Another week of surprising gridiron action has completely upended the Power Rankings. In Week 7, the bottom-dwelling teams, including the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants, all notched their second wins of the 2023 NFL season. Astonishingly, these four teams now share the same number of wins as Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles Chargers.
While a few of the top-tier teams in the rankings managed to maintain their positions, the most dramatic fall from grace belongs to the San Francisco 49ers. Their demise was highlighted by a questionable play call from the Niners’ defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks. A Cover 0 blitz was called with just 17 seconds left in the first half, and the timeout-less Minnesota Vikings made them pay with Jordan Addison’s spectacular 60-yard touchdown catch.
In a unique twist for this week’s Power Rankings, we have a guest writer, Ryan Brayne, providing his quarterback rankings from 1 to 32. Brace yourselves, Cleveland Browns fans; it might not be easy reading.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (6-1)
Result: Beat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-17
All Super Bowl roads lead to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was inevitable that Andy Reid’s magnum opus would claim the top spot this season. While the Los Angeles Chargers showed early flashes of their quality, the Chiefs’ defence shut down Justin Herbert in a dominant second-half display. Perhaps more worryingly for the rest of the league, Patrick Mahomes appears to have refound his groove, connecting with Travis Kelce for 179 yards and one touchdown.
Quarterback Rankings: Patrick Mahomes (#2
An easy candidate for the early MVP conversation. Despite throwing a few random picks this season, one here against the Chargers, Mahomes shows no signs of stopping. Over 400 yards and 4 TDs is phenomenal and would rank top of any list apart from this week.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-1)
Result: Beat the Miami Dolphins 31-17
A forced fumble and a pick-six were the only blemishes on an otherwise dominant Philadelphia performance over the heavy-hitting Dolphins. Tush Push this, Brotherly Shove that, the real focus should centre on AJ Brown’s red-hot form as he crossed 700+ receiving yards this season on Sunday night.
Quarterback Rankings: Jalen Hurts (#2)
Another early candidate for MVP provided he stays healthy. A couple of sloppy plays aside, Hurts is a definite game changer with his underrated scrambling ability and the devastating tush push. Easily the pick of the NFC QB so far.
3. Miami Dolphins (5-2)
Result: Lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 31-17
At its most base form, the Dolphins have lost both of their meaningful matches this season by two or more scores. Mike McDaniel’s squad is a work in progress, however. With a favourable schedule until their Christmas Eve showdown with the Cowboys, the Phins have ample time to iron out the wrinkles.
Quarterback Rankings: Tua Tagavailoa (#17)
Once again questions have to be asked about the legitimacy of the Dolphins against a true contender. A rushed pick and sacks aside, Tua wasn’t that bad but will have to show more in the big games.
4. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
Result: Beat the Detroit Lions 38-6
Sitting at the top of the AFC North, the Ravens have flourished under Lamar Jackson despite their ever-growing injury list. Countering the Lions’ pass rush defence, Baltimore ran a heavy play-action offence that conjured the weekend’s biggest blowout. As their division rivals continue to sleepwalk, the Ravens appear to be hitting their stride.
Quarterback Rankings: Lamar Jackson (#1)
The only way to beat Mahomes in the rankings was to have a near perfect performance and that’s what Lamar delivered. A threat both rushing and passing, Jackson showed great awareness to keep plays alive without being wasteful. Just a few points shy of the perfect 158.3 rating, the Ravens could be onto something special if they keep going.
5. San Francisco 49ers (5-2)
Result: Lost to the Minnesota Vikings 22-17
Can we attribute Christian McCaffrey’s errant lost fumble to the niggling hangover of last weekend’s injury? If so, do we also find an excuse to justify Brock Purdy’s game-killing interceptions? The Niners have hit a self-inflicted roadblock twice now but should possess the talent to correct these basic mistakes.
Quarterback Rankings: Brock Purdy (#20)
Are the wheels falling off this train? That’s two losses in a row and this time Purdy was at fault with his meltdown of two picks in the fourth quarter. The next games aren’t any easier.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2)
Result: Beat the New Orleans Saints 31-24
The Jaguars’ Thursday night victory may not have been pretty, but it’s been characteristic of their season. Trevor Lawrence continues to connect with Christian Kirk in clutch moments, while Travis Etienne excels on the ground. Special teams mistakes aside, the Jaguars could have buried the Saints in the Caesars Superdome within the first half.
Quarterback Rankings: Trevor Lawrence (#6)
Lawrence definitely looks more like a no.1 pick with each passing game. Better coaching has helped but the maturity growth shown from the first year to now is also a sign of the player’s quality. A legitimate playoff contender.
7. Detroit Lions (5-2)
Sunday: Beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-6
The Lions had already collected the scalps of the Chiefs and Packers before Sunday night’s easy road victory over the Buccaneers. Former first round pick Jared Goff may not yet be on course to threaten for MVP status, but the 29-year-old is successfully puppeteering an offence that sits at the top of the NFC North. More than anything, coach Dan Campbell has been instrumental in clearing the long-established doom and gloom that has hung over Detroit the past decade.
Quarterback Rankings: Jared Goff (#24)
Where Goff turned into Goof. Not a good day for the Lions in general but the offence was not up to scratch including their QB.
8. Cleveland Browns (4-2)
Result: Beat the Indianapolis Colts 39-38
The Browns are a team of contradictions. Myles Garrett single-handedly led the defence to victory against the Colts, but they also allowed Garden Minshew to score 38 points. A highly disputed pass interference call late in the game sealed their victory, leaving yet more question marks over this mixed bag.
Quarterback Rankings: PJ Walker (#13)
The Browns look better with him under centre than their supposed star. Wasn’t particularly great but did enough and is in this position by virtue of winning the game.
9. Buffalo Bills (4-3)
Result: Lost to the New England Patriots 29-25
Two consecutive losses have left the Bills’ campaign on shaky ground. Star players like Steffon Diggs won’t be content with another year without success, no matter how strong his personal connection with Josh Allen. Conservative playcalling designed to limit Allen’s interceptions has instead denied the offence of its greatest weapon.
Quarterback Rankings: Josh Allen (#15)
Another slow start cost the Bills this week in a shock loss. The signs were there against the Giants but throwing a pick on the first offensive play is not the answer. Like Carr bounced back well in the second half but a first half similar to that would have him ranked a lot higher.
10. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
Result: Bye Week
Dak Prescott remains the ceiling to how far this star-studded Cowboys team can progress. As long as Dallas can prevent the mistakes that plagued their rout against the Arizona Cardinals, they possess enough playmakers on either side of the ball to comfortably make the playoffs.
Quarterback Rankings: N/A
11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)
Result: Bye Week
A week of rest and recuperation will, fingers crossed, be the final step in Joe Burrow’s recovery from his niggling calf injury. Picking up consecutive wins before last weekend’s bye week ensured that the Bengals remained in playoff contention. The lingering worry is the decreasing effectiveness of Joe Mixon as the Bengal’s limp running game slumps further.
Quarterback Rankings: N/A
12. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
Result: Beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-10
In a forgettable victory over the Cardinals, the Seattle Seahawks mustered enough quality at the crucial moments. Geno Smith can be criticised for some ‘hero-ball’ action over the past fortnight, but it adds spice to an otherwise dull offence – a crazy reality for a side littered with X-factor talent.
Quarterback Rankings: Geno Smith (#12)
This was a case of job done, move on to the next game. A typical Geno game with a few bombs and a silly interception and sack there. The opposition wasn’t great but the win is all that matters.
13. New York Jets (3-3)
Result: Bye Week
While the talk of Aaron Rodgers’ regular season return must be taken with a grain of salt, it appears to have galvanised a tight-knit Jets team. A shift in offensive strategy to simpler throws for Zach Wilson has helped him move the chains against tough opponents like the Chiefs. The Jets’ defence remains the cornerstone of their success, however.
Quarterback Rankings: N/A
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Result: Beat the Los Angeles Rams 24-17
The Steelers were gifted a win on Sunday after the officials bizarrely perceived Kenny Pickett’s quarterback sneak to have crossed the line. Mike Tomlin’s men have still not registered a convincing victory this season, yet, they stand with an almost unfathomable 4-2 record. TJ Watt is burning hot as he races Cleveland’s Myles Garrett for the defensive player of the year.
Quarterback Rankings: Kenny Pickett (#10)
It is troubling to see Pickett’s name in the top 10 this week but such is the lack of quality that it’s come down to this. Did alright without totally convincing and no that 4th down conversion shouldn’t have stood. Somehow the Steelers are 4-2, let that sink in…
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
Result: Beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16-13
Without Bijan Robinson, the Atlanta Falcons were effectively a quarterback-worth of talent down on Sunday against the Buccaneers. Despite the best efforts of Desmond Ridder to deny the Falcons a winning record, coach Arthur Smith found a way to make his old-school rushing offence succeed.
Quarterback Rankings: Desmond Ridder (#11)
Ridder nearly cost the Falcons twice with terrible fumbles near the goal line, including one for a touchback. However his rushing ability and big throw to Pitts at the end made up for another unconvincing performance overall.
16. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)
Result: Beat the San Francisco 49ers 22-17
Kirk Cousins continues to ball out without his key target in Justin Jefferson. In Jefferson’s absence, first-round rookie Jordan Addison has stepped up to the plate. The wide receiver picked up 123 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the powerhouse 49ers defence.
Quarterback Rankings: Kirk Cousins (#5)
Prime time Cousins winning a game? You can tell we’re nearing Halloween with the sorcery in the air. Aside from a usual pick, Cousins has shown excellent chemistry with rookie Jordan Addison in the absence of Justin Jefferson. The Vikings are back on track.
17. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
Result: Lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-17
Questionable officiating and (now released) kicker Brett Maher missing two field goals and an extra point on Sunday cost the Rams dearly. Nevertheless, breakout rookie Puka Nacua clutched a spectacular 32-yard touchline catch as part of a 154-yard receiving display. Write off the Rams at your own peril.
Quarterback Rankings: Matthew Stafford (#19)
A winnable game turned into a loss in the second half. Whilst not as bad as the others on the list, Stafford was definitely not as effective as some of the others on the list. Lack of efficiency cost the Rams.
18. Houston Texans (3-3)
Result: Bye Week
The Houston Texans’ rookie quarterback, CJ Stroud, has shown promise early in his career, but the true test awaits after their bye week. With a fragile defence that has the potential to fall apart at any minute, Stroud will face increasing pressure to carry an offence light on proven weapons.
Quarterback Rankings: N/A
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)
Result: Lost to the Atlanta Falcons 16-13
Flashes of old Baker Mayfield reared their ugly head once again on Sunday as he recorded a disastrous QBR of 22.9. Granted, there has been a significant lack of ground support, with Tampa Bay ranking dead last in the league in rushing yards (average 3.4 yards per carry). Too much is being asked of Baker, whose 31-yard run was almost in excess of running back Rachaad White’s 34 total yards from 13 attempts.
Quarterback Rankings: Baker Mayfield (#22)
Mayfield had the opportunity to steal a divisional game but the bad version of Baker came out to play here with few third down conversions.
20. Indianapolis Colts (3-4)
Result: Lost to the Cleveland Browns 39-38
Sometimes, you simply get screwed over by the officials. Human error is a natural element of any sport, no matter how little comfort that may be for Colts fans. On the bright side, Gardner Minshew has galvanised the team under his leadership, hopefully ensuring that rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson inherits a unified team next year.
Quarterback Rankings: Gardner Minshew (#14)
A proper Jekyll and Hyde performance with the good parts (two rushing TDs and a bomb to Downs) balancing the bad parts (safety, sacks, interceptions). Could have been higher on the list but for terrible officiating.
21. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4)
Result: Lost to the Kansas City Cheifs 31-17
The result against the Chiefs may have felt inevitable, but the Chargers put up a solid fight in the first half. On reflection, Los Angeles have endured a brutal start to the season, facing formidable opponents like the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins. Coaching has not been up to scratch, however, and Justin Herbert’s questionable decision-making has been papered over by the yards he accumulates.
Quarterback Rankings: Justin Herbert (#18)
Some say he’s the new Stafford with a strong arm in an underwhelming team. This seems to ring true with no real vision as to how the situation can improve. He takes a few too many sacks.
22. New Orleans Saints (3-4)
Result: Lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-21
Is Alvin Kamara finished? There was great hope preceding his return that the stud running back would boost an offence blowing hot and cold under Derek Carr. Unfortunately for the Saints, Kamara ground out a dismal 3.6-yard average off 17 rushes, pouring pressure on coach Dennis Allen’s misfiring offence. The Saints’ have underperformed for three weeks now, with Foster Moreau’s endzone drop emblematic of a team headed nowhere fast.
Quarterback Rankings: Derek Carr (#16)
Despite a very slow start, Carr came to life in the second half where the Saints should have been in the game going into the final few minutes (looking at Foster Moreau). The time is now to capitalise on a poor division, with Carr needing to accelerate his output.
23. Washington Commanders (3-4)
Result: Lost to the New York Giants 14-7
A miracle will be needed for Ron Rivera to remain at the head of the Commanders come the end of the season. In-house friction is already spilling out to the media, highlighted by DT Jonathan Allen’s comments post-Giants game which stressed he was “fucking tired of this bullshit”. Additionally, quarterback Sam Howell may be in line for medical compensation having suffered forty sacks already this season.
Quarterback Rankings: Sam Howell (#25)
Find a QB punished more than this man this weekend and I’ll say you’re lying. Multiple sacks and an interception gave this man a day to forget.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)
Result: Beat the Buffalo Bills 29-25
To repeat the overwhelming sentiment, coach Josh McDaniels is ‘not that dude’. While the Raiders should be lower in the Power Rankings after losing to a Bears team led by Division II quarterback Tyson Bagent, my belief is that rookie Aidan O’Connell will now start over Brian Hoyer. The Purdue gunslinger has enjoyed a patchy start to his fledgling NFL career, but his upside is levels above that of veteran journeyman Hoyer.
Quarterback Rankings: Brian Hoyer (#26)
This weekend, Hoyer underlined why he’s been a career back-up. Couldn’t do it against a weak Bears defence and threw a pick-six to seal the miserable lost.
25. New England Patriots (2-5)
Result: Lost to the New England Patriots 29-25
When the chips were stacked highest against him, Mac Jones delivered a composed four-quarter performance to down the vastly superior Buffalo Bills. The Maction Man spread the ball efficiently to nine receivers, although favouring wide receiver Kendrick Bourne the most, as the 28-year-old finished with six receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Rankings: Mac Jones (#3)
The only voices predicting Mac Jones in the top 3 QBs this week come from the asylum. With Bill O’Brien at the wheel and a simpler offensive playbook to boot, Jones looked like the breakout star he played as in his rookie campaign. It may be a one-off or something more but this was more than a pleasant surprise.
26.Tennessee Titans (2-4)
Result: Bye week
The bye week has allowed coach Mike Vrabel to test out the starting quarterback until Ryan Tannehill returns from his high ankle sprain. Whether we see Malik Willis or Will Levis leading the Titans, it won’t make any difference. The Titans are finished for the year.
Quarterback Rankings: N/A
27. Denver Broncos (2-5)
Result: Beat the Green Bay Packers 19-17
Russell Wilson continues to play himself out of the Hall of Fame on a weekly basis despite the Broncos’ nightmare season receiving a brief respite this weekend. Denver’s defence is a complete mess, amplified by the loss of Kareem Jackson for four games after a string of bone-headed unnecessary roughness penalties. On a positive note, the Bronco’s running game is finding its stride through Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin.
Quarterback Rankings: Russell Wilson (#9)
Mr Unlimited still looks washed and a general bust for the Broncos. But this was one of his better games, although that’s not really saying a lot. Solid but definitely not spectacular albeit against weak opposition.
28. Green Bay Packers (2-4)
Result: Lost to the Denver Broncos 19-17
With each week passing, it is becoming increasingly clear that Jordan Love is not the long-term replacement for Aaron Rodgers. During Sunday’s game-defining drive, Love aired up a deep pass into double coverage and was justly punished. Pressure is mounting on coach Matt LaFleur, who has groomed Love for the past three years.
Quarterback Rankings: Jordan Love (#21)
Love hasn’t looked up to scratch recently, with his second touchdown one of the luckiest plays you’ll see this season. Couldn’t get the Packers into field goal range for the win thanks to a loopy arm punt.
29. New York Giants (2-5)
Result: Beat the Washington Commanders 14-7
Despite a more fluid offence under Tyrod Taylor, there is no chance that a healthy Daniel Jones loses his QB1 status. The G-Man profited from a rare six-sack showing over the weekend, but that speaks volumes of Washington’s struggles than the Giants’ strengths.
Quarterback Rankings: Tyrod Taylor (#12)
See PJ Walker entry but with a lot more efficiency. Very safe albeit against poor opposition but did the job and did it well.
30. Chicago Bears (2-5)
Result: Beat the Los Angeles Raiders 30-12
The Bears’ blowout victory over the Raiders in Tyson Bagent’s first NFL start raises new questions for the team. Chicago’s offensive weapons were freed up under Bagent’s dink and dunk passing in a manner not yet witnessed with Justin Fields. While one swallow does not make a summer, Bagent represents an easy underdog for Bears fans to root for.
Quarterback Rankings: Tyson Bagent (#8)
Under the same scheme as Fields, Bagent already looks more reliable. Perhaps it’s too early to say as it was the Raiders they were playing but a simple ground and pound game with no errors did the trick for Bagent.
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6)
Result: Lost to the Seattle Seahawks 20-10
With Kyler Murray’s return on the horizon, the Cardinals will bid farewell to Joshua Dobbs. Despite the 28-year-old’s admirable efforts, including a hallmark win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Cardinal’s limitations are increasingly evident. Murray will be rusty upon return, but with nearly $200 million left on his contract, Arizona will back the former Heisman trophy winner.
Quarterback Rankings: Joshua Dobbs (#23)
Dobbs performed about as expected in a divisional game. Scrappy and hard working but lacking the quality to do anything significant this season. Sneaky running game though gets bonus points.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-6)
Result: Bye Week
Hey, at least the Panthers didn’t lose this weekend. A week away from constant media scrutiny will have come as a blessed relief for the number one pick Bryce Young. The former Alabama quarterback has struggled to impose himself on any game this season, with his size looking a particular concern at the NFL level. Unfortunately for Carolina, it will get worse before it gets better.
Quarterback Rankings: N/A
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