ClutchPoints
One NFL team looks like it’s standing in a position of truth, while another front-running squad could be a mirage. Here are two truths and two lies from the NFL standings after Sunday’s Week 6 games.
The 2025 season hasn’t gone off book, but there have been several surprises. Included in the mix are two teams that currently lead their respective conferences. But are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts who we think they are?
The standings show the Steelers with a commanding lead in their division. They are up three games over the Bengals, who have no chance to be a playoff contender. And they are up four games over the only fringe threat the division can offer, the Ravens.
Now, it’s true that the Ravens’ schedule gives them a chance to go maybe 8-3 if they get Lamar Jackson back after the bye week. But that still puts them at just 9-8. That won’t be enough to catch the Steelers.
This isn’t about the Steelers being dominant, or Aaron Rodgers still being that guy, but it’s the reality of the 2025 season. The Steelers are the only team in the division that hasn’t fallen apart. And if Rodgers stays healthy, they should coast to the title.
Rodgers is trying to talk like a guy who isn’t overconfident, according to ESPN.
“That’s where we want to be, and we’ve put ourselves in the position to start entering the conversation,” Rodgers said before cautioning, “a lot can happen.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t let his teams fall short. And he likes the hand he’s been dealt.
“Why is it starting to look the way that we desire? We got a full complement of talent,” Tomlin said. “When we put this band together, we feel like we can do the things you saw today.”
Two reasons highlight why the Patriots are definitely in the mix. First and foremost, Drake Maye is that dude. He’s a playoff-level quarterback, and he puts the Patriots on the threat level.
Maye said he likes what the team has been doing, according to ESPN.
“It feels good getting in the win column consistently,” Maye said, complimenting his receivers. “It was good to hit some deep shots. And those guys, they made some great plays.”
Second, the Patriots have already beaten the Bills, and their schedule gives them a chance to be in great shape when these teams meet again in December. As it stands now, the Patriots will be favored in six of their next seven games. At 4-2 now, they could be — should be — 10-3 when they play host to the Bills in Week 15.
Still, head coach Mike Vrabel said the Patriots haven’t arrived yet.
“We will never not enjoy and embrace winning in this league, but I do think guys are aware of the fact that it can be better,” Vrabel said. “To do that on...
