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NFL power rankings, Week 7: Cardinals, Ravens state their cases as Bills fall

The Buffalo Bills rounded out Week 6 of the NFL’s slate with a disappointing loss to the Tennessee Titans. While the final came down to one play, the Titans’ rushing attack had their way with the Bills for most of Monday night.

But the Bills’ tumble came as a few other teams near the top of last week’s power rankings had some convincing wins.

No coach due to COVID-19? No problem for the Arizona Cardinals against a hyped Cleveland Browns team.

The Baltimore Ravens also took down a recently rising club in the Los Angeles Chargers in impressive fashion. Both the Cardinals and Ravens are sitting pretty after those wins.

With that, here is Touchdown Wire’s power rankings heading into Week 7:

32. Houston Texans (1-5)

Texans quarterback Davis Mill

Last week: 31

The Colts hadn’t been doing much right recently before facing the Texans. Indianapolis ended up rolling the Texans, 31-3. The youth movement is officially on for Houston after that loss, too.

While they did win a game early this season, since then, the Texans continue to get crushed.

31. Detroit Lions (0-6)

Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Last week: 30

Like the Texans, the Lions were also blown out this week, 34-11, but unlike the Texans, it was at least to a team that’s promising: The Bengals.

And in recent weeks, the Lions are at least keeping things interesting in some games despite being winless (Sorry, Houston).

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) congratulates Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 32

The streak is over and the Jaguars were winners over the Dolphins, 23-20. The Jaguars trailed early but rallied as Jacksonville kicked the game winner as time expired.

Not only that, kicker Matthew Wright tied the game with three minutes left as well. Both kicks were over 50 yards.

29. New York Giants (1-5)

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 28

The Rams outclassed the Giants, 38-11, in Week 6. The offensive line gave Giants quarterback Dan Jones little chance in this one against a team that was clearly much better.

28. New York Jets (1-4)

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 29

Bye week.

27. Miami Dolphins (1-5)

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 27

The Dolphins had what some thought could be a perfect “get-right game” in Week 6. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned and the Jags were the opponent. Instead, a last-second loss as Miami’s spiral continues.

At least Jaylen Waddle probably had a good time with two touchdown catches.

26. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)

: Kyle Pitts #8 of the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Last week: 26

Bye week.

25. Washington Football Team (2-4)

Football Team running back Antonio Gibson Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sport

Last week: 25

Washington fared well early against the Chiefs, but then the wheels fell off. The Football Team forced Kansas City into early turnovers, but couldn’t take it the distance in a 31-13 loss.

24. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni talks with quarterback Jalen Hurts y Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 22

The final score, 28-22, in a loss to the Buccaneers on Thursday Night, looks closer than this game actually was. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the offense couldn’t get things going early enough. They do have a favorable schedule moving forward, though.

23. Chicago Bears (3-3)

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Last week: 21

Aaron was right, he does own you… Rodgers kept the offense coming enough as opposed to the Bears in their 24-14 loss. The Bears scored a touchdown early, then were stuck in the mud.

22. Denver Broncos (3-3)

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio . (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Last week: 20

Not only did the Broncos lose to another team that is not a bottom-feeder in the NFL, they did so to the Raiders. How many more distractions could an opponent have had? Yet, another loss…

21. Indianapolis Colts (2-4)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz

Last week: 23

A completely dismantling of the Texans, 31-3. What more do we need to say?

20. New England Patriots (2-4)

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Last week: 18

A great effort, but the Patriots are probably sick of moral wins at this point. Rookie QB Mac Jones is going through some growing pains which have appeared to be a bit costly, like his late interception in their overtime loss to the Cowboys.

19. Carolina Panthers (3-3)

Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 17

The dropped passes were brutal for quarterback Sam Darnold. The Panthers receivers need to figure that out, especially for a team that felt like trading for a couple of defender were the smart moves in recent weeks.

18. Minnesota Vikings (3-3)

Minnesota Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola . (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Last week: 24

Another run-of-the-mill game if you’re the Vikings…

For the fourth time in six games this season, it came down to the wire. But the Vikings are now starting to pull them out. The Vikes did lose a lead late and miss a field goal of their own, but Minnesota got their 34-28 overtime win over the Panthers with a KJ Osborn score.

17. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)

Seahawks tight end Gerald Everett (81) Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 12

Too many inopportune turnovers for the Seahawks to overcome against the Steelers in a 23-20 overtime loss. Injuries are clearly hampering Seattle… Russell Wilson probably doesn’t turn the ball over in crunch time… again. Sorry, Geno.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3)

Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 19

Hindsight is 20-20, but it certainly looked like TJ Watt was worth the investment after he forced that overtime fumble on Geno Smith. Pittsburgh’s offense had some positive signs as well with running back Najee Harris leading the way there.

15. New Orleans Saints (3-2)

Saints quarterback Jameis Winston Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 16

Bye week.

14. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)

49ers quarterback Trey Lance Credit: Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 14

Bye week.

13. Las Vegas Raiders (3-3)

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4 Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 14

After the week the Raiders had, you have to give it up to them for pulling off a win against the Broncos. The rest of the way might be bumpy, but you love to see wins like this for players.

12. Cleveland Browns (3-3)

Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 9

Injuries are adding up for the Browns and the Cardinals are clearly a Buzzsaw. Things might only get worse for Cleveland, too. They have QB Baker Mayfield now amongst their injuries, and they have a short week, playing on Thursday next week.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)

WR Ja’Marr Chase Syndication The Enquirer

Last week: 15

The Bengals dropped the Lions in a big way, doing exactly what they should’ve done. Quarterback Joe Burrow had three touchdown passes and his early-season success with rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase is fun to watch.

10. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 8

In surprising fashion, the Bolts got an early-season wakeup call. The Ravens dominated them, 34-6. It’s not all signed and sealed for the Chargers, they’ll be back, but this could prove to be a motivator for them moving forward.

9. Tennessee Titans (4-2)

Titans defensive end Jeffery Simmons Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 10

The Titans’ offense have a heck of a second half against a good Bills defense. The play of the game has to go to defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons for his stuff on Buffalo QB Josh Allen. The game-winning play from a defender.

8. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 11

Problems are still there for the Chiefs as their turnover issue did not go away. But Kansas City turned it around against Washington in the second half against a defense that has underwhelmed this year.

7. Buffalo Bills (4-2)

Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 1

Maybe a bit of a big drop here for the Bills from the top spot, but that final play is covering some cracks. Their defense was bowled over by the Titans and this game was lost in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

6. Los Angeles Rams (5-1)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 7

The Rams did what they should have done and dominated the injury-riddled Giants in Week 6. But Los Angeles did go above and beyond a bit, scoring a season-high 38 total points on offense in big thanks to WR Cooper Kupp.

5. Dallas Cowboys (5-1)

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 5

The Cowboys let the Patriots hang around but eventually pulled it off in overtime. Trevon Diggs’ streak of interceptions is now a bit ridiculous and shoutout to Dak Prescott for landing the game-winning score while simultaneously being injured.

4. Green Bay Packers (5-1)

Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after the Packers defeated the Chicago Bears 24-14 . (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Last week: 4

After allowing the Bears on the board first, the Packers ripped off 17 unanswered en route to beating their rivals 24-14. Poor starts might start coming back to haunt the Pack, though. They’ve fallen behind in the opening quarter in all but one game this season.

3. Baltimore Ravens (5-1)

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 6

A full package is starting to come together in Baltimore. The Ravens got a fine outing out of quarterback Lamar Jackson, but this week the story was holding the high-flying Chargers to six points while a couple of running backs took off.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)

Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 2

The Buccaneers’ final score against the Eagles was closer than the reality. The Bucs got out to a 28-7 lead through three quarters and made it look awfully easy.

1. Arizona Cardinals (6-0)

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Last week: 3

It’s been hard to keep the Cardinals out of the top spot considering they’re the only undefeated team remaining in the NFL. But after beating any NFL team with COVID-19 keeping a healthy chunk of your locker room at home? It doesn’t much more impressive than that… And not only beating a team, dominating the Browns, 37-14.

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