1. Bills (last week No. 1; 6-1): The defense is improving, but the offense took a little while to get going.
2. Jaguars (No. 2; 5-2): They caught the Colts at the perfect time, and they catch the Ravens at the perfect time.
3. 49ers (No. 4; 6-1): Was the bye enough for Christian McCaffrey to get healthy?
4. Broncos (No. 6; 6-2): They dominated the Chiefs.
5. Bears (No. 8; 6-2): The Bears are NOT who we thought they were — they are serious contenders to win.
6. Vikings (No. 3; 6-1): A quarterback change may be necessary.
7. Chiefs (No. 5; 5-2): Can the Chiefs beat the best teams in the league?
8. Steelers (No. 10; 6-2): The schedule aligns favorably; a 12-win season isn’t out of the question.
9. Seahawks (No. 7; 4-4): Of last year’s NFC finalists (Seahawks and Rams), one of them might not return to the playoffs. And maybe both.
10. Patriots (No. 11; 5-3): They once again avoided the South Florida trap.
11. Bengals (No. 12; 5-2): Joe Burrow appears to be a serious MVP candidate.
12. Lions (No. 13; 5-2): Injuries pile up on defense, once again.
13. Browns (No. 9; 5-3): Jared Verse should have learned a lesson, but probably didn’t.
14. Packers (No. 14; 5-3): The running game remains a handicap.
15. Rams (No. 16; 4-4): Wins happen and Myles Garrett hides.
16. Giants (No. 17; 4-2-1): Will they go all-in on a high-end running back?
17. Raiders (No. 19; 4-4): A Kirk Cousins-Kyle Shanahan reunion game looms.
18. Buccaneers (No. 20; 3-5): In two complete games since returning from a thumb injury, Baker Mayfield has thrown 14 passes.
19. Ravens (No. 15; 4-4): Should they be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?
20. Cardinals (No. 25; 3-5): They should move to Dallas. Or in Los Angeles
21. Falcons (No. 18; 3-5): It’s a good thing they play in a dome.
22. Panthers (No. 22; 3-4): Add them to the list of teams that will pursue Mike Tomlin.
23. Texans (No. 23; 2-5): The margin for error is getting smaller and smaller.
24. Commanders (#30; 2-4-1): Back hat energy.
25. Saints (No. 24; 2-5): They are still very much alive to win the worst division in the NFL.
26. Cowboys (No. 21; 3-5): Off-season hype, in-season guts.
27. Eagles (No. 26; 2-6): That Super Bowl win from two years ago feels like it was two decades ago.
28. Titans (No. 27; 1-7): Unlike the Colts, the white flag trade of Jeffery Simmons didn’t cause them to give up.
29. Colts (No. 28; 2-6): Trade everyone.
30. Dolphins (No. 29; 1-6): Malik Willis has had two solid games in a row.
31. Jets (No. 31; 2-6): Everyone except Woody Johnson knows it’s time for a coaching change.
32. Chargers (No. 32; 0-7): Jim Harbaugh’s stubborn refusal to change coordinator could cost him his job.
Gn sports
