2024 FTN NFL Power Rankings Through Week 15: Who Takes Over the Top Spot?
Daniel Kelley
Week 6 brought out the massive upsets, as both Philadelphia and San Francisco were knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten. Sunday Night Football brought us a great end to the weekend, with Buffalo posting a massive goal-line stand to stave off the Giants and former Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Each Sunday night, I will provide my five instant fantasy football reactions from the slate of games. What were the key performances, surprises and disappointments from across the NFL?
Let’s get into Week 6!
Reaction No. 1: No More Undefeated Teams
Imagine if the Jets had a healthy Aaron Rodgers?
Despite playing without their two best cornerbacks (Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed), the Jets played inspired football and upset the Eagles 20-14. Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts had three costly interceptions, none bigger than this one late in the fourth quarter.
Add in a D’Andre Swift fumble, and the Jets capitalized on four huge turnovers to keep themselves alive for a playoff run and a possible Rodgers return.
San Francisco thought to have an easy game against Cleveland backup quarterback PJ Walker, but an injury to Christian McCaffrey and two missed field goals gave the Browns a shocking 19-17 upset. McCaffrey left in the second half with an oblique injury, joining teammate Deebo Samuel, who was ruled out with a shoulder injury. Despite all of the injuries, Jake Moody had this chance to win the game with just six seconds left.
Look for both the 49ers and Eagles to bounce back, but they are now two of five teams residing at 5-1 as we enter Week 7.
Reaction No. 2: Touchdown Bonanza in Miami
Despite spotting the Panthers a 14-0 lead, Miami came roaring back with 21 second-quarter points to post a 42-21 victory over Carolina.
Raheem Mostert continued to dominate with 115 rushing yards and three total touchdowns, while wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle caught touchdown passes. Despite an injury to explosive running back De’Von Achane, Miami continues to roll as they head to Philadelphia next Sunday Night for a showdown with the Eagles.
Reaction No. 3: Colts New Offense
What will Indianapolis’ offense look like with veteran Gardner Minshew replacing run-first rookie Anthony Richardson?
While the Colts were crushed by Jacksonville 37-20, Minshew provided very different stat lines for key Indianapolis offensive players. Wide receiver Michael Pittman caught nine of his 14 targets for 109 receiving yards, while both Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor combined for 13 receptions and 84 receiving yards. Third-round rookie Josh Downs also caught a touchdown, while Minshew totaled 329 total passing yards.
The Colts have two home games against Cleveland and New Orleans, which should give Minshew and his Colts a chance to put up their best passing production of the season.
Reaction No. 4: Unexpected Injuries Abound
This has been a challenging year for injuries to big-name NFL players. Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson may be out for the season. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson has been medically cleared but still missed this week’s game. Minnesota is without wideout Justin Jefferson, the Jets lost Aaron Rodgers and the Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones is also sidelined.
This week saw San Francisco lose Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and All-Pro offensive lineman Trent Williams in their loss to Cleveland. Chicago quarterback Justin Fields suffered a dislocated thumb, while Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence left the game late with a knee injury. Finally, a pair of running backs left the game with Detroit’s David Montgomery suffering a rib injury and Rams running back Kyren Williams suffering a hip injury after a monstrous 158 yards/TD performance.
Reaction No. 5: Is Desmond Ridder the Answer?
Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder has started to take more chances in the Falcons offense but threw three interceptions in the home loss to Washington, none worse than this one late in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta has lost three of their last four games and missed an opportunity to grab sole possession of first place in the NFC South. The Falcons have a strong defense, two solid tight ends, a clear WR1 in Drake London and an explosive rookie RB in Bijan Robinson. How long can they afford to stay with a quarterback who has just six touchdowns and six interceptions through six games?
