NFL Network analyst and former scout Bucky Brooks has revealed his latest Top 10 rankings ahead of Monday Night Football, and as always, the list has sparked immediate debate across the league. Every week, Brooks’ rankings give fans, analysts, and players alike a glimpse into how the NFL landscape is shifting — and with each game bringing new drama, his Week rankings paint a picture of power, precision, and unpredictability in the season so far. This week’s list features a few shakeups, a couple of surprise risers, and one dominant team that continues to hold the top spot with an iron grip.
At the top, there’s no surprise — the reigning powerhouse remains unmoved. Bucky Brooks kept the San Francisco 49ers at number one, and it’s hard to argue against it. Even after a few close calls, Kyle Shanahan’s squad continues to look like the most complete team in football. With Brock Purdy maintaining his calm efficiency, Christian McCaffrey breaking tackles and racking up yards in every possible way, and a defense that still strikes fear into opponents, the 49ers have all the hallmarks of a Super Bowl favorite. Bucky praised their balance, calling them “the most well-constructed team from top to bottom,” and emphasized that their ability to win even when not at their best separates them from the pack.
Right behind them, the Kansas City Chiefs hold firm at number two. Even in a year when Patrick Mahomes hasn’t always looked otherworldly, the Chiefs are finding ways to win — and that, to Brooks, is the mark of a champion. The defense, led by Chris Jones, has been the unsung hero, consistently bailing out an offense that’s still working out its kinks. Brooks noted that “Mahomes’ leadership and Andy Reid’s adaptability make Kansas City dangerous no matter how imperfect they may appear.” The connection between Mahomes and Travis Kelce remains one of the most potent in football, and even with young receivers still growing, the Chiefs’ ability to win tough games keeps them near the top.
Sliding into the third spot are the Philadelphia Eagles, who have been grinding their way through the season with an identity rooted in toughness. Brooks has consistently admired their trench dominance, and this week is no different. Jalen Hurts, despite some turnovers, continues to prove he’s one of the league’s most complete quarterbacks — both a passer and a leader. The “Brotherly Shove” continues to frustrate defenses, and with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith giving Hurts elite options outside, Philadelphia remains a terrifying opponent. Brooks highlighted that “the Eagles can win ugly or pretty — and that’s a sign of a mature team that knows how to finish.” Their only concern, he said, is tightening up the secondary, which has been leaky at times against elite passers.
In fourth place, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the hottest risers in Brooks’ rankings. Lamar Jackson has looked as comfortable as ever in Todd Monken’s offense, and the Ravens’ defense has been suffocating. Bucky credited Jackson’s poise and evolution, saying, “This version of Lamar might be his most dangerous — efficient, patient, and still electric when he needs to be.” The Ravens’ ability to dominate both lines of scrimmage has made them a serious threat in the AFC, and their blend of creativity and discipline is earning league-wide respect. After back-to-back statement wins, Brooks’ placement of Baltimore firmly in the top four feels well-deserved.
The fifth spot goes to the Buffalo Bills, a team Brooks admits he’s been both impressed and frustrated by. Josh Allen remains one of the most thrilling quarterbacks in football — capable of jaw-dropping plays one minute and maddening turnovers the next. Still, Brooks emphasized that “when Buffalo plays with balance and discipline, they’re as dangerous as anyone.” The emergence of rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid and the steady excellence of Stefon Diggs give Allen plenty of firepower, but Bucky’s biggest praise went to Buffalo’s defense, especially with how they’ve managed despite key injuries. The Bills’ resilience, he said, “keeps them among the elite, even when their margin for error feels thin.”
In sixth place are the Detroit Lions, one of the league’s most consistent and inspiring stories. Bucky Brooks has long been a believer in Dan Campbell’s vision, and he made it clear that Detroit’s physical identity has officially turned them from underdogs into contenders. Jared Goff’s command of the offense, coupled with a two-headed rushing attack of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, makes the Lions dangerous on every drive. Brooks praised offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for creating “a balanced, unpredictable scheme that maximizes every player’s strengths.” The Lions’ defense, led by Aidan Hutchinson, continues to evolve, and their ability to win on the road has been the final proof of legitimacy.
At number seven, the Dallas Cowboys continue to linger in that zone between greatness and inconsistency. Brooks pointed out that Dallas’ defensive dominance can destroy teams, but their offense remains a mystery. Dak Prescott has shown flashes of elite play, but questions about rhythm and play-calling under head coach Mike McCarthy persist. “Dallas can look like world-beaters one week and pedestrian the next,” Bucky wrote. Still, with Micah Parsons anchoring a ferocious front and CeeDee Lamb emerging as a true number-one receiver, the Cowboys remain a force. Brooks concluded that if they ever find offensive consistency, they could easily jump back into the top five.
In the eighth spot, the Miami Dolphins hold strong thanks to their offensive explosiveness. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle continue to light up defenses, and Brooks called them “the most entertaining offense in football.” Mike McDaniel’s creative schemes and pre-snap motion continue to baffle defenders, but the Dolphins’ defense has also stepped up in recent weeks — a major factor in Brooks keeping them in the Top 10. However, Bucky did issue a challenge: “Miami needs to prove they can beat the elite teams on the road before we can call them true contenders.” Still, their speed and precision make them a nightmare matchup for anyone.
At number nine, the Cincinnati Bengals return to Brooks’ list after a rough start to the season. Joe Burrow’s health has improved, and with that, the Bengals have started to look like themselves again. Brooks highlighted how Burrow’s chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase has reignited, and how defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo continues to out-scheme opponents. “When Burrow is healthy,” Bucky said, “there might not be a tougher team in the AFC come January.” The Bengals’ resilience, veteran leadership, and ability to make adjustments mid-season are what make them perennial contenders, even after early struggles.
Finally, rounding out the Top 10 are the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team Brooks believes is quietly building something special. Trevor Lawrence’s growth continues to impress him, and the addition of Calvin Ridley has given the offense a new dimension. Bucky credited head coach Doug Pederson for instilling calm and confidence into a once-chaotic franchise. “Jacksonville isn’t flashy, but they’re disciplined, smart, and well-coached,” he said. Their defense has been opportunistic, and with young players stepping up in big moments, the Jaguars are no longer just a feel-good story — they’re a legitimate playoff team capable of surprising anyone.
The teams just outside Brooks’ Top 10 — the Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers — were acknowledged as “on the cusp” squads that could jump into the rankings with a few more consistent performances. Brooks specifically mentioned Seattle’s improved defense and Geno Smith’s steady play, while also praising Cleveland’s defensive dominance and the leadership of Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. “These are teams that might not wow you statistically,” he said, “but they win ugly, and in this league, that counts for a lot.”
Bucky Brooks’ rankings are never just about stats — they’re about identity, resilience, and timing. He often emphasizes that the NFL season is a long, punishing test of character, not just talent. His Week rankings reflect exactly that. The 49ers, Chiefs, and Eagles sit atop because of their sustained excellence and ability to handle adversity. The Ravens and Lions are rising fast, riding the wave of physical play and strong leadership. And then there are teams like the Cowboys and Dolphins — gifted, electric, but still in search of that consistent championship edge.
Brooks also made it clear that his Top 10 is fluid, noting that “the league shifts every week — one upset, one injury, one breakout performance can change everything.” He reminded viewers that teams outside the current rankings, such as the Texans and Chargers, have the potential to climb quickly if they can find rhythm. His focus, as always, was on balance: the teams that win in the trenches, execute situational football, and protect the ball are the ones he trusts most.
With Monday Night Football approaching, fans are already speculating how this week’s performances might reshape Brooks’ list. If the top-ranked teams continue their dominance, the pecking order may remain stable — but as always in the NFL, surprises are inevitable. Brooks’ rankings serve as a weekly snapshot of a constantly evolving race toward the postseason, and every team knows that respect in his Top 10 must be earned, not given.
As the lights come on for Monday Night Football, the pressure intensifies for the teams hovering on the edge of Brooks’ list. The next breakout star, the next defensive masterpiece, or the next comeback victory could easily shuffle the rankings by next week. That’s the beauty of the NFL — and the challenge of predicting its chaos. Bucky Brooks’ Top 10 doesn’t just capture who’s winning; it captures who’s truly built to last.
For now, San Francisco still reigns supreme. Kansas City and Philadelphia are right behind, refusing to give an inch. Baltimore, Buffalo, and Detroit are circling the throne, eager to prove they belong in the same breath. And beneath them, the rest of the league is clawing for position, waiting for their moment to rise. Brooks’ list may change again soon, but for this week, it tells a story of balance, dominance, and the ever-shifting heartbeat of the NFL — where every snap counts, every mistake matters, and every Monday brings a new reckoning.
