Following another exciting weekend in the NFL where seven mouth-watering great slate games were decided by five points or less and certainly satisfied football appetites from around the country, it’s time to establish my latest batch of NFL Power Rankings for Week 5.
After the opening week in October, we can really start to systematically sift through and separate the pretenders from the contenders.
I’ll label each team as a pretender, contender or interchangeable based on what I’ve seen through the first four weeks, team’s upcoming schedules and my expectations moving forward.
No. 32 
St. Louis Rams (0-4): The NFC West is still wide-open, but the door is quickly closing on St. Louis. While nobody really expected the Rams to knock off the Eagles, Giants or Ravens before the season, losing by 60 points before coming away empty-handed to Washington is deplorable. Maybe a bye week will help. Rams fans can only hope. Previous Ranking: 29
Status: Time Is Running Out For Rams’ Rally
Résumé: Lost 13-31 vs. Philadelphia, Lost 16-28 at N.Y. Giants, Lost 7-37 vs. Baltimore, Lost 10-17 vs. Washington
Next Five Games: Bye, at GB (4-0), at DAL (2-2), vs. NO (3-1), at ARI (1-3), at CLE (2-2)
No. 31 
Minnesota Vikings (0-4): Donovan McNabb hasn’t exactly exceeded expectations, but he’s not the reason for Minnesota’s meltdowns. In large part it’s from decreasing Adrian Peterson’s load in the second half after immense success with A.P. in the first half. Previous Ranking: 24
Status: Dead In The Water; Start Ponder
Résumé: Lost 17-24 at San Diego, Lost 20-24 vs. Tampa Bay, Lost 23-26 (OT) at Detroit, Lost 17-22 at Kansas City
Next Five Games: vs. ARI (1-3), at CHI (2-2), vs. GB (4-0), at CAR (1-3), Bye, at GB (4-0)
No. 30 
Indianapolis Colts (0-4): The Colts are ranked outside of the Top 25 in total offense, rushing, passing and scoring heading into the second week in October. That, and a 0-4 record goes to show what this team is without Peyton Manning. Previous Ranking: 30
Status: In Curtis Painter We (Temporarily) Trust
Résumé: Lost 7-34 at Houston, Lost 19-27 vs. Cleveland, Lost 20-23 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost 17-24 at Tampa Bay
Next Five Games: vs. KC (1-3), at CIN (2-2), at NO (3-1), at TEN (3-1), vs. ATL (2-2)
No. 29 
Seattle Seahawks (1-3): Tarvaris Jackson and the Seahawks aren’t terrible, especially with Sidney Rice and the “12th Man” on hand. But don’t get carried away. I knew Seattle would top Arizona and would have a chance against Atlanta. Matt Barkeley or Luck look to be their guy after this season in my mind. But they’ll win some games. Previous Ranking: 31
Status: Plan For The Worst, Hope For The Best
Résumé: Lost 17-33 at San Francisco, Lost 24-27 vs. Dallas, Won 13-8 vs. Cincinnati, Won 24-23 at Philadelphia
Next Five Games: vs. TB (3-1), at DET (4-0), Bye, vs. CLE (2-2), at WSH (3-1), vs. NYG (3-1)
No. 28 
Kansas City Chiefs (1-3): The Chiefs looked coyote ugly in the first two games, and albeit Minnesota is clearly one of the worst teams in the league and San Diego never plays with much power early in the year, this team is showing some life. Will the Chiefs pass on the Andrew Luck sweepstakes and try to turn things around now? Previous Ranking: 32
Status: [Insert Here]
Résumé: Lost 7-41 vs. Buffalo, Lost 3-48 at Detroit, Lost 17-20 at San Diego, Won 22-17 vs. Minnesota
Next Five Games: at IND (0-4), Bye, at OAK (2-2), vs. SD (3-1), vs. MIA (0-4), vs. DEN (1-3)
No. 27 
Miami Dolphins (0-4): The battered backfield, potential season-ending injured quarterback under center, injured secondary and coaching staff are the biggest issues in Miami. Tony Sparano’s butt is getting warmer and warmer by the day as he sits on the ever-increasing hot seat in South Beach. Previous Ranking: 25
Status: Inevitable Firing Coming…
Résumé: Lost 24-38 vs. New England, Lost 13-23 vs. Houston, Lost 16-17 at Cleveland, Lost 16-26 at San Diego
Next Five Games: Bye, at NYJ (2-2), vs. DEN (1-3), at NYG (3-1), at KC (1-3), vs. WSH (3-1)
No. 26 
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3): The 6th-ranked rushing attack belongs in Jacksonville. But so does an offense that ranks next-to-last in total offense and the worst in passing and scoring. I received loads of criticism in my Jaguars season predictions, but I said they were a 4-5 win team for a reason and I’m always objective in my predictions. Blaine Gabbert has great potential, though. Previous Ranking: 26
Status: Blaine’s The Right Guy at QB, Del Rio Isn’t at HC
Résumé: Won 16-14 vs. Tennessee, Lost 3-32 at N.Y. Jets, Lost 10-16 at Carolina, Lost 10-23 vs. New Orleans
Next Five Games: vs. CIN (2-2), at PIT (2-2), vs. BAL (3-1), at HOU (3-1), Bye, at IND (0-4)
No. 25 
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2): The Bengals have been exceeding expectations early this season. But let’s keep things into perspective. The defense isn’t the best in the league by any means. That’s from the teams Cincinnati’s played. Nevertheless, it’s a stellar start without Chad Ochocinco and Johnathan Joseph and Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are a great combo. Previous Ranking: 28
Status: Hopeful; Better Than Expected
Résumé: Won 27-27 at Cleveland, Lost 22-24 at Denver, Lost 8-13 vs. San Francisco, Won 23-20 vs. Buffalo
Next Five Games: at JAC (1-3), vs. IND (0-4), Bye, at SEA (1-3), at TEN (3-1), vs. PIT (2-2)
No. 24 
Denver Broncos (1-3): Kyle Orton gives the Broncos a chance to win every game. But I think Tebow can, too. The fact is Orton gets them close to winning every week, but he doesn’t actually win. The next five games (as you see below) are all winnable games, but they all could end in a loss as well. Regardless of who’s under center, the linebackers have to play better. Previous Ranking: 27
Status: QB Controversy Increasing
Résumé: Lost 20-23 vs. Oakland, Won 24-22 vs. Cincinnati, Lost 14-17 at Tennessee, Lost 23-49 at Green Bay
Next Five Games: vs. SD (3-1), Bye, at MIA (0-4), vs. DET (4-0), at OAK (2-2), at KC (1-3)
No. 23 
Carolina Panthers (1-3): Cam Newton and the Panthers have exponential potential. All of the team’s first four games have been decided by seven points or less. That’s pretty impressive. Previous Ranking: 23
Status: Cam’s The Man
Résumé: Lost 21-28 at Arizona, Lost 23-30 vs. Green Bay, Won 16-10 vs. Jacksonville, Lost 29-34 at Chicago
Next Five Games: vs. NO (3-1), at ATL (2-2), vs. WSH (3-1), Bye, vs. TEN (3-1)
No. 22 
Arizona Cardinals (1-3): The Cardinals face a must-win game in Minnesota on Sunday. A win keeps them in the NFC West playoff picture, a loss looks to send the team spiraling. Previous Ranking: 21
Status: Slowly, But Surely
Résumé: Won 28-21 vs. Carolina, Lost 21-22 at Washington, Lost 10-13 at Seattle, Lost 27-31 vs. N.Y. Giants
Next Five Games: at MIN (0-4), Bye, vs. PIT (2-2), at BAL (3-1), vs. STL (0-4), at PHI (1-3)
No. 21 
Cleveland Browns (2-2): I don’t think the Browns are the real deal just yet, but I believe Colt McCoy is the man for the job at quarterback and this team will win plenty of games with one of the league’s least daunting schedules. Previous Ranking: 22
Status: Analogous To Arizona
Résumé: Lost 17-27 vs. Cincinnati, W 27-19 at Indianapolis, Won 17-16 vs. Miami, Lost 13-31 vs. Tennessee
Next Five Games: Bye, at OAK (2-2), vs. SEA (1-3), at SF (3-1), at HOU (3-1), vs. STL (0-4)
No. 20 
Philadelphia Eagles (1-3): I knew the Dream Team would encounter some reality checks, but I had no idea things would turn into a nightmare, especially this early. Easily the most talented 1-3 team in NFL history, just stupid errors and a lack of meshing the talent properly has taken this franchise to a new low. It’s likely over without a win in Buffalo. Previous Ranking: 19
Status: Disarray Developing
Résumé: Won 31-13 at St. Louis, Lost 31-35 at Atlanta, Lost 16-29 vs. N.Y. Giants, Lost 23-24 vs. San Francisco
Next Five Games: at BUF (3-1), at WSH (3-1), Bye, vs. DAL (2-2), vs. CHI (2-2), vs. ARI (1-3)
No. 19 
Atlanta Falcons (2-2): Matty Ice has what it takes to lead his troops to overcome adversity and inevitable back-breaking challenges. The Falcons just need to continue playing tough, smart, balanced football. Green Bay won’t be putting up fireworks again in the Georgia Dome on Sunday Night Football. Previous Ranking: 17
Status: Getting Back To Basics
Résumé: Lost 12-30 at Chicago, Won 35-31 vs. Philadelphia, Lost 13-16 at Tampa Bay, Won 30-28 at Seattle
Next Five Games: vs. GB (4-0), vs. CAR (1-3), at DET (4-0), Bye, at IND (0-4), vs. NO (3-1)
No. 18 
Chicago Bears (2-2): If Jay Cutler had more protection and/or more weapons, better accuracy and body language and Matt Forte was taken care of with a new contract, I think the discrepancy would be much less significant between the Bears and the only two teams left unbeaten—the Lions and Packers. Previous Ranking: 14
Status: Forte Is The Forte; Defense Is The Best Offense
Résumé: Won 30-12 vs. Atlanta, Lost 13-30 at New Orleans, Lost 17-27 vs. Green Bay, Won 34-29 vs. Carolina
Next Five Games: at DET (4-0), vs. MIN (0-4), at TB (3-1), Bye, at PHI (1-3), vs. DET (4-0)
No. 17 
Washington Redskins (3-1): Rex Grossman and the Redskins are still leading the NFC East. No, seriously. But is Washington a serious legitimate playoff contender? I’m not sold yet. Granted, the NFC East is as open as the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, but I think the dust will start to settle some in the division at the end of October. Previous Ranking: 15
Status: Reality Check Could Be On Its Way
Résumé: Won 28-14 vs. N.Y. Giants, Won 22-21 vs. Arizona, Lost 16-18 at Dallas, Won 17-10 at Rams
Next Five Games: Bye, vs. PHI (1-3), at CAR (1-3), at BUF (3-1), vs. SF (3-1), at MIA (0-4)
No. 16 
San Francisco 49ers (3-1): What have the Niners really done or proven through the first four games? Jim Harbaugh is their guy and they’re the best team in the division (at least right now). Sure, Philly and Cincy currently aren’t good teams, but striking gold in the Eastern Time Zone in back-to-back weeks is considerably impressive. Previous Ranking: 20
Status: Eyes On The Prize
Résumé: Won 33-17 vs. Seattle, Lost 24-27 vs. Dallas, Won 13-8 vs. Cincinnati, Won 24-23 at Philadelphia
Next Five Games: vs. TB (3-1), at DET (4-0), Bye, vs. CLE (2-2), at WSH (3-1)
No. 15 
Dallas Cowboys (2-2): One week Tony Romo is a hero, the next he’s in ruins. He’s been compared to Brett Favre frequently lately. The difference is Romo has no rings and can’t seem to win in the playoffs either. A bye week could pay dividends. Previous Ranking: 13
Status: Consistently Inconsistent
Résumé: Lost 24-27 at N.Y. Jets, Won 27-24 vs. San Francisco, Won 18-16 vs. Washington, Lost 30-34 vs. Detroit
Next Five Games: Bye, at NE (3-1), vs. STL (0-4), at PHI (1-3), vs. SEA (1-3), vs. BUF (1-3)
No. 14 
N.Y. Jets (2-2): Since coming back to beat Dallas and pouncing on the Jaguars, Mark Sanchez and the Jets have flown into a hole and are struggling to get out. New York fell short in the Bay and was served a Baltimore beatdown on Sunday night. Previous Ranking: 12
Status: Turn Up The Jets
Résumé: Won 27-24 vs. Dallas, Won 32-3 vs. Jacksonville, Lost 24-34 at Oakland, Lost 17-34 at Baltimore
Next Five Games: at NE (3-1), vs. MIA (0-4), vs. SD (3-1), Bye, at BUF (3-1), vs. NE (3-1)
No. 13 
Oakland Raiders (2-2): The Raiders have been rolling with their old-school and physical style as of late. Nonetheless, some old habits also showed up in the loss to New England. Trying to pick themselves back up in Houston won’t be easy. Previous Ranking: 11
Status: Tough Tests Ahead; Resiliency Required
Résumé: Won 23-20 at Denver, Lost 35-38 at Buffalo, Won 34-24 vs. N. Y. Jets, Lost 19-31 vs. New England
Next Five Games: at HOU (3-1), vs. CLE (2-2), vs. KC (1-3), Bye, vs. DEN (1-3), at SD (3-1)
No. 12 
Buffalo Bills (3-1): Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bills have risen to amazing new heights. But to keep the momentum going and their playoff chances alive, they’re going to have to fend off Philadelphia on Sunday at home. The Jets, Steelers and Raiders are all down, so take full advantage while you can in very winnable games. Previous Ranking: 6
Status: Win Now
Résumé: Won 41-7 at Kansas City, Won 38-35 vs. Oakland, Won 34-31 vs. New England, Lost 20-23 at Cincinnati
Next Five Games: vs. PHI (1-3), at NYG (3-1), Bye, vs. WSH (3-1), vs. NYJ (2-2), at DAL (2-2)
No. 11 
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2): The Steel Curtain needs plenty of repairs. The defense is too old and the offensive line is too banged up. If not for a weak schedule, great coaches and players who have overcame adversity and possess a plethora of playoff experience, you would hear Jim Cramer chanting, “Sell, sell, sell!” With or without Big Ben, this team has proven it can win. The same cannot be said however if Troy Polamalu goes down again. Previous Ranking: 9
Status: Injuries Piling Up; Steep Trouble Doubtful
Résumé: Lost 7-35 at Baltimore, Won 24-0 vs. Seattle, Won 23-20 at Indianapolis, Lost 10-17 at Houston
Next Five Games: vs. TEN (3-1), vs. JAC (1-3), at ARI (1-3), vs. NE (3-1), vs. PIT (3-1)
No. 10 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1): The Bucs don’t get off to fast starts and won’t blow your socks off by winning in a landslide. Nonetheless, this “youngry” team as head coach Raheem Morris likes to call it (mix of youth and hungry) wins games at the end of the day. Josh Freeman is an emerging star in this league, an amazing leader and is cool as a cucumber under pressure. Moreover, this is a second-half team with an improved D-Line. Eliminating penalties however need to be on the Bucs’ bucket list. Previous Ranking: 10
Status: Ground-and-Pound Team That Knows How To Win
Résumé: Lost 20-27 vs. Detroit, Won 24-20 at Minnesota, Won 16-13 vs. Atlanta, Won 24-17 vs. Indianapolis
Next Five Games: at SF (3-1), vs. NO (3-1), vs. CHI (2-2), Bye, at NO (3-1), vs. HOU (3-1)
No. 9 
Tennessee Titans (3-1): Considering the Titans rank dead last in rushing, Kenny Britt is out for the year and the way the 36-year-old veteran’s tenure in Seattle ended, Matt Hasselbeck is playing out of his mind right now. Hasselbeck just crossed the 3,000 passing yard mark the past two seasons with 29 combined touchdowns to 34 interceptions and a 59.9-60.0 completion percentage. In four games this year, he’s thrown 8 TDs, 3 INTs with 1,152 yards and completed 66.7 percent of his passes. The defense looks really good, too. Previous Ranking: 18
Status: On The Rise; Challenging Houston For Division
Résumé: Lost 14-16 at Jacksonville, Won 26-13 vs. Baltimore, Won 17-14 vs. Denver, Won 31-13 at Cleveland
Next Five Games: at PIT (2-2), Bye, vs. HOU (3-1), vs. IND (0-4), vs. CIN (2-2), at CAR (1-3)
No. 8 
N.Y. Giants (3-1): How good is this team? I honestly don’t know yet. The Giants have beat three teams that have two wins combined (Arizona, St. Louis, Philadelphia). While the G-Men have looked impressive when you take into account the injuries that have mounted, the NFC East is no gimme and the schedule shapes up to be a nightmare for the Giants, which have a well-documented history of fading down-the-stretch. Previous Ranking: 16
Status: Beast In The East…For Now
Résumé: L 14-28 at Washington, Won 28-16 vs. St. Louis, Won 29-16 at Philadelphia, Won 31-27 at Arizona
Next Five Games: vs. SEA (1-3), vs. BUF (3-1), Bye, vs. MIA (0-4), at NE (3-1), at SF (3-1)
No. 7 
San Diego Chargers (3-1): The Chargers have an established, well-chronicled history of sluggish starts, and if you thought that ended just because the Bolts are 3-1, you should know they’ve outscored their opponents 91-85 and they boast a 4-12 combined record. The Chargers are the class of the AFC West, nonetheless. Previous Ranking: 8
Status: Sluggish Starters; Best From The West
Résumé: Won 24-17 vs. Minnesota, Lost 21-35 at New England, Won 20-17 vs. Kansas City, Won 26-16 vs. Miami
Next Fives Games: at DEN (1-3), Bye, at NYJ (2-2), at KC (1-3), vs. GB (4-0), vs. OAK (2-2)
No. 6 
New England Patriots (3-1): After a semi-impressive 31-19 triumph over Oakland—a game they were expected to win—everyone is back to buying the Patriots. Not so fast… The defense is still really, really bad and the offense can’t bale it out every week. Previous Ranking: 7
Status: Elite, Yet Sometimes Easy To Beat
Résumé: Won 38-24 at Miami, Won 35-21 vs. San Diego, Lost 31-34 at Buffalo, Won 31-19 at Oakland
Next Fives Games: vs. NYJ (2-2), vs. DAL (2-2), Bye, at PIT (2-2), vs. NYG (3-1), at NYJ (2-2)
No. 5 
Houston Texans (3-1): No longer just an offensive powerhouse, the Texans can play defense, too. Andre Johnson, arguably the best receiver in the league today, could miss three weeks. Ben Tate is also banged up. On the bright side, the defense is completely healthy and several players on offense are capable of stepping up to the plate. Previous Ranking: 5
Status: The Real Deal
Résumé: Won 34-7 vs. Indianapolis, Won 23-13 at Miami, Lost 33-40 at New Orleans, Won 17-10 vs. Pittsburgh
Next Fives Games: vs. OAK (2-2), at BAL (3-1), at TEN (3-1), vs. JAC (1-3), vs. CLE (2-2)
No. 4 
New Orleans Saints (3-1): Drew Brees and the high-flying Saints might be the best team in the league behind Green Bay. The defense is bringing its a-game and the offense ranks second only to New England in passing and total offense. The reason the team moves down two slots is not based on what the Saints just did, but what two other teams did last Sunday. Previous Ranking: 2
Status: Clear-Cut Best 1-Loss Team in NFC
Résumé: Lost 34-43 at Green Bay, Won 30-13 vs. Chicago, Won 40-33 vs. Houston, Won 23-10 at Jacksonville
Next Fives Games: at CAR (1-3), at TB (3-1), vs. IND (0-4), at STL (0-4), vs. TB (3-1)
No. 3 
Detroit Lions (4-0): On Sundays, Jim Schwartz, Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the fierce front seven find ways to win games and capture the entire world’s attention. During the rest of the week, they’re out fighting crime. Previous Ranking: 4
Status: Restored Roar Could Lead To Unbeaten Record On Thanksgiving
Résumé: Won 27-20 at Tampa Bay, Won 48-3 vs. Kansas City, Won 26-23 (OT) at Minnesota, Won 34-30 at Dallas
Next Fives Games: vs. CHI (2-2), vs. SF (3-1), vs. ATL (2-2), at DEN (1-3), Bye, at CHI (2-2)
No. 2 
Baltimore Ravens (3-1): If you’re going to try to knock off the Ravens, you better hope you have home-field advantage. My bold preseason pick to win represent the AFC in the Super Bowl has handed the Steelers and Jets certified Baltimore beatdowns, winning by a combined 69-24 points. Joe Flacco is less-than-stellar, but the defense is playing off-the-charts. The unit is 2nd in scoring, 3rd against the run and 3rd in total defense. Previous Ranking: 3
Status: On A Killing Spree
Résumé: Won 35-7 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost 13-26 at Tennessee, Won 37-7 at St. Louis, Won 34-17 vs. N.Y. Jets
Next Fives Games: Bye, vs. HOU (3-1), at JAC (1-3), vs. ARI (1-3), at PIT (2-2), at SEA (1-3)
No. 1 
Green Bay Packers (4-0): I always love watching the Lions and Packers on Thanksgiving. As it just so happens, they’re the only two teams left unbeaten. Now everyone’s already licking their chops for the unbelievable, high-stakes, highly-anticipated marquee matchup and division collision. Can anyone stop Green Bay until then? To tell you the truth, I think Detroit has a better chance to run the table until November 24th. Don’t get me wrong, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are the best team in the league until proven otherwise and seem to be unstoppable. But Green Bay’s got a pretty intense schedule (see below) and road tests against an angry Atlanta and November version of the Chargers. Previous Ranking: 1
Status: Class of The NFL; Repeat Bound
Résumé: Won 42-34 vs. New Orleans, Won 30-23 at Carolina, Won 27-17 at Chicago, Won 49-23 vs. Denver
Next Fives Games: at ATL (2-2), vs. STL (0-4), at MIN (0-4), Bye, at SD (3-1), vs. MIN (0-4)
Oh Well, Thanks For Playing; Planning For Next Year:
(0-4) (0-4) (0-4)
Lose Next Game And Out Of Playoff Race:
(0-4) (1-3) (1-3) (1-3) (1-3)
Unlikely Playoff Teams On The Rise:
(2-2) (1-3) (1-3)(2-2)
Pretenders:
(2-2) (2-2) (3-1) (2-2) (3-1) (3-1)
Interchangeable/Not Quite Certain:
(1-3) (2-2) (2-2) (2-2) (2-2) (3-1) (3-1)
Contenders:
(3-1) (3-1) (3-1) (3-1) (4-0) (3-1) (4-0)
Agree or disagree with these rankings? Let us know below!
Also be sure to check out the NFL.com Power Poll, NFL.com Analyst Elliott Harrison’s breakdown, CBSSports.com’s rankings from Pete Prisco, Brian Billick’s take on FOXSports.com, Don Bank’s edition on SI.com and ESPN.com’s latest list. Want to get your power rankings mentioned? Send us a message at tips@gridirongrit.com or comment below.
Verse of This Piece: “A Gentle answer will calm a person’s anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger.” —Proverbs 15:1
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