Bears Packers and Patriots Climb NFL Power Rankings

Quarterback performances are reshaping the NFL's competitive landscape, with the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots emerging as teams to watch after Week 6. Chicago and New England each improved to 4-2, while Green Bay extended its winning streak to three games as the league's leading contenders maintained their positions near the top of the rankings published by Fox Sports on October 19, 2026. The latest rankings highlight Chicago's offensive potential, Green Bay's growing chemistry in the passing game and New England's improved production under quarterback Drake Maye.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills also exchanged positions, while the Denver Broncos continued to win despite inconsistent passing production. Chicago's offense gained momentum with Caleb Williams back at quarterback in a comprehensive victory over Atlanta. According to Next Gen Stats, Williams completed all 24 of his passes from a clean pocket for 248 yards, marking the most attempts without an incompletion from a clean pocket in a game since at least 2018.

Williams completed his first 12 passes of the game, helping the Bears demonstrate their ability to generate offense through both rushing and passing plays. The performance strengthened their case for consideration among the league's top five teams as the season progresses.

Green Bay also continued its upward trajectory after securing a third consecutive victory. Quarterback Jordan Love developed stronger connections with wide receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, who had combined for 1,039 receiving yards, according to the Fox Sports analysis. Watson accounted for 538 yards, while Golden recorded 501. The Packers also anticipated running back Josh Jacobs' return as their offense sought to build on its recent improvement, while defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon continued adapting the defensive scheme to his personnel.

New England's resurgence has been driven by Maye, who delivered at least three touchdown passes in three consecutive games. According to Fox Sports, he became the first Patriots quarterback to achieve that feat since Tom Brady in 2017. The Patriots improved to 4-2 after defeating the New York Jets, strengthening their position as a potential contender.

Wide receiver A.J. Brown also returned after missing four weeks with an ankle sprain, although his developing connection with Maye remained an area to improve.

The Cleveland Browns reached the same 4-2 record after a game-winning kick against the Baltimore Ravens put them atop the AFC North. Quarterback Deshaun Watson had produced four game-winning drives, but his protection remained a concern after he was sacked an NFL-leading 24 times during the season. Denver also held a 4-2 record after beating Seattle 17-14 the previous Thursday.

Despite the victory, quarterback Bo Nix averaged 5.55 yards per pass attempt, the lowest figure among the 28 NFL quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts at that point of the season. Jacksonville, meanwhile, entered its bye week after splitting its two games in London. Travis Hunter recorded a receiving touchdown and an interception in the same game, becoming the third player since 1970 to accomplish the feat, joining Brian Dawkins in Week 4 of 2002 and Roy Green in Week 3 of 1981.

The Jaguars' ranking position shifted as they addressed mistakes on both sides of the ball during the break, while Buffalo moved ahead of them following another strong performance from quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills' defensive consistency remained a concern despite Allen's continued production.

The rankings reflected a season in which quarterback efficiency and late-game execution helped distinguish teams with identical 4-2 records. The Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers were scheduled to meet Monday night to conclude Week 6.