Whether it is the Taylor Swift Factor or the old rule of Tom Brady Fatigue, the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs seem to be flying under the radar.
Swift’s budding romance with tight end Travis Kelce seems to be dominating all Chiefs-related news.
And what’s new and exciting about Patrick Mahomes making crazy throws and reeling off wins?
Just like it once became trendy to nitpick Brady and the same-old dominant Patriots early in the regular season at the height of their 20-year dynasty, Mahomes and the Chiefs are not winning by large enough margins to impress their critics.
But five straight wins is five straight wins, right?
After the NFL’s last two unbeatens — the 49ers and Eagles — lost last week, are the Chiefs back on top?
Sorry, not quite yet.
Here are The Post’s NFL power rankings for Week 7:
1. Dolphins 5-1 (3)
Spotting the Panthers an early 14-point lead is less scary for the Dolphins than other teams because of their quick-strike ability. Raheem Mostert, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill – three of the NFL’s fastest players – scored second-quarter touchdowns to start a run of 35 straight points in a 42-21 victory. Hill caught six passes for 163 yards.
2. Chiefs 5-1 (4)
The Chiefs’ 16th straight win against the Broncos — a 19-8 defensive slugfest — featured a lot of the same elements as many of the first 15: A touchdown pass by Patrick Mahomes and a big game by Kelce (nine catches for 124 yards). The defense only allowed 197 yards and Harrison Butker drilled four field goals.
3. 49ers 5-1 (1)
Brock Purdy suffered his first career regular-season loss in his 11th start despite driving the offense 52 yards on nine plays to set up a late 41-yard field goal that sailed wide and sent the 49ers to a 19-17 loss to the Browns. How can things get worse? Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey have injury concerns.
4. Lions 5-1 (5)
Jared Goff’s career resurgence continued with 353 yards passing and two touchdowns on third-and-longs in a 20-6 victory against the Buccaneers. The Lions are off to their best start since 2011 and Jameson Williams’ return from suspension (45-yard touchdown catch) suggests the best is yet to come. The defense held on 10 of 12 third downs.
5. Eagles 5-1 (2)
After flirting with disaster during four single-digit wins, the Eagles finally got bit by the Jets in a 20-14 loss. Jalen Hurts tied his career-worst with three interceptions against an injury-plagued patchwork secondary, and the Eagles were minus-four in the turnover battle. Even near-automatic kicker Jake Elliott missed a costly chip-shot field goal.
6. Jaguars 4-2 (6)
No “London hangover” for the Jaguars, who returned from two games abroad to hand the Colts a 37-20 defeat. Travis Etienne ran for two touchdowns, and Trevor Lawrence threw for two before leaving the game late with an injured knee. The Jaguars lead the NFL with 15 takeaways after victimizing former teammate Gardner Minshew for four.
7. Bills 4-2 (7)
Held scoreless in the first half for the first time since 2019 and into the fourth quarter, the Bills rallied for a 14-9 victory against the Giants, who finished one yard away from the biggest NFL upset of the season (15-point underdogs). Josh Allen led one 17-play 89-yard touchdown drive and later threw a precise 15-yard touchdown pass.
8. Cowboys 4-2 (8)
Free-agent acquisitions Brandin Cooks (2-yard touchdown catch and a third-down conversion on the decisive fourth-quarter drive) and Stephon Gilmore (game-sealing interception) made big plays in a 20-17 victory against the Chargers. Dak Prescott threw for a season-high 272 yards and ran for a touchdown. It’s not too early to pencil the Cowboys into the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs.
9. Ravens 4-2 (14)
Justin Tucker kicked six field goals to pick up an offense that shut down in the red zone and make the difference in a 24-16 victory against the Titans. How appropriate in soccer-loving London. Rookie first-round pick Zay Flowers caught his first career touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson, who also ran for a team-high 62 yards.
10. Steelers 3-2 (12)
Calls to fire offensive coordinator Matt Canada dominated the Steelers’ bye week the way that their defense has dominated most opponents so far. Najee Harris still hasn’t rushed for a touchdown, but T.J. Watt is wrecking games with eight sacks. Receiver Diontae Johnson’s return from injured reserve could open up the passing attack.
11. Browns 3-2 (19)
12. Bengals 3-3 (20)
13. Rams 3-3 (16)
14. Seahawks 3-2 (9)
15. Buccaneers 3-2 (10)
16. Texans 3-3 (21)
17. Jets 3-3 (24)
Make that an improved 1-12 all-time against the Eagles. Zach Wilson has cut out the crushing mistakes, which is just good enough to allow one of the NFL’s best defenses to thrive. The Jets intercepted Jalen Hurts three times despite playing without three of their four top cornerbacks in a 20-14 upset. Breece Hall ran for the winning touchdown.
18. Chargers 2-3 (15)
19. Commanders 3-3 (25)
20. Falcons 3-3 (11)
21. Colts 3-3 (13)
22. Raiders 3-3 (22)
23. Packers 2-3 (23)
24. Saints 3-3 (18)
25. Titans 2-4 (17)
26. Vikings 2-4 (26)
27. Bears 1-5 (27)
28. Cardinals 1-5 (28)
29. Broncos 1-5 (29)
30. Giants 1-5 (30)
Both halves of a 14-9 loss to the Bills ended the same way: With the Giants failing to score from the 1-yard line. For an offense with zero margin for error — five touchdowns in six games — that was devastating. The defense deserved better. Saquon Barkley returned from injury to rush for 93 yards, but make it four straight losses.
31. Patriots 1-5 (31)
32. Panthers 0-6 (32)
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