If you like wild weeks of football action, then Week 7 of the 2023 NFL season was right up your alley.

Granted, it wasn't a huge surprise that the Ravens defeated the Detroit Lions in Baltimore. But it was surprising that they flattened a red-hot team 38-6.

It wasn't a massive stunner that the Eagles downed the in-form Miami Dolphins in Philadelphia, but holding their high-octane offense under 250 total yards and to just one offensive touchdown was an eye-opener.

The Chicago Bears beat the hapless Las Vegas Raiders with an undrafted rookie under center; the Cleveland Browns kept winning, despite wishing they had an undrafted rookie under center; and the Patriots stunned the Buffalo Bills in New England.

And for the first time all season, the Carolina Panthers didn't lose. They were on their bye week, but still...baby steps.

For the second week in a row, the top of these Power Rankings was thrown into a Cuisinart. As they do every week, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together to sift through all the diced bits and slot the NFL's teams from worst to first.

And for the third successive week, there's a different team at No. 1.

32. Carolina Panthers (0-6)

Last Week: 32

Week 7 Result: Bye Week

This week was a first for the Carolina Panthers: It was the first week this season that the team didn't lose.

OK, that was a little mean. But the reality is they are the league's lone remaining winless team—an inauspicious start to the career of a quarterback the Panthers mortgaged their future to trade up for and select first overall.

In an effort to give the offense a jolt, head coach Frank Reich handed play-calling duties over to first-year offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.

"For Thomas and Bryce to take this step together, that's a big deal. Getting a coordinator, play-caller and a quarterback on the same page," Reich told reporters. "Really, this is a journey together. You develop a bond and a closeness that's really important in the process."

Something needs to happen. Several weeks into the season, Carolina is 23rd in the league in passing. The draft pick that would give the team its choice of any player in the 2024 class belongs to the Chicago Bears. And the mutters are growing that trading up to draft Young was a bad idea.

31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6)

Last Week: 31

Week 7 Result: Lost at Seattle 20-10

Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks was a microcosm of the 2023 season for the Arizona Cardinals. There was the occasional bright spot, but there were also far too many mistakes and miscues.

And after a scoreless second half, the Redbirds are 1-6 and in last place in the NFC West.

While addressing the media after yet another setback, quarterback Josh Dobbs conceded that he left far too many plays on the field:

"I felt like a couple of times, it was on me, I gotta get the ball out quicker with those guys fighting up front to open receivers just to keep the chains moving to keep us going forward. So there's opportunities for me to improve. And it starts with me, especially on offense with how I start, and how I find those completions and get the ball out of my hand. And then that will resonate throughout the entire offense."

With Kyler Murray returning to practice, Dobbs' time as the team's starter is likely coming to an end.

The question then becomes how head coach Jonathan Gannon decides to handle the second half of a season that is lost at this point. Do the Cardinals play for pride—or draft position in 2024?

30. Chicago Bears (2-5)

Last Week: 29

Week 7 Result: Won vs. Las Vegas 30-12

All aboard the Tyson Bagent Express!

Making the first start of his NFL career, the undrafted rookie free agent out of Shepherd in West Virginia played well Sunday, completing 21 of 29 attempts for 162 yards and a touchdown.

Coupled with the Raiders' inability to move the ball with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo out, the Bears rolled to their second win of the season.

Bagent's performance surprised quite a few people, but running back D'Onta Foreman (who scored three touchdowns starting in place of the injured Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson) told reporters the players in the locker room weren't among them.

"I think he was just himself, nothing different and nothing any different than we have seen through preseason up until now," he said. "I think we all expected him to be that type of guy to come out there and do what he did today. So no surprise."

In the grand scheme of things, the victory changes little—the Bears remain a struggling team with major issues on both sides of the ball.

For Bagent, though, it was a day he'll never forget.

And for Chicago's beleaguered fanbase, it was one Sunday when fans left Soldier Field happy.

29. Denver Broncos (2-5)

Last Week: 27

Week 7 Result: Won vs. Green Bay 19-17

Given that the Denver Broncos won for the first time in four tries at home on Sunday and snapped a 10-game skid in games they led at halftime, one would think that head coach Sean Payton would have been happy after the win.

One would be wrong—especially when he was asked about that latter run.

"My team hasn't blown 10 straight," Payton told one reporter in the postgame media briefing. "You said 'your team.' So let's start and say 'the Denver Broncos historically.' I don't pay attention to that."

He added: "We're never happy. You know, we work hard, we want it. ... I'm happy we won, I am. I think I was happier before I came in here."

Yikes. Tell us how you really feel, coach.

Of course, it may be that Payton wasn't happy because Denver's struggling offense managed just one touchdown against the Packers. Or because the Broncos did once again blow a halftime lead before rallying for a victory.

The win hardly solves all that ails these Broncos. The offense is stale and predictable. The defense is last in the NFL in yards allowed and last in the AFC in points allowed. And there has already been speculation that Russell Wilson's second season in Denver could be his last.

The Broncos are a bad team. Beating another bad team doesn't change that.

28. New England Patriots (2-5)

Last Week: 28

Week 7 Result: Won vs. Buffalo 29-25

It's been a rough season for quarterback Mac Jones and the New England Patriots.

The Pats have suffered some of the worst blowout losses of Bill Belichick's career, and the offense has had all kinds of trouble moving the ball.

A game-winning touchdown drive against the rival Bills isn't going to save New England's season, nor will it stop the criticisms of Jones' play. But for one afternoon at least, all was well at Gillette Stadium.

For his part, Jones said he's been dialing out the criticism all along and just trying to play his game.

"I always believe in myself," he told reporters. "I'm not going to sit up here and say it every time. But I do believe in myself, and I do that through work and all that stuff. ... You go as your quarterback goes. For me, it's continuing to be the same guy every day and just be Mac."

In Week 7 at least, the quarterback was solid. His completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating were all actually better than Josh Allen's.

But the signal-caller also entered Week 7 at 30th in the league in both passer rating and QBR. He got Bill Belichick his 300th win Sunday, but the doubters aren't going to be quieted until Jones strings multiple starts like this together.

27. Tennessee Titans (2-4)

Last Week: 26

Week 7 Result: Bye Week

The Tennessee Titans have a lot to do over the bye week.

Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill suffered a high-ankle sprain in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. That means it will probably be either second-year pro Malik Willis or rookie Will Levis under center against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.

Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters he's not sure who will draw the start. But whoever it is, he believes they can be effective:

"It'll be one of those two guys if Ryan (Tannehill) can't go. I don't know who that would be yet. We'll see how they continue to practice. It'd be good to get them some work this week, maybe with some guys that they haven't necessarily worked with. They've been working on the show team during the season. I'm excited to get both those guys some reps with some of our offensive guys and see how they handle that."

Frankly, it should be Levis. The Titans saw enough of Willis last year to know he's not a long-term solution. The rookie, on the other hand, was a first-round talent in the eyes of some draftniks this year.

The Titans are going nowhere in 2023 anyway. They might as well see if the Kentucky product can be a foundational part of the rebuild that looms on the horizon.

26. Green Bay Packers (2-4)

Last Week: 23

Week 7 Result: Lost at Denver 19-17

It has admittedly only been six games. But it's become clearer by the contest that Jordan Love isn't Aaron Rodgers.

Facing the worst defense in the NFL, Love managed just 180 passing yards on 21-of-31 passing. The Packers' ground game didn't fare much better, with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon gaining 96 yards on 23 carries.

Moton sees real problems for Green Bay defensively.

"After a solid start to the season, Jordan Love has regressed, and opposing defenses have exposed a major flaw in his game," he said. "In the first two weeks of the season, Love looked like a solid starter, throwing for six touchdowns without an interception, but he benefitted from the Packers' defensive and special teams units gifting him with short fields.

"When teams force Love to drive the length of the field and dare him to beat defenders over the top with his arm, he fails to generate big plays. According to ESPN Stats & Info (via ESPN's Rob Demovsky), Love struggles on pass attempts with 20 or more air yards. He is 0-for-3 with an interception on throws of 20 or more air yards and is now 6-of-27 (22 percent) with 0 TDs and 3 INTs on those throws this season."

With the Packers heading into a tough stretch, it's more likely they will be competing for a high draft pick than a playoff spot. And if that's the case, the Love era may be over before it starts.

25. New York Giants (2-5)

Last Week: 30

Week 7 Result: Won vs. Washington 14-7

The New York Giants have had a rough start to the 2023 season. Heading into Sunday's meeting with the rival Commanders, they had dropped four in row.

A season that started with hopes of building on last year's playoff appearance had descended into wondering when the team's next victory would come.

That victory came Sunday, thanks largely to a New York defense that has played well the past couple of weeks.

One week after giving the Buffalo Bills all they could handle, the Giants held Washington to just 273 total yards and seven points. After the victory, edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux told reporters he's happy with how the defense has performed of late.

"We're playing pretty well right now," he said. "We've held teams to 21 points the last two games. I think guys are doing their jobs and not making it took complicated and getting things done."

The Giants have also gotten solid play from quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who has started the past two weeks in place of the injured Daniel Jones.

Taylor has played so well, in fact, that there have been rumblings of a quarterback controversy—rumblings he did his best to quiet Sunday.

"That's up to coach," he said. "Obviously if DJ's healthy, he's a captain of our team, leader on offense. I'm here to support in any way that I can."

At the very least, the Giants shouldn't feel any pressure to rush Jones back. But benching their $40 million quarterback would certainly give the sports talk radio hosts in the Big Apple something to talk about.

"The Giants have found their competitive spirit over the past two weeks," Moton said. "Yes, quarterback Tyrod Taylor has filled in for Daniel Jones (neck) for both games, but Big Blue's defense deserves a lot of credit.

"Against the Commanders, Taylor had his best performance in years, throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns with 25 rushing yards, which included a 20-yard gain. Saquon Barkley also looks healthy after he missed three contests with a high ankle sprain.

"Though the Giants offense continues to struggle, they've found ways to keep games close with their defense, which is how they'll have to win games unless the front office makes a big move for a perimeter playmaker before the trade deadline."

24. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)

Last Week: 21

Week 7 Result: Lost at Chicago 30-12

The Las Vegas Raiders have hit a new nadir.

Losing to a one-win Chicago Bears team is bad. Losing to a one-win Chicago Bears team led by an undrafted rookie quarterback making his first career start is worse. Getting blown out by a one-win Bears team led by an undrafted rookie quarterback making his first career start is just…

It's not good.

As he has so often this season after a loss, head coach Josh McDaniels told reporters the obvious: The Raiders didn't play well, and he needs to figure out why.

"We didn't do well enough to deserve to win," he said. "They did a lot better job than we did."

He added: "Obviously, we have a lot of work to do and a lot of things to improve on.

"I look at everything. I mean, you know we've had stretches where it's been fine and very competitive. But we need to find some consistency in all three phases. I have to figure out something, we have to figure out something as a staff."

"The Raiders have a head coaching problem that extends to their offense because lead skipper Josh McDaniels also calls the plays," Moton said. "The Raiders are the only team with an offense that's yet to score 21 points in a game, per Josh Dubow of the Associated Press. Last Sunday, the Raiders took another embarrassing loss, going down 30-12 to the Chicago Bears, who started undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent for Justin Fields (dislocated thumb). The Bears went into that game with the 29th-ranked scoring defense and held the Raiders to one touchdown, a couple of field goals and scored on a pick-six.

"Though Las Vegas has a 3-4 record, the team has the stench of a fuming dumpster fire that will only get worse in the coming weeks."

23. Washington Commanders (3-4)

Last Week: 22

Week 7 Result: Lost at New York Giants 14-7

In the leadup to Sunday's meeting with the Giants, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera told reporters that he remained confident in quarterback Sam Howell and the Washington passing game.

It was simply a matter of getting the ball out quickly so Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel could do damage after the catch:

"You're talking about the impact that each guy has and their ability to have a big impact that, 'Hey, what can we do? How can we do it? What can we do better?' Those are conversations that were had. Getting the ball to them in space is very important because of their ability for yards after catch. I think part of it too is, again, getting the ball out of Sam's hands quickly."

Sixty minutes, seven points and another loss later, the Commanders still don't have a 100-yard receiver this season. For the second time in as many weeks, Dotson and Howell failed to connect on what could have been a game-tying touchdown. And at least one of our analysts believes it's time for a change under center in the nation's capital.

'Enough already," Davenport said. "We've seen enough of Howell to know he isn't the long-term answer at quarterback in Washington. He isn't the short-term answer, either.

"Jacoby Brissett isn't a world-beater, but he's a capable veteran who gives the team a better chance at winning. Washington has dropped four of five, and the season is circling the drain ahead of a must-win game against Philly. They aren't beating the Eagles with Howell."

"This year's Washington campaign has always been about the development of Howell," Sobleski countered. "Howell needs to prove the organization right by going with him as the starter or show he's not good enough and force the franchise to make a big move at quarterback next year.

"Unfortunately, the assessment has been muddied by the Commanders' inability to properly protect Howell. Currently, the team is on pace to allow the most quarterback sacks during a single season in NFL history, thus surpassing David Carr and the expansion Houston Texans. So far, opponents have sacked Howell at least four times in every game, including six instances Sunday against the New York Giants."

22. Indianapolis Colts (3-4)

Last Week: 24

Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Cleveland 39-38

In Week 7, the Indianapolis Colts piled up over 450 yards of offense against a Cleveland defense that had barely been allowing 200 yards of offense a contest. They outgained the Browns by 150 yards.

But Indy wound up losing the game, and the reason why was simple: Four Gardner Minshew turnovers.

Minshew, who will likely be the Colts' starting quarterback the rest of the way after rookie Anthony Richardson elected to undergo season-ending surgery, conceded after the game that it's hard to win in the NFL when you give the ball away.

"There was a lot of good, I feel, on the offensive side and then once again just really turnovers," he said. "I think we need to do a better job of taking care of the ball and playing complementary football."

Colts head coach Shane Steichen echoed those sentiments.

"It all comes down to winning the turnover battle," he said. "We're 3-0 when we win the turnover battle. When we don't, obviously, we've lost four. We've got to be better taking care of the football."

With three straight coming up against teams with losing records ahead of the bye week, the Colts have time to turn things around.

However, between the turnovers and 76 points allowed the past two weeks, they are scuffling.

21. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)

Last Week: 25

Week 7 Result: Won vs. San Francisco 22-17

The Minnesota Vikings went into Monday night as a two-win team whose only victories had come against the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers.

There was more talk about which veterans (including quarterback Kirk Cousins) could be traded than any notion of the Vikes getting back into the race in the NFC North.

That has all shifted now. After downing the favored 49ers, the Vikings are suddenly a team that has won three of four after an 0-3 start. A team that didn't allow a single sack on 45 Cousins dropbacks against one of the league's best defenses. A team that lit up said defense for 452 yards.

Without superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, too.

Rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison exploded against the 49ers, catching seven passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns while doing his best Jefferson impression. Cousins threw for 378 yards and those two scores. And the Minnesota defense (specifically safety Camryn Bynum) forced a pair of late turnovers that sealed the deal.

The Vikings still have concerns—the run game managed just 74 yards on 21 carries. But with just one game against a team with a winning record over the next five weeks and both meetings with the NFC North-leading Lions still on the schedule, Minnesota has a pulse again.

It looks like that fire sale will have to wait.

20. New Orleans Saints (3-4)

Last Week: 17

Week 7 Result: Lost 31-24 vs. Jacksonville

The good news is that the New Orleans Saints finally started scoring touchdowns instead of kicking field goals Thursday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The bad news is that by the time they started doing so they were down 15 points. And the score that could have tied the game was dropped by tight end Foster Moreau.

That's the 2023 Saints in a nutshell. New Orleans isn't a bad team. There's skill-position talent such as wideout Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara, plus a decent offensive line. And it has the NFL's sixth-ranked defense.

However, whether it's a play they have to have or a stop they can't get, the Saints are coming up just short far too often.

"We're finding it hard to start fast, finding it hard to maintain, to execute sometimes and we're finding it hard to finish," running back Alvin Kamara told reporters. "That's kind of the glaring and recurring theme."

The Saints are still very much in the running in the NFC South, although that says more about the division than the team. But they have to start putting more complete efforts together—or they won't be for long.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4)

Last Week: 15

Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City Chiefs 31-17

There's trouble brewing in La-La Land.

The Los Angeles Chargers entered 2023 with aspirations of a deep playoff run. But after losing yet again to the rival Chiefs, the Bolts are a 2-4 team in danger of letting the season get away from them.

Despite this latest setback, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert told reporters that the team isn't about to hit the panic button:

"It hasn't gone our way the past couple of games, but no one's going to panic, no one's going to quit, no one's going to give up. I know we're going to attack practice this week the same way we have each of the past weeks. So I'm looking for the challenge, the opportunity. A tough week, but we're going to get better because of it."

Frankly, maybe they should. The Chargers have been terrible defensively, allowing a whopping 333 yards in the first half alone against Kansas City. When the defense finally did stiffen, Herbert collapsed, completing less than half his passes and throwing two picks in the second half.

The Chargers are three games back and all but out of it in the AFC West. At this point, they will need to rally just to get into the wild-card conversation. And this week's Sunday night affair against the two-win Bears has gone from cakewalk to critical.

18. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)

Last Week: 14

Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Pittsburgh 24-17

Maybe the Rams should petition to play all their games away from SoFi Stadium. After falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, they are 1-3 at home.

This week, the problem was the final stanza. The Rams were unable to score on any of their last three drives. They managed just 20 yards of offense over that span, and for just the second time in his 15-year career, quarterback Matthew Stafford failed to complete a pass in the fourth quarter.

"It's just execution," Stafford told reporters. "We can't have chances to make plays that are going to change the game one way or the other and not make those. We've got to be more consistent, and the only way to do that is to continue to work."

For Davenport, it's the sign of a flawed team that is struggling to overcome those flaws.

"Credit where it's due—the Rams are better in 2023 than I expected them to be," he said. "Young wide receiver Puka Nacua has been a revelation, and the Rams were able to run the ball Sunday with a pair of castoffs Sunday—including one in Darrell Henderson that wasn't on the team a week ago. But Los Angeles sputtered late on both sides of the ball, and this has the look of a team that will do the same over the second half of the 2023 season."

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)

Last Week: 13

Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Atlanta 16-13

The shine is coming off Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After a 3-1 start, the Bucs have come out of their bye with all the explosiveness of a wet marshmallow, scoring just 19 points combined in back-to-back losses.

Against the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa was outgained by over 70 yards, turned it over twice and committed nine penalties. The team's 29th-ranked run game managed just 73 yards on 20 carries. And Mayfield threw a costly interception in Falcons territory in the fourth quarter.

"Anytime you're constantly hurting yourself, getting behind the chains, you don't make the job any easier," Mayfield told reporters. "A lot of pre-snap penalties for us. It's on me for not being on the same page as everybody. ... We have to eliminate those simple mistakes."

The Buccaneers just aren't a good enough team to overcome self-inflicted wounds, especially with the schedule the team has coming up.

In Week 8, the Bucs have to travel to Buffalo to face an angry Bills team on a short week, followed by a trip to face a surprisingly competitive Houston Texans team. A Week 11 trip to San Francisco also looms on the schedule.

None of the teams in the NFC South are pulling away, but the Buccaneers also don't have a ton of margin for error.

16. New York Jets (3-3)

Last Week: 18

Week 7 Result: Bye Week

When Aaron Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles during the first series of the 2023 season, most pundits assumed that was that for Gang Green. Any chance the Jets had of being a contender in the AFC East was done.

But a funny thing happened on the way to mediocrity. They not only hit the bye week a .500 team, but they also did so fresh off a stunning victory over the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles.

After that huge win, Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters that he hasn't been surprised by the lack of quit in his team.

"There has been a lot of adversity within this organization with all the different things that have transpired," he said. "But the resolve and the resilience of the group that we have in the locker room, the effort that's put in day in and day out, on Sundays, I think has been evident."

The reality is that these Jets aren't making a deep playoff run. They probably won't make the postseason at all. New York has a stout defense and a good special teams unit, but the Zach Wilson-led offense has been inconsistent.

But the Jets could have given up when the star signal-caller who was going to turn around the franchise's fortune went down just minutes into the season.

That they didn't is a testament to both the players and their coach.

"The Jets had an idle Week 7 after consecutive victories, and they should like how their schedule looks following a bye week," Moton said. "Gang Green will face the New York Giants (2-5), Los Angeles Chargers (2-4) and Las Vegas Raiders (3-4) in its next three contests.

"Quarterback Zach Wilson must show moderate progress for any of us to embrace the Jets as a top-10 team in these power rankings, but don't be surprised to see them with a winning record by mid-November. The Jets defense isn't nearly as stingy as last year, but it has allowed more than 23 points in one game this season. Wilson may garner the blame for holding this team back from a playoff berth for consecutive campaigns."

15. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

Last Week: 20

Week 7 Result: Won at Tampa Bay 16-13

The Atlanta Falcons had quite a few things working against them on Sunday. Young quarterback Desmond Ridder lost three drive-killing fumbles. The Falcons were penalized nine times. Star running back Bijan Robinson wasn't feeling well and barely played.

However, despite all those setbacks, they eked out a win that puts them atop the NFC South.

And while Ridder told reporters he's well aware he can't turn the ball over like that, he lauded his team for finding a way to win in less than ideal circumstances.

"It's huge. But obviously we shouldn't even have to get to that point," Ridder said. "We made it a lot harder on ourselves than we needed it to be. But through all that, we could still come out on top, still play as a team. No one pointed fingers or blamed anyone. It was just go out and get a win."

"The Falcons are a really good team...except at quarterback," Sobleski said. "Weapons can be found everywhere with Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson and Bijan Robinson (when he's not ill). The offensive line is sturdy. Atlanta's defense quietly ranks among the NFL's top five. The squad is well-coached, too.

"All Desmond Ridder needs to do is play mistake-free football and he's struggling to do so. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the second-year quarterback fumbled three times and lost all three. The Falcons could have easily put away the rival Bucs, but they had to eke out a victory. But victorious they were and now sit alone atop the NFC South."

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)

Last Week: 19

Week 7 Result: Won at Los Angeles Rams 24-17

The Pittsburgh Steelers rather enjoy returning from vacation.

After downing the Rams in Los Angeles Sunday, they have won six straight games following the bye week and 13 of 17 under head coach Mike Tomlin.

It wasn't an especially stylish win—the Steelers barely cracked 300 total yards and again struggled to run the ball. But, as has been the case much of the season, T.J. Watt and the defense carried the day, with the star edge-rusher telling reporters he knows it has fallen to his unit to carry the team right now.

"We understand as a defense, we need to blow up in big-time moments and just try to change the tide of the game," he said. "We just want to get that spark, so it allows us to get going. We don't want to be that team that starts games slow, starts second halves slow."

For Moton, it's Watt who's doing the varying—almost single-handedly.

"At the end of the 2023 season, you're going to look at the standings and try to figure out how the Steelers finished with a winning record despite their bottom-tier scoring offense and bendy defense that thrives off turnovers," he said. "They went into Week 7 ranked 30th in total offense and defense, but they found a way to beat the Los Angeles Rams and move to 4-2.

"Without game-changing plays, Pittsburgh will fall flat, but its defense gives the club a fair chance to win any close contest. T.J. Watt has made splash plays all season with eight sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, one returned for a touchdown."

13. Houston Texans (3-3)

Last Week: 16

Week 7 Result: Bye Week

Last year, it took the Houston Texans 18 weeks to win three games. This season, they have done so in six—and while there are multiple reasons for that success, the biggest has been the play of quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The rookie has been everything the Texans hoped they were getting when they drafted him second overall.

The Ohio State product has completed just under 60 percent of his passes for 1,660 yards and nine scores. He set an NFL record for the most pass attempts to start a career without an interception.

And as veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes told ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime, Stroud has also already won over the Houston locker room.

"It's a quarterback-driven league," Hughes said. "Once you got that guy behind the center like we have in [No. 7]—someone who can command the offense, calm under pressure and knows how to execute and not turn the ball over—when it's time to score, he's dropping dimes to [wide receiver] Nico [Collins] to close the door—like against Pittsburgh. Once you got a quarterback, that makes everything a lot easier. And I think with [No. 7] spinning that ball, we're gonna be good."

The Texans may not be a playoff team, at least not yet. But there's no denying they are substantially better than just about anyone expected in 2023.

12. Cleveland Browns (4-2)

Last Week: 12

Week 7 Result: Won at Indianapolis 39-38

There were plenty of good things for the Cleveland Browns Sunday, chief among them being the fact that they ended the game with more points than the Colts.

Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt combined for 105 rushing yards and three scores on 21 carries. Edge-rusher Myles Garrett was a terror once again, logging nine tackles and two sacks.

However, the Browns have a big problem: The team can't keep its $230 million quarterback on the field.

After missing time with a shoulder injury, Deshaun Watson was forced from Sunday's win after taking a shot in the first quarter. He reportedly passed concussion tests, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game that he wasn't willing to risk putting him back out there.

"I just did not want to put [Watson] back out there," he told reporters. "I wanted to protect our franchise quarterback. That was my decision."

As if that wasn't bad enough, Watson conceded he may have reaggravated the shoulder injury.

"Whenever I step on the field, I don't want to have any pain holding me back and be handicapped," he said. "We had a great week of preparation and we felt that it was the best opportunity for me to come back this week. I just wasn't able to finish the game."

The Browns have been able to win the past two weeks despite shaky play under center from P.J. Walker.

But it's fair to wonder how long that can continue, especially with trips to Seattle and Baltimore coming up in the next few weeks.

"Cleveland should be thrilled having escaped Indianapolis with a victory, considering their returning starting quarterback left the game before the first quarter ended due to injury and the defense played its worst game of the season," Sobleski said.

"While quarterback will continue to be a major issue for the Browns, the defense's performance must be scrutinized. Yes, Myles Garrett is an absolute game-wrecker and basically won this contest single-handedly. At the same time, a Colts offense led by Gardner Minshew (and without right tackle Braden Smith) generated a whopping 456 yards against a defense that was supposed to be historically good.

"The question moving forward is whether Indianapolis has created the blueprint for other Browns opponents to follow."

11. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)

Last Week: 11

Week 7 Result: Won vs. Arizona 20-10

The Seattle Seahawks went into Sunday's meeting with the Arizona Cardinals short-handed—star wide receiver DK Metcalf missed the first game of his career due to injury.

But with Metcalf on the shelf, rookies Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo stepped up, matching touchdown passes and drawing praise from quarterback Geno Smith.

"It was huge not only for Jaxon and Bobo but I think it was huge for our overall offense to see those guys continue to step up and make great plays," he told reporters.

For his part, Bobo was glad for the opportunity to contribute.

"With (Metcalf) out we knew we were going to have to step up," he said. "Obviously he'll be back soon, but I was just looking to semi-fill his big shoes and felt like we did a little of that today."

As has been the case more than once this season, the Seahawks didn't win in emphatic fashion. But in addition to those rookie contributions, their defense didn't allow a point after intermission.

These Seahawks might not be on the same level as the Philadelphia Eagles or San Francisco 49ers, but with the 4-2 Cleveland Browns and 5-2 Baltimore Ravens next up on the schedule, Seattle will have its chance to stake a claim as a legitimate contender in the NFC.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)

Last Week: 10

Week 7 Result: Bye Week

An argument can be made that the Bengals are fortunate to hitting their bye week a .500 football team. Because frankly, Cincinnati's offense has been awful.

They entered Week 7 with the worst offense in the NFL in terms of yards per game. Some of that is due to quarterback Joe Burrow's calf injury, but offensive coordinator Brian Callahan told the Locked On Bengals Podcast (h/t Russ Heltman of All Bengals) that the team needs to use this week to figure out some things offensively:

"There's things that are core to who we are and we feel really good about being able to execute those particular things. There's also an element of don't be stubborn and there's ways that we can help our guys get in better position. We can help Joe find a little bit easier path sometimes and having him not shoulder it all. And I think that's my job and our job as an offensive staff to put ourselves in that position where we can do a little bit more to help still lean on the things that we know we're really good at and capable of executing at a high level."

Whatever the problem is, the Bengals had best figure it out quickly. In Week 8, they head to San Francisco to take on the 49ers, followed by a home date with the Buffalo Bills.

9. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)

Last Week: 9

Week 7 Result: Bye Week

The Dallas Cowboys headed into the bye week coming off a big win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

However, while doing his podcast, The Edge, here at Bleacher Report, star pass-rusher Micah Parsons didn't want to talk about that, or the Cowboys' 4-2 record. Instead, he went in to bat for quarterback Dak Prescott, who he believes has been unfairly criticized this season:

"I see my quarterback, maybe not have the red zone success but move the ball way better than the Eagles did on Sunday," Parsons said. "We want the same energy for everybody because there's a whole bunch of bashing when it's Dak Prescott but not the same when it's the Eagles. I'm just calling out the BS because I'm tired of people trashing my quarterback, I'm tired of people trashing my team. That's why I had nothing to say to the media this week."

The reality is that fair or not, the Cowboys are always going to face more scrutiny—because they are the Dallas Cowboys, "America's Team."

These Cowboys were shelled 42-10 in their biggest test of the 2023 season, and Dallas gave the Arizona Cardinals their only win of the season.

If Parsons, Prescott and the Cowboys want to be considered among the NFC's elite, there's an easy way to accomplish that goal: Beat the Eagles in Philadelphia on November 5.

8. Buffalo Bills (4-3)

Last Week: 6

Week 7 Result: Lost at New England 29-25

All is not well in Western New York.

Last week, the Buffalo Bills barely squeaked past a one-win New York Giants at home. Sunday, they couldn't stop a one-win Patriots team from driving 75 yards in eight plays to win at Gillette Stadium.

Over the past three games, the Bills have been outscored 63-59 and scored just 10 first-half points. They are 1-2 over that span.

While addressing the media after the loss, head coach Sean McDermott lamented the team's inefficiency in the red zone of late (2-for-4 in Week 7).

"Red zone-wise, offensively, we're down there, we've got to get seven," he said. "Got to close the game out when it comes down to it."

Quarterback Josh Allen, on the other hand, isn't completely sure what the issue is, but he's not panicking about the team's recent funk.

"I wish I knew the exact answer, because we'd have it fixed by now," he said. "Our season's not over. It's a long season. It feels pretty bleak right now. But we're going to figure it out."

"It's hardly time to panic in Buffalo," Davenport said. "This is still a team with a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. But as the last few weeks have demonstrated, talent will only take you so far if your team doesn't execute.

"Fortunately for Buffalo, the Dolphins lost in Week 7 as well. But the Bills need to tighten things up ahead with trips to Cincinnati and Philadelphia on the schedule ahead of their Week 13 bye."

7. Detroit Lions (5-2)

Last Week: 5

Week 7 Result: Lost at Baltimore 38-6

The Detroit Lions came into Baltimore as one of the hottest teams in the league.

They left trying to wash the Ravens' footprints off their foreheads.

There's no getting around it: The Lions got jackstomped in Week 7. The Ravens had 16 first downs before Detroit had one. Baltimore scored touchdowns on its first four possessions in a game that was over at halftime.

For a Lions team that had scored 20 points in 15 straight games and won four in a row by at least 14 points, it was a dispiriting defeat.

And while addressing the media after the loss, head coach Dan Campbell didn't sugarcoat things.

"We just didn't play well. I hate to say it, it's just one of those games. We could not get out of our own way," he said. "It's a credit to those guys. They played outstanding football and rubbed our nose in it."

However, quarterback Jared Goff insists the Lions will bounce back from this beatdown.

"We've been through a whole lot worse than this," he said. "We got our butts kicked, but this group has had a lot of adversity. This is kind of our first taste of getting kicked in the teeth this year, and we have to respond the right way."

Odds are the Lions will rebound in Week 8 when they face a Raiders team that was just embarrassed by the Chicago Bears before hitting the bye.

However, Sobleski still sees room for concern.

"Last year's Detroit squad showed up to play Sunday and it's worrisome," he said. "A year ago, the Lions finished dead last in total defense. While the offense didn't perform well against the Baltimore Ravens, it's far less of a concern based on the team's recent track record. However, the inability to contain quarterback Lamar Jackson and the overall lack of execution on the other side of the ball could worsen.

"Right now, Detroit ranks 11th overall in total defense, which is a huge improvement. However, the Lions surrendered 404 yards per game against the three offenses they've faced that rank among the top half of the league."

6. Miami Dolphins (5-2)

Last Week: 1

Week 7 Result: Lost at Philadelphia 31-17

Twice this season, the Miami Dolphins have had a chance to show they deserve to be considered among the NFL's elite teams—to show they are more than just a team that beats up on tomato cans but can't get past the league's best.

Twice, they have failed. First, the Dolphins were blown out by the Bills in Buffalo. Then, their vaunted offense managed less than 250 total yards per single offensive touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

After the loss, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel told the media that the game was an important learning experience for his team.

"You have to feel what it's like to play such a good team on the road," he said. "Your margin for error is so small. It's an important building block along your progression for the season."

Davenport, on the other hand, viewed it as more of an indictment.

"It can't be ignored that there appear to be two Dolphins teams," he said. "There's the unstoppable juggernaut that dropped 70 points on Denver, and there's the team that couldn't get going once the level of opposition increased.

"The Dolphins are probably going to make the postseason. The team might even win the AFC East. But twice they have been tested and twice they have failed. And that makes it difficult to imagine Miami making a deep playoff run."

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2)

Last Week: 7

Week 7 Result: Won 31-24 at New Orleans

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't generally mentioned alongside the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins among the AFC's elite teams. But after outlasting the Saints in New Orleans to move to 5-2 on the season, perhaps they should be.

Granted, these Jaguars aren't piling up style points or blowing people out. But quarterback Trevor Lawrence told Amazon (h/t Ben Arthur of Fox Sports) they are a tight-knit group that finds a way to win.

"We've got the right guys," he said. "We've got a locker room full of great guys that are not selfish. They play for each other, and I think you see that. When we come together, it's special. Regardless of the circumstances, we're going to rally and find a way, and we've created that belief. So it's a cool thing to be a part of."

"Despite nursing a knee injury, Lawrence played well Thursday against a solid Saints defense," Davenport said. "In players like running back Travis Etienne and wide receiver Calvin Ridley, there's no shortage of skill-position talent on the roster. The Jaguars have an underrated defense with impact players at all three levels.

"Jacksonville may not be the favorites in the AFC, but it's absolutely good enough to beat any team in the conference on a given weekend."

4. San Francisco 49ers (5-2)

Last Week: 2

Week 7 Result: Lost at Minnesota 22-17

Even though San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy won his first 10 regular-season starts, there was no shortage of criticism of the second-year pro. He was just a "system quarterback" being propped up by all the talent around him.

After the Niners lost in Cleveland in Week 6, the grousing in some circles grew that much louder.

While appearing on The Rich Eisen Show recently, Purdy said he heard the criticisms—he just didn't necessarily listen to them (h/t Jose Luiz Sanchez III of All 49ers):

"There's always something that's like, 'Man, I could be better,' you know? And so, when I step out in the field, it's like still trying to prove to myself that I haven't reached my full potential yet. And so, that's like that chip that I always have on my shoulder and no matter what everyone else is saying, like I know that there's another level that I can get to and so that's where I'm trying to get. And you know, taking it one day at a time, but never being comfortable with where I'm at."

It's going to be that much harder to drown out the naysayers now. Purdy was outplayed by Kirk Cousins of the Vikings Monday night. He threw a pair of bad interceptions, including one that sealed the game.

It's hardly time to press the panic button—but for the first time in a long time, the 49ers have dropped consecutive games. And if Purdy and the team struggle Sunday against a rested Bengals, the hand-wringing is really going to kick into high gear.

3. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

Last Week: 8

Week 7 Result: Won vs. Detroit 38-6

The Baltimore Ravens were 4-2 entering Week 7. But the team lacked a signature win—a statement victory that established the Ravens as a true power in the AFC.

They got that win Sunday.

Simply put, the Ravens demolished a red-hot Detroit Lions team, dominating every aspect of the game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for a fourth. Tight end Mark Andrews caught a pair of touchdown passes. And Baltimore completely shut down the Lions offensively, allowing just five third-down conversions in 16 tries.

Andrews told the media after the game that he was impressed by how well the Ravens played in Week 7.

"Today was lights out," he said. "I think just by Lamar, obviously Coach Monk (Todd Monken), from the top down on the offensive side of the ball. Those two guys were elite."

Andrews wasn't alone.

"I've been saying for weeks that I wasn't ready to list the Ravens among the AFC's elite because their best win of the year was against a Cleveland Browns team starting an overmatched rookie under center," Davenport said. "But this was a game the Ravens led 28-0, had 16 first downs before Detroit had one and led the total yardage 325-13 at one point. That's dominance in every sense of the word—and the Ravens earned a spot in my top five here."

2. Kansas City Chiefs (6-1)

Last Week: 4

Week 7 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Chargers 31-17

The Kansas City Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions. They have the best quarterback in the NFL in Patrick Mahomes and the best tight end in the game in Travis Kelce. When that duo is clicking, the Chiefs are very hard to beat.

And they were clicking against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday.

Mahomes scorched the Chargers for 424 yards and four touchdowns in Week 7, with 12 of those passes going to Kelce for 179 yards and a touchdown.

Head coach Andy Reid told reporters after the game that they make his job a lot easier.

"I think both Kelce and Pat, when they're on the same page, that's a challenge for any defense," he said. "I know they work on it. This isn't, like, a secret. It's quite a tribute for those two executing the way they do."

"The Chiefs became the first defending champion in the Super Bowl era to follow up a loss in the opener with six straight wins Sunday," Davenport said. "Losing star linebacker Nick Bolton to a dislocated wrist is a blow, but the team has a capable in-house replacement in Drue Tranquill. The Eagles and 49ers might be better teams. But the Chiefs are the champs and they're rolling—so they get my nod as the NFL's top team."

1. Philadelphia Eagles (6-1)

Last Week: 3

Week 7 Result: Won vs. Miami 31-17

The Philadelphia Eagles went into Sunday night's matchup with the red-hot Miami Dolphins with two goals: Wash off the stink of a Week 6 loss to the New York Jets and send a message to the rest of the league that they remain the class of the NFC.

Mission accomplished.

The Eagles defense put the clamps on the NFL's top-ranked offense Sunday night. The Dolphins had negative-seven rushing yards in the first half—their fewest in a half since 2009. Miami managed just 244 yards of total offense—less than half its season average. It scored just one offensive touchdown.

For Sobleski, it was enough to move the Eagles back atop his power rankings.

"This year's top spot has been a revolving door, with the league's best squads surprising with unexpected losses along the way," he said. "As of now, the Eagles have as good of an argument as any to be considered the league's best, especially after beating the Dolphins and holding their vaunted offense to 244 total yards. The bounce-back victory after losing to the New York Jets and their tough defense is important considering the Eagles hadn't played their best ball all season.

"Philadelphia now seems to be back in the groove and playing like the squad capable of representing the NFC in the Super Bowl again."

That defense got even better Monday--the Eagles shipped safety Terrell Edmunds and a pair of Day 3 picks to the Tennessee Titans for Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard.