NFL Week 5 Power Rankings

A quarter of the way through the season, we’re already down to just two unbeaten teams, and there are a good handful of teams who appear to be searching for their identity. Some teams are predictable at this point but for the majority of the NFL, we don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s what makes this league so entertaining to watch; you just never know who is going to impress and who is going to crumble under pressure.

This week’s rankings are slightly strange. I wasn’t able to write my week 4 power rankings (schoolwork took priority of course), so I tried to make the transition and considered both weeks 3 and 4 for this column.

32) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4) Previous week: 32

The mighty Jags have already given up 152 points this year. And they’ve only played 4 games. That’s nearly 40 points a game. Its also a -94 point differential. I’ll let you paint your own picture for this one.

31) Oakland Raiders (0-4) Previous week: 31

Oakland is so boring; they are yet to score more than 15 points in a game and easily have the worst offense in the league. Their game against the Pats was so gross; I tried to watch it but I couldn’t. Oakland came into week 4 with the fourth worst passing game, second worst run game and second worst run defense. They are now dead last in running the ball, and probably won’t improve upon that. They’re on the bye this week, so maybe they can regroup and put together a respectable performance in week 6 against San Diego.

30) Tennessee Titans (1-3) Previous week: 25

Cincy worked Tennessee this week, and despite having one of the tougher schedules in the league they don’t show much promise. Their workload doesn’t get any easier this week with Indy, but they follow it up with 3 games against sub-.500 teams. Currently, however, Tennessee isn’t showing much upside.

29) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) Previous week: 29

The Bucs got spanked on TNF, but once Mike Glennon was put in, things improved. Of course it was a lost cause by the end of the first half but Glennon posted respectable numbers nonetheless. Glennon had a solid rookie year last year (19 touchdowns/9 picks) and he resumed his role as starting quarterback this Sunday against the Steelers. He didn’t have an outstanding game but he was one of nine quarterbacks to throw for 300 yards, and he led the Bucs to their first win of the season.

28) St. Louis Rams (1-2) Previous week: 28

Austin Davis had the Rams in prime position to lead his team to a solid win over the Cowboys to move to an impressive 2-1 record. However their defense tripped up over their own feet and Davis helplessly looked on as Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray tore the field apart in the second half, keeping the Rams on the lower part of the totem pole. They didn’t play last week, so they had time to prepare for the Eagles as they try to even their record.

27) New York Jets (1-3) Previous week: 21

The Jets dropped a tough one two weeks ago against Chicago, but they didn’t deserve to win. They were way too sloppy and they weren’t able to get anything going. Geno Smith looks like he’s the starting QB for the time being, but he put together another sub-par outing this past week against the Lions. He had his chances but was unable to cash in. If he keeps this up, more and more Jets fans may call for Michael Vick.

26) Minnesota Vikings (2-2) Previous week: 27

Matt Cassel had a solid first week, but after that he looked absolutely terrible. Vikings fans have welcomed Teddy Bridgewater into the starting role, and so far he’s 1-0 as the starter with a win over the Falcons. He threw for 317 yards against Atlanta’s defense, and rushed for 27 yards and one score. Minnesota has a positive outlook for the future, and Adrian Peterson apparently does as well. He sent Vikings’ coach Mike Zimmer a text before their game encouraging and motivating them. They played a strong game and are looking forward to their first divisional matchup next week against the Packers.

25) Miami Dolphins (2-2) Previous week: 22

After getting pumped by the Bills and Chiefs I’m calling the Dolphins win over the Pats a fluke. They looked strong in their 38-14 win against the Raiders, and it was a good way for them to enter their bye week. They play the inconsistent Green Bay in week 6, and Ryan Tannehill will be looking forward to the opportunity to put his season back on track.

24) Washington Redskins (1-3) Previous week: 20

It’s tough to rank the Redskins because we don’t actually know how good Kirk Cousins is. He looked great against the Eagles and horrific against the Giants. Cousins’ life doesn’t get any easier as he faces Seattle’s Legion of Boom this week. Expect Cousins to play his heart out, since he both wants and needs the starting job. I don’t think RG3 is a solidified starter anymore, but when he comes back he will have the job if there are any more disastrous outings from Cousins.

23) New York Giants (2-2) Previous week: 30

The Giants are starting to look like their old selves after starting the season 0-2. With back-to-back convincing wins against the Texans and Redskins, they look to extend their run this week against the Falcons. Both of these teams are so unpredictable, who knows what we’ll see.

22) Atlanta Falcons (2-2) Previous week: 24

Atlanta beat the Bucs to the moon and back this week, which should be a confidence booster. I was hoping that this was a sign of consistency, but they got their own favor returned to them by the Vikes in week 4. Atlanta still can’t consistently compete, and they play the Giants this week, who are playing well.

21) New Orleans Saints (1-3) Previous week: 13

I’m tired of watching the Saints struggle against the weakest defenses, and their defense struggle against the weakest offenses. Drew Brees lost on back-to-back close contests with mediocre teams to begin the season, and despite squeaking by the Vikings they still didn’t look in form. They looked even worse on Sunday night against the Cowboys, losing 38-17. Besides Marques Colston being less effective than a rusted statue, I don’t know why the Saints aren’t winning.

20) Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) Previous week: 26

Knile Davis has officially established himself as a feature back in the Chiefs offense, whether Charles plays or not. With his third straight productive outing he helped lead the Chiefs to their second straight win. With Jamaal Charles back, Alex Smith appears more confident, and we’ll see how he does in his former stadium this week against the ailing 49ers.

19) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) Previous week: 23

Pittsburgh picked up a huge win against the Panthers, led by a ridiculously dominant ground game. 264 total yards on 34 carries is enough to give any team fits, but they were unable to continue to dominate on the ground. The Bucs managed to beat the Steelers on Sunday by scoring 17 of the last 24 points. The Bucs didn’t win the run game, but they held Pittsburgh to 85 yards on 27 carries. We’ve found yet another inconsistent team in the Pittsburgh Steelers.

18) Buffalo Bills (2-2) Previous week: 16

The Bills weren’t able to get anything going against either the Texans or Chargers, and because of that they’ve lost two straight. Despite their lesser play in the past two weeks, they still maintain the lead in the AFC East division.

17) Chicago Bears (2-2) Previous week: 14

Matt Forte finally got his run game going against the Packers, but Chicago’s defense was finally exploited and they wound up losing by 21. They play the distraught Panthers this coming week in what should be an interesting matchup. Jay Cutler will look to have both Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery 100% healthy for the first time since week 1. If that’s the case then the Bears stand a decent chance of winning.

16) Carolina Panthers (2-2) Previous week: 6

The Panthers have surrendered 37 and 38 points in their last two outings against the Steelers and Ravens respectably. I have no clue as to why they are getting torched by the AFC North, but that division must know something that we don’t. Carolina will look to rebound this week against daaa Bears (I’ve been looking to fit that poorly humorous comment in my writing for quite some time, so bear with me).

15) Cleveland Browns (1-2) Previous week: 17

I feel so sorry for the Browns, I really do. This poor team cannot catch a break. They’ve lost on a last twice on last-second field goals, which means they could very well be 3-0. However they won a game on a last-second field goal as well, so they could also be 0-3. Cleveland had the bye this week, which should have given them time to right their defensive wrongs. Cleveland also has Ben Tate back, which could give them the edge they need.

P.S. Cleveland still has not turned the ball over yet. I don’t know the statistic off the top of my head but it’s been quite some time since a team was 1-2 without turning the ball over once.

14) New England Patriots (2-2) Previous week: 5

It needs to be said that Tom Brady doesn’t look like Tom Brady. Aside from the countless statistics that have been all over our Twitter feeds (supposedly proving his declining performances), he doesn’t look comfortable and I think that’s the biggest issue. He isn’t getting enough time in the pocket, but that’s not all it is. His arm strength and precision aren’t what they once were, and he can’t seem to zone in on any particular target. You can’t fault him for it since it comes with age, but it’s still weird to see. I don’t want to say it’s time to enter panic-mode in New England, but after that game against the Chiefs…I don’t know if the Pats have what it takes to climb out of this slump.

13) Green Bay Packers (2-2) Previous week: 9

Finally! Aaron Rodgers looked like himself against the Bears, as he slung four touchdowns to familiar faces (two each to Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson). They own the NFL’s worst run defense allowing a disgusting 176 yards per game. However if Rodgers continues his stellar quarterbacking, they have a fighting chance no matter whom they play.

12) Baltimore Ravens (3-1) Previous week: 18

The Ravens are a low-key 3-1 with a top-ten ground game and run defense. They look better than expected this year and are coping nicely with the loss of Ray Rice. Don’t blink, but if they can continue this quiet win streak we may be in for another playoff run.

11) Dallas Cowboys (3-1) Previous week: 19

DeMarco Murray has obliterated opposing defenses, leading the NFL in rushing yardage and touchdowns. He fumbled every game except in week 4, so believe it or not his game can still improve. Add to that, Tony Romo is slinging the ball with consistency, and the defense held it’s own against the Saints. I know we’re only a quarter of the way through, but it may be Dallas’ year to return to the playoffs.

10) Houston Texans (3-1) Previous week: 10

They picked up their first L at the hands of the G-Men, but quickly got back on track with a win against Buffalo. Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t exactly play well, but he did enough to beat his former squad. J.J. Watt’s 80-yard interception return for a touchdown proved to be the difference, and the Texans are now atop the AFC South.

9) Detroit Lions (3-1) Previous week: 15

The Lions are randomly in the top seven in passing, defending the pass and defending the run. The defense looks a lot better this year, but the run game is struggling, which is leaving a lot of pressure on Stafford to single-handedly move the ball down the field. The Lions look good though, and also confident, which is something that we haven’t seen in a while. The only potential bugaboo in the near future is the health of Calvin Johnson. He was only targeted twice on Sunday, but he did manage to catch both balls for 12 yards.

8) San Francisco 49ers (2-2) Previous week: 3

The 49ers finally picked up their second win against the previously unbeaten Eagles, but not without difficulties. They went down early on a blocked punt return for a touchdown, and were trailing 21-13 at the half. They scrounged out 13 points in the second half to win 26-21, and the defense didn’t allow a single point. In fact, they held Chip Kelly’s offense to 213 yards, and just 3.8 yards per play. If the defense plays like that every week, the 49ers would never lose.

The one cause for concern that San Francisco fans should look out for is Colin Kaepernick. He’s back to his old ways of throwing missiles at his receivers no matter what the case may be, and I’ve found myself holding my breath on many occasions. If he can re-learn to slow himself down he will be fine, but he’s been a scary player to watch so far this year.

7) San Diego Chargers (3-1) Previous week: 11

The Bolts are one blown lead away from 4-0, and they seem determined to make up for that Monday night choke-job. Rivers is on point right now and the defense is exceeding everyone’s expectations. The only immediate downside for San Diego is the run game. With Danny Woodhead likely out for the year and Ryan Mathews out for another few weeks, Donald Brown his trying to shoulder the load. Brown has gained a mere 100 yards on 50 carries, and what’s even worse is that he’s rushed for just four first downs. He’s still searching for his first touchdown of the year, and he’s facing a stingy Jets defense this week.

The only reason the Chargers aren’t ahead of the Eagles is because of a weak strength of schedule. They’re coming off wins against the Bills and Jaguars, and in the next two weeks they play the Jets and Raiders. Combined, those four teams are 3-13.

6) Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) Previous week: 7

I said before last week that the Eagles are skating on thin ice. I knew it would only be a matter of time before Nick Foles was unable to bail them out, and I also voiced my concerns about their run game. Why McCoy can’t produce anything more than a 5-yard carry, I don’t know. But I do know that if it continues, the Eagles will slowly slip further and further in the NFC standings.

5) Indianapolis Colts (2-2) Previous week: 12

Andrew Luck finally put together a strong showing as he cut up the Jaguars’ secondary, and followed it up with another 40+ point performance against the Titans. I know that those two wins aren’t hard to come by, but when Andrew Luck throws for four TD’s and over 370 yards in consecutive weeks, you have to be feeling pretty good.

4) Denver Broncos (2-1) Previous week: 2

Denver suffered a heart-wrenching overtime loss to Seattle. Peyton didn’t get a chance, which seems unfair to most people, but rules are rules. They fought valiantly, but it ultimately wasn’t enough in the end. The Broncos will obviously be fine, and they had the week off to reflect and improve. I imagine they studied a lot of Seahawks film in addition to their preparation for the Cardinals in week 5.

On a side note, I just realized that my four top-ranked teams had a week 4 bye. It probably doesn’t mean anything significant, but it may give these four teams a slight edge in the coming weeks.

3) Arizona Cardinals (3-0) Previous week: 8

The Cards have impressed the league more and more each week, capping off their 3-0 start with a win over the 49ers. Their offense isn’t in the top half of the league in rushing, passing, or scoring but their lockdown D is providing them with opportunities to win games. It’s weird to put them ahead of the Broncos but they’ve earned it with 3 quality wins over the Chargers, Giants and 49ers.

2) Cincinnati Bengals (3-0) Previous week: 4

Who would have thought the Bengals would look this good? They were on the bye this week which kind of stinks for them since they’ve played so well, but it shouldn’t slow their momentum. The week off allowed for AJ Green to fully recover, along with Gio Bernard who’s been getting a lot of work. They face the ever-so-shaky Patriots in a crucial week 5 SNF showdown.

1) Seattle Seahawks (2-1) Previous week: 1

Seattle proved why they are the best with their win against Denver. LOB was all over the place and Peyton struggled to find holes in the defense. Their front 7 proved to be unbreakable once again, and we saw a promising quality out of Russell Wilson; he took over when it was do or die. He torched Denver’s defense on that overtime drive, and proved to everybody once again that he is a top-notch quarterback. They plan on resuming their winning ways against the ‘Skins on Monday Night Football.