1. Cleveland Browns (6-0) (LW:1): Cleveland came away with a five point victory, but they were favored by over thirty points this week on PML Sportsbook. Welcome to the show, Evan Stewart. The rookie hasn’t played a snap since week 2, and he overdid himself this week catching 12 passes for 227 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns. He’s leading the Browns in touchdowns with 6 in just three games. You better believe we haven’t heard the last from this rookie, because he’s gotta make up for lost time.
2. New England Patriots (6-1) (LW:2): Comebacks are the trend, you couldn’t tell a Patriots fan any different this week. After a controversial showboat on a defensive touchdown by Kansas City and after his third interception, Derek Carr was benched in favor of Matt Corral. QB1? Corral stood with poise in the pocket and delivered a helluva game throwing for 3 touchdowns and 215 yards to help seal the comeback victory for New England.
3. Los Angeles Chargers (6-1) (LW:3): The Chargers picked up another victory in week 7, moving them to 6-1 on the year and into first place in the AFC West. After a recent stretch of games in which he lit the league on fire, it seems quarterback Justin Herbert has slowed down just a touch, throwing 4 interceptions against the Eagles. Raheim Sanders still had a big day on the ground, carrying the ball 17 times for 101 yards and two touchdowns while also securing 2 catches for 51 yards as well. The Chargers defense was also stout on the day, forcing 4 Devin Leary interceptions and giving up under 350 yards of total offense. The Chargers head on the road next week to take on the Lions in a big game in Detroit.
4. Denver Broncos (5-1) (LW:5): Considering where they’ve been this time in the past two seasons, the Broncos have to be ecstatic at their 5-1 start while doing an early-season bye week review. They’re currently top 3 or better in three offensive categories (#3 in ppg with 41 ppg, #2 in total offense with 495.7 yards per game, and 3rd in rushing (184.3 ypg)) while also being a top 10 passing offense with 311.3 yards per game. The defense has been solid so far and I’m sure they’ll improve as the season goes on. The Broncos sit second in the AFC west and are currently 1-0 in the division. They take on the Colts next week as they aim to move to 6-1.
5. Houston Texans (5-1) (LW:6): 3-0 against divisional opponents and a 5-1 record heading into the bye week, Houston was feeling themselves this week. They didn’t take any days off however, vowing to get back to the playoffs this season. Houston stands as the best defense in the league in total yards given up this season, followed up with being the second best in points given up per game. I think Houston’s 27th ranked rushing offense needs to improve, but they are plenty healthy and ready to push that 3-0 in divisional play to 4-0 next week against the Jaguars.
6. Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) (LW:4): The Chiefs took a tough loss this week to the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots. They were unable to really get it going through the air this week as Patrick Mahomes uncharacteristically only had 196 passing yards. While he did contribute 2 passing touchdowns on the day, there were several interceptions dropped by the Patriots secondary that could’ve made this a much rougher day at the office. Isiah Pacheco only rushing for 50 yards on the day was also not expected, but the Chiefs offense as a whole did not have a great day. Despite a solid outing from Patriots QB Matt Corral, the Chiefs still sport a top 5 defense, being top 5 or better in all but one defensive category (they’re the #1 rushing defense and 3rd in points allowed per game). I’m certain Coach Matigy is comfortable heading into the bye week at 5-2, with his team’s only two losses coming against very good coaches. The Chiefs will be a problem for the rest of the cycle.
7. Minnesota Vikings (4-2) (LW:7): The Vikings currently sit in their bye week at 4-2. The first 7 weeks of the season have definitely gone according to plan, even if they had to rotate through three different quarterbacks due to injury. As a unit, they are responsible for 1873 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, with everyone posting a passer rating over 113.0. Second year back Bucky Irving (109/797/9) has had a great year as well and is averaging 7.3 yards per carry. The receiving core has also been solid with multiple players contributing. The Vikings look to get another win in week 8 as they travel to Baltimore to play a slumping Ravens team.
8. Detroit Lions (5-2) (LW:8): The Lions sit at 5-2 after a 31-20 victory over the slumping Arizona Cardinals. While the offense wasn’t necessarily prolific, the defense was all over the place. They forced Kyler Murray into 3 interceptions while also holding star running back Emari Demercado to only 79 rushing yards. They have a tough matchup with the Chargers looming in week 8. Will this be the time Fallen establishes himself as the team to beat in the NFC North?
9. New Orleans Saints (5-2) (LW:9): JC and the Saints seem to be settling into the groove we saw most of the cycle. The offense and defense are both playing at top 10 levels and the emergence of Maalik Murphy has to strike fear into the rest of the NFC. Really looking forward to their upcoming game against the Packers as it should be a ‘measuring stick’ game for both heavy hitters who right now are tending in opposite directions.
10. Seattle Seahawks (5-2) (LW:10): And just like that after missing the playoffs last season and then starting this year 0-2, the Seahawks are inside the top 10 and are one of the hottest teams in the PML right now riding a five game win streak into what should be a winnable game in Carolina. I’ve said it before, don’t be surprised if Bo Nix and co. are sitting pretty at the top of the NFC playoff picture come week 18. Wouldn’t really call it a hot take either at this point.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3) (LW:12): Trevor Lawrence was signed to a massive contract keeping him in Jacksonville for another seven seasons and he is making good on the commitment that the Jaguars made to him, throwing for five touchdowns this week against the 49ers. Jacksonville has struggled this season against the playoff contending coaches and has defeated teams that you’d expect them to beat. It’s tough to quite put a finger on just yet, but the Jaguars may be a sneaky team to play against if they make the playoffs.
12. Los Angeles Rams (2-4) (LW:13): Devon Jackson is one of the bright spots of this Rams team early in the season who is amongst the league leaders in interceptions playing at the sublb position. Could be another sleeper pick for NROY if he maintains the pace. As Cook and the Rams approach the unofficial 2nd of their season, the main focus will be getting the Rams back into the win column to compete for a wildcard berth this season. He’ll have his work cut out for him, but if I am a betting man, the Rams will be in the thick of things come week 17 and 18.
13. Green Bay Packers (4-3) (LW:14): For 3 ½ quarters, it looked like the Packers would drop another game to an opponent they should’ve beaten. However, a 21-3 4th quarter run changed all of that, and the Packers toughed out a 31-30 win over the New York Giants. This win moves them to 4-3 on the year, and keeps them in the race for the NFC North. The biggest step to right the ship for the Packers will be to cut down on Jordan Love interceptions. Before this season began, I can’t remember the last time I watched Hypemike throw three interceptions in a single game. It wasn’t a game-killer for them this week, but with a tough matchup with the Saints next week, it’s essentially that they clean that up/
14. New York Jets (4-3) (LW:17): Two back to back wins for the Jets and more importantly for Deshaun Watson. While he hasn’t been lighting up the scoreboard, he has been very efficient and decisive with his passes. He has been careful and considerate of the throwing lanes. New York hasn’t asked him to do much, but it’s helped that their defense had been stout. The defense of the Jets will have to be even more greedy because they’re taking on an Atlanta team next week that loves to throw the ball around, fortunate for New York in that Jaxson Dart is coming off one of his worst games and could be rattled and dazed from the beating he took.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (4-3) (LW:18): 732 freaking yards of total offense, are you kidding me? The Bengals made a mockery of the Baltimore Ravens this week. It’s even crazier that Joe Burrow threw four interceptions and the Bengals had thirteen.. 13.. redzone opportunities this week, but they only converted four of those for points. Joe Burrow’s 23 interceptions hasn’t shaken his confidence even in the slightest, he may be close to losing his abilities, but new head coach Silent isn’t going to let that stop him from throwing the ball and taking chances on offense.
16. Dallas Cowboys (4-3) (LW:19): Drama and the Dallas Cowboys Faithful pump their chest after another win over an inferior NFC East opponent. The Cowboys defeated the Commanders 42-21, and you have to wonder at this point if anyone will ever stop them from winning the division. They started off 1-7 last year, and started off rough this year, and none of the three other teams were able to take advantage. If Drama wants to prove he belongs in the NFC contender race, he’ll have to beat Cookie and the Rams next week.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3) (LW:16): Riding a three game winning streak, it’s hard to be against the Steelers this week, but when it rains, it pours. Pittsburgh fell short late in the fourth quarter this week and with a matchup against one of the hottest teams in the Patriots next week, the Steelers will need to prove they have what it takes to hang with the best in the league.
18. Baltimore Ravens (3-4) (LW:15): You absolutely cannot put the blame for this devastating loss on Lamar Jackson. He threw three touchdowns and contributed for 350 of the Ravens 419 total yards. You have to start to wonder about the Ravens defensive coordinator. On paper, you have arguably the league’s best corner trio and you’re allowed the most (377) passing yards per game in the league, like 32. Even worse than the Commanders. Get it together Baltimore, Ray Lewis would be rolling some heads.
19. Atlanta Falcons (3-3) (LW:11): Falcons have now dropped two straight, and the NFC South showdown we were all so much looking forward to turned out to be a huge dud as the Falcons did not show up to play on their home turf. Nef will certainly have his work cut out for him as the schedule ahead is not an easy one with the Jets, Patriots, Texans, Lions, and Rams all on deck. Time to separate the men from the boys- will it be an early migration south for the Falcons?
20. Chicago Bears (3-3) (LW: 22): The Bears pick up a quality win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Justin Fields was efficient through most of the day, completing 70% of his passes and throwing for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns. Breece Hall had a solid day as the workhorse back, carrying the ball 25 times for 79 yards and a touchdown, although the 3.2 yards per carry average is a bit concerning. Chicago’s defense will also want to address how they allowed Calvin Austin III to go for 180 yards and a touchdown, but outside of that, this was a good performance from the Bears. They travel to Metlife to take on the Giants next week.
21. San Francisco 49ers (3-4) (LW:20): So I’ve learned not to get my hopes up on the 49ers when they start showing signs of life. A game they had to win to keep the momentum, CEO dropped to the Jaguars at home 48-34 this past week. I believe Sanders is on his way back into the starting lineup next week, but hats off to Purdy for a solid showing in his place as he now has a stat line of 700 yards, 9td/2int. Can the 49ers make a playoff run this season? I have them projected to finish the season at 6-4, giving them a 9-7 final record. They’ll have to take down the Seahawks or Rams if they want any chance at bonus football this year.
22. Carolina Panthers (2-4) (LW:15): To be fair, the Panthers defensive unit is playing at a top 5 level in the league. The young kids are showing up, but the issue continues to be the offensive attack which sits at bottom 2 or 3 in the league. Byrce Young has shown very little development thus far as his statline going into week 8 is a dismal 1300 yards, 4td and 10 int. Take the chains off the man and let him rip! Panther fans are dying to see it.
23. Buffalo Bills (3-4) (LW:27): Ideally, this should have been a no brainer kind of win for Buffalo this week. Matching up against a struggling Las Vegas team that sent away their best receiver. Alas, the Bills are struggling on defense this season and were gashed this week by Josh Jacobs for 234 yards on the ground. Buffalo came away with the four point victory, but it shouldn’t have been this difficult for them. They are on the cusp of no-looking back this season. 4 losses is tough, but a string of victories can have them emerge as wildcard hopefuls down the line this season.
24. Miami Dolphins (2-5) (LW:23): Honestly, no one expected the Dolphins to play the Browns as closely as they did and you have to give them recognition for that. The Dolphins held the Browns to just 3 of 8 scoring drives in the redzone, while converting 5 of 6 of their own redzone drives for points, that’s how they were able to keep the game close. Drew Allar’s 14 interceptions can’t be what the Dolphins have hoped for, but the rookie is learning as he goes. Miami has never been a dominant passing team, but you have to wonder if that would have been any different this cycle had they not traded Jaylen Waddle to the Falcons back in season 1. PML will never know.
25. Philadelphia Eagles (2-5) (LW: 24): The Eagles drop another game in what is beginning to look like a third consecutive lost season. While they were able to force 4 Justin Herbert interceptions, they weren’t able to capitalize, losing 45-30. This offense clearly misses Jalen Hurts, as Devin Leary was abysmal, throwing 4 interceptions on the day. The bright side for the Eagles? Rookie running back Jaydn Ott. who bounced back this week with 143 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. The Eagles host the Buccaneers next week in a game that could decide if they still have a shot at the playoffs.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5) (LW:25): Jalen Milroe threw the ball 54 times against the Jets and the Bucs offense totaled just 20 points. This wasn’t the man for the Buccaneers offensive scheme and it is becoming evident each passing week as the trade to move up seems like a sure backfire. They may be playing themselves into a top 3-7 selection, and one could hope that they do their due diligence on the DTs and defensive ends this season to help stop the run.
27. Indianapolis Colts (2-5) (LW:26): Having 51 points dropped on your head is no laughing matter, but the Colts need to grasp for some hope. They have a well balanced rushing attack, but throw that out the window. Get Jonathan Taylor more involved because opposing defenses do not respect Anthony Richardson as a passer. They are going to and have been loading the box daring him to throw down the field, but there’s hardly any separation by the receivers for Indy. CB and his Colts need to go back to the drawing board and find ways to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers.
28. Tennessee Titans (1-5) (LW:29): They are rejoicing in Tennessee because the losing streak didn’t get any longer this week, all thanks to the bye week. The Titans stink right now. They lost to a winless team last week and have no real identity on offense. Will Levis is having a subpar season, but his touchdowns exceed his interceptions. The biggest takeaway is that the Titans are not forcing enough turnovers. They have 4 lone interceptions and 1 forced fumble. That’s not enough to make a true impact and it won’t help the offense, especially when field position is crucial in close games.
29. Las Vegas Raiders (1-6) (LW:28): A week after getting their first win of the season, the Raiders fall to the Bills at home. Although he did throw an interception, Jayden Daniels played pretty well, throwing for 256 yards and a touchdown. The real offensive standout was Josh Jacobs, who carried the ball 30 times for a staggering 234 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. While the Raiders were unable to close the game in the 4th quarter with the lead, this has to be perhaps the first sign of them being able to play defense against a high powered Bills offense, let’s see if they can continue to make steps forward.
30. New York Giants (1-6) (LW:30): The Giants fall to 1-6 after playing an excellent 34 minutes of football against a tough Packers team. Burn has made some good and some questionable moves throughout the cycle, but has done a good job of building a team that can compete with anyone. If his scheme can catch up with the talent on the team, he may just be able to string some wins together. However, he has to cut back on poor situational football, two backbreaking 3rd and long picks when you have the lead in the 4th quarter is unacceptable. The Giants host the Bears next week.
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6) (LW:31): Cardinals are sitting at 1-6, Xavier Worthy hasn’t found the endzone yet this season, and all looks lost in Arizona. They’re in contention for the top pick in the draft, but more than likely will draft around 2-6. Another developing storyline this season is Kyler Murray and his 14 interceptions. As it stands, he’s above the threshold for int per game, and if doesn’t bring the numbers down then he will be another casualty of the QB regression rule.
32. Washington Commanders (0-6) (LW:32): With no offense to Miles, he could put together a highlight reel of Drake Maye interceptions and submit it for content. Maye had another multi-pick game as the Commanders dropped their 6th in a row, this time to the Dallas Cowboys. There hasn’t been much semblance of a running game, but perhaps Washington should lean on it more as Ekeler averaged 6.1 yards per carry with only 8 attempts. The Commanders will attempt to get their first win of the season as they host the Raiders next week.
