Power Rankings
1. Cleveland Browns (6-0) (LW:1): Down go the Super Bowl champions! KMFO and his Cleveland Browns are out to prove that they are the top DAWGs in PML. Daniel Jones had a rough game, throwing three interceptions, but despite having a depleted receiving core, second year pro, Jalen Moreno-Cropper led the team with 90 receiving yards and hauled in 4 passes. Cleveland’s toughest game on the road to 17-0 is their week 18 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
2. New England Patriots (5-1) (LW:3): New England has the 26th ranked passing offense averaging just over 231 passing yards a game, but this week they far exceeded that total throwing for 457 passing yards between Riley Leonard and Derek Carr. However, Leonard had an abdominal tear this week and is projected to be out for 5 more weeks. SP has faced bigger obstacles throughout his PML career, so we’ll see how he gets over this one.
3. Los Angeles Chargers (5-1) (LW:4): The Chargers pick up another win, this week over the Indianapolis Colts. Although he threw 2 interceptions on the day, Justin Herbert was once again great. He threw for 5 touchdowns and 325 yards on the day. Raheim Sanders also pitched in with 15 carries for 121 yards (a staggering 8.1 yards per carry) and 1 touchdown. He also led the way receiving with 4 catches for 86 yards. The Chargers defense also had a solid day, holding a great Indianapolis rushing attack without a 100 yard rusher and forcing 4 Anthony Richardson interceptions. The Chargers host the Eagles next week and look to push to take charge of the AFC West, with a 3-way tie at the top of the division.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) (LW:6): The Chiefs knocked off a surprisingly formidable Jaguars team 45-24 in week 6. After the first quarter ended 7-7, the Chiefs went on a 38-17 run to close out the game as they picked up their 5th win on the season. Mahomes was his usual efficient self, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns while also completing 80% of his passes. The ground game was also solid, with three different running backs scoring touchdowns on the day and 163 total rushing yards gained. The Chiefs defense also forced two Trevor Lawrence interceptions on the day. The New England Patriots await the Chiefs next week in what is sure to be the game of the week as the Chiefs, much like the Chargers and Broncos, look to take control of the AFC West (and secure their 3rd consecutive division title).
5. Denver Broncos (5-1) (LW:2): The Broncos fall to the Cowboys in an ugly fashion in week 6. While Trey Lance’s three interceptions weren’t the reason Denver lost the game, they certainly contributed, as Trey also struggled to hit deep, open receivers when pressured. Nick Chubb was held under 100 rushing yards for perhaps the first time all season as well. The Broncos defense also struggled to get a short-handed Cowboys offense off the field, allowing 551 total yards of offense (including 266 on the ground). On the bright side, they were able to force 2 Cowboys turnovers on the day. The Broncos have to be disappointed with how the game turned out, but still sit at 5-1 heading into their bye week.
6. Houston Texans (4-1) (LW:7): Houston and CJ Stroud are having a turnaround season in season 3 and it is refreshing to witness. Houston’s defense has been a pleasant surprise this season ranking first in total yards allowed, 2nd in passing yards allowed, and 4th in points per game allowed (24). Houston isn’t having any problems when CJ Stroud is on point and their defense is stopping opposing offenses in their tracks.
7. Minnesota Vikings (4-2) (LW:5): The Vikings drop a close game at home to the Cincinnati Bengals. After going up 14-0 in the first quarter, the Vikings were outscored 45-28 the rest of the way before ultimately losing 45-42.
8. Detroit Lions (4-2) (LW:14): The Lions pick up a big win against their division rival, the Green Bay Packers. This game has one of the stranger box scores for a 38-17 win. Jared Goff threw for 227 yards and 1 interception on the day, but also chipped in a rushing touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs carried the ball 14 times for 84 yards and a touchdown. The Lions defense did a good job of neutralizing the Green Bay rushing game, holding them to under 100 total yards of rushing offense as well. The Lions will host the free-falling Cardinals next week with a chance to move to 5-2 on the season.
9. New Orleans Saints (4-2) (LW:12): The Saints had a near scare this past week against the Panthers, but came ‘marching back’ thanks to a 29-0 run to close out the game. While they continue to roll out the new scheme to fit rookie Maalik Murphy, we’re obviously seeing bumps in the road, which were expected. Are they still the same juggernaut that we anticipate vying for the top NFC spot? That remains to be seen. Maalik looks good, especially for a rookie, maybe and the best quarterback in the draft class right now. He will prepare to give the Saints a little cushion as they head out to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in what should be one of the better games on the slate this week.
10. Seattle Seahawks (4-2) (LW:15): Seahawks take the top spot this week, well, in the Bird Power Rankings. One step at a time though as they continue to climb the PML ranks back where they rightfully belong. The Seahawks have a rather generous schedule this season, with just 2 teams above the .500 mark (Yes I know the Rams are in there too). With the Packers and Rams slipping a bit, and the Saints looking a bit more vulnerable than normal, don’t be surprised if the Seahawks make a play for the top spot in the NFC this season. You heard it here first folks.
11. Atlanta Falcons (3-2) (LW:8): We tend to talk about the steller play of fellow NFC South rookie Maalik Murphy, but what if Jaxson Dart is not only the best rookie in the division, but the top gunslinger to come out of the entire draft class? Can this be a reality? With 1400 yards through 5 games to go with 13 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 129 quarterback rating, we can no longer ignore the late 6th round ‘Rocky’ story. The two worlds collide this week, and beyond the rookie QB bragging rights, the top spot in the division is up for grabs.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) (LW:8): The Jaguars are having one of their best seasons in PML this cycle under new management and this week against Kansas City was one of the toughest games they were going to have all season. Unfortunately they didn’t match up very well and came out on the losing end. In fact, all three losses this season for Jacksonville have come at the hands of the AFC West, can you say that’s their Kryptonite?
13. Los Angeles Rams (2-4) (LW:9): The Rams have now dropped 4 of their last 5 and their season could possibly be in danger. The margin for error gets smaller each passing week. With the likes of Hype, JC, Z, Keraun, and Nef on the schedule, they pretty much can’t lose more than 3 games to remain in the playoff hunt. Not the way we envisioned the quest for a 3-peat to unfold for the Rams. But hey, don’t count out Cook by any means.
14. Green Bay Packers (3-3) (LW:13): The Packers drop another game, this time to the Lions in what’s been a head-scratching 3-game losing streak. Mike is usually known for his defense, which makes it all the more surprising that they’ve conceded at least 38 points in the last three games, two of them being against divisional opponents. A Vikings loss this week softens the blow a bit, but when you consider that the Vikings currently are up 1 win in the season divisional contests, it’s imperative that the Packers right the ship, as the Lions and Bears are also right on their heels. I expect the Packers to bounce back in week 7 against a struggling Giants team.
15. Baltimore Ravens (3-3) (LW:10): Baltimore suffered a blow this week, allowing the Bills to throw for over 500 yards against one of the best defenses in the league, on paper. Baltimore has to get it right this season. Lamar Jackson adds another 3 interceptions to his resume, but what they need to do is add a dynamic pass catcher to rejuvenate this offense that ranks 32nd when throwing the ball. Lamar Jackson is a phenomenal runner, but he needs some help, especially with his best target in Mark Andrews succumbing to so many injuries this season.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) (LW:16): Pittsburgh is riding high on a three game winning streak as they sit on their bye week thinking about what they need to do to keep the winning streak alive. Pittsburgh’s offense needs some balance. They have the worst rushing offense in the league averaging under 82 yards per game. Najee Harris is on a contract year, so it’s important for him to get going and prove that the Steelers should re-sign him for the rest of the cycle.
17. New York Jets (3-3) (LW:18): The Battle of New York falls in favor of the Jets and it was a much needed team that felt lifeless when Caleb Williams was injured. Deshaun Watson earned his paycheck this week completing 88% of his passes and throwing for just under 250 yards and a touchdown. Watson hooked up with 8 different receivers and that kind of rotation will help the Jets find more success as the season progresses.
18. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3) (LW:20): Joe Burrow is not afraid to sling the rock. He has thrown 19 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. That’s a lot of turnovers, but it hasn’t swayed Joey B’s confidence one bit. Burrow threw for 416 yards, and Tee Higgins currently leads the league in receiving yards, with Jamarr Chase not too far behind with 676. Burrow leads the league in passing yards too and despite being the underdog, Cincinnati came through with a clutch iced kick as time expired to win the game.
19. Dallas Cowboys (3-3) (LW:25): The Cowboys pulled off a big win this week, upsetting the previously undefeated Broncos 37-31. It was even more impressive that neither Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb played in this game. When their run game is clicking, the Dallas offense is very tough to stop. Tony Pollard (17/143/2) and Dameon Pierce (15/108) had huge days on the ground, finding daylight many times against a tough Broncos defense. The Dallas defense also forced 3 interceptions as they got back to .500 on the year. They travel to Washington to play the Commanders in what should be a winnable game.
20. San Francisco 49ers (3-3) (LW:26): Did my guy CEO really put up 63 points? You better believe he did! Purdy looked like a man re-born. Get a load of this, his final stat line? 17/24, 310, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. ‘Hold my beer kid’ is what Purdy told the injured rookie before taking the field. The 49ers remain in the thick of things right now sitting at 3-3 and just a game behind the Seahawks. This is one of the teams I look forward to watching the rest of the season. Everyone loves a good comeback story.
21. Carolina Panthers (2-4) (LW:15): Boy did the Panthers have me fooled this past week. They looked locked in early, but couldn’t finish as they held a two score lead on the Saints and proceeded to give up 29 straight points. The same theme has essentially been the story of the season as a whole. They have now lost 4 straight after a 2-0 start, and they look to be solidifying their position inside the top 10 for another draft this cycle. As we approach the closing seasons of the cycle, I am yet convinced we will see a Panthers team contend for a playoff berth this Madden season. Are we witnessing the end of the mythical Season 5 JT? Stay tuned.
22. Chicago Bears (2-3) (LW: 23): The Bears get to visit Cancun during their bye week. They currently sit at 2-3, which, due to the Packers struggles and two losses by the Vikings, has them a less than 2 games out of first place. Having been healthy most of the season, Breece Hall has been great so far, carrying the ball 101 times for 605 yards and 9 touchdowns (a staggering 121 yards per game average). The winning formula for the Bears seems to be playing solid defense (they have 10 interceptions on the season) and a tough rushing attack. They host a scrappy Steelers squad in an effort to get back to .500 in week 7.
23. Miami Dolphins (2-4) (LW:21): Drew Allar got the start from the very first game of the season where he didn’t throw any interceptions and defeated the Buffalo Bills. Since then, the Dolphins are 1-4 and Allar has thrown 11 interceptions, including 5 interceptions against the Patriots. The Dolphins promising start has railroaded and with the Browns on the docket next week, life for Drew Allar doesn’t get any easier in the foreseeable future.
24. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) (LW: 19): The Eagles fall to the Seahawks on the road. The Eagles have been successful this year when they’re able to run the ball. However, they did not find their usual success, as Nyheim Hines led the team in rushing on the day with 78 yards. They also have been really strong against the run this season but conceded 192 yards on the day. The good news is that Desmond Ridder and Devin Leary did not play bad football. Outside of one interception on the day, the eagles were able to throw for 258 yards and two passing touchdowns. The Eagles have shown they can score a lot of points, however, it’ll be imperative for the defense to get stops if they want to win games. They take on the high-flying Chargers next week in LA.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) (LW:22): The defense gave up a whooping 63 points this past week to a 49er team that were leaning on essentially what we will call their backup quarterback. This defense is a tale of two worlds. While they are the number 1 ranked pass defense, they are also the number 32 ranked rush defense. How does this happen? We know Cammy likes to air the ball out, but it is difficult to keep up with the 41ppg the defense is giving up.
26. Indianapolis Colts (2-4) (LW:24): No one gave the Colts much of a chance this week against the Chargers, but I love to see the rotation that they have in the ground game. Indy rushed for 191 yards on the ground with 4 different ball carriers. Unfortunately for them, Anthony Richardson threw 4 interceptions that put them behind the 8 ball. A cleaner game from Richardson, and the Colts may have pulled this game out, especially since they only lost by two touchdowns.
27. Buffalo Bills (2-4) (LW:30): Welcome back Josh Allen and welcome back to the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen threw 6 touchdowns and 523 yards. He was surgical, completing 73% of his passes and for the past couple weeks getting better and better at pinpointing where he wants to go with the ball before the snap. Buffalo is on a two game winning streak and in those two games, Quez Watkins has caught 11 balls for over three hundred receiving yards. Quez is a difference maker and Buffalo needs to get their difference makers more involved in order to keep the streak alive.
28. Las Vegas Raiders (1-5) (LW:31): The Raiders get their first win on Thursday Night Football as they take down the Titans 27-22. It seems the formula for a Raiders win is to not throw interceptions and run the football. Jayden Daniels completed 11 of his 15 passes for 200 yards. Josh Jacobs also carried the ball 23 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns. The Raiders defense also forced 2 Will Levis interceptions on the day. The Raiders will host the prolific Bills passing attack next week as they attempt to get their second win of the year.
29. Tennessee Titans (1-5) (LW:27): Tennessee allows a winless Las Vegas team to defeat them at home this week. Will Levis turned the ball over another two times this week, it’s the same old story week in and week out. Maybe the Titans ought to call up their rookie quarterback from the practice squad, it can’t get any worse in Tennessee, right? Cade Klubnik is extremely raw, but maybe he provides this team with an ounce of motivation to steer the ship in the right direction and gives fans a sense of excitement that they’ve long forgotten this season.
30. New York Giants (1-5) (LW:28): The Giants lose the battle of New York 45-21. The Giants have made a series of trades with the intention of bettering their roster. However, as they currently sit at 1-5, these trades haven’t had the impact they intended. The propensity of Quinn Ewers to throw interceptions hasn’t helped either, as he had 4 in this game. The Giants also struggled to get the rushing game going as Saquon Barkley only had 4 carries on the day. We’ll see if the addition of Jameson Williams is able to jumpstart a Giants that is 31st in scoring (22 ppg)
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-5) (LW:29): I have a funny feeling I am putting more into this analysis than Que is putting into season 3. Hate to see it because the rebuild was ready to take off this year. Could a top 1 or 2 draft pick bring them back to competitive levels next season? I hope so, because we are also missing what he brings to the league. A respected member who had one of the best pieces of weekly content in PML. Come back soon Que!
32. Washington Commanders (0-5) (LW:32): Your defense can’t give up points if they’re on a bye week. The Commanders go on their bye week ranked at best 31st in 5 different categories. They are 31st in offensive rushing (87.6 yards per game), 32nd in points allowed (54 ppg), 32nd in yards allowed per game (591.2), 32nd in pass yards per game (400.6), and 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (190.6). There are a lot more questions than answers in the Washington Front Office and I just don’t believe Miles will answer them this season. The Commanders host the Cowboys next week, in search of their first win.
Z’s Divisional Dissections
AFC North
1. Cleveland Browns (5-0) (Divisional Record:3-0) (Conference Record: 4-0) (Vs NFC: 1-0)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) (Divisional Record:1-0) (Conference Record: 2-1) (Vs NFC: 0-1)
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-2) (Divisional Record:1-2) (Conference Record: 1-2) (Vs NFC: 2-0)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) (Divisional Record:0-2) (Conference Record: 2-3) (Vs NFC: 0-0)
AFC South
1. Houston Texans (4-1) (Divisional Record: 3-0) (Conference Record: 3-1) (Vs NFC: 1-0)
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) (Divisional Record: 0-0) (Conference Record: 1-2) (Vs NFC: 2-0)
3. Indianapolis Colts (2-3) (Divisional Record: 0-3) (Conference Record: 1-2) (Vs NFC: 1-0)
4. Tennessee Titans (1-4) (Divisional Record: 1-1) (Conference Record: 1-2) (Vs NFC: 0-2)
AFC East
1. New England Patriots (4-1) (Divisional Record: 2-0) (Conference Record: 2-1) (Vs NFC: 0-0)
2. New York Jets (2-3) (Divisional Record: 2-1) (Conference Record: 2-2) (Vs NFC: 1-0)
3. Miami Dolphins (2-3) (Divisional Record: 1-2) (Conference Record: 1-3) (Vs NFC: 0-0)
4. Buffalo Bills (1-4) (Divisional Record: 0-2) (Conference Record: 0-4) (Vs NFC: 0-0)
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (5-0) (Divisional Record: 1-0) (Conference Record: 5-0) (Vs NFC: )
2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-1) (Divisional Record: 2-1) (Conference Record: 2-1) (Vs NFC:)
3. Los Angeles Chargers (4-1) (Divisional Record: 1-1) (Conference Record: 3-1) (Vs NFC:)
4. Las Vegas Raiders (0-5) (Divisional Record:0-2) (Conference Record: 0-4) (Vs NFC:)
NFC North
1. (5-0) (Divisional Record:3-0) (Conference Record: 4-0) (Vs NFC:)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) (Divisional Record:1-0) (Conference Record: 2-1) (Vs NFC:)
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-2) (Divisional Record:1-2) (Conference Record: 1-2) (Vs NFC:)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) (Divisional Record:0-2) (Conference Record: 2-3) (Vs NFC:)
NFC South
1. Cleveland Browns (5-0) (Divisional Record:3-0) (Conference Record: 4-0) (Vs AFC:)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) (Divisional Record:1-0) (Conference Record: 2-1) (Vs AFC:)
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-2) (Divisional Record:1-2) (Conference Record: 1-2) (Vs AFC:)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) (Divisional Record:0-2) (Conference Record: 2-3) (Vs AFC:)
NFC East
1. Cleveland Browns (5-0) (Divisional Record:3-0) (Conference Record: 4-0) (Vs AFC:
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) (Divisional Record:1-0) (Conference Record: 2-1) (Vs AFC:)
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-2) (Divisional Record:1-2) (Conference Record: 1-2) (Vs AFC:)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) (Divisional Record:0-2) (Conference Record: 2-3) (Vs AFC:)
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (-) (Divisional Record: -) (Conference Record: 4-0) (Vs AFC:)
2. Los Angeles Rams (-) (Divisional Record: -) (Conference Record: 2-1) (Vs AFC:)
3. San Francisco 49ers(-) (Divisional Record: 1-2) (Conference Record: 1-2) (Vs AFC:)
4. Arizona Cardinals (-) (Divisional Record:0-2) (Conference Record: 2-3) (Vs AFC:)
