📸 Image Credit:New England Patriots v New Orleans Saints | Stacy Revere/GettyImages
Week 6 delivered everything fans could ask for — comebacks, collapses, and surprise statements. The Lions’ loss opened the door for new challengers, while Baker Mayfield’s Buccaneers and Daniel Jones’ Colts continue to build serious momentum.
It’s the third straight week with a new No. 1 team in our power rankings — proving the 2025 NFL season has no clear favorite yet.
Quick Snapshot — Top 10 at a Glance
| Rank | Team | Record | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indianapolis Colts | 5–1 | ↑2 |
| 2 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 5–1 | ↑2 |
| 3 | Buffalo Bills | 4–1 | – |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 4–1 | ↑3 |
| 5 | Green Bay Packers | 3–1–1 | ↑4 |
| 6 | Detroit Lions | 4–2 | ↓5 |
| 7 | Seattle Seahawks | 4–2 | ↑3 |
| 8 | Kansas City Chiefs | 3–3 | ↑2 |
| 9 | Los Angeles Rams | 4–2 | ↑1 |
| 10 | Philadelphia Eagles | 4–2 | ↓8 |
| 11 | New England Patriots | 4–2 | – |
| 12 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 4–2 | – |
| 13 | Minnesota Vikings | 3–2 | – |
| 14 | Los Angeles Chargers | 4–2 | – |
| 15 | Carolina Panthers | 3–3 | – |
| 16 | Denver Broncos | 4–2 | – |
Super Bowl Contenders (1–5)
1.Indianapolis Colts (5–1)
The Colts are quietly becoming one of the AFC’s toughest teams. Daniel Jones is protecting the ball, Jonathan Taylor is back to elite form, and the defense ranks top-10 in red-zone stops. Their late-game poise has defined this 5–1 start.
Next: at Los Angeles Chargers (Oct. 19)
2.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5–1)
Baker Mayfield’s MVP talk isn’t premature anymore — Tampa has balance, swagger, and a pass rush that’s heating up. The Bucs have already knocked off two NFC elites, and Monday’s showdown in Detroit will reveal if they’re truly the NFC’s best.
Next: Monday Night Football at Detroit Lions (Oct. 20)
3.Buffalo Bills (4–1)
Buffalo’s offense remains explosive, but it’s the defense that’s impressed — forcing turnovers in every game so far. Josh Allen looks more in control, spreading the ball to five different receivers per week.
Next: Monday Night Football at Atlanta Falcons (Oct. 13)
4.Pittsburgh Steelers (4–1)
T.J. Watt is single-handedly wrecking offenses, and the Steelers’ defense has allowed just 29 points in their last two games. Mike Tomlin’s squad looks like an old-school contender again — tough, efficient, and clutch in close games.
Next: Thursday Night Football at Cincinnati Bengals (Oct. 16)
5.Green Bay Packers (3–1-1)
Jordan Love is starting to find his rhythm, and the Packers’ run game — outgaining Cincinnati 153–55 — is becoming their foundation. With a forgiving upcoming schedule, Green Bay could quietly hit 6–2 before November.
Next: at Arizona Cardinals (Oct. 19)
Playoff Hopefuls (6–11)
6. Detroit Lions (4–2)
Detroit’s four-game win streak ended in Kansas City, and the offensive line finally looked mortal. The Lions still control their division but must rebound fast with the Buccaneers visiting in primetime.
Next: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Oct. 20)
7. Seattle Seahawks (4–2)
The Seahawks may not officially be the top 4–2 team in the NFC West, but they’ve been playing the most consistent and effective football in the division recently. Their Week 6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (20–12) showcased a defense that’s tough to move against, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to manage games with precision.
Next: Monday Night Football vs Houston Texans (Oct. 20)
8. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
The Chiefs are finally showing balance again. Patrick Mahomes doesn’t have to do everything, and the defense held Detroit’s high-powered offense to 17 points. Never count them out — they’ve learned to win ugly.
Next: vs Las Vegas Raiders (Oct. 19)
9. Los Angeles Rams (4-2)
Sean McVay’s team has been streaky, but when Puka Nacua is healthy, they’re nearly unstoppable. A win in London could reassert the Rams as NFC wild-card favorites.
Next: vs Jacksonville Jaguars in London (Oct. 19)
10. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)
Something feels off in Philly. Since leading 17–3 in Week 5, they’ve been outscored 52–17. Jalen Hurts is pressing, and the defense looks tired. This Vikings matchup might define their season.
Next: at Minnesota Vikings (Oct. 19)
11. New England Patriots (4-2)
Drake Maye continues to develop — ranking top-5 in passing yards — and Bill Belichick has leaned into his rookie QB’s mobility. If the defense can force turnovers again, New England’s playoff hopes stay alive.
Next: at Tennessee Titans (Oct. 19)
Dark Horses & Rising Threats (12–16)
12. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
The Jaguars’ three-game win streak ended in Seattle, but Trevor Lawrence remains efficient. A London bounce-back game against the Rams could be a season reset.
Next: vs Los Angeles Rams in London (Oct. 19)
13. Minnesota Vikings (3–2)
Coming off the bye, Minnesota faces a brutal stretch — Eagles, Chargers, Lions. If Kirk Cousins delivers two wins in that span, the Vikings jump from dark horse to NFC contender status.
Next: vs Philadelphia Eagles (Oct. 19)
14. Los Angeles Chargers (4–2)
The Chargers are the definition of chaos: six games decided by one score, a +2 point differential, and no clear identity. Still, Justin Herbert’s late-game growth is promising.
Next: vs Indianapolis Colts (Oct. 19)
15. Carolina Panthers (3–3)
Rico Dowdle’s emergence as a dual-threat RB (183 rushing yards last week) gives Carolina new life. If they can win on the road, they’ll be taken seriously in the NFC South race.
Next: at New York Jets (Oct. 19)
16. Denver Broncos (4-2)
Bo Nix continues to learn, but Denver’s defense has carried the load — allowing just 11 points last week. If the offense catches up, the Broncos can sneak into the playoff mix.
Next: vs New York Giants (Oct. 19)
🔺 Trending Up
- Colts: Balanced, efficient, and quietly dominant.
- Steelers: Defense + discipline = winning formula.
- Packers: Ground game giving them real control.
🔻 Trending Down
- Eagles: Turnovers and late-game collapses are mounting.
- Lions: Momentum halted — need a statement win.
- Jaguars: Offense stalling in key moments.
Final Takeaway
Six weeks in, no team has separated from the pack — and that’s great news for fans. Between Mayfield’s redemption arc, Jones’ rise in Indy, and Watt’s defensive dominance, the NFL’s midseason picture is pure chaos. Expect even more reshuffling next week as several contenders collide under the lights.
