The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors, including Mike Alessandrini, Jack Browne, Michael McClymont, and Arun Srinivasan.

1. Los Angeles Rams (7-0)

Previous Rank: 1

Aaron Donald led a dominating performance by the defense with four sacks, Todd Gurley scored three touchdowns, and the Rams capped off a perfect road trip in style. There's a clear line of demarcation between the Rams and everyone else. - Srinivasan

2. New England Patriots (5-2)

Previous Rank: 2

Out go Rob Gronkowski and Sony Michel, and Josh Gordon steps in with a 100-yard game. The Patriots machine relents for no one. - McClymont

3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-1)

Previous Rank: 3

Patrick Mahomes is playing in rarefied air and the Chiefs may have temporarily slowed concerns about their defense. It's not too early to start thinking about a first-round bye. - Srinivasan

4. New Orleans Saints (5-1)

Previous Rank: 4

A rematch of last season's NFC divisional-round clash with the Vikings looms large. The winner will earn the distinction of the NFC's best team not named the Rams. - Browne

5. Los Angeles Chargers (5-2)

Previous Rank: 5

Don't let the Chargers sneak up on you, even if their fans aren't coming to the games. The AFC's sleeping giant may have awoken. - Srinivasan

6. Minnesota Vikings (4-2-1)

Previous Rank: 6

The Vikings, as they seem to be every year, are among the NFL's most injury-riddled clubs. At least star cornerback Xavier Rhodes' injury doesn't appear to be season-ending. - Alessandrini

7. Carolina Panthers (4-2)

Previous Rank: 8

Other star quarterbacks have stolen the spotlight of late, but the Panthers' 17-point comeback win in the fourth quarter against the champs highlighted just how special Cam Newton can be. - Browne

8. Baltimore Ravens (4-3)

Previous Rank: 7

Don’t let this team fool you. The Ravens field an outstanding defense, but we're not sure the offense is dynamic enough to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy. - Alessandrini

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2-1)

Previous Rank: 9

Talk about a perfect bye week. The Browns, Bengals, and Ravens all lost in Week 8 and Pittsburgh jumped into first place in the AFC North. If only the Le'Veon Bell drama would go away. - Alessandrini

10. Green Bay Packers (3-2-1)

Previous Rank: 13

Mike McCarthy is going to need a superhuman performance from Aaron Rodgers if he wants his team to keep pace with the undefeated Rams this week. - Alessandrini

11. Washington Redskins (4-2)

Previous Rank: 15

Psst, Washington is the only NFC East team above .500. Pass it on. - McClymont

12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-3)

Previous Rank: 10

The Marvin Lewis conundrum continues. Cincinnati's head coach dropped to 1-17 in prime-time road games after an embarrassing loss to the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. - Alessandrini

13. Chicago Bears (3-3)

Previous Rank: 12

One yard away! Chicago came close to pulling off the craziest moment of the 2018 season. Perhaps the wackiest part? Kevin White had not caught a pass coming into the game. - Alessandrini

14. Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)

Previous Rank: 11

At 3-4, the pressure is off the defending champs, according to head coach Doug Pederson. He's right, especially if the Eagles lose to the Jaguars in London. - McClymont

15. Houston Texans (4-3)

Previous Rank: 24

Deshaun Watson is apparently as tough as they come, and has the seemingly dead-in-the-water Texans back in playoff contention after starting 0-3. - Browne

16. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)

Previous Rank: 17

Prior to the bye week, the Seahawks put together arguably their most complete performance of the year and will need to continue their momentum against the Lions. - Srinivasan

17. Detroit Lions (3-3)

Previous Rank: 20

At long last, the Lions have found a feature back. Kerryon Johnson is legit, but Detroit still isn't talked about as a contender in the NFC North. Sleep on Matt Patricia's squad at your own peril. - Alessandrini

18. Miami Dolphins (4-3)

Previous Rank: 16

Brocktoberfest continues on. With Osweiler under center, the Dolphins are scoring points without trickery or special-team returns. Is Miami better off without Ryan Tannehill? - McClymont

19. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)

Previous Rank: 14

The 3-4 Jaguars are literally fighting among themselves, Blake Bortles was benched, and Houston was allowed to take control of the division. What a difference a year makes. - Browne

20. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)

Previous Rank: 18

Alas, Jerry Jones finally has the No. 1 receiver he's always sought. Now, about paying Amari Cooper ... - McClymont

21. Atlanta Falcons (3-4)

Previous Rank: 21

The win against the Giants was a must, but now comes the hard part for the Falcons: attempt to make it as a wild card with just three home games left on the schedule. - Browne

22. Tennessee Titans (3-4)

Previous Rank: 19

Mike Vrabel's two-point decision was bold, and while it didn't pay off, it's the kind of mentality the Titans need to establish. A better play call would've helped, though. - Browne

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)

Previous Rank: 25

A new defensive coordinator, and now Kwon Alexander is done for the year. Get used to shootouts, Bucs faithful. - Browne

24. Denver Broncos (3-4)

Previous Rank: 26

Von Miller's message to his teammates was well-received, but we'll need to see more consistency from the Broncos before believing in them again. - Srinivasan

25. New York Jets (3-4)

Previous Rank: 22

The banged-up Jets secondary hung with the Vikings for three quarters before the dam broke in the fourth. The Jets are still too short on talent, but they're putting forth one hell of an effort. - McClymont

26. Cleveland Browns (2-4-1)

Previous Rank: 23

You thought the Browns curse was lifted? Silly you - and us. - Alessandrini

27. Indianapolis Colts (2-5)

Previous Rank: 29

Andrew Luck has played in 77 career games. On Sunday, Marlon Mack gave the quarterback just his fourth 100-yard rusher. - Browne

28. San Francisco 49ers (1-6)

Previous Rank: 28

Nothing went right for the 49ers against the high-powered Rams and it's clear C.J. Beathard isn't more than a placeholder in this lost season. - Srinivasan

29. Buffalo Bills (2-5)

Previous Rank: 27

The Josh Allen-less, likely LeSean McCoy-less, and Derek Anderson-led Bills against the Patriots on Monday night this week. Yuck. - McClymont

30. New York Giants (1-6)

Previous Rank: 30

Despite all the changes made after last year's disastrous season, the Giants have opened another campaign at 1-6. What's the fallout this time around? - McClymont

31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6)

Previous Rank: 31

We'll have to see what Byron Leftwich does with the keys to the offense after Mike McCoy was fired following Thursday's dreadful performance. - Srinivasan

32. Oakland Raiders (1-5)

Previous Rank: 32

It's been a dire season, but Jon Gruden ought to be lauded for getting a first-round pick for Amari Cooper. The rebuild is in full swing. - Srinivasan