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NFL Power Rankings Following Week 10: Patriots Down to 30

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QB Kyler Murray's season debut gets the Arizona Cardinals out of last place in the NFL Power Rankings after Week 10

With the Philadelphia Eagles enjoying a bye week, there was no change atop this week’s NFL Power Rankings. However, the top team actually playing lost. The #2 Baltimore Ravens fell to the Cleveland Browns, clearing the way for others to move up. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals moved up from #32 after a big win with Kyler Murray back at quarterback. The Carolina Panthers now take up the rear, but their first round. pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is going to the Chicago Bears.



Once again, these NFL Power Rankings are not based on hypotheticals, potential or feelings. These rankings are based on reality. As Bill Parcells noted, “you are what your record says you are.” The only 8-1 team deserves to take the top spot in the rankings. Likewise, the lone 1-8 team should take up the rear, which they do.

With that in mind, the NFL Power Rankings from Patriots Football Now

32. Carolina Panthers (1-8)

The Panthers took an early 7-0 lead on a 79-yard punt return by Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Unfortunately for Carolina, it was the only time they’d find the end zone all night. As a result, the Bears escaped Thursday Night Football with a 16-13 victory. DT Derrick Brown led the defensive effort with eight tackles (seven solo) in defeat.

31. New York Giants (2-8)

The Giants are happy to be done with the Cowboys this season. After losing to Dallas by 32 on opening weekend, they lost their game on Sunday by 32. Rookie UDFA Tommy DeVito got the start at QB, but only passed for 86 yards. But he did throw two touchdowns against one interception. There was not a lot for New York to feel good about in any aspect of the 49-17 defeat, other than moving higher up the 2024 draft order.

30. New England Patriots (2-8)

New England headed to Germany and left with another loss. For a recap, click here. For the report card, click here. Otherwise, just believe that the 10-6 game was another perfect example of what has been going wrong for the New England Patriots all season. Poor coaching decisions, poor execution, and eventually quarterback Mac Jones being replaced for a potential game-winning drive.

29. Arizona Cardinals (2-8)

After losing six straight game, the Cardinals got back into the win column on Sunday. QB Kyler Murray made his much anticipated debut this season, and walked away with a win. Arizona beat Atlanta 25-23 on a Matt Prater 23-yard field goal. Murray finished the game 19-of-32 passing for 249 yards and an interception. He rushed for an additional 33 yards and a touchdown. BJ Ojulari led the defense with eight tackles and 2.0 sacks.

28. Chicago Bears (3-7)

Chicago had the rare opportunity on Thursday Night Football to help their draft position with a win. Since the Bears own the rights to the Panthers first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, their win over Carolina helped their hopes for a top choice. QB Tyson Bagent wasn’t spectacular, but he committed no turnovers and earned his first win as an NFL starting quarterback. RB D’Onta Foreman led the offense with 92 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in the 16-13 win.

27. Los Angeles Rams (3-6)

The Rams enjoyed a bye week after losing three straight. The starting quarterback in their most recent loss, Brett Rypien, was released after the game. Los Angeles is hoping to have Matthew Stafford back this weekend and get their season back on track before it’s too late.

26. Tennessee Titans (3-6)

Tennessee’s offense did nothing positive in a 20-6 loss to Tampa Bay. QB Will Levin completed only 19-of-39 passes for 199 yards and an interception. RB Derrick Henry rushed 11 times for 24 yards. Former starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill asked for his release after the game. There were rumors that head coach Mike Vrabel was Robert Kraft’s “home run candidate” to replace Bill Belichick, but currently the Titans are not looking much better than the Patriots.

25. Green Bay Packers (3-6)

QB Jordan Love threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns, but his two interceptions proved too costly to overcome. Green Bay fell to Pittsburgh 23-19. RB A.J. Dillon picked up 80 yards on nine carries. WR Jayden Reed registered five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. But turnovers are too tough for most teams to overcome, and Sunday was the Packers proved to be the rule instead of the exception.

24. Atlanta Falcons (4-6)

It’s now a three-game losing streak for the Falcons. To make matters worse, Atlanta lost to Arizona, who had been ranked 32 in last week’s NFL Power Rankings. QB Taylor Heinicke got the start, but was injured in the fourth quarter. He had thrown for only 55 yards up to that point in the game. Desmond Ridder came on in relief and led a scoring drive on Atlanta’s final possession. Rookie RB Bijan Robinson was a workhorse with 22 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown. LB Nate Landman had a strong game with six tackles, a sack, and an interception, but it was not enough to come away with a win.

23. Washington Commanders (4-6)

A fourth quarter touchdown appeared to send Washington’s game against Seattle to overtime. But a Seahawks game-winning field goal as time expired prevented them from getting to .500. QB Sam Howell had another strong game. He finished 29-of-44 for 312 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. RB Brian Robinson had 38 yards rushing, and added six receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown in the loss. For a team that appeared ready to tank at the NFL Trade Deadline, the Commanders continue to compete.

22. Denver Broncos (4-5)

After beginning the year 1-5, the Broncos have turned things around nicely. Now they have an eye towards the NFL Playoffs instead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Denver missed a potential game-winning field goal on Monday Night Football against Buffalo, but got a second chance. The Bills were called for too many men on the field, and the Broncos made the most of their second chance. PK Wil Lutz knocked home a 36-yard field goal and Denver escaped with a 24-22 win. QB Russell Wilson finished 24-of-29 for 193 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers.

21. New York Jets (4-5)

It has been an up-and-down season for the New York Jets, as evidenced by the travels along the NFL Power Rankings. After beginning the year 1-3, the Jets reeled off three straight wins. They have now lost two in a row after dropping a game to the Raiders. QB Zach Wilson threw a costly interception late in the fourth quarter that sealed the Jets fate. Las Vegas walked away with a 16-12 Sunday Night Football win. LB C.J. Mosley had 15 tackles in the loss.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)

After losing four in a row, Tampa Bay finally got back in the win column with a convincing 20-6 win over Tennessee. WR Mike Evans had a monster game with six receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown. QB Baker Mayfield continues to improve his stock for free agency, completing 18-of-29 attempts for 278 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Antoine Winfield, Jr. led an impressive defensive effort with six tackles and an interception.

19. Las Angeles Chargers (4-5)

It’s tough to win in the NFL when the defense allows 41 points. The Chargers proved this on Sunday when they lost to the Lions 41-38. QB Justin Herbert threw for 323 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. WR Keenan Allen was incredible, with 11 receptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Safety Derwin James had 12 tackles, including two TFL. But there was simply not enough defense. Pro Bowlers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack were virtual non-factors in the loss. The loss put a halt to L.A. two-game win streak.

18. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

After watching the Colts struggle to move the ball against the New England Patriots on Sunday, it is difficult to believe there are 14 teams below them on the NFL Power Rankings. However, Indianapolis got the 10-6 win and are now at .500 on the season. RB Jonathan Taylor finished with 69 yards and a touchdown. DE Dayo Odeyingbo led the defense with 3.0 sacks, and Julian Blackmon clinched it with a late interception.

17. Las Vegas Raiders (5-5)

The Raiders remain unbeaten since they fired Josh McDaniels. Interim head coach Antonio Pierce improved to 2-0 with a 16-12 win over the Jets on Sunday Night Football. The win also made rookie QB Aidan O’Connell (16-of-27, 153 yards, one touchdown, one interception) undefeated in his two NFL starts. RB Josh Jacobs carried the load for Las Vegas, with 27 carries for 116 yards. LB Robert Spillane with the defensive standout with six tackles, a sack, and an interception.

16. Buffalo Bills (5-5)

After a second straight loss, the Bills are clinging to a spot in the top half of the NFL Power Rankings. Their Monday Night Football loss to the Broncos cost offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey his job. Will QB Josh Allen (two interceptions, lost fumble) commit fewer turnovers under new OC Joe Brady? A penalty for too many men on the field gave the Broncos a second attempt to hit a game-winning field goal, and Denver took advantage of the second chance. The 24-22 loss makes the Bills losers of four of their last six games. To make matters worse, start WR Stefon Diggs brother Trevon is now trolling the Bills online. Things need to turn around quickly in Buffalo to get back to being the championship contender people expected this season.

15. New Orleans Saints (5-5)

New Orleans remains at 15 despite a Week 10 loss to Minnesota. The Saints lost the game 27-19, but more importantly they lost several key players. QB Derek Carr, WR Michael Thomas, and CB Marcus Lattimore all left the loss with injuries. It appears their bye week is coming at a good time. QB Jameis Winston came on in relief and threw two touchdowns, but also tossed two interceptions. WR Chris Olave had six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown in defeat.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5)

The Bengals were riding a four-game winning streak before the Texans put an end to it. Cincinnati jumped out to a 10-0 lead, but then Houston scored 20 unanswered points. Eventually the Texans sealed the win on a field goal as time expired. QB Joe Burrow threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase (five receptions, 124 yards, touchdown) and Tyler Boyd (eight receptions, 117 yards) both had big games for the Bengals. CB Cam Taylor-Britt had nine tackles and an interception for the defense.

14. Houston Texans (5-5)

One spot above the Bengals is the team that defeated them in Week 10. QB C.J. Stroud put up more good numbers with 356 yards passing and a touchdown. He did turn the ball over three times (interception, two lost fumbles), but Houston was able to overcome it with a couple of takeaways of their own. RB Devin Singletary, filling in for the injured Dameon Pierce, was a force for the offense. He carried the ball 30 times for 156 yards and a touchdown. WR Noah Brown (seven receptions, 172 yards) was also huge for the Texans. DT Sheldon Rankins (3.0 sacks) led a solid defensive effort against a tough Bengals offense.

12. Minnesota Vikings (6-4)

The Vikings started the season 0-3, then 1-4. After defeating the Saints on Sunday, Minnesota is now winners of five in a row and looking great. QB Kirk Cousins is out. All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson is out. The Vikings somehow keep winning. QB Joshua Dobbs looked great, completing 23-of-34 attempts for 268 yards and a touchdown. Dobbs also rushed for 44 yards and another score. TE T.J. Hockenson was his favorite target, racking up 11 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. The defense had two interceptions, including a Byron Murphy’s late in the fourth quarter deep in Minnesota territory.

11. Cleveland Browns (6-3)

Cleveland pulled off an upset of the Baltimore, who was up to number two in last week’s NFL Power Rankings, on Sunday. The Browns trailed 17-3 after the first quarter, but never game up. CB Greg Newsome II had a pick-six late in the fourth quarter to cut the Ravens lead to one. When Dustin Hopkins’ 40-yard field goal was good on their next possession, the Browns had a 33-31 win over their AFC North rival. QB Deshaun Watson left the game injured, and it was later determined his season was over. If Cleveland is going to stay in contention, they’ll need Watson’s replacement to get the job done.

10. Seattle Seahawks (6-3)

In another game decided on a last-second field goal, Seattle held off visiting Washington to win 29-26. QB Geno Smith finished with 369 yards passing, two touchdowns and no interceptions. RB Kennth Walker III had 127 yards from scrimmage, including a 64-yard touchdown reception. It appeared the Commanders forced overtime with a late touchdown, but Seattle answered quickly. They picked up 50 yards in 52 seconds. Geno Smith found DK Metcalf for gains of 17 and 27 yards on the game-winning drive. PK Jason Myers nailed the 41-yard attempt for the victory.

9. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

Baltimore drops seven spots after moving up all the way to two in last week’s NFL Power Rankings. Despite getting out to a 17-3 lead after the first quarter, the Ravens took their foot off the gas too soon. Two Lamar Jackson interceptions, including a pick-six, proved too much to overcome. Cleveland pulled out the 33-31 win as time expired to even out their season series at 1-1. The loss put an end to a four-game win streak for Baltimore. Two All-Pro candidates performed well for the Ravens defense. LB Roquan Smith had 18 tackles. DB Kyle Hamilton had seven tackles and a pick-six of his own in the losing effort.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

Pittsburgh might not be the most impressive looking team in the Top 10, but they earned their place here. The Steelers held off the Packers for the 23-19 win. Green Bay had opportunities in the fourth quarter, but Pittsburgh picked off Jordan Love attempts on the Packers last two possessions. The Steelers relied on the ground game sparked by running backs Jaylen Warren (15 carries, 101 yards, one touchdown) and Najee Harris (16-82-1). Safetys Demontae Kazee and Keanu Neal had the game-winning interceptions for the Steelers.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3)

After five straight wins, the Jaguars came out of the bye week with a stinker. San Francisco dominated from start to finishing, handing Jacksonville a 34-3 loss. Their offense could not run or pass. Their defense could not stop the run or the pass. And Jacksonville did not protect the ball, turning it over three times. About the only bright spot in defeat was the performance of LB Foye Oloukun, who finished with 9 tackles, three TFL and 2.0 sacks. Otherwise, burn the film and start over in Week 11.

6. Miami Dolphins (6-3)

Miami stays at six after a bye week. They are one of three teams in the top six to not play in Week 10. The Dolphins look to rebound from their loss to the Chiefs when they host the Raiders on Sunday.

5. Dallas Cowboys (6-3)

Our preseason pick to be Super Bowl champions might be heating up at the right time. Of course, it would certainly help the Cowboys to play the Giants every week. Dallas demolished New York 49-17. QB Dak Prescott completed 26-of-35 attempts for 404 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. The Cowboys had two receivers go for over 150 yards in the game. Brandin Cooks had nine receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown, while CeeDee Lamb finished with 11-151-1 totals. CB DeRon Bland grabbed his fifth interception of the season.

4. San Francisco 49ers (6-3)

After beginning the season 5-0, the 49ers dropped three straight. It looks like their bye week came at a good time, as they came out of it dominating. San Francisco easily disposed of Jacksonville 34-3. QB Brock Purdy had his best game in over a month. He went 19-of-26 for 296 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers. RB Christian McCaffery saw his touchdown streak come to an end, but did contribute with 95 yards rushing. TE George Kittle had a 66-yard touchdown reception to open up the second half and virtually put the game away. He finished with 116 yards receiving. DE Nick Bosa had 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble for the defense.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)

The Chiefs enjoyed a week off after a big win against the Dolphins. They should now be rested up for the homestretch as they prepare to defend their Super Bowl title. It starts back up on Monday Night Football against the top-ranked Eagles.

2. Detroit Lions (7-2)

QB Jared Goff is quietly having a great season in Detroit. He has completed over 68% of his passes, while throwing 14 touchdowns and only five interceptions. On Sunday they needed him to play big and he delivered. Goff went 23-of-33 for 333 yards, two touchdown and no turnovers in the Lions 41-38 win over the Chargers. Running backs David Montgomery (12 carries, 1116 yards, touchdown) and Jahmyr Gibbs (14-77-2) provided a balanced attack for Detroit. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown chipped in with eight receptions for 156 yards and a TD. The defense will need to step up (they did allow 421 yards and 38 points) if Detroit is going to be a true contender in 2023.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-1)

The last one-loss team standing, Philadelphia had their bye in Week 10. This sets up a big Super Bowl rematch on Monday Night Football this week as the top team from each conference in the NFL Power Rankings meet head-to-head once again. The winner of that Eagles-Chiefs game is likely to be enjoying the top spot in next week’s rankings.

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