12. Cleveland Browns, 5-2 (13)
Baker Mayfield went off against the Bengals after a rotten first quarter, and Cleveland won a back-and-forth affair. Losing OBJ for the season certainly hurts, but they seem strong enough on offense to overcome it. That defense, though… Yikes. Outside of Myles Garrett, it is lacking.
11. Arizona Cardinals, 5-2 (14)
They won a gutty, exciting, wholly unlikely game over Seattle on Sunday night where both teams showed off their strengths on offense and weaknesses on defense. This is an explosive team that can rise up and beat anyone, but also seems vulnerable to teams who can slow them down.
10. Los Angeles Rams, 5-2 (11)
When Jared Goff is on his game, and the line affords him some time, this offense rolls. When those things don’t happen, they tend to flounder. Aaron Donald is still destroying things, and Jalen Ramsey appears to be back in his element as a top-flight corner. Dangerous team.
9. New Orleans Saints, 5-2 (10)
The Michael Thomas situation is adding a little drama to the Big Easy, but the Saints keep humming. They beat a scrappy Panthers team this week, and they appear to be firmly on track for another playoff run this season. The Thomas thing, though, is something to watch.