The Strength Of Ten: Week 7

The 2016 NFL season is nearing the halfway point and the conclusion of Week 6 turned out to be the most confusing of all. Most teams outside the Dallas Cowboys did not make any strong cases for entering the Super Bowl conversation and the opportunity was there.

Now that said -- while the parity is great, it's very difficult to parse through the true contenders and pretenders. This is why this season has become very compelling. The worst part is I don't see anything changing in the coming weeks to change that very narrative.


1. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
LAST WEEK: SAME

With the bye week in the rear view mirror, all of a sudden slumping Philadelphia is next. Plus when you look at it the Vikings upcoming schedule is actually very manageable the next few weeks with teams like Detroit and Chicago on the docket. Minnesota could realistically end up at 8-0 before their next legitimate matchup -- especially if they can get past the Eagles.

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2. New England Patriots (5-1)
LAST WEEK: SAME

With Ben Roethlisberger out this week and possibly for an extended period of time, I made the case on my podcast yesterday that New England has more or less wrapped up the #1 seed in the AFC -- barring injury of course. Who else in that conference can actually introduce challenge?

Not Houston.

Most likely not Denver with their quarterback situation.

Brady and Belichick have a cake walk for the rest of 2016.

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3. Dallas Cowboys (5-1)
LAST WEEK: #5

They are already the topic of the season (outside Minnesota's fast start) and certainly have stolen the headlines this week.

But for good reason.

​A legitimate quarterback controversy now looms and at this rate you have to ride the Dak Prescott train over Tony Romo until the wheels falls off. Somehow regardless of what he's said publicly, I feel like deep down owner Jerry Jones already knows that.

Also -- if the season goes the way it has been we may have a situation where both Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot could the clear cut favorites for co-rookies of the year. All of the credit goes to that dominant Dallas offensive line.


4. Seattle Seahawks (4-1)
LAST WEEK: SAME

Lets be honest -- the no call pass interference saved their asses. That said this is exactly the advantage Seattle has at home playing in front of the "12th man". Ultimately their defense came up big when it needed to. And let's not forget Russell Wilson is still playing hurt.

Minnesota may be stealing the headlines but Seattle may still be the Super Bowl favorite in the NFC as the season rolls on.


5. Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
LAST WEEK: #6

Strange that a team that lost a game in the same week would move up these rankings. But we are here. No other 4-1 teams outside the Dallas Cowboys made a case to overtake Atlanta. Plus I came away much more impressed with the Falcons even in a loss than otherwise.

This is a team that could be a problem as the season progresses. Much more improved where it matters most come playoff time -- in the trenches. 


6. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
LAST WEEK: #3

They are in big trouble. Big Ben is out indefinitely. Only reason they didn't fall further in this week's rankings is once again no other teams have made a strong case in overtaking Pittsburgh at this time. Plus there is the outside chance Roethlisberger could be back in a few weeks following their bye week.

In the meantime Tom Brady and the New England Patriots roll into town this week. Good luck with that.


7. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
LAST WEEK: UNRANKED

Seems like ages ago we and everyone else were all calling for Rex Ryan's head on the platter. Now -- a four game win streak with margin of victories of 15, 16, 11 and 29.

It's not clear whether the Buffalo Bills are actually a legitimate playoff team -- let alone a Super Bowl contender. But it will be interesting to see once the schedules toughens up in a few weeks where they stand in early to mid November. I think then we can start making proclamations. 


8. Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)
LAST WEEK: UNRANKED

Always under the radar yet they've also had a strange season too. They've looked sharp in their three wins but awful in their losses. Andy Reid's incredible 16-2 record after a bye remains incredibly impressive. With Denver slipping again this week it opens the door for teams like Kansas City to make a case to winning the AFC West. 


9. Washington Redskins (4-2)
LAST WEEK: UNRANKED

First timers on these rankings. Like the Bills that's very possible when you win four straight games. Even at 0-2 I thought they were better than their record and are showing glimpses of last season's success. It's no secret right now they play currently in the best division in football. Like the Buffalo Bills, we will know more about this team in early-mid November.


​10. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
LAST WEEK: #8

It's the annual "what the hell is wrong with Aaron Rodgers" week. Only this time it feels justifiable. I considered dropping them out of the rankings altogether but just as quick on three days rest Rodgers could bounce back Thursday night vs. Chicago. I'm banking on that. Plus the optics right now, losing to Dallas on Sunday to me is a testament as to how good the Cowboys are vs. how bad the Packers looked.