While this past NFL week provided more of the normal topics (penalties, injuries, defenses with no concept of run fit), there was a bit of a new wrinkle. All three of the rookie starting quarterbacks won a game. This makes sense, as we are now a month into the season and we will begin to see these players settle in a bit more. They will likely end the season poorly, but they will enjoy the next couple of months, so expect their teams to rise a bit in the Week 5 NFL Power Rankings.
Other than that, the only true consistent theme about this NFL season is inconsistency from nearly every single team. There is no reason to think the sky is falling when there is a loss, and there is little to feel great about after a sloppy win. This makes the NFL Power Rankings very interesting. I’m also excited to see the record of the wild card teams this season (we may have half of the league at 8 or 9 wins).
Our weekly NFL Power Rankings will be released here on FlurrySports every Tuesday, so make sure to check them out every single week to see which direction your team is trending.
NFL Power Rankings For Week 4
1) Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: 1)
The Kansas City Chiefs got a big win against the Los Angeles Chargers to hang onto the top spot in the Week 5 NFL Power Rankings. They also were able to get Travis Kelce going. However, the loss of Rashee Rice cannot be understated. This offense needs a number-one receiver, especially with their backfield banged up. Look for the Chiefs to make a move for one.
2) Detroit Lions (2)
With all the injuries, the defense looked suspect on Monday Night Football. However, this offense looked unstoppable. The running game continues to be what the Detroit Lions hang their hat on, opening everything up for the passing game. They won’t lose many games where Jared Goff doesn’t have an incompletion.
3) San Francisco 49ers (3)
The San Francisco 49ers got a bit healthier and took care of business against a bad New England Patriots team. The defense sacked Jacoby Brissett six times, and the offense faced little resistance. Now, the team is about to get tested. The 49ers have four important games in a row before their bye week: Cardinals, Seahawks, Chiefs and Cowboys. It sounded like Christian McCaffrey would return after that stretch, but now there are even more questions.
4) Houston Texans (5)
It wasn’t pretty, but the Houston Texans got back on track by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars. You have to win the divisional games, and Houston did just that. Defensively, they need to get after the quarterback more. Offensively, they need a running game to take some pressure off of CJ Stroud. With Joe Mixon likely to return this week, Houston will look to start running the ball a bit more effectively.
5) Baltimore Ravens (8)
The Baltimore Ravens running game with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson is officially rolling, and the rest of the league should be terrified. In fact, Henry’s 200-yard game set the record for most 200-yard rushing games in NFL history. Of course, he went on to lose yards and didn’t officially break the record.
With the defense playing well too, this Ravens team is as good as it gets… as long as they get an early lead. The Baltimore receiving corps still needs to find its identity, but this team is finally stacking wins, making them risers in the Week 5 NFL Power Rankings.
6) New York Jets (4)
That was as bad of an offensive performance as we will likely see from the New York Jets this season, but the fact that it came against the Denver Broncos is concerning. Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times, the team averaged just 2.8 yards per carry, and the Jets committed 13 penalties for 90 yards. The defense did its job, but it’s tough to win games if you don’t find the end zone.
Now, the Jets have to travel overseas to face the Minnesota Vikings. The offensive line better pack a lunch.
7) Minnesota Vikings (14)
The Minnesota Vikings have cracked the top 10 in our NFL Power Ranking for the first time this season, but it is more than earned. This offense looks terrific, especially now that Jordan Addison is back. If they can keep a perfect balance when TJ Hockenson returns, watch out. Defensively, Brian Flores continues to call a great script. He will likely struggle when the Vikings do find themselves trailing. However, his aggressive play style is perfect for a team that is leading and able to “hunt.”
Sign up for Underdog Fantasy with promo code FLURRY for a deposit match up to $1000!
8) Philadelphia Eagles (7)
The Philadelphia Eagles were missing their top two wide receivers and their star right tackle, and it showed. Instead of a “next man up” mentality, the Eagles decided to start their bye a week early. This week was bad, but they will get healthier this week and bounce back against the Browns afterward. Well, they better hope they do.
9) Buffalo Bills (6)
The Buffalo Bills never had a chance against the Ravens. As we said in past weeks, this Bills team is going to struggle to come from behind, and that showcased itself on Sunday Night Football. We know they can run 12 personnel and run the ball, but can Buffalo pick up third downs and sustain drives if it turns into a passing game? They have not proven this quite yet. Additionally, when the defense isn’t able to pin their ears back and rush the passer, can they find a way to get off of the field?
10) Atlanta Falcons (10)
It came down to the final seconds, but the Atlanta Falcons hung onto the home victory. Most importantly, they won a divisional game against the New Orleans Saints. While Kirk Cousins wasn’t able to throw a touchdown or be particularly efficient on third down, he was able to move the ball enough to get Younghoe Koo in field goal range. This team still has playmakers on both sides of the ball, so finding a way to overcome injuries and adversity to beat a tough divisional opponent is a big deal.
11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13)
12) Pittsburgh Steelers (9)
13) New Orleans Saints (11)
14) Dallas Cowboys (12)
15) Seattle Seahawks (18)
16) Los Angeles Chargers (16)
17) Green Bay Packers (15)
18) Cincinnati Bengals (19)
19) Los Angeles Rams (17)
20) Washington Commanders (25)
21) Arizona Cardinals (21)
