1) Chicago Bears (5-0)
PF: 42 | PA: 20 | Net: 109 | PSOS: 0.278
The Bears have been dominant, posting an undefeated record while only allowing 20 points in 5 games. Their defense has been the best in the league, and while their played strength of schedule (PSOS) is relatively weak, it’s hard to argue with their overall dominance. This team looks poised to continue its success if they maintain this balance.
2) Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
PF: 45 | PA: 39 | Net: 29 | PSOS: 0.545
Despite a loss, the Chiefs have played a tough schedule (0.545 PSOS) and continue to deliver high-scoring performances. They have a fantastic balance of offense and defense, though they have allowed more points than other top teams. Their 3-0 away record is a testament to their toughness on the road.
3) Minnesota Vikings (4-1)
PF: 36 | PA: 33 | Net: 18 | PSOS: 0.500
Coming off a 4-game win streak and a perfect division record, the Vikings are proving their mettle. They’ve played solid competition and pulled out close wins, which speaks to their resilience. Their defense is slightly leaky, but this team’s clutch performances are why they sit this high.
4) Cleveland Browns (4-1)
PF: 37 | PA: 31 | Net: 28 | PSOS: 0.348
The Browns have been consistent, winning key games in a tough AFC North. While their PSOS isn’t as high, they’ve shown they can handle divisional foes, which will be crucial down the stretch.
5) Arizona Cardinals (5-0)
PF: 34 | PA: 19 | Net: 74 | PSOS: 0.318
Another unbeaten team, the Cardinals’ defense has been stout, holding opponents to just under 4 points per game. However, their slightly weaker PSOS compared to other top-tier teams knocks them down slightly despite their flawless record.
6) Los Angeles Chargers (4-1)
PF: 43 | PA: 25 | Net: 88 | PSOS: 0.304
The Chargers have been impressive on both sides of the ball, with a particularly strong defense allowing just 25 points through 5 games. While their PSOS is lower, their only loss came in a tight game, and they’ve already secured a divisional win.
7) Las Vegas Raiders (3-1)
PF: 52 | PA: 40 | Net: 48 | PSOS: 0.444
Despite an early loss, the Raiders have bounced back with impressive wins, particularly with their offense, which has scored over 50 points. Their PSOS is solid, and they’re proving to be contenders in a competitive division.
8) Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
PF: 49 | PA: 34 | Net: 60 | PSOS: 0.529
The Seahawks are quietly putting together a strong campaign, with a solid offense and decent PSOS. Their ability to perform in tough games has kept them in the upper echelon of the league so far.
9) San Francisco 49ers (3-1)
PF: 42 | PA: 35 | Net: 26 | PSOS: 0.444
The 49ers’ defense has struggled a bit, but their offense keeps them in games. They’ve had some key divisional victories, which bode well for their postseason hopes.
10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
PF: 48 | PA: 41 | Net: 30 | PSOS: 0.500
Tampa has been up and down, but they’ve won more than they’ve lost. Their PSOS and offense have been solid, and if their defense can tighten up, they could rise higher in the rankings.
11) New Orleans Saints (3-1)
PF: 46 | PA: 32 | Net: 54 | PSOS: 0.235
The Saints have faced a lighter schedule, but they’ve made the most of it, with a high point differential. They need to prove themselves against stronger competition to crack the top 10.
12) New York Jets (3-1)
PF: 40 | PA: 37 | Net: 13 | PSOS: 0.450
The Jets have quietly built a strong season, with a couple of gritty wins. However, they have a low net points value, which is concerning long-term. They’ll need to find more consistency to rise in the rankings.
13) Washington Commanders (3-1)
PF: 30 | PA: 24 | Net: 25 | PSOS: 0.444
The Commanders have benefited from a solid defense, but their offense hasn’t been explosive enough to push them higher. Their low point totals make them a questionable team when facing high-scoring offenses.
14) Carolina Panthers (2-2)
PF: 31 | PA: 43 | Net: -47 | PSOS: 0.765
The Panthers have had a tough start to the season, but their PSOS is the hardest in the league, and they’ve shown fight. The defense needs to improve, but they’re a team to keep an eye on.
15) Los Angeles Rams (2-2)
PF: 36 | PA: 31 | Net: 19 | PSOS: 0.611
The Rams are a middle-of-the-pack team, showing some flashes but lacking the consistency to rise. They’ve played a tough schedule but will need to string together some wins to climb.
16) Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
PF: 21 | PA: 26 | Net: -20 | PSOS: 0.474
The Cowboys haven’t scored much, but their defense has kept them in games. Their even record shows they have room to improve, but it remains to be seen if they can find a higher gear.
17) Indianapolis Colts (2-3)
PF: 32 | PA: 34 | Net: -9 | PSOS: 0.565
The Colts have been competitive in most games but find themselves below .500. They’ve played a solid schedule, which gives them some leeway in these rankings, but they need to tighten up defensively if they want to make a playoff push.
18) Buffalo Bills (2-3)
PF: 34 | PA: 33 | Net: 5 | PSOS: 0.478
Buffalo’s point differential suggests they could be better than their record indicates. However, they haven’t been able to finish close games, and their 1-3 road record is troubling. They’ll need to turn things around to stay in the hunt.
19) Tennessee Titans (2-3)
PF: 45 | PA: 53 | Net: -40 | PSOS: 0.565
The Titans’ offense has been explosive, scoring 45 points in 5 games, but they’ve struggled defensively, which has led to their losing record. Their PSOS is solid, and they’ve played tough opponents, but improvements are needed on defense.
20) Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
PF: 22 | PA: 33 | Net: -56 | PSOS: 0.500
The Bengals’ defense has kept them competitive, but their offense has struggled mightily, averaging just 22 points per game. Despite their low-scoring output, they’ve managed two wins and have played a balanced schedule.
21) Houston Texans (2-3)
PF: 17 | PA: 20 | Net: -17 | PSOS: 0.500
Houston has struggled to score, putting up the fewest points in the league so far. However, their defense has kept them competitive, and their PSOS shows they’ve had a reasonable schedule. Their path to improvement lies in finding more offensive consistency.
22) New England Patriots (1-3)
PF: 38 | PA: 35 | Net: 11 | PSOS: 0.421
The Patriots are underperforming but have shown some flashes of potential. Their positive net points suggest they’ve been competitive, but they’ll need to find consistency on both sides of the ball to turn things around.
23) Detroit Lions (1-4)
PF: 25 | PA: 25 | Net: 1 | PSOS: 0.652
The Lions have faced one of the toughest schedules in the league, and while they’ve been competitive, it hasn’t translated to wins. They’ve shown some resilience but need to find a way to close out games.
24) Miami Dolphins (1-3)
PF: 42 | PA: 41 | Net: 4 | PSOS: 0.474
Despite a 1-3 record, the Dolphins have shown offensive firepower, putting up 42 points. However, they’ve struggled to close out games. Their PSOS isn’t too challenging, so Miami will need to capitalize on upcoming opportunities to improve their record.
25) Green Bay Packers (1-3)
PF: 31 | PA: 34 | Net: -12 | PSOS: 0.643
The Packers have had a difficult schedule (0.643 PSOS), but their offense has been mediocre, and their defense has given up just enough to keep them on the losing end in most games. They have potential to improve, but need to find balance on both sides of the ball.
26) Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)
PF: 29 | PA: 39 | Net: -39 | PSOS: 0.588
The Eagles have faced tough competition and struggled to keep pace, especially on defense. While their PSOS is high, their inability to limit opposing offenses is their biggest issue.
27) Denver Broncos (1-4)
PF: 35 | PA: 44 | Net: -42 | PSOS: 0.500
The Broncos are in a slump, especially on defense, allowing 44 points in 5 games. Their offense has shown some life, but they’ll need much stronger defensive performances to get back on track.
28) Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4)
PF: 30 | PA: 38 | Net: -43 | PSOS: 0.542
The Steelers’ season has been defined by inconsistency. Their defense has been porous, and while they’ve shown flashes on offense, it hasn’t been enough to secure victories. Their PSOS is moderate, but their performances need improvement.
29) Baltimore Ravens (1-4)
PF: 31 | PA: 47 | Net: -80 | PSOS: 0.522
The Ravens’ defense has been their Achilles heel, giving up 47 points a game over 5 games. They’ve faced a tough schedule, but their poor point differential is concerning. Without improvement on defense, their season could continue to spiral.
30) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)
PF: 27 | PA: 36 | Net: -35 | PSOS: 0.722
The Jaguars have had a brutal schedule and have struggled on both sides of the ball. They’ve been outscored by an average of 9 points per game and will need to make significant improvements if they want to compete moving forward.
31) New York Giants (0-4)
PF: 26 | PA: 44 | Net: -73 | PSOS: 0.667
The Giants are winless and have one of the worst point differentials in the league. Their PSOS is high, but that’s not enough to excuse their poor performances. They need to find answers fast or risk a completely lost season.
32) Atlanta Falcons (0-5)
PF: 22 | PA: 48 | Net: -129 | PSOS: 0.476
The Falcons have been the league’s worst team, with an abysmal -129 point differential. They’ve been outscored by 26 points per game and have yet to show any signs of turning things around. Atlanta is in full rebuild mode, and wins will be hard to come by this season.
