NFL Power Rankings - Week 5: Bengals, Falcons continue to rise; Lions reach new low
The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's NFL Editors, including Justin Boone, Caitlyn Holroyd, Arun Srinivasan, and Dan Wilkins.
1. New England Patriots
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
1st | 1st | 1st | 1st |
Previous Rank: 1st
The Patriots emerge from their bye week with an improved defensive line after trading for Akiem Hicks and get a favorable matchup against the reeling Cowboys. - Caitlyn Holroyd
2. Green Bay Packers
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
2nd | 2nd | 2nd | 2nd |
Previous Rank: 2nd
The Packers aren't blowing teams out, but they're in control each and every game. A Week 8 matchup with the Broncos might be their next true test. - Justin Boone
3. Cincinnati Bengals
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
3rd | 3rd | 4th | 4th |
Previous Rank: 5th
With all his weapons healthy, Andy Dalton looks like he could lead this team deep into the playoffs … but we've been here before. - Justin Boone
4. Denver Broncos
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
5th | 4th | 3rd | 3rd |
Previous Rank: 4th
This iteration of the Broncos is nothing like the 2013 team that shattered offensive records, but it doesn't matter. The Broncos can continue to win on the strength of the league's best defense and their ability to force timely turnovers. - Arun Srinivasan
5. Arizona Cardinals
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
4th | 5th | 5th | 5th |
Previous Rank: 3rd
Arizona was narrowly edged by St. Louis to end its undefeated start to the season. Regardless, Larry Fitzgerald remains a premier threat, ranking third in receiving yards through his 12th season. - Arun Srinivasan
6. Seattle Seahawks
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
6th | 6th | 6th | 6th |
Previous Rank: 6th
The Legion of Boom is back in full force after Kam Chancellor's return. Since the strong safety ended his holdout, the Seahawks haven't allowed an offensive touchdown, and appear to be rounding into form - even with the offensive line struggling to keep Russell Wilson upright. - Arun Srinivasan
7. Atlanta Falcons
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
7th | 7th | 8th | 7th |
Previous Rank: 10th
Dan Quinn has to be the early favorite for coach of the year. His Falcons team has been dominant on both sides of the ball en route to an undefeated start, and there may not be a loss on the schedule for at least another month. - Dan Wilkins
8. Carolina Panthers
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
9th | 8th | 7th | 8th |
Previous Rank: 8th
Despite the lack of talent on the offensive front and at receiver, Cam Newton has the Panthers sitting at 4-0 through the first month of the season. Carolina should find itself in playoff position for a third consecutive year, earning the star quarterback some MVP consideration in the process. - Dan Wilkins
9. Minnesota Vikings
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
8th | 11th | 10th | 9th |
Previous Rank: 9th
Minnesota may have fallen to the Broncos, but it was a hard-fought game between two potential playoff teams. The Vikings will get to right the ship with an easy schedule over the next five weeks, before a difficult stretch against the Packers, Falcons, Seahawks, and Cardinals. - Justin Boone
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
10th | 9th | 9th | 11th |
Previous Rank: 7th
The Steelers got to experience life without Ben Roethlisberger, and it wasn't enjoyable. If this team isn't going to make the playoffs, they may need Ben to lead a late-season charge once he returns. - Justin Boone
11. Indianapolis Colts
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
11th | 10th | 12th | 14th |
Previous Rank: 12th
A near-loss to Jacksonville brought even more attention to some concerning issues throughout the roster. Andrew Luck will once again have to put the Colts on his back if they're going to have any chance at a playoff run. - Dan Wilkins
12. New York Jets
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
14th | 12th | 13th | 10th |
Previous Rank: 17th
Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn't been perfect, but the Jets continue to find ways to win, and now get a boost with Sheldon Richardson's return from suspension. - Caitlyn Holroyd
13. Buffalo Bills
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
13th | 14th | 11th | 13th |
Previous Rank: 11th
Discipline is a big issue for the Bills right now - they committed 17 penalties in their loss to the Giants after being flagged 14 times a week earlier. This isn't what Rex Ryan had in mind when he said he wanted to "build a bully" in Buffalo. - Caitlyn Holroyd
14. San Diego Chargers
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
12th | 13th | 14th | 12th |
Previous Rank: 14th
San Diego escaped with an unconvincing last-second victory over Cleveland, but remains in playoff contention at 2-2. The Chargers will face a tougher test Sunday against the Steelers, who are looking to salvage their year without Roethlisberger. - Arun Srinivasan
15. Dallas Cowboys
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
16th | 15th | 15th | 15th |
Previous Rank: 13th
The blows just keep on coming for the Cowboys, as Lance Dunbar's now out for the season with a torn ACL. With upcoming matchups against the Patriots, Giants, and Seahawks, Tony Romo's return can't come soon enough. - Caitlyn Holroyd
16. St. Louis Rams
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
15th | 16th | 16th | 17th |
Previous Rank: 21st
St. Louis continues to play to the level of its competition, knocking off the previously undefeated Cardinals. With a 2-0 divisional record, the Rams are playing NFC West pest to perfection. - Arun Srinivasan
17. Baltimore Ravens
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
18th | 17th | 17th | 20th |
Previous Rank: 18th
While it was nice to get their first victory of the season, it came at a cost to the Ravens, as Steve Smith suffered four microfractures in his back. The veteran wideout is as tough as they come, but if he's not at 100 percent, their offense is in trouble. - Justin Boone
18. Kansas City Chiefs
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
20th | 18th | 19th | 16th |
Previous Rank: 15th
Kansas City allowed a league-high 19 sacks through four games, and the defense looks completely deflated after their Week 2 loss to the Broncos. Their season could be over with a defeat by the lowly Bears this weekend. - Arun Srinivasan
19. New York Giants
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
17th | 19th | 21st | 19th |
Previous Rank: 23rd
After an 0-2 start to the season, things are starting to look up for the Giants. They've won two straight and are quickly gaining ground in the NFC East. - Caitlyn Holroyd
20. Philadelphia Eagles
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
19th | 21st | 18th | 18th |
Previous Rank: 16th
DeMarco Murray doesn't think he's getting the ball enough, and he's absolutely right. The Eagles are on pace to finish the season with 1,120 total rushing yards, which would be the fewest by a team since 2000. - Caitlyn Holroyd
21. Houston Texans
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
21st | 24th | 22nd | 24th |
Previous Rank: 24th
The Texans have been one of the NFL's most disappointing teams through four weeks. Neither quarterback has been able to get the job done, and a defense that was supposed to lead the way really hasn't been much better. - Dan Wilkins
22. Oakland Raiders
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
27th | 23rd | 20th | 23rd |
Previous Rank: 22nd
The Raiders lost in heartbreaking fashion, but there are plenty of positives for Jack Del Rio's club. Aldon Smith and Khalil Mack are in sync at outside linebacker, while Derek Carr has lived up to his billing as a franchise quarterback. - Arun Srinivasan
23. New Orleans Saints
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
24th | 22nd | 30th | 21st |
Previous Rank: 29th
There may be some hope in New Orleans despite a concerning first four weeks of the season. Drew Brees had his best game of the year in returning to the lineup Sunday night, and the secondary is finally getting healthy. - Dan Wilkins
24. Washington Redskins
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
29th | 20th | 28th | 22nd |
Previous Rank: 31st
Kirk Cousins looked like a quarterback who had finally found his comfort zone in the Redskins' comeback victory over the Eagles. However, the loss of Jordan Reed to multiple injuries could spell trouble for Washington's passing game. - Caitlyn Holroyd
25. Miami Dolphins
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
23rd | 27th | 23rd | 27th |
Previous Rank: 19th
A new era begins in Miami following the firing of Joe Philbin. Now it's time for Ryan Tannehill and the defense to quit feuding and start living up to expectations. - Caitlyn Holroyd
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
25th | 26th | 24th | 29th |
Previous Rank: 25th
Failing to capitalize on an opportunity against a Colts team without its star quarterback indicates Jacksonville still has a long way to go. Scoring fewer than 20 points in three of four games isn't going to get it done. - Dan Wilkins
27. Tennessee Titans
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
28th | 25th | 26th | 26th |
Previous Rank: 26th
Tennessee may still be another year or two away from contention, but they certainly appear to have found their quarterback of the future in Marcus Mariota. That alone should make this season a success, regardless of the final standings. - Dan Wilkins
28. Detroit Lions
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
22nd | 28th | 31st | 25th |
Previous Rank: 20th
It's a game of inches, and the Lions were reminded of that the hard way as they came up just short of their first win of the season. This isn't going to be another 0-16 debacle, but it's going to be a long year in Detroit. - Justin Boone
29. Cleveland Browns
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
30th | 29th | 25th | 30th |
Previous Rank: 27th
The good news: The Browns appear to have found some young talent to build around in receiver Travis Benjamin and running back Duke Johnson. The bad news: The team's schedule gets much more difficult moving forward. - Justin Boone
30. San Francisco 49ers
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
26th | 32nd | 27th | 31st |
Previous Rank: 30th
Colin Kaepernick looks like a shell of the player he used to be. Against the Packers' defense, he completed an abysmal 52 percent of his passes. The 49ers may resort to Blaine Gabbert if Kaepernick continues to play at a replacement level. - Arun Srinivasan
31. Chicago Bears
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
32nd | 30th | 32nd | 28th |
Previous Rank: 32nd
The win over the Raiders helped Chicago escape the bottom of our power rankings for the first time since Week 1. - Justin Boone
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Boone | Holroyd | Srinivasan | Wilkins |
---|---|---|---|
31st | 31st | 29th | 32nd |
Previous Rank: 28th
It's going to be another long year for the Bucs if Jameis Winston can't overcome his turnover issues. He's shown flashes of the ability that made him the No. 1 overall pick, but his early development will require some patience. - Dan Wilkins