Following an action-packed Week Nine of the National Football League (NFL) season, we have officially reached the regular season’s halfway point. With playoff pictures beginning to take shape, it’s time to reassess the league’s power rankings. 

This breakdown ranks the top 10 teams heading into the second half of the season. These rankings aren’t solely based on a team’s win-loss record; they consider overall performance, opponents’ strength and how they’ve navigated through crucial moments. As we quickly approach the end of the season, these teams will be looking to solidify their standings and position themselves for playoff runs.

Here are the rankings:

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

The Steelers enter Week 10 fresh off of their bye week. While their offense has been good, their defense has kept them afloat. They have only allowed an average of 14.6 points per game (PPG)–second best to the Los Angeles Chargers. With Russell Wilson seeming to slip back into his prime, the Steelers are in an excellent position to make a playoff spot. However, their remaining schedule will be challenging, with their remaining strength of the schedule being 570, the third hardest in the league.  

9. Atlanta Falcons (6-3)

The Falcons have also seen a resurgence with quarterback (QB) Kirk Cousins, who has led them to five wins in their last six games and thrown 13 touchdowns in that span. Their defense and injuries have held them back, allowing 22.7 PPG. The Falcons have a comfortable road ahead of them, having the sixth easiest remaining schedule. If their defense can bounce back within the next few weeks, they should be in a good position to win the National Football Conference (NFC) South.

8. Minnesota Vikings (6-2)

The Vikings dominated the start of the season, starting 5-0, but they have dropped two of their last three games. QB Sam Darnold has played consistently well, and their offense has scored 26.1 PPG, making them eighth in the league. Their defense has been aggressive, with a league-leading 13 interceptions. They need to clean up their protection of Darnold, as he was sacked four times in Week Nine. Maintaining offensive rhythm and protecting Darnold will be their key to the playoffs.

7. Green Bay Packers (6-3)

The Packers have continued to play well but have had a few bumps in the road. Jordan Love has shown a ton of promise but continues to struggle with overturning the ball, having 10 interceptions in seven games. They have yet to win a game against a divisional opponent, which may soon put them out of reach of winning the NFC North. However, if they can tighten up their pass protection and capitalize on their defensive strengths, they could be in line for a deep playoff run. 

6. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)

Since their bye week, the Eagles have been an offensive machine, scoring an average of 28.3 points in their last four games. Jalen Hurts has been the dual threat he was in 2022, and Saquon Barkley has been unstoppable. However, they continue to struggle with injuries to crucial players, and their coaching staff continues to make questionable decisions. Despite these challenges, the Eagles’ offense and resilience keep them in a tight race for the NFC East.

5. Washington Commanders (7-2)

The Commanders have completely flipped the script from last season. They have put up the third most PPG in the league with 29.5, led by Rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Currently atop the NFC East, the Commanders have passed the easier portion of their opponents and will face tougher challenges ahead. They must improve their third-down conversions and reduce penalties, but their strong start and offense give them a solid foundation to build on for the rest of the season.

4. Buffalo Bills (7-2)

The Bills are having another great year. Josh Allen continues his incredible career, making a significant step forward and cutting down on the turnovers. Their offense ranks the fourth best in the league, combined with a solid defense that has done them well.  However, they often struggle in the first half, losing at halftime in five of their nine games. The biggest test will come in Week 11 against the Chiefs; if they can overcome them, the Bills can be true contenders.

3. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

Led by MVP front-runner Lamar Jackson, the Ravens rank second in scoring with 31.4 PPG and the most total yards with 4,013. Their defense has struggled, allowing 24.3 PPG and 24 touchdowns overall. However,  their resilience and ability to score quickly make them a constant threat to opponents. If their defense can tighten up and make key stops, they will undoubtedly be a top contender.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (8-0)

Despite standing alone as the only undefeated team in the NFL, the Chiefs rank second. They have continued to find ways to win games, even with a rough season from QB Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes has only thrown 11 touchdowns thus far and has thrown nine interceptions. Their defense keeps them in games, holding their opponents to 18.4 PPG, the fourth-best in the league. The team continues to struggle with injuries, which has held them back from being their normal Superbowl-level team. Either way, the Chiefs can never be counted out to come up big when it matters the most. 

1. Detroit Lions (7-1)

The Lions rank first in our halfway power rankings. Week after week, the Lions have emasculated whoever stands in their way. They have the number-one offense in the league, scoring 32.3 PPG and a defense holding opponents to 18.5 PPG. The duo of QB Jared Goff and Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has been excellent, with Goff completing his last 30 passes targeting St. Brown. With such a commanding offense and a strong defense, the Lions are well-positioned to continue their dominance and make a deep playoff run, perhaps making it to the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history.

As the final nine weeks of the regular season unfold, the fight for a championship is only getting more intense. While many teams are in good positions to make the playoffs, every game matters. Only a few will overcome their challenges and remain in contention come January.