LA Chargers: AFC power rankings after Bolts Week 7 bye
By Jason Reed
The LA Chargers were not in action in Week 7 but our weekly AFC power rankings here at Bolt Beat still got pretty shaken up. There were some big results in the AFC this weekend that not only changed the power rankings but changed the way that some might look at the Chargers' wins this season.
The Bolts are no longer in first place as the Raiders moved to 5-2 on the season with a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. That is nothing to worry about, though, as the Chargers should still be considered the favorites to win the AFC West.
Without further ado, let's hop into our AFC power rankings and see how the Week 7 results impacted the LA Chargers.
AFC power rankings after LA Chargers bye week:
16. Houston Texans (Last week: 16)
The Houston Texans were bound to lose against the undefeated Arizona Cardinals, although they did play them tough in the first quarter. Deshaun Watson trade rumors are garnering more interest than the games themselves right now in Houston; a city that is focused on the World Series.
But hey, former Charger Tyrod Taylor returns to practice this week and that should be an upgrade for the Texans.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars (Last week: 15)
The Jaguars did not play last week after winning their first game since Week 1 of the 2020 season. The Jaguars look to make it two in a row in an actually winnable game against Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks.
14. Miami Dolphins (Last week: 14)
You could make the case that the Miami Dolphins should move even further down this list by losing to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 but I cannot justify ranking Jacksonville over Miami, even if the Jaguars beat the Dolphins.
The Dolphins have had some tough, close losses against good teams. They all count the same but they are still more talented than Jacksonville. Another loss in Week 8 and a win for the Jaguars will definitely change that.
Next up, the 13-10 ranked teams.