Sorting out NFL contenders and pretenders: Playoff picture entering Week 7 includes legit teams and frauds

We are one-third of the way in which in the course of the 2023 NFL season. Can you consider it? Through six weeks, now we have noticed surprises, disappointments, upsets and dominant performances. It’s nonetheless reasonably early, however who do you consider has the wherewithal to head all of the approach? And which teams will fade because the yr is going on?

Below, we will be able to kind out the contenders and pretenders within the NFL thru six weeks amongst teams that will be within the playoffs if the season ended nowadays, whole with Pete Prisco’s Week 7 Power Rankings as a information. Let’s get started with the most efficient teams within the league. 

Contenders

Kansas City Chiefs (5-1, 1st in AFC West)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 1

The reigning Super Bowl champions are patently contenders. Now, Patrick Mahomes has no longer had the most efficient begin to the season, however the protection has been beautiful spectacular. Go again to final Thursday night time and have a look at how Steve Spagnuolo close down the Denver Broncos’ passing assault. No, the Broncos don’t seem to be an offensive juggernaut, however Ok.C.’s cornerbacks ruled.

The Chiefs will have to be patrons on the industry time limit individually, as that passing assault is Travis Kelce vs. the arena, however Kansas City is a sound contender. 

San Francisco 49ers (5-1, 1st in NFC West)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 4

San Francisco in the end dropped its first regular-season recreation since Oct. 23 final yr. It used to be about time that took place, however who knew that loss would come to P.J. Walker? Maybe that isn’t truthful, because it used to be the Cleveland Browns protection that truly stood out. 

Brock Purdy got here again to earth a bit of with simply 125 passing yards. Maybe he is not Tom Brady, however he could also be the most efficient quarterback San Francisco has had in somewhat a while. Purdy has a variety of guns to make use of similar to Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and the backing of a best 3 protection. Week 6 confirmed they don’t seem to be unbeatable, however the 49ers are contenders. 

Miami Dolphins (5-1, 1st in AFC East)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 2

All hail Mike McDaniel. The head trainer who has became Hard Rock Stadium right into a digital dance membership. In 3 video games at house this season, Miami has averaged 47.7 issues according to recreation, 558 yards of general offense according to recreation and 8.8 yards according to play. The Dolphins even performed with their meals towards the Carolina Panthers, taking place 14-0 within the first quarter. Of direction they got here again, and become the 5th staff in NFL historical past to win a recreation by way of 21+ issues after trailing by way of 14 issues within the first quarter.

I should not have to promote you on Miami’s offense. Tyreek Hill leads the NFL in receiving yards, Raheem Mostert leads the league in touchdowns, Tua Tagovailoa is the favourite at this time to win MVP and Jaylen Waddle is not dangerous both. It comes right down to final wholesome and protection, however with Jalen Ramsey at the long ago and Vic Fangio in fee, I’ve religion the Dolphins don’t seem to be some early-season flash within the pan. 

Philadelphia Eagles (5-1, 1st in NFC East)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 5

Like the 49ers, the Eagles blew a double-digit lead at the highway, and misplaced mentioned lead within the ultimate two mins of the sport to sign in their first ‘L’ of the season. I assume the Eagles had been due for some regression from final yr, however Philly continues to be a contender. 

The Eagles have the No. 2 offense within the league, the No. 9 protection and stars in all places the sector. Philly allowed Miles Sanders to stroll this offseason and nonetheless have the No. 2 dashing offense within the NFL. I’m just a little frightened concerning the go protection, however keep watch over Howie Roseman on the industry time limit. Fly Eagles fly, nonetheless studs within the NFC. 

Baltimore Ravens (4-2, 1st in AFC North)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 9

I truly just like the Ravens even supposing they have not registered that remark win but. Lamar Jackson is throwing the ball smartly, Zay Flowers seems like a tender famous person and Baltimore once more has a best 5 dashing assault in spite of being with out J.Ok. Dobbins. Remember, it is a new offense the Ravens are running thru, and it might take off within the coming weeks. 

What makes the Ravens reputable contenders is their protection. They rank No. 2 in yards according to recreation thru six weeks (260.8), and Roquan Smith is a bonafide stud. Baltimore were given off to a scorching get started within the AFC North. Can the Ravens construct on it?

Detroit Lions (5-1, 1st in NFC North)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 3

I’ve been hesitant to hopefully claim the Lions as contenders, however I don’t have any selection now. I even made the Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3.5 a easiest wager final week, and used to be flat-out embarrassed, as Jared Goff led Detroit to a 20-6 victory.

How’s this for a stat: The Lions have long gone 13-3 since Week 9 of final season. Only the 49ers (14-1) and Chiefs (14-2) have higher information over that span. CBS Sports Senior NFL Writer Will Brinson mentioned at the Pick Six Podcast Sunday night time that if this Lions staff used to be dressed in other uniforms — say, the Dallas Cowboys’ unis — we might be speaking about this staff as some of the elite teams within the NFL.

The reason why I used to be wondering this squad used to be on account of the wounds on protection (Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley), but it surely hasn’t held the Lions again simply but. In truth, Detroit has the No. 7 protection thru six weeks! 

Jared Goff has been balling. He’s 13-3 in his final 16 begins, and has a 28-4 TD-INT ratio in the ones 16 video games. David Montgomery has been unbelievable, Jahmyr Gibbs will indisputably smash out quickly, Amon-Ra St. Brown is an elite wideout, Sam LaPorta is the most efficient rookie tight result in contemporary reminiscence and Jameson Williams might be a deep danger defenses must account for. There’s no approach I’ll be striking the Lions within the “pretender” class. 

Buffalo Bills (4-2, second AFC East)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 8

My trust within the Bills may be very shaky, and it is not on account of how they struggled with Tyrod Taylor and the New York Giants. Losing each Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano for what may well be all the season are very critical hits to this protection. Still, this offense can stay alongside of anyone when it is clicking, and Josh Allen continues to be a unique quarterback.

The Bills will have to make the playoffs, however they have got been inconsistent early on. It’s difficult to make any grand declarations about this staff at this time, however Allen has received 11 video games in every of the final 3 seasons. I’ll give Buffalo the good thing about a doubt.

Dallas Cowboys (4-2, second in NFC East)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 6

The Cowboys discovered a technique to win a decent one towards the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night time, so you must tip your cap to them there. Mike McCarthy nonetheless makes some complicated selections like ready to name a timeout past due in the second one quarter to put up for a box purpose, however the Cowboys are no doubt a best 10 staff that can most probably have some other likelihood in a pair months to modify the narrative on the subject of their efficiency within the postseason.

Dak Prescott’s huge receiving corps hasn’t been as just right as I anticipated it to be, Tony Pollard is averaging fewer dashing yards according to recreation than he did final yr and the protection misplaced a few playmakers together with Trevon Diggs, however the Cowboys are a playoff staff that can a minimum of have a shot to make a run. Dallas is driving that wonderful line of contender vs. pretender. 

Pretenders

Cleveland Browns (3-2, third in AFC North)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 10

I hate to place the Browns within the pretender class as a result of they have got an ELITE protection. This unit has allowed the fewest yards (1,002) thru 5 video games since 1971, and Jim Schwartz will have to be selecting up votes for Coach of the Year even supposing he is not a lead guy. This protection goes to stay the Browns in each and every recreation, however questions stay concerning the offense.

I wish to know if Deshaun Watson will absolutely get well from his rotator cuff damage. CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones reviews that the damage to the rotator cuff is a deep bruise at the back of the shoulder. The impacted muscle makes it tough for the $230M QB to throw the ball with pace.

It might be thrilling to peer how the AFC North shakes out and the Browns completely may just make the playoffs. But I’ve extra religion within the Ravens at this level, and then we do not know what is going to occur with the Cincinnati Bengals. Maybe the Browns belong within the “TBD” class. 

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2, 1st in AFC South)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 7

The Jaguars have numerous issues going for them. They’ve received 3 immediately contests, are more than one video games above .500 for the primary time since Week 5 in 2018 and have already swept the season sequence with a divisional opponent. Travis Etienne additionally simply become the primary Jaguar to document two touchdowns from scrimmage in consecutive video games since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009, and is having a gorgeous epic season. The former Clemson famous person is fourth within the NFL in scrimmage yards! Still, do you suppose the Jaguars are truly Super Bowl contenders? 

The Jaguars protection has pressured a whopping 15 turnovers this season, however has the second-worst passing protection within the league thru six weeks (270.3 yards according to recreation). Jacksonville could also be the most efficient staff within the AFC South, however at this level, it is laborious to believe them difficult the Chiefs or Dolphins for the AFC. They have a vital stretch in their season arising, so we will be able to be informed extra about this staff in a while.

Seattle Seahawks (3-2, second in NFC West)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 13

The Seahawks are statistically center of the street offensively, and reigning Comeback Player of the Year Geno Smith has thrown for more than one touchdowns in a recreation simply as soon as this season — and wanted extra time to take action. In the 17-13 loss to the Bengals on Sunday, Seattle went 1 for five within the crimson zone, which is a dropping recipe. Seattle’s protection is really progressed and truthfully a laugh to observe, however I do not see this staff as a Super Bowl contender at this time. 

Los Angeles Rams (3-3, third in NFC West)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 12

The Rams are higher than their .500 document signifies. Matthew Stafford is No. 3 within the league with 1,677 passing yards, rookie phenom Puka Nacua is tied for the NFL lead with 50 receptions and ranks fourth in receiving yards with 598, Kyren Williams is fourth in dashing yards with 456 and then Cooper Kupp is averaging 133 receiving yards according to recreation since returning to the lineup. L.A. is No. 7 in yards according to recreation (367), however I have no idea if they have got that 2021 magic to head all of the approach. 

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2, second in AFC North)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 22

I used to be top at the Steelers entering this season, however as we all know, the offense has sputtered out of the gate. I believe the overall consensus that offensive coordinator Matt Canada has performed a big phase in those struggles, since the Steelers possess skill on that facet of the ball. Pittsburgh averages 268.2 general yards according to recreation, which ranks third-worst within the NFL — forward of simply the Giants and bettering Bengals. 

The Steelers gutted out wins over the Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Ravens, however dropped a gorgeous embarrassing recreation to the Houston Texans. Fans are hoping for a turnaround after the Week 6 bye, however I do not believe any individual perspectives the Steelers as a Super Bowl contender at this time. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2, 1st in NFC South)

Prisco’s Week 7 energy score: 14

The Buccaneers are higher than many idea they might be, and Baker Mayfield has been enjoying nice soccer if you’re taking away what took place on Sunday. Tampa Bay additionally has a cast protection, however in the long run, I do not view this staff as a Super Bowl contender.