NFL power rankings: Steelers get another boost before their Week 7 bye
By Tommy Jaggi
22. Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback Geno Smith was under constant duress on Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Seattle’s backup quarterback did well enough against a quality defense to take his team to overtime. After losing two straight games, the Seahawks are 2-4 and they need to find success soon to stay in the hunt when Russell Wilson is able to return to the file.
21. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are one of the most injury-decimated teams in the NFL this year but have still found a way to stay competitive. After losing their last two games against the Steelers and Raiders, the Broncos have fallen back down to earth and currently sit on a 3-3 record. They have a difficult road matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football this week.
20. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots had a chance to boost themselves a little higher had they been able to close out an overtime win against the Dallas Cowboys this week, but it was to no avail. Bill Belichick’s team is currently 2-4 and they have been very underwhelming so far. They could boost their confidence with a home win over the New York Jets this week.
19. Carolina Panthers
After an electric start to the 2021 season, the Panthers have since slipped in my NFL power rankings as they are starting to look more like the team everyone expected them to be this year. Carolina has lost 3 straight games — the most recent coming in overtime against the Vikings. There has been far too much inconsistency on both sides of the ball this year.
18. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts looked like one of the worst teams early in the season, but have since flipped the script over the past three weeks. Though they did lose a game against the Ravens in which they held a sizable lead, they bounced back with a 31-3 blowout win over the Texans last week. Now they can build on this momentum with a win over the 49ers on Sunday Night Football.
17. San Francisco 49ers
Many expected Kyle Shanahan’s team to look much better this season, but the 49ers have had their fair share of issues on both sides of the ball. San Francisco’s defense has allowed some big plays this year, but the offense is even more concerning with poor quarterback play. They scored just 10 points against the Cardinals this past week.