1. Broncos (7-2); Up 1 Spot 

Week 9 result: W @ Texans 18-15 

Much has been said about how lackluster the Broncos’ offense has felt at times this season, but they entered Houston and shot above average against the best defense in football. Shockingly, it is the defense this week that leaves us scratching our heads. But as long as W’s keep coming across the stat sheet, does it really matter? 

Week 10 matchup: vs. Raiders 

1. Patriots (7-2); Up 1 Spot 

Week 9 result: W vs. Falcons 24-23 

Drake Maye hasn’t just arrived, he’s soared. In a season where truly anyone could win the MVP, Maye has made his case and then some, flashing a league-best completion percentage of 74.1 so far and third-best yards at 2,349. And Maye has succeeded at cementing the backbone of every successful MVP campaign, and that’s winning. As long as that continues, his case will continue to blossom. 

Week 10 matchup: @ #5 Buccaneers 

1. Seahawks (6-2); Up 3 Spots 

Week 9 result: W @ Commanders 38-14 

Speaking of the MVP race, Sam Darnold is a participant for the second season in a row, this time in new, neon threads. Watching Darnold carve up a withered husk of a Commanders team was astounding, posting a near-perfect passer rating and four TDs. Like the two teams ahead of them, Seattle is still looking for a massive statement win, but it’s tough to discredit them when they dominate like they did Sunday night. 

Week 10 matchup: @ Cardinals 

1. Rams (6-2); Up 3 Spots

Week 9 result: W vs. Saints 34-10 

Continuing on the starting grid of the ever-expanding MVP race, Matthew Stafford, with the best touchdown-interception ratio in the league at 21-2, has made a great argument to win his first. The 37-year-old seemed to look old and beaten down before the season started, but shockingly, he’s remained in good health since then (knock on wood, Rams fans). Despite the frustrating trend of Puka Nacua leaving games, Stafford keeps throwing TDs, adding four to his stat sheet this past Sunday. For Stafford, it’s not a question of if he can keep it up, but if the health of the Rams can finally hold up for a full season. 

Week 10 matchup: @ 49ers 

1. Buccaneers (6-2); Up 3 Spots 

Week 9 result: BYE 

The Buccaneers, above all other teams, have had the most inter-shift matchups, and the gauntlet continues against the Pats. Fellow MVP candidate Baker Mayfield’s performance has been slipping as of late, but coming off a bye, the hope is that the offense can get back to basics and let it fly. 

Week 10 matchup: vs. #2 Patriots 

1. Eagles (6-2); Up 4 Spots 

Week 9 result: BYE 

Another team that desperately needed a bye week was the Eagles, where trade drama with AJ Brown has followed them the whole season thus far. With the addition of Jaelan Phillips, the defense seems to have its mid-season boost of the season. Couple that with Hurts having two solid starts behind center, and it feels like Philly is once again heating up at the right time. 

Week 10 matchup: @ Packers 

1. Colts (7-2); Down 6 Spots 

Week 9 result: L @ Steelers 27-20 

The three-interception performance we saw from Daniel Jones against a fairly beatable Steeler defense is what we all expected at the start of the year. But now? It’s a concerning sight for a team with such high hopes. Despite a late rally, Indy kept getting in its own way, turning it over seven times on the day, six due to Jones alone. All Shane Steichen can tell his team now is to get back on the horse and keep going. 

Week 10 matchup: vs. Falcons 

1. Chiefs (5-4); Down 4 Spots 

 Week 9 result: L @ Bills 21-28 

The annual Chiefs loss to the Bills in the regular season came and went, and man, does Mahomes still look rough. Say what you will about how winning matters more than stats, but going 4-10 to start the game does not help your team win in any facet of the game. The Chiefs have been down this road in the past few regular seasons, and each time it has worked out for them. Even so, the criticism is extremely warranted, especially for the man every QB has been compared to this generation. 

Week 10 matchup: BYE 

1. Lions (5-3); Down 4 Spots 

Week 9 result: L vs. Vikings 24-27 

Many will talk about the absence of the Gibbs and Montgomery combo, but the real storyline coming out of this past game against the Vikings is the uncharacteristic five sacks on Goff and the constant rotation of backup linemen. The team as a whole seemed like it lacked the usual Motor City punch, with the defense not having a fantastic day and even Jake Bates having a kick blocked. Division games are tough, as evidenced by Detroit being 1-2 in them this season, but it’s a somewhat concerning weakness for a team that can be as dominant as just about anybody.  

Week 10 matchup: @ Commanders 

1. Bears (5-3); Not Ranked Last Week 

Week 9 result: W @ Bengals 47-42 

In a game where whoever won had a solid chance to make the Momentum Shift in place of the Packers, the Bears saw the opportunity and seized it, with rookie Colston Loveland giving Bears fans one of the most joy-filled plays they’ve seen in years. Caleb Williams still struggles with just getting rid of the football when the play breaks down, but he was able to turn dirt into dollars on several throws, so it’s a mixed bag. One thing is for certain though, and it’s that the hiring of Ben Johnson was the right decision, because this is one of the most united and inspired Bears teams we’ve seen in a long time, at least since the Lovie Smith era.  

Week 10 matchup: vs. Giants 

NOTE ABOUT RANKINGS: Rankings don’t follow one or two key factors other than winning and losing. The phrase “What have you done for me lately?” describes my thought process fairly well, as I only consider results from the current season, and thus rankings aren’t created until a full month of football has passed.