Here are the NFL power rankings as we head into Week 7 of the 2024 season, along with the previous ranking in parentheses:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (1): After a bye week, the Chiefs face a challenging path, with four of their next six games on the road, starting with a rematch against the Niners. Since Kyle Shanahan became the head coach in 2017, they have dominated the Niners, with a record of 4-0. The Chiefs are on a winning streak of 11 games.

2. Baltimore Ravens (3): Lamar Jackson is closing in on Michael Vick’s all-time rushing record for a quarterback, needing just 449 yards to surpass the 6,109-yard mark. He looks to improve his impressive 22-1 record against NFC teams, which is a .956 winning percentage, in the upcoming game against Tampa Bay.

3. Minnesota Vikings (2): The Vikings are leading the NFC North with a remarkable start, holding the only division win so far in 2024. They have a chance to reinforce their undefeated status when they host the Lions this Sunday.

4. Detroit Lions (4): Known for their offensive power, the Lions have achieved consecutive games scoring 40 or more points for the first time since the Super Bowl began. Unfortunately, the defense was weakened when standout player Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia last Sunday.

5. Atlanta Falcons (5): Fresh off a clean sweep against their division rivals, the Falcons are now preparing to welcome the Seattle team. The Falcons showcased their powerful run game last week with a season-high 198 rushing yards.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6): After their recent victory in New Orleans, the Bucs are returning home to face a demanding schedule filled with matches against top-tier teams like Baltimore, Atlanta, Kansas City, and San Francisco. Head Coach Todd Bowles expressed their commitment to the community, saying they wanted to win for a city facing tough times.

7. Green Bay Packers (10): With WR Romeo Doubs returning from suspension and scoring twice last Sunday, the Packers are almost fully healthy for the first time since the season began. This comes as they gear up for a challenging stretch, facing five playoff teams over the next seven games.

8. Houston Texans (8): Despite flying under the radar with a 5-1 record, the Texans show potential, especially after RB Joe Mixon returned and the team scored an impressive 41 points, their highest in three years.

9. Washington Commanders (7): The Commanders’ defense took a hit with Jonathan Allen’s season-ending injury, making it tougher for them to compete against top rushers like Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard and Chicago’s D’Andre Swift.

10. Buffalo Bills (11): Following a significant win on Monday night, the Bills appear well-positioned to claim another AFC East title, especially with a lighter schedule coming up after facing tough opponents. Rookie RB Ray Davis shined with 152 scrimmage yards, reducing the urgency to rush James Cook back from injury. Notably, QB Josh Allen has accumulated 233 total touchdowns in his first seven seasons, the highest of any player in that timeframe.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (9): The Eagles face distractions as their head coach becomes a frequent topic of concern, particularly after struggling against weaker competition. It’ll be interesting to observe their performance, especially since their next opponent may not have a winning record until mid-November.

12. San Francisco 49ers (13): The 49ers won’t travel again until November 10. Until then, they might want to continue utilizing Deebo Samuel, who has made history as the first wide receiver to achieve 20 touchdowns both rushing and receiving.

13. Indianapolis Colts (15): Despite numerous injuries, the Colts are demonstrating resilience and depth, which could soon spark a quarterback contest involving Joe Flacco that the Browns are trying to avoid.

14. Chicago Bears (19): Rookie QB Caleb Williams is making waves, helping the Bears score five touchdowns in back-to-back games for the first time in franchise history since the Super Bowl era.

15. Dallas Cowboys (14): The Cowboys are back at home for a much-needed bye week, allowing Coach Mike McCarthy a brief moment of relief. Upcoming games will not be easy, as they will face San Francisco and Atlanta on the road.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (16): Another week, another injury for the Steelers’ offensive line, this time affecting rookie C Zach Frazier. This situation isn’t sustainable for their success.

17. Los Angeles Chargers (18): Following a win in Denver, Coach Jim Harbaugh made an unusual statement about his health conditions affecting his coaching. While it’s impressive that he’s managing, it’s not a wise reliance for future games.

18. Cincinnati Bengals (20): The Bengals ended their streak of 75-consecutive games allowing double-digit points with a 17-7 win over the Giants. If they can play a complete game, they could be a formidable opponent.

19. Denver Broncos (17): RB Javonte Williams is leading the league in touches without a touchdown, and the Broncos have only 10 touchdowns all season, among the lowest in the league.

20. Arizona Cardinals (12): They kicked off Sunday with the fewest penalties in the league at just 19 but ended up racking up 13 penalties and had three fumbles, resulting in a defeat by 21 points against the Packers at Lambeau Field.

21. New York Jets (21): This loss can’t fall on Robert Saleh’s shoulders. Aaron Rodgers had perhaps his best performance since joining the Jets, and even the run game, which was last in the league, managed to put up 121 yards. However, the team’s efforts seem diminished by various factors, and it might help if Rodgers had better options than struggling WR Mike Williams to rely on in critical situations.

22. New York Giants (22): Despite lacking many “key” players due to injuries, they remain competitive, a testament to head coach Brian Daboll and quarterback Daniel Jones’ efforts.

23. Seattle Seahawks (23): On Monday, they traded for DT Roy Robertson-Harris, a move that stands out because you’d expect them to seek help for their offensive line instead.

24. Los Angeles Rams (24): They might find a remedy for their league-worst run defense against the Raiders. However, even after their bye week, there’s uncertainty regarding when WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua will be back to bolster a passing game that has scored the fewest touchdowns (3) in the NFC.

25. New Orleans Saints (25): Sean Payton, the winningest coach in franchise history, is coming to the Superdome on Thursday night. If he and his Broncos clinch another victory while in New Orleans, the Saints could be in serious trouble with their current four-game losing streak, the worst in the NFC.

26. Carolina Panthers (26): The demotion of QB Bryce Young reflects the team’s difficulties but the defense’s performance, having allowed 25 more points than any other team, is equally telling.

27. Las Vegas Raiders (27): They’ve fallen behind by at least 10 points in each of their games this season, marking a first in franchise history.

28. Tennessee Titans (28): They’re set to meet a New England team with a losing record up to Week 13 – providing plenty of chances for WR Calvin Ridley to shine.

29. Miami Dolphins (29): Head Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that QB Tua Tagovailoa will return this season, though the exact timing is uncertain. He is eligible to be activated from the IR before the October 27 game against Arizona. With a little luck, Miami might keep its hopes alive until he’s ready to play.

30. New England Patriots (31): They’re working on something promising with Bryce Baringer, who has the league’s best streak of 23 games with at least one 50-yard punt. Rookie QB Drake Maye showed flashes of potential in his first start, although he was predictably inconsistent.

31. Cleveland Browns (32): Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. leads the team with two touchdowns, both from returns, which highlights the struggles of an offense that hasn’t scored more than 19 points in a single game this season.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (30): They’re coming off a win in London, having last played there as the designated home team in 2023 but overall, their situation is rather dismal.

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