NFL Model Ranks Rams No. 1, Questions 5-0 Vikings in Week 6
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 14
NFL Model Ranks Rams No. 1, Questions 5-0 Vikings in Week 6
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 14
Summary
No. 1 Los Angeles topped the projection model’s Week 6 rankings even after losing to Buffalo, diverging sharply from the human power list.
Fifth-hardest schedule and elite adjusted offensive metrics — including top-two early-down EPA and success rate — kept the Rams atop the model, with Myles Garrett’s expected return boosting the outlook.
The 5-0 Vikings drew the model’s biggest skepticism: it rated them roughly average because their offense ranks in the bottom third despite the league’s easiest schedule and strong field position.
Houston’s 1-4 record also looked misleading to the model, which viewed the Texans as roughly comparable to Minnesota thanks to a top-five defense and expected offensive help from Nico Collins and Marvin Harrison Jr.
The model also pushed back on any Giants optimism, citing bottom-10 offensive production, bottom-five run defense and Brian Burns’ season-ending absence.