FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — For the second week in a row, the NFL slate featured some truly remarkable offensive performances. The Buccaneers hung 51 points on the Saints; the Lions nearly did the same to the Cowboys, and four other teams, including the Falcons, scored at least 35 points. It's the time of year when offenses find their rhythm and the good teams start to pull away.
After a 3-0 stretch through the NFC South, Atlanta is now firmly a top 10 team in the power rankings. But the real story this week is the NFC North. Every team in that division has four wins at this point, and each one looks legitimately good. That is going to be one of the most fun division races we've had in a while.
Here are my updated NFL power rankings after Week 6.
(5-0)
1
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have earned the right to not lose their No. 1 spot on a bye week based on their play through five weeks.
(4-1)
2
1
Detroit Lions
Detroit made things look absurdly easy in Dallas, and that offense is downright scary, but losing Aiden Hutchinson hurts.
(4-2)
3
1
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens went from one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history to an offense that feels like it has no ceiling.
(5-0)
4
2
Kansas City Chiefs
True, the Chiefs have not lost. But they've not once this season looked as sharp as the three teams above them.
(5-1)
5
1
Houston Texans
Joe Mixon's return will immensely help the Texans move forward without Nico Collins for the next little bit.
(4-2)
6
2
Green Bay Packers
There's a real theme to the NFL's top teams: They have offenses that reached an elite level of play quickly.
(4-2)
7
2
Atlanta Falcons
I can't emphasize enough how impressive it is to have 500 passing yards one week and then gain 200 yards on the ground the next.
(4-2)
8
4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I wouldn't be shocked at all if we look back at the Falcons-Bucs game as an early bout between two bonafide playoff contenders.
(4-2)
9
8
Chicago Bears
Another impressive win from the Bears. Caleb Williams' growth is apparent, and Chicago has the best point margin since Week 4.
(4-2)
10
5
Washington Commanders
Washington dropping this far has much less to do with how I feel about the Commanders than my appreciation of the teams above them.
(3-3)
11
5
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers' record is one of this season's most confounding. They have been one of the best teams and could get on a real roll soon.
(4-2)
12
5
Buffalo Bills
Yes, the Bills won on Monday night. But I have way more questions about this team than I did a few weeks ago, especially on defense.
(4-2)
13
2
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh's 3-0 turnover advantage was huge in the win. Najee Harris and Justin Fields formed a great 1-2 punch on the ground.
(3-2)
14
6
Los Angeles Chargers
Don't look now, but the Chargers have the best scoring defense in the league.
(3-2)
15
2
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have way too much talent to only beat the Browns by four points. What's going on in Philly?
(3-3)
16
7
Indianapolis Colts
I don't know if this is a good team, but it's definitely not a bad one.
(3-3)
17
7
Denver Broncos
Bo Nix needs to start games faster and the offense goes dark too often, but I love the Broncos' defense and think they stay in the mix.
(3-3)
18
7
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have now turned the ball over more times than anyone except the Raiders after Sunday's five-turnover day against the Lions.
(3-3)
19
5
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is 0-3 after starting the season 3-0, and its defense has allowed the second-most points in the league during that time.
(2-4)
20
2
Cincinnati Bengals
It wasn't the prettiest win by any means, but the Bengals will take any victory they can get while they scratch their way back into the season.
(2-4)
21
New York Jets
The Jets could have easily beaten the Bills, but they have now lost three straight one-score games. At least the offense looked better.
(2-4)
22
2
New York Giants
I don't know what it says about the Giants that they have dominated time of possession, but I like the cut of the Giants' jib.
(2-4)
23
5
New Orleans Saints
This team looks vastly different than the one that started the year 2-0. Offensive injuries are a factor, but the defense has regressed.
(2-4)
24
5
Arizona Cardinals
Injuries are really starting to build. The Cardinals have the second-worst point differential since Week 4.
(2-3)
25
Miami Dolphins
Miami's offense has been lifeless without Tua Tagovialoa, which is a shame because the defense has been playing well this season.
(2-4)
26
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have the league's worst turnover margin this season, and they turnved the ball over three more times against the Raiders.
(1-4)
27
Los Angeles Rams
Reports Monday night indicated it's "possible" Cooper Kupp returns for Week 7, but that might not be enough to get the Rams going.
(1-5)
28
Jacksonville Jaguars
I still believe the Jaguars are the most talented of all the one-win teams, which only makes their season that much more frustrating.
(1-4)
29
1
Tennessee Titans
As I mentioned earlier, I think the Colts are a pretty good team. Tennessee played a good game against them, especially on defense.
(1-5)
30
1
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have the worst offensive EPA in the league this season, according to TruMedia.
(1-5)
31
1
New England Patriots
Drake Maye's first touchdown pass was a thing of beauty, and his strong debut should be the only thing Patriots fans take away from the loss.
(1-5)
32
1
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers kept things close in the first half, but their defense is going to require their offense to score a lot of points each and every week.
