Week 7 AP NFL Power Rankings: The Chiefs begin their climb back to the top

In nine months' time, when we are all tuned into the Kansas City Chiefs’ second edition of NFL Films’ “America’s Game” in three season, we all need to look back at Week 6 of this season as the turning point. While results couldn’t have gone any better for the Chiefs, the real reason is for the big turnaround, as this was the week that the Chiefs rediscovered their mojo.

This week’s voters were Pete Sweeney, Ron Kopp, Matt Stagner, Jared Sapp, Stephen Serda, Rocky Magana, Talon Graff, Ethan Willinger, Kristian Gumminger and myself.

1. Arizona Cardinals (2nd)

To win so convincingly on the road with so many players out was mightily impressive.

2. Buffalo Bills (1st)

Had Josh Allen not fallen flat on his face, the Bills would still be number one.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4th)

Just plodding along about their business quietly these days.

4. Dallas Cowboys (3rd)

They are the NFC's version of the Chiefs; I'm convinced.

5. Los Angeles Rams (5th)

Yes, Rams fans — we saw Matt Stafford's no-look pass. Calm down with the Mahomes complex.

6. Baltimore Ravens (8th)

Lamar Jackson is unbeatable at the moment.

7. Green Bay Packers (7th)

Aaron Rodgers wasn’t lying. He does own Chicago.

8. Los Angeles Chargers (6th)

Well, well, well. Maybe the Chargers aren't so elite after all.

9. Kansas City Chiefs (10th)

I’m ready to say it: Mahomes is back.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (11th)

Their road unis are just too nice. Welcome to the top 10.

11. Cleveland Browns (9th)

Looking more and more average with every passing week.

12. Tennessee Titans (14th)

Same comment as last week: Derrick Henry is a monster.

13. Minnesota Vikings (17th)

Kirk “Clutch” Cousins.

14. New Orleans Saints (13th)

A bye week for the Saints. Sean Payton was probably using it to come up with more ways to get Taysom Hill involved in the offense.

15. Las Vegas Raiders (20th) | This week’s high riser

A rough week for everyone involved in that franchise, yet they responded brilliantly.

16. Carolina Panthers (12th)

They simply left (checks notes) Kirk Cousins too much time.

17. San Francisco 49ers (15th)

A very conveniently-timed bye.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (22nd)

Well done on beating Geno Smith.

19. Seattle Seahawks (16th)

That Russell Wilson workout was just weird.

20. New England Patriots (21st)

Is Bill Belichick holding them back?

21. Chicago Bears (19th) | This week’s high riser

Couldn’t build on an early lead. Will they ever be up to the Packers’ standard again?

22. Indianapolis Colts (25th)

Apparently, they are in the hunt for defensive linemen. Get in line, Mr. Ballard.

23. Denver Broncos (18th) | This week’s big faller

Turns out they're really bad.

24. Philadelphia Eagles (23rd)

They have the look of a team that will be good one day.

25. Washington Football Team (24th)

You cannot kick field goals against KC and expect to win. How many more times!?

26. Atlanta Falcons (27th)

After a breakout week in London, I bet Kyle Pitts hated the bye week.

27. Miami Dolphins (26th)

Imagine letting your huge UK support down like that.

28. New York Giants (28th)

Just fire everyone.

29. New York Jets (29th)

Can't lose if you don't play.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (32nd)

Great scenes at the end of their game with the Dolphins. Thoroughly deserved their win.

31. Houston Texans (30th)

Just trade everyone.

32. Detroit Lions (31st)

The final remaining winless team.