

Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, 9 p.m. ET

To the trolls who memed me right into a bag, thanks!

I’m formally launching my @CallofDuty partnership! #CODPartnership #TheReplacer #BlackOps6 pic.twitter.com/JwpZKxSzYo

— Kyler Murray (@K1) October 7, 2024

23. New York Jets (2-4)

Final week: 23

Monday: Misplaced to Buffalo Payments 23-20

One Large Query: Can they only run the Hail Mary each snap?

Aaron Rogers threw his fourth profession Hail Mary landing on the finish of the primary half Monday night time. It’s about the one factor that has labored out for New York this yr. Firing Robert Saleh didn’t change their luck there. New York took over first place within the NFL in penalty yards misplaced (462) Monday night time after being flagged 11 occasions for 110 yards. Javon Kinlaw obtained three by himself in underneath two minutes within the fourth quarter.

Up subsequent: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

Why is Aaron so good at that 😂😂😂

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) October 15, 2024

24. New York Giants (2-4)

Final week: 21

Sunday: Misplaced to Cincinnati Bengals 17-7

One Large Query: How will you not love New York?

Whereas the Jets stole the again web page headlines by firing Robert Saleh, the Giants quietly had a kind of tales that solely appears to occur within the Large Apple. Huge receiver Malik Nabers made headlines by exhibiting up at a Travis Scott live performance final week whereas in concussion protocol after which was dominated out of the sport Friday. With apologies to Darius Slayton, who had 57 receiving yards on Sunday, Nabers is the one one who makes this workforce watchable at this level. Daniel Jones returned to kind Sunday, posting a 57.5 passer ranking, though he did lead the Giants in dashing (56 yards).

Up subsequent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

25. Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)

Final week: 24

Sunday: Misplaced to Pittsburgh Steelers 32-13

One Large Query: Why not commerce Maxx Crosby, too?

Possibly the principle motive is that he doesn’t desire a commerce, and he doesn’t even need anybody speaking in regards to the topic (Sorry, Maxx, we imply no hurt.) “Don’t talk about me if you don’t know what’s occurring,” Crosby stated earlier than Sunday’s sport. “You assume I need to be wherever else? No. I’ve obtained this (workforce) tattooed on my physique.” However this season goes nowhere (the Raiders are tied for twenty seventh in factors allowed – 27.2 per sport – even with Crosby) and vast receiver Davante Adams is headed out the door. What sort of commerce supply would it not take for Crosby to make room for a Lions tattoo?

Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

26. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)

Final week: 26

Sunday: Bye

One Large Query: Did they commerce their soul for that Tremendous Bowl?

The Rams are 16-24 (together with playoffs) since beating Cincinnati 23-20 in Tremendous Bowl LVI, and Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua have all missed vital time with accidents since then. Los Angeles is twenty sixth within the league in level differential (minus-45) this yr. Kupp may very well be again as quickly as this week. Nacua’s return will take just a little longer.

Up subsequent: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

27. Miami Dolphins (2-3)

Final week: 28

Sunday: Bye

One Large Query: If Tua’s coming again, when?

It feels like Tua Tagovailoa desires to return to the sport regardless of struggling a 3rd confirmed concussion previously three seasons in September. Former school head coach Nick Saban informed “The Pat McAfee Present” that the quarterback desires to return, and Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel stated Tagovailoa had an “skilled session” final week. There’s “nothing adverse to date, however we’re nonetheless within the course of,” McDaniel stated. Whether or not that’s a superb determination or not, Miami would love Tagovailoa on the sphere. For the reason that begin of 2022, the Dolphins are 20-12 within the common season and averaging 26.8 factors when Tagovailoa begins and 2-5 with 13.6 factors per sport when he doesn’t.

Up subsequent: at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

28. Tennessee Titans (1-4)

Final week: 27

Sunday: Misplaced to Indianapolis Colts 20-17

One Large Query: Which 2025 quarterback do the Titans like?

Proper now, Tennessee is about to draft sixth this spring, however that place is certain to get higher the best way issues are going. That’s a superb factor contemplating the best way Will Levis is enjoying. The second-year quarterback is thirty fifth in EPA per dropback (minus-.31) and has seven interceptions towards simply 5 landing passes. It’s extra seemingly that this season’s failures might be heaped on Levis than first-year head coach Brian Callahan, though there’s loads of blame to go round. Large-money free-agent vast receiver Calvin Ridley has two catches for 14 yards since Week 2. He had eight targets Sunday however no catches.

Up subsequent: at Buffalo Payments, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. New England Patriots (1-5)

Final week: 29

Sunday: Misplaced to Houston Texans 41-21

One Large Query: How was Drake Maye feeling Monday morning?

Ostensibly one of many causes New England waited till Week 6 to begin the rookie quarterback was a priority for his security, and he was sacked 4 occasions Sunday, three by Will Anderson. However Maye is an enormous boy (6-foot-4, 225 kilos) and doesn’t seem fragile. Sacks however, he made the Patriots rather more watchable. Maye handed for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Former starter Jacoby Brissett threw two touchdowns in Weeks 1-5. Maye additionally led New England in dashing (38 yards). New England nonetheless misplaced its fifth straight, however at the least it was much less painful.

Up subsequent: at Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (London)

30. Carolina Panthers (1-5)

Final week: 30

Sunday: Misplaced to Atlanta Falcons 38-20

One Large Query: How lengthy can Dave Canales’ optimism survive?

The primary-year head coach agreed along with his former quarterback Baker Mayfield that he was an “optimist bully,” however issues are bleak in Carolina. The Panthers have misplaced 20 of their final 23 video games and are 32-73 underneath the possession of David Tepper. They misplaced by 18 factors Sunday to a Falcons workforce that has overwhelmed only one different workforce that badly within the final 4 years. At the least Carolina has its first-round decide in 2025.

Up subsequent: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)

Final week: 31

Sunday: Misplaced to Chicago Bears 35-16

One Large Query: Ought to Doug Pederson go the Ted Lasso route?

The Jaguars are in the course of back-to-back video games in England, the place workforce proprietor Shad Khad additionally owns soccer membership Fulham F.C., which has by no means completed increased than seventh within the Premier League. It’s extremely uncertain Khan desires Pederson to stay the top coach of his NFL workforce. The Jaguars, who’ve misplaced 10 of their final 12 video games, have topped 20 factors in just one sport this season. If Pederson loses to New England on Sunday, perhaps he can simply keep in London.

Up subsequent: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (London)

32. Cleveland Browns (1-5)

Final week: 32

Sunday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 20-16

One Large Query: How arduous is it to cheer for this workforce?

We’re not right here to pile on Cleveland followers. Actually. You guys have sufficient to take care of proper now. The Browns are thirtieth within the league in scoring (15.83 ppg) with a $230 million quarterback that the top coach has to defend each Sunday afternoon. “Sure,” Deshaun Watson will begin once more subsequent week, Kevin Stefanski stated after Watson threw for 168 ineffectual yards and Cleveland failed to attain an offensive landing on Sunday. For the reason that begin of 2023, Zach Wilson, Bryce Younger, Tommy DeVito and Bailey Zappe are the one quarterbacks who’re worse than Watson by EPA per dropback.

Up subsequent: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(High photograph of Jared Goff: Ron Jenkins / Getty Photos)