Mark Craig's NFL power rankings

October 10, 2018 at 4:56AM

MARK CRAIG'S POWER RANKINGS

Biggest jump: Browns, 27 to 16

Biggest fall: Titans, 6 to 19

1. Rams, 5-0 (Last week: 1)

Gutsy call by Sean McVay screams faith in his offense.

2. Chiefs, 5-0 (2)

Defense steps up with five takeaways, five sacks.

3. Patriots, 3-2 (3)

Bill, Brady & the Patriots are back. Again. And again …

4. Bears, 3-1 (4)

Rested and looking down from atop the NFC North.

5. Saints, 4-1 (13)

Drew Brees is completing 77.9 percent of his passes.

6. Panthers, 3-1 (5)

Graham Gano's big leg overshadows defensive collapse.

7. Bengals, 4-1 (8)

Scored 27 unanswered points in final 20 minutes.

8. Jaguars, 3-2 (7)

Upon further review … Jags select Patrick Mahomes.

9. Chargers, 3-2 (16)

Melvin Gordon provides well-balanced attack.

10. Vikings, 2-2-1 (21)

Dan Bailey should start a Linval Joseph Fan Club.

11. Dolphins, 3-2 (12)

Beaten by two fourth-quarter defensive scores.

12. Lions, 2-3 (23)

Matt Patricia should start a Mason Crosby Fan Club.

13. Eagles, 2-3 (11)

Last year's Super Bowl champs look full.

14. Redskins, 2-2 (9)

Brees and the Saints weren't going to be denied Monday.

15. Packers, 2-2-1 (15)

Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be kickers.

16. Browns, 2-2-1 (27)

Last year's 0-16 chumps look hungry.

17. Buccaneers, 2-2 (17)

Ready, set … let the quarterback controversy begin.

18. Bills, 2-3 (20)

Buffalo knocks off another 2017 playoff team.

19. Titans, 3-2 (6)

Not the only team to beat Philly and lose to Buffalo.

20. Ravens, 3-2 (10)

Beaten by the ugliest game-winning field goal ever.

21. Seahawks, 2-3 (19)

RIP "Legion of Boom."

22. Steelers, 2-2-1 (22)

They're bad. Then good. Then bad. Then good. Then …

23. Jets, 2-3 (30)

Why fly when you can run for 323 yards on 38 carries?

24. Broncos, 2-3 (14)

Denver needs a "No Run Zone" after Jets beatdown.

25. Texans, 2-3 (28)

Thank you, DeAndre Hopkins, for the best YAC run of '18.

26. Cowboys, 2-3 (18)

Jason Garrett under fire. So what else is new?

27. Falcons, 1-4 (24)

So much for playing the Super Bowl at home this year.

28. Cardinals, 1-4 (32)

Josh Rosen provides spark as 'D' gets five takeaways.

29. Colts, 1-4 (29)

If Andrew Luck gets some help, turnaround is possible.

30. Giants, 1-4 (31)

More Giants drama coming to prime time Thursday.

31. 49ers, 1-4 (25)

A promising year destroyed by injuries.

32. Raiders, 1-4 (26)

Oakland-Las Vegas Raiders play home game in London.

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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