NFL Top-10 Ratings: Chiefs still No. 1; Lions, Packers go up; The Vikings fall

In the week where the tents are played, the Chiefs won against the 49ers in a rematch of the Super Bowl. And with a pair of exciting two-pointers, the Lions edged the Vikings and the Packers edged the Texans.

That caused a fluctuation in my rankings, Detroit went up and Green Bay made a big jump. But there is no change in the standings, Chiefs are always unbeaten even though they don’t look like a three-man juggernaut. Meanwhile, after several consecutive roster changes, don’t sleep on the Steelers and Bills.

Here are my Top 10 for Week 7 of the 2024 season.

1. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week: 1

It’s hard to topple back-to-back champs when they pile up wins against top-tier opponents. Chiefs can win by playing different styles to exploit their opponents or hide their own deficit. Although Patrick Mahomes did not find his rhythm every year in 2024, the Chiefs remain undefeated despite the fact that the former MVP player has changed.

2. Detroit Lions
Last week: 3

After dispatching the club’s rival, the Lions inch closer to the top of the charts. This is a rare team that wins on offense or penalty, using a punishing running game or an electric jet attack led by a red hot quarterback (Jared Goff) playing at an MVP level. The balance and diversity of the Lions’ attack forces opponents to abandon their preferred route to chase points against an opportunistic defense that thrives on turnovers.

3. Minnesota Vikings
Last week: 2

Despite the tough loss, the Vikings look to be part of a title contender. A formidable defense paired with a potent offense will give Kevin O’Connell’s team a chance to make a deep postseason run. If Sam Darnold continues to play well in the pocket, the Vikings could emerge as the team no one wants to face in the NFC.

4. In Baltimore Crows
Last week: 4

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry make the Ravens a team that no one in the league wants to face. When you play optional plays and stretch-bootleg combinations in the background, the two-time MVP and two-time NFL champion makes the Ravens’ smash-mouth offense nearly impossible to defend. With offensive coordinator Todd Monken mixing in consistent passing plays to keep quarterbacks guessing, the Ravens are an offensive juggernaut with the potential to make a postseason run.

5. Washington Commanders
Last week: 6

Jayden Daniels is still a master, but Commanders is more than a one-man show. Dan Quinn has built a strong team that can win by playing consistent football without its star on the field, which we saw on Sunday when Daniels left early with a rib injury. Relying on a veteran defense and a solid running game, the Commanders are quietly climbing the charts as a playoff contender.

6. The Green Bay Packers
Last week: 9

The defense is starting to steal the show in Green Bay, with the tight end unit leading the league in sacks. Profitability has helped the Packers become a balanced team that doesn’t need to rely on the heroics of Jordan Love or Josh Jacobs to get a win. As Xavier McKinney & Co. leading the way, the Packers emerged as legitimate title contenders in the NFC.

7. Houston Texas
Last week: 5

It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster ride in Houston so far this season. Despite their impressive 5-2 start, the Texans haven’t played at the level many expected when they called H-Town a Super Bowl favorite. That said, CJ Stroud & Co. can get hot at any time, and a defense led by Will Anderson can suffocate opponents with combined speed and agility. With plenty of time left, the Texans will find their way to prop up the chart.

8. Tampa Bay The Buccaneers
Last week: 8

Todd Bowles has his singing group heading into Monday night’s game against a formidable opponent. If the Buckeyes can’t knock off the Ravens on the road, the NFC South leaders deserve to step up as title contenders.

9. The Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week: 10

Maybe Mike Tomlin knows better about building his team. His controversial decision to insert Russell Wilson into the lineup may have given the offense a chance to play in the passing game to knock out an AFC heavyweight. If the defense continues to dismantle opponents with tough tactics and aggressive plays, the Steelers will enter the top five as a dangerous team to face in the playoffs.

10. Buffalo bills
Last week: Not in the Top 10

The arrival of Amari Cooper addressed the Bills’ biggest offensive need for a reliable No. 1 receiver. The veteran will help Josh Allen settle into the post-Stefon Diggs era by giving the MVP candidate a pass-catching experience to point to on key hits. With Cooper establishing the game’s organization in the passing game, Buffalo’s offense now has the balance and versatility to compete against the AFC’s heavyweights.

Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and co-hosts the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

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