The latest NFL power rankings for Week 6 see the Detroit Lions claiming the top spot after upsets to previous leaders, with the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers making significant jumps, while the Los Angeles Chargers continue to fall after recent losses.
The NFL Week 6 power rankings have brought notable changes, headlined by the Detroit Lions ascending to number one. This shift occurred after the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, both previously undefeated, suffered surprising home losses, eliminating the last perfect records. The Lions’ consistent performance and ability to recover from an early defeat have earned them the top position, though questions remain about their defense after a late-game lapse against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Among the biggest climbers are the Indianapolis Colts, who have risen into the top five in some rankings. Improving to a 4-1 record, the Colts dominated the Las Vegas Raiders 40-6, showcasing a balanced offense led by quarterback Daniel Jones and a defense that has generated key turnovers. Their recent form, including efficient red-zone execution, suggests they could be a serious playoff contender as they head into a favorable stretch of games.
The San Francisco 49ers have also made a jump in the rankings, moving up despite dealing with numerous injuries to key players like Brock Purdy and George Kittle. With a 4-1 record, their resilient performance includes an overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams, where backup quarterback Mac Jones stepped up, and tight end Jake Tonges emerged as a reliable target. The team’s ability to win divisional games has bolstered their standing, even as they await reinforcements.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Chargers have experienced a sharp decline, falling out of the top ten after starting the season 3-0. Back-to-back losses, including a 27-10 defeat to the Washington Commanders, have highlighted issues such as offensive line injuries pressuring quarterback Justin Herbert and defensive struggles. The team’s early momentum has dissipated, raising concerns about their ability to sustain success without addressing protection and consistency.
Other notable movements include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers solidifying a top-five spot behind Baker Mayfield’s stellar play, even without key receivers, and the Green Bay Packers maintaining a strong position despite penalties and defensive inconsistencies. The Kansas City Chiefs, however, have slipped below .500 after a close loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, reflecting the competitive balance and unpredictability across the league this season.
The rankings underscore a season of parity, with several teams demonstrating they can compete at a high level. The Lions’ defense, while effective, has shown vulnerabilities, and the Eagles’ offensive issues, including a struggling run game and disconnect between Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, illustrate the challenges even for elite teams. Upcoming games will test these rankings further and could lead to more shuffling.
Looking ahead, key Week 6 matchups like Lions vs. Chiefs and 49ers vs. Buccaneers could reshuffle the order and provide insights into true contenders. The fluid nature of the 2025 NFL season means power rankings will continue to evolve weekly, with teams like the Colts and 49ers aiming to build on their gains while the Chargers seek to reverse their slide and stay in playoff contention.