Top-10 Week 5 NFL Power Rankings

Week 4 had a little bit of everything: nail-bitters, come-from-behind victories, and upsets that shook the Week 4 power rankings.

I’d like to present you with the NEW top-10 power rankings for Week 5 of the NFL regular season.

1. New England Patriots (4-0): The Buffalo Bills gave New England all they had, but fell just short of the upset. Tom Brady completed just 18 of 39 passes for 150 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception.. very un-Brady-like. Nevertheless, the Patriots defense came up huuge *Donald Trump voice* when it mattered. The defense collected five sacks, four interceptions, including a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. Next up: the 0-4 Redskins. Trend: –
   
2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0): If the Chiefs are pulling off plays like the ‘hook and ladder’ play we saw b/t Travis Kelce and DeMarco Murray, just give them the damn Lombardi. There’s really nothing you can say about this Chiefs’ offense that hasn’t already been said. After killing everyone the first three weeks, the Chiefs were tested late in Motown. But it was no problemo for Patrick Mahomes, leading his team on a late fourth quarter drive, capped off with a touchdown to keep the Chiefs undefeated. Trend: –
   
3. Seattle Seahawks (3-1): Coming off a tough loss to the Saints, the Seahawks cruised to a comfortable win over the Cardinals. Seattle’s defense got the scoring started early on a Jadeveon Clowney pick-six and held the Cardinals’ offense in check for most of the game. Russell Wilson (240 yards, one touchdown) was good, but the most important takeaway was the play of running back Chris Carson (22 rushes, 104 yards) who finally had a good running game. Seattle is quietly creeping up as a top team in the NFC. Trend: +7
   
4. Dallas Cowboys (3-1): Dallas finally plays a good football team and this was the performance we got? Sheesh. Dak Prescott (223 yards) was held without a passing touchdown and Ezekiel Elliott was held to just 65 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. You gotta feel for Dallas’ defense. They were solid, making BIG plays all game – holding the Saints to four field goals – giving the offense numerous chances to turn the stops into points that never came. Every one waited until Dallas played a good team to make their judgement, so a dud like this on SNF certainly didn’t help their case. Next week doesn’t get easier as they host the Packers. Trend: -1
   
5. Los Angeles Rams (3-1): Los Angeles got straight-up punched in the mouth by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defense in this game: very much optional. The Rams’ defense surrendered a staggering 55 points (!!) and had a secondary that looked lost all game. Jared Goff did literally everything he possibly could, completing 45 of 68 (!!) passes for 517 (!!) yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, but did not play as well as the stats suggested. No to mention, the Rams did not run the ball well at all (11 rushes, 28 yards). Although suffering a baaad loss, the Rams still sit near the top due to the fact nearly every team in my top-10 lost. Trend: -1
   
6. New Orleans Saints (3-1): Will Lutz provided all the scoring, connecting on four field goals in a HUGE win for the Saints, who have now reeled off two-straight wins against high-caliber teams (Seahawks, Cowboys). It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. The high-powered offense was kept in check against a good Dallas defense, but was a little concerning how much they struggled. Fortunately, the Saints defense showed up and mustered the team to victory. New Orleans welcomes the Bucs to town in Week 5 with a battle for first place in the NFC South on the line. Trend: +4
   
7. Green Bay Packers (3-1): Green Bay had a chance late to tie the game, but an interception by Aaron Rodgers was the difference. The Packers defense, usually good, was unable to stop Jordan Howard who collected three touchdowns against them. Regardless, it was a hard-fought game against a good Philadelphia team. That being said, they don’t fall too far in this week’s rankings. Trend: -2
   
8. San Francisco 49ers (3-0): Not much to be said about the 49ers who were idle in Week 4. This is probably the only ranking I am confident in this week (besides the Patriots and Chiefs) considering most of my top-10 teams last week caught L’s haha.. *cries internally* Trend: –
   
9. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2): Philadelphia definitely quieted some of the critics who were on them after their loss to Detroit. Could Carson Wentz (160 yards, three touchdowns) and Jordan Howard (125 totals yards, three touchdowns) have finally put a dent in the armor of this Packers defense? Regardless, the Eagles needed this win to keep pace in the NFC East and stole a victory at Lambeau. Trend: UR
   
10. Chicago Bears (3-1): Chicago’s defense: huge fan. Arguably the top defense in the league, they made it extremely difficult for Kirk Cousin to operate, getting after him six times and forcing two fumbles. Of major concern though, the injury status of Mitchell Trubisky.. There is no update on the severity of the injury, but for the meantime, back-up quarterback Chase Daniel is your starter. Trend: UR

Teams in consideration: Buffalo Bills (3-1), Los Angeles Chargers (2-2), Cleveland Browns (2-2)

Photo Credit: Mike Siegel / The Seattle Times