Power Rankings - 2026 Week 6
| # | Team | Location | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 49ers (SF) | San Francisco | Consensus average: 1.00. San Francisco's 5-0 start now includes a road win over Seattle, but its receiving depth faces another test: Deebo Samuel is expected to miss time with a hamstring injury. Mike Evans played through a rib issue in that win. Our concern against Washington is less the unbeaten record than how comfortably the offense can redistribute Samuel's touches without overloading its remaining playmakers. His absence matters even if the 49ers remain the stronger overall team. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: FLM: Samuel hamstring update; 49ers: Week 5 news and Evans update. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 2 | Chiefs (KC) | Kansas City | Consensus average: 2.00. The bye gives Kansas City a rest advantage over a winless Chargers team, but it does not resolve the receiver questions. Rashee Rice's hamstring injury remains a watch item after Week 4, and Tyquan Thornton is headed to injured reserve. Kenneth Walker's production gives the offense another way to control games. Our Week 6 read is favorable, with more caution about the passing game's available weapons than the unchanged 4-0 record suggests. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Yahoo: Rice injury and Chiefs offense; NFL: Monday injury updates. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 3 | Bills (BUF) | Buffalo | Consensus average: 4.00. Josh Allen's late scrambles and Greg Rousseau's blocked field goal rescued Buffalo in overtime, showing how many ways this team can win. The less comfortable part is the receiving group: DJ Moore and Joshua Palmer missed Monday with shoulder injuries, and their Week 6 availability still needs checking. Against Las Vegas, our expectation is that Allen's mobility remains a major advantage, but another shootout would put unnecessary pressure on an already depleted supporting cast. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Bills: Takeaways from Rams win; AS: Moore unavailable Monday; Bills: Monday inactives. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 4 | Jaguars (JAX) | Jacksonville | Consensus average: 4.50. Jacksonville stays in London at 4-1, but losing left tackle Anton Harrison changes the next matchup materially. He needs knee surgery and will miss Houston; Walker Little is expected to take over protecting Trevor Lawrence's blind side. The narrow win over Philadelphia showed resilience, not immunity to protection problems. Our priority at Wembley is whether the Jaguars can keep their offense on schedule without exposing the replacement tackle to repeated obvious passing downs. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: AP: Harrison surgery and replacement. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 5 | Ravens (BAL) | Baltimore | Consensus average: 5.00. Lamar Jackson's ankle is the central Week 6 variable, not a footnote to Baltimore's 4-1 record. Tyler Huntley delivered late scoring drives in Atlanta and Kyle Hamilton finished the overtime win with an interception, so the Ravens have demonstrated a credible fallback. Jackson's return is not confirmed. Our Cleveland outlook depends on the quarterback decision and his mobility if cleared; the backup's successful rescue should not be treated as identical offensive upside. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Ravens: Overtime win with Huntley; NFL: Jackson availability update. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 6 | Vikings (MIN) | Minnesota | Consensus average: 5.00. The bye arrives at an excellent time for a 5-0 Minnesota team that is still juggling important absences. Justin Jefferson returned and connected with Kyler Murray, but Jordan Addison missed the Saints game with a hamstring injury and T.J. Hockenson left with a concussion. Christian Darrisaw also missed that game. Our outlook is optimistic about the developing passing connection, while the break offers recovery time rather than a guarantee that every missing starter returns together. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Vikings: 5-0 start and injury context. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 7 | Seahawks (SEA) | Seattle | Consensus average: 6.50. Seattle has little recovery time after the San Francisco loss before traveling to Denver on Thursday. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's ankle made him a limited participant on Monday's estimated report, while Leonard Williams also carried an ankle issue. Neither entry alone means the player will miss the game. Our biggest concern is whether the short week limits Seattle's best receiving option or interior disruption; either would complicate a rebound against a Denver secondary with injury questions of its own. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Seahawks: Week 6 injury report. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 8 | Bengals (CIN) | Cincinnati | Consensus average: 9.00. Cincinnati enters its bye with a more balanced offensive template than the one that stalled against Jacksonville. The Bengals ran 31 times in Miami, and Joe Burrow was not sacked. Just as important, Ja'Marr Chase cleared concussion protocol and Tee Higgins returned after his groin/neck concerns. Our takeaway is that protecting those two receivers and sustaining the ground-game support matters more than chasing another huge passing total. The break gives that healthier combination time to settle. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Bengals: Chase and Higgins available; Bengals: Balanced offense in Miami. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 9 | Rams (LA) | Los Angeles | Consensus average: 10.00. The Rams' overtime loss was not a failure to generate offense: they produced 454 yards and 34 points, then had a potential winning field goal blocked. That makes finishing possessions and containing quarterback movement more urgent than a sweeping offensive reset. Myles Garrett's knee rehabilitation remains important to the defense, but a return should not be assumed from eligibility alone. Against Arizona, our expectation is an offensive advantage, provided Los Angeles avoids another game decided by one late breakdown. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Rams: Monday overtime game recap; Rams: Garrett rehabilitation coverage. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 10 | Broncos (DEN) | Denver | Consensus average: 11.00. Denver survived the Chargers without needing a high-scoring offense, but Thursday's defensive matchup could look very different if its secondary remains depleted. Patrick Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga were non-participants on Monday's estimated report, with Riley Moss limited. Our caution is about coverage depth against Seattle, not an assumption that any of them is already ruled out. The Broncos need enough offensive consistency to avoid asking a potentially patched-up back end to protect another narrow margin. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Seattle-Denver: Monday estimated injury reports. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 11 | Patriots (NE) | New England | Consensus average: 11.00. Drake Maye's offense overwhelmed Las Vegas, but Tuesday's injury news makes a simple repeat projection risky. TreVeyon Henderson is expected to miss multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain, and left tackle Will Campbell is expected to miss time with an MCL sprain. Against the Jets, our focus is how New England redistributes rushing work and protects Maye. A possible A.J. Brown practice return would be encouraging, but practice eligibility is not game clearance. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Patriots: Raiders win and injury departures; NFL: Monday availability updates; NFL: Tuesday Henderson and Campbell updates. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 12 | Bears (CHI) | Chicago | Consensus average: 11.50. Caleb Williams' hamstring recovery is the most meaningful variable after Chicago's 31-7 loss in Green Bay. Progress toward a return is encouraging, but it is not the same as a confirmed starter announcement. The Bears still need to correct the mistakes exposed in that loss rather than expect one player to erase them. Our Atlanta assessment stays conditional: restored quarterback mobility and timing would improve the offense's options, while another backup start calls for a more restrained outlook. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Bears: Monday coach update and Williams progress; NFL: Chicago's loss without Williams. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 13 | Lions (DET) | Detroit | Consensus average: 12.50. Detroit's response in Arizona was more complete than the final score alone suggests: after three opening punts, the offense scored on seven straight possessions while the defense repeatedly got off the field. That is a useful corrective heading into the bye, not proof that every early-season weakness has disappeared. Brian Branch missed the Cardinals game, so his recovery remains relevant to the next defensive evaluation. Our outlook improves on execution, with the break providing a chance to recover and consolidate it. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Lions: Arizona recap; Lions: Week 5 injury designations. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 14 | Raiders (LV) | Las Vegas | Consensus average: 15.00. Las Vegas has to recover from allowing 536 yards to New England just as Josh Allen arrives. That matchup makes tackling and containing quarterback movement immediate priorities. Ashton Jeanty played Sunday after ankle and foot concerns, but being active does not establish that he is back to full effectiveness. Our view is that the Raiders need a credible sustained rushing threat to reduce the number of possessions their defense must survive; another early deficit would undermine that plan. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Raiders: Jeanty injury report; FLM: Jeanty active against Patriots. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 15 | Steelers (PIT) | Pittsburgh | Consensus average: 15.00. Pittsburgh's win over Indianapolis came with a serious receiving-depth cost. Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek are out for Tampa Bay, on top of Michael Pittman Jr. being on injured reserve. Jaylen Warren's recent emergence gives the offense a route around that problem, but it cannot simply assume the same explosive production every week. Our Week 6 concern is how the Steelers construct reliable passing answers when the Buccaneers crowd the available weapons and force less-established receivers to contribute. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Steelers: Sorting through offensive options. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 16 | Giants (NYG) | New York | Consensus average: 16.00. The Giants' late rally in Washington showed that this offense can still create chances despite losing Jaxson Dart for the season. Malik Nabers remains central to that path, with the tying touchdown another reminder of his importance. The 27-27 finish also leaves a clear warning: recovering from a deficit is not the same as controlling a game. Against New Orleans, our priority is a faster start and fewer wasted scoring opportunities, not relying on another emergency comeback. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Giants: Washington game updates; Vikings: McCarthy trade and Dart injury context. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 17 | Packers (GB) | Green Bay | Consensus average: 16.00. Green Bay's decisive win over Chicago has to be weighed against a worsening defensive-front shortage. Javon Hargrave's Achilles injury ends his season, while Micah Parsons still has not been cleared to practice after knee surgery. Parsons should not be penciled in for a reunion with Dallas. Our outlook is encouraged by the offense's latest performance, but the Cowboys matchup will test whether the remaining front can create pressure and hold up without two major pieces. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Packers: Parsons and Hargrave updates. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 18 | Panthers (CAR) | Carolina | Consensus average: 17.50. Carolina returns from its bye with an opportunity against an injury-hit Philadelphia offense, but Dave Canales has warned against complacency. The Panthers' own protection is worth watching: Taylor Moton's practice window is expected to open, which is progress rather than a guaranteed return to the lineup. Our matchup read favors patience and efficient possessions. Taking advantage of Philadelphia's uncertainty still requires protecting Bryce Young and avoiding the mistakes that let an undermanned opponent stay close. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Panthers: Monday post-bye outlook; FantasyPros: Moton practice-window update. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 19 | Cowboys (DAL) | Dallas | Consensus average: 18.50. CeeDee Lamb's bruised quadriceps deserves attention even with encouraging early reports, because Dallas needs its leading receiving threat to turn drives into touchdowns. The longer break after Thursday's Tampa Bay loss also gives DeMarvion Overshown a chance to return from his hamstring injury, though his optimism is not clearance. Our Green Bay outlook hinges on both sides: healthier playmakers would help, but Dallas still must finish possessions and prevent another opponent from dictating the game's rhythm. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Cowboys: Overshown hopeful for Green Bay; Yahoo: Lamb bruised quadriceps update. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 20 | Eagles (PHI) | Philadelphia | Consensus average: 20.00. Philadelphia's offensive ceiling is unusually dependent on the next injury updates. Nick Sirianni is hopeful Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith can return from hamstring injuries, while Will Shipley's new foot injury further strains the backfield. Hope is not clearance. After producing only 232 yards against Jacksonville, the Eagles need more than a healthier depth chart. Our Carolina read remains cautious until they show who can play and whether that group can sustain drives instead of relying on isolated explosive plays. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: NFL: Eagles offensive injury updates. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 21 | Browns (CLE) | Cleveland | Consensus average: 20.50. Cleveland's running-back situation is a meaningful concern before Baltimore. Quinshon Judkins is day-to-day with an ankle injury, and Raheim Sanders also left the Jets game with a hip issue. That uncertainty compounds an offense that managed only 12 points in the loss. Our assessment is that cleaner execution and a workable ground game matter more than the respectable overall record; if the backs are limited, sustaining possessions against the Ravens becomes a harder assignment. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Yahoo: Cleveland offensive problems and injuries. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 22 | Falcons (ATL) | Atlanta | Consensus average: 21.50. Michael Penix Jr.'s rib injury overshadows an otherwise competitive showing against Baltimore. He could not finish the overtime loss, and although he did not expect a long-term problem, that is not confirmation he can handle a full game against Chicago. Our concern is functional: pain or restricted movement could affect protection decisions and passing rhythm even if he is active. Atlanta's outlook should therefore stay conditional on his progress rather than treating the quarterback position as settled. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Falcons: Penix rib injury after Ravens game; NFL: Penix on expected injury duration. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 23 | Colts (IND) | Indianapolis | Consensus average: 23.50. Indianapolis moved the ball against Pittsburgh but repeatedly failed to get full value from its scoring opportunities. The team highlighted red-zone problems after converting only one of three visits into a touchdown, despite encouraging contributions from Tyler Warren. That makes finishing the central Week 6 test against Tennessee. Our view is that the Colts have a favorable chance to reset, but field goals and defensive breakdowns can keep even a struggling opponent involved longer than expected. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Colts: Week 5 red-zone review. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 24 | Texans (HOU) | Houston | Consensus average: 23.50. Houston finally has a win, but David Montgomery's groin injury immediately complicates the follow-up. DeMeco Ryans calls him week-to-week, making Woody Marks' workload an important watch point before the London trip. Holding Tennessee to three points was progress; it is not a complete test of how the Texans will handle Jacksonville. Our outlook turns on whether the offense can keep manageable down-and-distance without its usual backfield mix and support another strong defensive effort. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: FantasyPros: Ryans on Montgomery injury. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 25 | Jets (NYJ) | New York | Consensus average: 26.00. Braelon Allen and Garrett Wilson gave the Jets a workable offensive identity against Cleveland while Breece Hall and Adonai Mitchell remained sidelined. Allen's rushing contribution helped the team avoid asking the depleted passing group to carry everything. Kenyon Sadiq's concussion adds another availability question. Our New England outlook depends on whether that concentrated attack can sustain longer possessions against a much more productive opponent; Hall's eventual status should change the workload discussion, not be assumed from last week's absence. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Jets: Wilson and Allen carry shorthanded offense. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 26 | Commanders (WAS) | Washington | Consensus average: 26.50. Jayden Daniels' return was genuinely encouraging: he supplied 302 total yards and two touchdowns while playing with the brace protecting his left elbow. Washington still surrendered a late lead and settled for a tie, so restored quarterback availability has not solved game management or defensive finishing. Our San Francisco outlook recognizes the offense's higher ceiling with Daniels back, but protecting him and converting that spark into four quarters of disciplined play are separate tests against an unbeaten opponent. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Commanders: Daniels return and Giants tie; Commanders: Daniels clearance and brace. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 27 | Saints (NO) | New Orleans | Consensus average: 27.00. New Orleans needs an offensive reset after Minnesota held it to 142 yards. The challenge is not just finding one explosive play but creating enough routine gains to avoid another afternoon of stalled possessions. Jordyn Tyson is not expected back at practice this week because of his hamstring, limiting the prospect of an immediate receiving boost. Our Giants outlook is restrained: the Saints need a sustainable answer on early downs before a close game can become a realistic finishing opportunity. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Saints: Post-Vikings review; Louisiana Sports: Tyson practice update. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 28 | Buccaneers (TB) | Tampa Bay | Consensus average: 27.50. Tampa Bay finally has a result to build on after beating Dallas, and the longer break before Pittsburgh gives it a chance to prepare for a very different offensive challenge. The Steelers arrive short of receivers, but their recent running-back production means the Buccaneers cannot focus only on the passing game. Our priority is seeing the 419-yard offensive performance translate into another controlled outing. One win changes the mood; consecutive effective performances would do more to change the assessment. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Buccaneers: Next game against Pittsburgh; Steelers: Receiver absences and Warren. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 29 | Cardinals (ARI) | Arizona | Consensus average: 28.00. Arizona's loss to Detroit exposed how quickly a promising opening can unravel when the offense cannot stay on the field. The Lions forced five first-half three-and-outs after conceding an opening touchdown, leaving the Cardinals chasing the game. James Conner remains on injured reserve with a foot issue, so a veteran backfield rescue should not be assumed. Our Rams outlook centers on sustained possessions and defensive resistance; occasional scoring bursts will not compensate for repeatedly surrendering control. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Lions: Arizona game sequence; CBS: Conner injury tracking. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 30 | Chargers (LAC) | Los Angeles | Consensus average: 30.00. Los Angeles found a brief spark through Kimani Vidal and a defensive takeaway against Denver, but still could not close out its first win. Ladd McConkey was active only for emergency use because of his foot problem, an important distinction from being available for a normal workload. Our Kansas City assessment is cautious: Justin Herbert needs reliable receiving options and cleaner possessions, while the Chargers must finally turn an advantageous stretch into a complete game rather than another narrow defeat. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Chargers: Week 5 takeaways; ClutchPoints: McConkey emergency-only explanation. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 31 | Titans (TEN) | Tennessee | Consensus average: 31.00. Robert Saleh is resisting wholesale changes after Tennessee fell to 0-5, but the offense needs a visible response after scoring three points against Houston. Cam Ward's development remains the central football question; changing the surrounding message is not itself a solution to stalled drives. Cor'Dale Flott's chest injury also needs evaluation before Indianapolis. Our outlook stays cautious until Tennessee can sustain possessions and keep its defense from repeatedly defending a game shaped by an early deficit. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: AP via Yahoo: Saleh's response and Flott injury. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
| 32 | Dolphins (MIA) | Miami | Consensus average: 32.00. Miami reaches the bye winless despite making the Cincinnati score more competitive late. De'Von Achane's season-ending knee injury is a structural loss for the offense, not a short-term availability question the break can solve. Malik Willis still supplies a rushing threat, but the passing game must offer a steadier route to sustained drives. Our focus after the break is whether the Dolphins can build an identity around the personnel they actually have instead of needing late rallies to stay involved. Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: NFL: Achane season-ending knee injury; Dolphins: Bengals game center. Injury availability can change before kickoff. |
MFT Offense and Defense Rankings
Entering Week 6: season totals through Week 5. Ranks use yards per game. No. 1 is best: most yards gained on offense, fewest allowed on defense. Passing yards are net of sacks. Ties share a rank.
Consider sample size, player usage, injuries and matchup context when using these ranks for Start/Sit decisions.
| Team | Overall offense | Rushing offense | Passing offense | Overall defense | Rushing defense | Passing defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARI | 23 | 23 | 19 | 26 | 23 | 25 |
| ATL | 10 | 2 | 21 | 16 | 4 | 27 |
| BAL | 5 | 3 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 18 |
| BUF | 4 | 5 | 12 | 30 | 15 | 31 |
| CAR | 3 | 18 | 2 | 29 | 31 | 22 |
| CHI | 7 | 1 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 12 |
| CIN | 12 | 26 | 7 | 21 | 22 | 17 |
| CLE | 29 | 21 | 26 | 20 | 18 | 13 |
| DAL | 11 | 30 | 5 | 31 | 32 | 21 |
| DEN | 30 | 25 | 25 | 22 | 29 | 9 |
| DET | 6 | 14 | 3 | 32 | 14 | 32 |
| GB | 16 | 32 | 4 | 8 | 24 | 5 |
| HOU | 13 | 31 | 6 | 11 | 3 | 23 |
| IND | 24 | 20 | 22 | 28 | 27 | 28 |
| JAX | 15 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 1 | 30 |
| KC | 2 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 7 | 19 |
| LAC | 25 | 9 | 30 | 10 | 21 | 6 |
| LAR | 1 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 26 | 2 |
| LV | 14 | 28 | 8 | 27 | 28 | 24 |
| MIA | 28 | 11 | 32 | 17 | 16 | 15 |
| MIN | 27 | 13 | 29 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| NE | 8 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 10 |
| NO | 20 | 29 | 11 | 25 | 30 | 11 |
| NYG | 21 | 16 | 20 | 15 | 24 | 7 |
| NYJ | 26 | 22 | 23 | 4 | 19 | 4 |
| PHI | 31 | 23 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 26 |
| PIT | 19 | 19 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 16 |
| SEA | 17 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 11 | 1 |
| SF | 9 | 8 | 13 | 6 | 10 | 8 |
| TB | 22 | 7 | 27 | 7 | 2 | 20 |
| TEN | 32 | 27 | 31 | 19 | 17 | 14 |
| WAS | 18 | 6 | 24 | 23 | 8 | 29 |
MFT unit calculations from retained nflverse game statistics and final scores. Source as of 2026-10-13.
Week 6 Power Ranking methodology: Equal-weight average of two complete post-Monday lists published and retrieved October 13, 2026: Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports; Pete Prisco, CBS Sports. Unrounded means determine order; ties use median, previous MFT week rank, then abbreviation. The current NFL.com list was unavailable and excluded. Outlooks combine completed-game context with separately dated team news and key-player injury research, followed by original MFT matchup analysis. Injury expectations are not final game designations. This editorial refresh does not recalculate ranks or picks. The six statistical categories use season totals through Week 5 and remain separate from editorial consensus.