A record five NFL teams are undefeated entering Week 7. Here’s how we rank them in terms of their chances of going 16-0…
1. New England Patriots (5-0): The Pats have outscored their opponents — some of them high-quality — by an average of 16.0 points per game. They should beat the Jets, Dolphins and Redskins at home but could be in tough on the road Week 10 against the Giants.
When they might finally lose: Week 10 at the Giants or Week 12 at Denver
2. Cincinnati Bengals (6-0): The Bengals have already beaten the Chargers, Ravens and Seahawks as well as the Bills on the road, but they’re surviving by the skin of their teeth. They’re on a bye now but then have to travel to Pittsburgh. If they survive that, they have back-to-back prime-time games, which has been a bugaboo for them. But those are home games against Cleveland and Houston.
When they might finally lose: Week 8 at Pittsburgh or Week 11 at Arizona
3. Green Bay Packers (6-0): Also on a bye, and why we’re nitpicking it’s worth pointing out that they’ve been cutting it close all year. Now they have to travel in Weeks 8 and 9 to play unbeaten teams Denver and Carolina.
When they might finally lose: Week 8 at Denver or Week 9 at Carolina
4. Carolina Panthers (5-0): A lot of close wins and the schedule gets tougher. Cam Newton might be Superman, but I don’t think this team comes close to 16-0.
When they might finally lose: Week 8 vs. Indy or Week 9 vs. Green Bay
5. Denver Broncos (6-0): Denver has gotten very lucky and might be the worst 6-0 team I’ve ever seen. Great defense, but the offense is sort of a mess and I can’t see that holding up.
When they might finally lose: Week 8 vs. Green Bay or Week 9 vs. Indianapolis
