Welcome to FTF Media's NFL Power Rankings for Week 5!
Week 4 of the NFL season is officially in the books (despite COVID-19's best efforts to stop it), so let's take a look at how all 32 teams are looking at the moment, shall we?
1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
The Chiefs had trouble putting away a Patriots team that had no Cam Newton (or anyone who even slightly resembled a legitimate Quarterback to replace him, to be quite honest) and also have some issues stopping the run. Chris Jones missing Week 4 didn't help, but the defending champs still took care of business in the end. They're top dogs until further notice.
2. Green Bay Packers (4-0)
Aaron Rodgers continues to play lights out football and Aaron Jones continues to rack up a zillion yards from scrimmage. Green Bay ranks number one in points scored and are second in yards. They're clicking on all cylinders offensively right now despite being significantly undermanned, which is a scary thought.
3. Seattle Seahawks (4-0)
Seattle had a tough away game against a feisty Dolphins team that actually made Russell Wilson look human. In the end, though, Wilson and the Hawks were too much for Miami. The Seahawks Defense still needs improvement, though, as they rank 21st in points allowed.
4. Buffalo Bills (4-0)
The Bills continue to ride Josh Allen and the league's fifth ranked offense. Their defense is only ranked 17th, though, which is a bit surprising. If the defense continues to be middle of the pack all year, the Bills will need Allen to continue this high level of play to be successful.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Don't look now, but 43 year-old Tom Brady is up to his old tricks. Down 24-7 and having thrown a pick 6 earlier in the contest (his 4th in his past 6 games), Brady led a vintage comeback. Even old pal Rob Gronkowski was making plays out there! Brady ranks #1 in 'big pass attempts,' according to PFF. In other words, the GOAT is still slinging out there.
6. Indianapolis Colts (3-1)
It's hard to ignore the Colts and their top ranked defense! They've allowed a total of just 56 points so far. The concern is their offense, which does just enough to win at the moment. Will that be enough to hang with the AFC elites late in the season? We're not sure, but their exceptional defense certainly gives them a shot every week. Keep an eye on Indy.
7. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
When you have Lamar Jackson and rank in the top 10 on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, you know you have the recipe for success. After a dud of a performance in primetime against the Chiefs, Jackson got back on track this past Sunday, throwing for 2 TD's and running for another. The Ravens should still be a force to be reckoned with.
8. Tennessee Titans (3-0)
It's hard to know what to make of this team, especially after being ravaged by a COVID-19 outbreak. When on the field, the Titans look highly formidable on both sides of the ball. The question is, though...WHEN will they actually get back on the field?
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
One could argue that the Steelers have enjoyed the NFL's easiest schedule to start the season. However, after facing the Eagles this week, they'll take on 3-1 Cleveland and then head on a 3 week road trip. That trip includes matchups with the Titans, Ravens and Cowboys, all of which should be challenging. So, despite a strong start, we'll get a much firmer grasp on what kind of team Pittsburgh really is over the next several weeks.
10. Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
Good bounce back win by the Rams this past week, as they took care of an outmanned Giants team. They'll definitely be tested following their BYE week, with games against Seattle, Tampa, San Fran, Arizona and New England. The Rams Defense (currently 6th in points allowed) has been doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Can it continue? We'll see.
11. Cleveland Browns (3-1)
Under first year Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham, Jr. and the Browns offense seem to have finally figured things out. If things continue, watch out AFC. The Nick Chubb injury hurts for sure, but his absence is not expected to last too long.
12. Chicago Bears (3-1)
Tough loss against Indy, as Nick Foles had none of his usual magic at his disposal for the Colts. Next up is a tough test against Tom Brady and the Bucs on Thursday night. We should have a much clearer picture of how legit this Bears squad is by Friday morning.
13. New England Patriots (2-2)
Gutsy effort for the Pats against the Chiefs, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It's clear, though, that the Patriots have serious issues on offense if they have to spend much more time without Cam Newton under center. An upcoming BYE Week following its matchup with a banged up Denver team is exactly what this group needs to get itself healthy.
14. New Orleans Saints (2-2)
Good bounce back win last week for Brees and company after a frustrating 1-2 start. Now, with Michael Thomas expected to return to the lineup, the Saints have a chance to make it back-to-back dubs against an up and coming Chargers team on Sunday night.
15. Carolina Panthers (2-2)
Don't look now, but Carolina has put together back-to-back wins. Mike Davis is doing a great job filling in for CMC and Teddy Bridgewater looks to be getting into a rhythm out on the field.
16. Las Vegas Raiders (2-2)
Another AFC East opponent, another loss for the Raiders following a promising 2-0 start. Injuries are starting to pile up for Vegas, along with a positive COVID case. Can Carr and Gruden get things back on track, or is it going to be more of the same for Raider Nation?
17. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2-1)
Joe Burrow got his first win as an NFL starter this past Sunday after taking a big hit early in the first half. Burrow looks the part, but it's clear that he needs more talent around him.
18. Los Angeles Chargers (1-3)
Justin Herbert continues to perform well as the Chargers starter in his rookie campaign. The Chargers could easily be 3-1, although that sounds all too familiar to last year's team.
19. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
George Kittle returned to action, but the Niners dropped a very winnable game against the Eagles. They've been devastated by injuries, but they need to get healthy soon if they want a shot at the playoffs. Hard to know what to really make of this team until they do.
20. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2-1)
Yes, this is your first place team in the NFC East after four weeks. Yikes. However, a big win this past Sunday for Carson Wentz and the Eagles to start to get things back on track. Looks like they could back into a division title if their counterparts all continue to struggle.
21. Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
Back-to-back losses for this Cards squad after a very promising 2-0 start. Kyler Murray has a ton of talent, but needs to be a lot more consistent in order for Arizona to have a chance.
22. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
The Dolphins may be 1-3, but it's not due to a lack of effort. Miami ranks 12th in yards allowed through the season's first four games and slowed down Seattle's passing attack for much of last Sunday. 'Tua Time' could be soon coming as the Fins fall further out of the playoff race.
23. Dallas Cowboys (1-3)
This is the absolute worst defense in football, and turnovers continue to haunt this team. Dak may be putting up numbers (currently on pace to set a single season passing yardage record), but he has to protect the ball and his defense needs to improve drastically. And fast.
24. Minnesota Vikings (1-3)
The disappointing Vikings finally picked up their first win of the season against the Houston Texans last Sunday. There haven't been too many positives for this squad, but Dalvin Cook continues to carry their running game and rookie Justin Jefferson has improved each week.
25. Detroit Lions (1-3)
Another week, another lead squandered by the Lions. Not much else to say about this team other than the fact that you have to wonder how hot Matt Patricia's seat is right now.
26. Denver Broncos (1-3)
Many people picked the Broncos to be a sleeper team in the AFC prior to the season. Unfortunately, injuries to Von Miller, Jurrell Casey, Drew Lock and their number 1 wideout Cortland Sutton have ruined those aspirations. Tight End Noah Fant seems to be the latest victim of the injury bug; a critical Week 5 matchup with the Patriots awaits.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)
'Minshew Mania' seems to be slowly wearing off. That tends to happen when you rank 23rd in both yards allowed AND yards gained. Not too many positives in Jacksonville at the moment.
28. Washington Football Team (1-3)
New name (sort of?), same problems. Dwayne Haskins has been benched. Many people think that's a mistake, but here we are. And we're one bad hit on Kyle Allen away from Alex Smith playing in an NFL game. Things are getting ugly in D.C. (stop me if you've heard that before).
29. New York Giants (0-4)
Too young, too injured. Not the start that first year Head Coach Joe Judge was hoping for. This team needs help basically everywhere. Daniel Jones has not improved whatsoever.
30. Houston Texans (0-4)
Ranking 29th in total points despite having Deshaun Watson as your starting QB would get any Coach fired, and that's what we finally saw with Bill O'Brien this week. Fire sale incoming?
31. Atlanta Falcons (0-4)
Dan Quinn has the 31st ranked defense in the NFL. He blew yet another massive lead against Dallas a couple weeks back (that team's only win to this point). That's just not good enough; it's perfectly fair to wonder if he'll be the next Head Coach to get the axe.
32. New York Jets (0-4)
What we just said about Dan Quinn? Yeah, it should apply to Adam Gase, too. This team seems to have just flat out quit on him. They're going to get Sam Darnold killed. Pray for Trevor Lawrence if this team lands the number one pick and decides to reset at QB.
Do you agree with where your favorite team is ranked? Feel free to sound off in the comments below and let us know your thoughts. Be on the lookout for a new Power Rankings from us next week! Enjoy Week 5, everyone!
- Brian (@FTFBrian)