NFL Power Rankings 5

NFL Power Rankings

After Week 5

NOTE: Previous ranking is noted in the first parenthesis. Current team record noted in the second parenthesis.

1. (1) Denver Broncos (5-0) – Manning finally threw an interception and the team was finally challenged. They handled themselves well in the clutch however, with the defense making the big play that won it.

2. (4) New Orleans Saints (5-0) – New Orleans won at Chicago for the first time in history. While I admit they are led by their offense, it’s been the defense that’s been a real surprise. Rob Ryan is a difference maker!

3. (5) Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) – Winning at Tennessee was a tough task, but they got it done and remained perfect. Their defense has been great this year as they added a touchdown this time.

4. (6) Indianapolis Colts (4-1) – Andrew Luck showed Russell Wilson why he was the #1 pick last year. It was close to judge all the young QB’s last year, but Luck has separating himself in year 2 as the best in the class.

5. (2) Seattle Seahawks (4-1) – That’s two weeks in a row that the defense has been picked on a little bit, particularly in the passing game. Russell Wilson still hasn’t taken off this year as a passer, but he’s been running great.

6. (8) San Francisco 49ers (3-2) – Sunday night was a re-coming out party for the 49ers. The defense was back forcing 5 turnovers. Kaepernick and company got clicking on offense too.

7. (3) New England Patriots (4-1) – Sunday at Cincinnati was likely the worst game I can remember Tom Brady ever playing. No TD’s and throwing for under 200 yards in a loss. Poor completion percentage also. He needs weapons again (not injured).

8. (9) Green Bay Packers (2-2) – Taking on a hot division opponent, Green Bay’s defense led the way to a big win. As bad as things were looking a couple weeks ago, they are now just a half game out of first in the division.

9. (14) Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) – This is a team in dire need of consistency. They have defeated Green Bay and New England in the past three weeks. Between those wins was a loss to Cleveland. What gives?

10. (7) Detroit Lions (3-2) – Spirited defensive effort on the road against the Packers on Sunday, but their offense minus Calvin Johnson struggled mightily. Need him back in a hurry!

11. (16) Baltimore Ravens (3-2) – Terrell Suggs was a monster on Sunday leading them to a big win at Miami. Ray Rice was their offensive star… it’s about time.

12. (10) Chicago Bears (3-2) – Chicago once again had too little, too late against a quality opponent. Home losses hurt, but let’s not overreact to losing to the Saints. They are still in a decent playoff position in the NFC.

13. (15) Dallas Cowboys (2-3) – That’s right, I’m moving the Cowboys up after a loss. They played great (on offense at least) and nearly took out the “unbeatable” Broncos. Tony Romo played the game of his life, but couldn’t avoid a late INT.

14. (20) Arizona Cardinals (3-2) – Their win against Carolina was exactly what I expected from them this season. Great defense, and good enough on offense.

15. (11) Miami Dolphins (3-2) – Their dream start is getting soured a little bit. Feel they need to better establish their rushing attack to open things back up again.

16. (24) New York Jets (3-2) – They have a bright future with Geno Smith and Sheldon Richardson, at least if they play like they did yesterday at Atlanta!

17. (12) Tennessee Titans (3-2) – Fitzpatrick played okay actually filling in for an injured Jake Locker. They can’t run it effectively though and their defense isn’t near consistent enough.

18. (22) Cleveland Browns (3-2) – Cleveland got above .500 on Thursday and briefly took the division lead. The bad news is that Brian Hoyer got injured and is likely done for the season.

19. (13) San Diego Chargers (2-3) – Every time they take a step forward, they take an immediate step back. Rivers did throw for another 400 yards plus though.

20. (26) Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) – Beat up on a bad Giants team, but they lost Vick in the process. Let’s hope it’s not for long. They are tied for the division lead now though.

21. (19) Atlanta Falcons (1-4) – Honestly should be lower after their terrible start to the year but it’s hard for me to admit they are that bad. They have loads of talent on both sides of the ball but keep losing in close games. The playoffs may be close to out of reach.

22. (17) Carolina Panthers (1-3) – Cam Newton is officially struggling. So much for another step forward in year 3.

23. (18) Houston Texans (2-3) – Is it officially time to worry? Schaub suddenly lost his mojo and now is in danger to losing his job to Yates…

24. (23) Minnesota Vikings (1-3) – They signed Josh Freeman during their bye week, and he can’t be worse than Ponder/Cassle.

25. (27) St. Louis Rams (2-3) – They get a bump in the standings due to a win, but it was only over Jacksonville.

26. (28) Oakland Raiders (2-3) – Terrelle Pryor is showing all of us his future may be bright after all.

27. (21) Buffalo Bills (2-3) – Just when everyone was starting to fall in love with EJ Manuel, he gets himself injured. Ouch.

28. (25) Washington Redskins (1-3) – They gonna get it going post-bye? They get bumped due to some other teams winning.

29. (28) Pittsburgh Steelers (0-4) – Let’s see what Pittsburgh can get going after a week off.

30. (29) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4) – The only thing that kept them from losing again this week was a bye.

31. (31) New York Giants (0-5) – Couldn’t hold a lead to the Eagles, and it doesn’t get any easier against Chicago on Thursday.

32. (32) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-5) – Blackmon looked good in his return this week, but they still lost by 14 to the Rams.

By: The Sports Guys