NFL Monday Morning Rankings: Top-10 Movement After Undefeated Vikings Fall to Lions

Buffalo Takes The Lead

The Bills rose to the top after defeating the Ravens. Baltimore lost Lamar Jackson on its first offensive play, but Buffalo kept the team from mounting a late comeback.

The victory was another statement for Buffalo, which now leads the rankings. A linked report said Jackson would be placed on injured reserve with a possible season-ending thumb injury.

Vikings Lose Their Unbeaten Record

Detroit handed Minnesota its first defeat, with Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs contributing to the Lions’ win. The result ended the Vikings’ undefeated run. The Lions’ outlook depends in part on their defense making timely stops, which could help them reach the championship rounds of the playoffs.

Teams Building Their Cases

The Steelers were described as a dark horse after a convincing win over the Browns. Their defense is adapting to coordinator Patrick Graham’s schemes. The Giants remain in first place after their bye week. If J.J. McCarthy keeps producing positive results, the team could contend in the NFC East while rebuilding toward becoming a perennial contender. The Bears appear capable of challenging for a Super Bowl, but need more wins against strong opponents to establish themselves as an elite team.

Playoff Questions And Standouts

The Chiefs fell short of a late game-winning touchdown against Denver. Their offense could lean on runners and receivers Kenneth Walker III and Johnson for ball control. The Broncos have flaws but were characterized as a gritty postseason opponent. In Jacksonville’s blowout win over Indianapolis, Bhayshul Tuten became the first Jaguars player to record at least 100 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, and a touchdown both rushing and receiving in one game.

Jacksonville quarterback Lawrence completed 10 passes to seven players, including Brian Thomas Jr. San Francisco’s Brock Purdy was third in quarterback rating among players with at least seven starts, behind Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow.