The NFL’s two lone unbeaten teams remain atop the Week 5 power rankings.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) | Last week: 1
Starting the game with a blocked punt return for a touchdown and getting a short field via a forced fumble for their lone touchdown of the second half spearheaded a 31-25 win at Tampa Bay. However, the offense—particularly the passing game, which must get more creative—is going to have to improve for the defending champions to get to where they want to be at the end of the season.
2. Buffalo Bills (4-0) | Last week: 2
It’s somewhat concerning that the Bufalo defense—which got a key one-handed interception by safety Cole Bishop on a trick play attempt by the Saints—didn’t totally dominate New Orleans and struggled some with tackling, and I’m curious to see how they fare against a Patriots offense that’s clicking heading into Sunday night.
3. Detroit Lions (3-1) | Last week: 4 (+1)
Playing at home, the Lions were elite on defense and special teams while playing a solid game on offense to beat the Browns by 24. Look for Detroit to hit on more big plays and get running back David Montgomery (nine carries for 12 yards last week) going this week at Cincinnati.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) | Last week: 8 (+4)
It looks like the Chiefs are back, with the offense joining the defense by playing at a very high level in a rout of the Ravens. Xavier Worthy’s return to the lineup for the first time since early in Week 1 was a huge boost, and Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdowns for the first time since 2023.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) | Last week: 3 (-2)
As I always say, off games happen, and the loss to the Giants sort of felt like that for the Chargers on offense. Ladd McConkey had a couple of rare drops, and Justin Herbert didn’t find much of a rhythm. As a positive, the play of third-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston continues to be a surprise and a boost to the upside for Los Angeles.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) | Last week: 5 (-1)
The Bucs did a nice job of battling back and shutting the Eagles down on offense in the second half while hitting a couple of chunk touchdowns—and that was without Mike Evans (hamstring) and in Chris Godwin Jr.’s first game back from his ankle injury last season. Tampa has the pieces to threaten in a potential playoff rematch.
7. Los Angeles Rams (3-1) | Last week: 11 (+4)
A healthy Puka Nacua has been a monster for the Rams, with 170 yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 win over the Colts bringing his yardage total through four games to 503 yards—with 42 receptions. Kam Curl intercepted two passes including the game-sealer for a feisty Rams defense.
8. Green Bay Packers (2-1-1) | Last week: 6 (-2)
If you consider the Lions having a bad day as a unit in the season opener, the Cowboys were the biggest challenge for the Packers defense to this point—and it was not pretty. Green Bay will take the early bye to regroup and recharge after playing to a tie in the longest possible game.
9. Denver Broncos (2-2) | Last week: 12 (+3)
Denver’s defense flew around on Monday night, and they’re going to be a headache to move the ball against at home all season. I’m anxious to watch how the entire team—which has certainly gotten a boost from veteran running back J.K. Dobbins (first 100-yard rusher for the Broncos under Sean Payton)—fares taking on an extremely talented Eagles roster after struggles versus the Ravens and Bills last season.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) | Last week: 19 (+9)
The Jaguars defense has forced three-plus turnovers in all four games this season, and linebacker Devin Lloyd (three interceptions in four games) is emerging after a relatively slow start in his first three NFL seasons. Offensively, Jacksonville is wise to ride Travis Etienne Jr. (19 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Niners) at running back.
11. San Francisco 49ers (3-1) | Last week: 7 (-4)
The combination of quarterback Brock Purdy and some weapons on offense being banged up—paired with absences including All-Pro tight end George Kittle—might have caught up to the previously 3-0 49ers a bit. And now Purdy is uncertain for a short week at the Rams. It feels like San Francisco is beat up like it’s the end of the season, not one month in.
12. Seattle Seahawks (3-1) | Last week: 13 (+1)
Sam Darnold’s early play for the Seahawks—including calmly leading a game-winning field goal drive last Thursday night—has been one of the best signs for any team around the league in September. And it helps that wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba looks like a star top target for Darnold. Seattle takes on Tampa Bay this weekend.
13. Indianapolis Colts (3-1) | Last week: 10 (-3)
After protecting the ball so well the first three weeks, the turnovers cost the Colts in Week 4 (like what happened for the Bucs). Indy no doubt feels they left one slip away against a tough opponent in the Rams, but there’s a good opportunity to bounce back when they host the Raiders.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) | Last week: 15 (+1)
Aaron Rodgers was on point (including with an 80-yard touchdown strike to DK Metcalf), and Kenneth Gainwell (99 rushing yards, two touchdowns) had a tremendous game with Jaylen Warren (knee) out—building enough of a cushion to hold on and beat the Vikings in Ireland. Pittsburgh has a promising early lead in the AFC North.
15. Baltimore Ravens (1-3) | Last week: 9 (-6)
Meanwhile, the Ravens are not only struggling as a team but have been hammered by injuries. All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is done for the year due to a neck injury, and now All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) and All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) will miss time. But the offense feels like it has bad vibes around it right now; we’ll see if Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is healthy enough to play, but it’s imperative that Baltimore gets Derrick Henry going.
16. Atlanta Falcons (2-2) | Last week: 18 (+2)
The Falcons put their shocking shutout loss to the Panthers behind them, with all the stars stepping up for quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who hit a bunch of chunk gains to Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts against the Commanders. Rookie safety Xavier Watts continues to shine after his second interception for Atlanta.
17. Washington Commanders (2-2) | Last week: 14 (-3)
The offense should be fine and played a solid game in the road loss to the Falcons, but the defense was a major problem for Washington. Look for Justin Herbert to push the ball down the field and threaten Dan Quinn’s defense this week; they’ll be challenged again.
18. Minnesota Vikings (2-2) | Last week: 16 (-2)
Things were ugly for most of the game in Dublin, but late life shown by quarterback Carson Wentz and the offense could be something to build on as they stay in Europe for their second straight game there this week. Losing right tackle Brian O’Neill is another tough blow to the unit, though. Minnesota’s defense must make plays versus Cleveland’s offense.
19. Arizona Cardinals (2-2) | Last week: 17 (-2)
You could see the relief Marvin Harrison Jr. showed when he caught a touchdown late in the comeback attempt by the Cardinals, and the second-year receiver finding his confidence would be massive for a group that needs guys to step up. Arizona faces Tennessee while looking to end a two-game skid.
20. Houston Texans (1-3) | Last week: 20
The Texans are on the board for their first win of 2025, with rookie running back Woody Marks giving a boost to an offense that showed more juice down the stretch. If Houston plays through Nick Chubb and Marks at running back, it might open things up for the receiving group around Nico Collins moving forward.
21. Chicago Bears (2-2) | Last week: 22 (+1)
The buy in under Ben Johnson appears to have happened quick in Chicago, and they’ve won two consecutive games thanks to a blocked field goal by Josh Blackwell to cap a win at Vegas (where the Bears had an advantage with the crowd). Now they have a bye before a trip to Washington.
22. Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1) | Last week: 23 (+1)
Dak Prescott played a remarkable game for the Cowboys on Sunday night, and he’s basically keeping them competitive—though George Pickens and the supporting cast made huge plays, and the ground game being much better with a rejuvenated Javonte Williams has been a definite boost.
23. New England Patriots (2-2) | Last week: 26 (+3)
The Patriots bounced back from their turnover-filled game the way you’d like to see, with their best overall effort on both sides of the ball in a demolition of the Panthers. Sunday night at Buffalo is a good measuring stick.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) | Last week: 21 (-3)
The Bengals are the first team since the Raiders in 2009 to have three of their first four games with fewer than 200 yards of offense. No doubt, not having Joe Burrow at quarterback hurts, but the issues appear to go deeper than that. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown need to do more damage.
25. Cleveland Browns (1-3) | Last week: 24 (-1)
Joe Flacco was not in an easy spot both in general and facing a ferocious Lions defense in Detroit last week, but the Browns are understandably making the move to third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel as they look to see what they have at the game’s most important position. Obviously, winning the turnover battle is crucial every game, but taking care of the ball better than the Vikings is the path to a victory in Week 5.
26. New York Giants (1-3) | Last week: 31 (+5)
Malik Nabers’ torn ACL is terrible news for the Giants and the rookie campaign for Jaxson Dart, but the team remains very confident in the young quarterback. Brian Daboll is putting Dart in position for early success with concepts the Ole Miss product is most comfortable with, and New York is looking to make it two consecutive wins when they go to New Orleans.
27. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3) | Last week: 25 (-2)
Ashton Jeanty broke out for an awesome three-touchdown performance in the loss to the Bears, but he’s more concerned with winning games than individual success. The Raiders are relying on keeping things close and winning those tight games, so turnovers and blocked field goals are difficult to overcome. As a positive, I love the way veteran linebacker Devin White is playing in Vegas so far.
28. Miami Dolphins (1-3) | Last week: 29 (+1)
Miami also lost their top receiver for the year, with Tyreek Hill suffering a devastating knee injury. But the squad got their first win of the season on Monday night, and the schedule is set up for them to be competitive throughout October. The ultra-dangerous De’Von Achane is the driving force on offense, and tight end Darren Waller’s return to the field could’ve have gone better with two touchdowns.
29. Carolina Panthers (1-3) | Last week: 27 (-2)
It’s a head-scratcher for the Panthers to look so outstanding in the 30-0 win over the Falcons before nothing went right in the loss to the Patriots. Consistency and identify are currently lacking for Carolina.
30. New Orleans Saints (0-4) | Last week: 30
If a couple of plays go their way deep in scoring territory, the Saints would’ve had a realistic shot of completing a stunning upset of the Bills. The resources invested in the offensive line are a big reason the Saints have played better than expected in three of their first four games.
31. New York Jets (0-4) | Last week: 28 (-3)
A couple of fumbles couldn’t be overcome by the Jets, but they battled to make it a game at Miami. Aaron Glenn’s club still probably needs to learn how to win games.
32. Tennessee Titans (0-4) | Last week: 32
The Titans made a change in offensive play-caller but were shut out by the Texans, and No. 1 pick Cameron Ward is understandably very frustrated with how they’re playing—bluntly stating that the team is bad right now.