Performance Over Potential. Production Over Reputation.
Six weeks into the 2026 NFL season, the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders, and several organizations are facing questions nobody expected them to answer this early.
San Francisco remains undefeated, although Mike Evans' Achilles injury creates another concern for an offense already dealing with injuries. Kansas City has climbed into second place, and Minnesota continues to look like a serious championship contender.
Caleb Williams made an impressive return for Chicago, New England continues building momentum behind Drake Maye, and Denver and Cleveland have entered the S³ Top 10.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia's situation has become much bigger than football following Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis. The Eagles must now adjust to the likely loss of their franchise quarterback for the remainder of the season.
In Washington, consecutive weeks of questionable game management have placed Dan Quinn's future squarely under the microscope.
And the Rams? Another home defeat has sent the preseason championship favorites deeper into the bottom half of the rankings.
Welcome to Week 6 of the S³ NFL Power Rankings.
THE TOP 10
1. San Francisco 49ers (6–0) | S³ +52.2
San Francisco remains undefeated following its 23–17 victory over Washington, but Monday night's performance raised a few concerns.
The 49ers established a commanding 20–3 halftime lead before watching their offense lose momentum in the second half. Washington nearly completed the comeback before San Francisco's defense delivered the necessary stops.
The bigger concern is Mike Evans.
Evans entered the contest dealing with rib and Achilles issues before aggravating his Achilles and leaving the game. He had already produced 94 receiving yards, demonstrating just how important he's become to Brock Purdy's passing attack.
With Nick Bosa also sidelined and other offensive injuries mounting, San Francisco's depth could face its most significant test yet.
S³ Take: The 49ers are 6–0, but losing Evans for an extended period could fundamentally change the offense.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (5–0) | S³ +45.4
Kansas City returned from its bye and dismantled the Chargers 22–6.
The Chiefs have now surrendered only 83 points through five games, continuing to demonstrate why they remain among football's most balanced teams.
Kansas City doesn't need to win every game by 30 points. The Chiefs are controlling opponents, limiting scoring opportunities and consistently finishing games.
At 5–0, they're keeping the pressure on San Francisco.
3. Minnesota Vikings (5–0) | S³ +43.0
Minnesota enjoyed its Week 6 bye and remains undefeated.
The Vikings have allowed only 64 points through five games, and their defense continues to be one of the most impressive stories of the season.
Minnesota returns from its bye with an opportunity to strengthen its position among the NFC's elite.
The Vikings aren't merely enjoying an impressive start anymore. They're establishing themselves as legitimate championship contenders.
4. Buffalo Bills (5–1) | S³ +31.3
Buffalo survived another offensive battle, defeating Las Vegas 33–30.
The Bills have generated 197 points through six games, reinforcing their position among the league's most explosive offensive teams.
Nevertheless, the defensive concerns remain.
Buffalo has surrendered 171 points, and another 30-point performance by an opposing offense raises questions about the unit's ability to consistently stop quality opponents.
Josh Allen is giving Buffalo every opportunity to win. The defense needs to start making those victories less difficult.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4–2) | S³ +21.3
Jacksonville's defense finally met an offense it couldn't contain.
After surrendering only 70 points through five games, the Jaguars allowed Houston to score 34 in a disappointing 34–31 defeat.
Jacksonville's offense produced enough points to win, but its defense couldn't deliver the necessary stops.
The Jaguars remain an AFC contender, although the loss serves as a reminder that their early defensive success doesn't make them invulnerable.
6. New England Patriots (4–2) | S³ +19.8
New England continues moving in the right direction.
The Patriots defeated the Jets 26–19, improving to 4–2 and recording their fourth victory in six games.
Drake Maye is giving New England legitimate confidence offensively, while the team's victories against Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Las Vegas remain particularly impressive.
Their 35–6 defeat against Jacksonville remains the biggest blemish on an otherwise encouraging opening six weeks.
New England is no longer simply showing potential. It's putting together a legitimate body of work.
7. Chicago Bears (4–2) | S³ +15.2
Caleb Williams is back, and Chicago's offense looks considerably different with him under center.
After missing three games with a hamstring injury, Williams returned against Atlanta and completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
His 83.3% completion percentage established a personal best, helping Chicago secure a 31–23 victory.
The Bears have now improved to 4–2, and Williams' return provides the offense with its most important piece.
Chicago's defense also produced when needed, including a crucial fourth-quarter strip-sack by Kyler Gordon.
S³ Take: Chicago survived Williams' absence. Now that he's back, the Bears have an opportunity to establish themselves as legitimate NFC contenders.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (4–2) | S³ +11.5
Pittsburgh continues finding ways to win.
The Steelers defeated Tampa Bay 26–19, improving to 4–2 and moving four positions in the S³ rankings.
Aaron Rodgers has provided Pittsburgh with dependable quarterback play, while the Steelers have demonstrated an ability to remain competitive even when their offense isn't spectacular.
With Baltimore losing to Cleveland, the AFC North has suddenly become considerably tighter.
Pittsburgh is right in the middle of it.
9. Denver Broncos (4–2) | S³ +11.2
Denver delivered one of its most important victories of the season, defeating Seattle 17–14 in overtime.
The Broncos' defense came through when it mattered, intercepting Sam Darnold in overtime and giving Denver the opportunity to finish the game.
Denver has now won four of its first six contests.
The offensive production still needs improvement, but the Broncos are demonstrating resilience and finding ways to defeat competitive opponents.
10. Cleveland Browns (4–2) | S³ +10.3
Cleveland might be the biggest surprise in this week's Top 10.
The Browns defeated Baltimore 13–10, improving to 4–2 and collecting an important divisional victory.
Cleveland's offense continues to struggle, having generated only 106 points through six games.
Nevertheless, the Browns are winning football games, and their defense has repeatedly given them opportunities.
A victory over Baltimore cannot be overlooked simply because Lamar Jackson was unavailable.
Cleveland still had to win the game.
THE MIDDLE OF THE PACK
11. Baltimore Ravens (4–2) | S³ +8.0
Baltimore drops five positions following its 13–10 defeat against Cleveland.
The Ravens have now lost twice through six games, and Lamar Jackson's absence is beginning to place additional pressure on an offense that previously carried much of the team's success.
Tyler Huntley delivered against Atlanta in Week 5, but Baltimore couldn't repeat that performance against Cleveland.
The Ravens remain contenders, but their position in the AFC North has become considerably less comfortable.
12. Carolina Panthers (3–2) | S³ +7.6
Carolina returned from its bye and delivered an impressive 25–14 road victory against Philadelphia.
Bryce Young continues leading an offense that has generated 146 points through five games.
The Panthers have now won consecutive games and improved to 3–2, establishing themselves as a legitimate factor in the NFC South.
Carolina is beginning to demonstrate that its improvement isn't merely a temporary hot streak.
13. Green Bay Packers (4–2) | S³ +7.3
Green Bay defeated Dallas 23–13, recording its second consecutive victory.
The Packers have allowed only 20 combined points over their last two games, an encouraging development for a defense that struggled earlier in the season.
With Chicago also sitting at 4–2 and Minnesota remaining undefeated, the NFC North continues shaping up as one of football's most competitive divisions.
14. Cincinnati Bengals (3–2) | S³ +3.8
Cincinnati enjoyed its Week 6 bye.
The Bengals return with a winning record and an offense that has generated 128 points through five games.
Nevertheless, the AFC North isn't going to wait for Cincinnati to catch up.
Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore have all reached four victories, placing additional pressure on the Bengals as they return to action.
15. Detroit Lions (3–2) | S³ +3.2
Detroit also enjoyed its Week 6 bye.
The Lions entered the break following their dominant offensive performance against Arizona, but their defensive struggles remain unresolved.
Detroit has generated 164 points through five games while surrendering 148.
That's an alarming amount of defensive leakage for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
The Lions possess championship-level offensive talent. Whether their defense can improve enough to support a championship run remains the bigger question.
16. Seattle Seahawks (3–3) | S³ −2.7
The defending Super Bowl champions are officially a .500 football team.
Seattle suffered a disappointing 17–14 overtime defeat against Denver, with Sam Darnold's overtime interception proving especially costly.
The Seahawks have now lost three of their first six games and trail undefeated San Francisco by three victories in the NFC West.
Seattle remains dangerous, but its inability to consistently finish games has become increasingly concerning.
17. New York Giants (3–2–1) | S³ −6.7
The Giants suffered one of the more disappointing defeats of Week 6.
New York fell 34–27 against New Orleans after the Saints scored 31 unanswered points following an early 10–3 deficit.
The Giants also endured a disastrous quarterback sequence. Jameis Winston was replaced by J.J. McCarthy after throwing two interceptions, only for McCarthy's first series to end with another interception.
The Giants entered the week leading the NFC East.
They leave it with considerably more questions about their offense.
18. Las Vegas Raiders (3–3) | S³ −7.0
The Raiders are moving in the wrong direction.
Following their 3–0 start, Las Vegas has lost three consecutive games, including Sunday's 33–30 defeat against Buffalo.
The Raiders demonstrated offensive resilience against the Bills, but their inability to consistently stop opposing offenses remains concerning.
Las Vegas has now scored and surrendered exactly 162 points this season.
The impressive opening three weeks are becoming a distant memory.
19. New York Jets (2–4) | S³ −19.7
New York gave New England a competitive game but ultimately fell 26–19.
The Jets have now lost four of their first six contests.
Their offense has generated 112 points, while the defense has surrendered 122.
New York has demonstrated the ability to remain competitive, but the Jets need more consistent offensive execution to begin converting those competitive performances into victories.
20. Atlanta Falcons (2–4) | S³ −19.8
Atlanta's disappointing season continued with a 31–23 loss against Chicago.
The Falcons have now dropped four of their first six games and remain without a home victory.
Atlanta has enough offensive talent to challenge opponents, but its inability to consistently finish games remains a major concern.
At 2–4, the Falcons cannot afford many additional setbacks if they hope to remain involved in the NFC playoff race.
THE BOTTOM 12
21. Los Angeles Rams (2–4) | S³ −21.5
The August Lombardi isn't the actual Lombardi.
Los Angeles entered the season with enormous championship expectations. Six weeks later, the Rams are 2–4 following an embarrassing 18–16 home defeat against Arizona.
The Rams had their offensive weapons available and managed just 16 points against a struggling Cardinals team.
That's unacceptable for an offense constructed to overwhelm opposing defenses.
Questions about injuries and defensive personnel are understandable, but what's the excuse offensively?
The Rams aren't merely losing football games. They're beginning to resemble a team moving in the wrong direction.
S³ Take: At some point, the conversation has to stop being about how talented the Rams are and start focusing on what they're actually doing on the football field.
22. New Orleans Saints (2–4) | S³ −22.3
New Orleans delivered one of Week 6's most impressive comebacks, defeating the Giants 34–27.
After falling behind 10–3, the Saints erupted for 31 unanswered points, completely changing the direction of the contest.
The victory was encouraging, particularly for an offense that had struggled with consistency through the opening five weeks.
New Orleans is still 2–4, but Sunday's performance gives the team something positive to build around.
23. Houston Texans (2–4) | S³ −23.8
Houston might finally be finding its footing.
The Texans defeated Jacksonville 34–31, recording their second consecutive victory after opening the season 0–4.
C.J. Stroud helped Houston generate enough offense to overcome a Jaguars defense that had previously allowed only 70 points through five games.
Nevertheless, the Texans' defense also struggled, surrendering 31 points and failing to consistently contain Jacksonville's passing attack.
Houston is improving offensively, but its defense remains a concern.
24. Dallas Cowboys (2–4) | S³ −25.3
Dallas suffered another disappointing defeat, falling 23–13 against Green Bay.
The Cowboys have now surrendered 159 points through six games, and their once-explosive offense managed only 13 points against the Packers.
Dallas continues demonstrating the same fundamental problem: when its offense cannot compensate for its defensive shortcomings, the team struggles to win.
At 2–4, the Cowboys are falling behind in an NFC East division that hasn't exactly been impressive itself.
25. Indianapolis Colts (2–4) | S³ −27.3
Indianapolis suffered a disappointing 26–20 defeat against previously winless Tennessee.
The Colts have now lost four of their first six games and surrendered 164 points.
Their offense has generated 144 points, but that production hasn't consistently translated into victories.
Losing to a division rival searching for its first win is the type of performance Indianapolis cannot afford.
26. Philadelphia Eagles (2–4) | S³ −29.2
Philadelphia's season has taken a devastating turn, and the biggest concern now extends well beyond football.
Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli following additional medical evaluations.
Hurts is clinically stable, and his medical team anticipates a full recovery. Nevertheless, his treatment requires blood thinners, preventing him from participating in contact football. His 2026 season is now expected to be over.
Tanner McKee started against Carolina, but Philadelphia suffered another defeat, falling 25–14 and dropping to 2–4.
The Eagles have now scored only 106 points through six games.
Philadelphia's offensive problems existed before Hurts' absence. Now the coaching staff faces the challenge of rebuilding an offense without its franchise quarterback.
S³ Take: Hurts' health comes first. From a football standpoint, Philadelphia must find a new offensive identity if it hopes to rescue its season.
27. Arizona Cardinals (2–4) | S³ −29.7
Arizona delivered one of the biggest surprises of Week 6, defeating the Rams 18–16 in Los Angeles.
The Cardinals entered the contest having surrendered 162 points through five games, but their defense limited the Rams to only 16.
It wasn't a spectacular offensive performance, but Arizona did enough to defeat a division rival carrying considerably greater expectations.
At 2–4, the Cardinals still have a long way to go.
Nevertheless, Sunday's victory demonstrates that they aren't ready to concede the season.
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1–5) | S³ −38.2
Tampa Bay couldn't build on its Week 5 victory against Dallas.
The Buccaneers fell 26–19 against Pittsburgh, dropping to 1–5.
Tampa Bay has generated 119 points through six games while surrendering 138.
The Buccaneers remain competitive in stretches, but their inability to consistently produce complete performances has kept them near the bottom of the rankings.
29. Washington Commanders (1–4–1) | S³ −40.7
Is Dan Quinn running out of time in Washington?
The Commanders made San Francisco work Monday night, but their 23–17 defeat raised another round of questions about the coaching staff.
Washington trailed 20–3 at halftime after being outgained 303–90. Jayden Daniels eventually sparked a second-half comeback, finishing with 300 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Nevertheless, it was another game defined by costly mistakes and questionable situational execution.
One week earlier, Washington squandered an opportunity to defeat the Giants when overtime expired without an attempted field goal despite the Commanders being in scoring range.
Against San Francisco, another controversial sequence unfolded on fourth-and-two from the 13-yard line. Daniels threw the football away, Washington was penalized for an illegal shift, and the 49ers took possession.
A sideline video appeared to show Quinn confused about the down. Quinn subsequently denied that interpretation, explaining that he knew it was fourth down and was discussing the implications of the penalty.
Regardless of the explanation, the Commanders once again failed to execute in a critical situation.
These are no longer isolated mistakes.
Washington has surrendered 172 points through six games, owns a 1–4–1 record and continues struggling with discipline, game management and defensive consistency.
Quinn deserves credit for Washington's previous success, but the NFL is ultimately a results-driven league.
The Commanders enter their Week 7 bye, giving ownership an opportunity to evaluate the organization's direction.
There has been no confirmed decision to dismiss Quinn, but his job security deserves serious discussion.
S³ Take: How many more critical game-management mistakes can Washington afford? At some point, ownership has to decide whether Quinn remains the right coach to lead this team.
30. Tennessee Titans (1–5) | S³ −51.5
The Titans finally entered the win column!
Tennessee defeated Indianapolis 26–20, delivering its strongest offensive scoring performance of the season.
Cam Ward and the Titans desperately needed a positive result following an 0–5 start.
The victory doesn't erase Tennessee's previous struggles, but it provides something the organization has been searching for since opening day: a win.
And doing it against a division rival makes it considerably sweeter.
31. Miami Dolphins (0–5) | S³ −54.4
Miami enjoyed its Week 6 bye but remains winless.
The Dolphins have generated only 70 points through five games while surrendering 132.
Neither side of the football has performed consistently, and Miami remains one of the league's most disappointing teams.
The Dolphins return from their bye searching for answers and their first victory.
32. Los Angeles Chargers (0–6) | S³ −62.2
The Chargers are officially the NFL's lowest-rated team in the S³ rankings.
Los Angeles suffered another embarrassing defeat, falling 22–6 against Kansas City.
The Chargers have generated only 90 points through six games while surrendering 151.
Justin Herbert's struggles remain one of the season's biggest surprises, and the team's continued offensive failures have made the situation increasingly difficult.
At 0–6, the Chargers are no longer simply experiencing a disappointing opening stretch.
Their entire season is in jeopardy.
S³ BOTTOM LINE: SIX WEEKS, THREE UNDEFEATED TEAMS AND SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS AT A CROSSROADS
San Francisco, Kansas City and Minnesota remain the NFL's only undefeated teams, but the competition beneath them is becoming considerably more interesting.
Buffalo continues winning behind an explosive offense, New England has climbed into the Top 6, and Denver and Cleveland have earned positions inside the Top 10.
Caleb Williams' return provides Chicago with renewed offensive confidence, while Mike Evans' Achilles injury creates another significant concern for undefeated San Francisco.
Philadelphia faces an entirely different challenge. With Jalen Hurts expected to miss the remainder of the season, the Eagles must find a way forward without their franchise quarterback.
The Rams remain one of football's biggest disappointments, while Washington's continued collapse has raised legitimate questions about Dan Quinn's future.
For the Commanders, the issue isn't simply losing football games. It's the repeated mistakes, questionable situational decisions and inability to consistently execute when games are on the line.
Six weeks is enough time to begin separating what teams were expected to be from what they've actually become.
And that's what the S³ Power Rankings are about.
REPUTATION DOESN'T EARN POINTS. PERFORMANCE DOES.
Sweet Science Sports | S³ NFL Power Rankings
