Four weeks into the NFL season, surprises are all over the place. From coaches coaching for their job to star players facing suspension due to violating league policy, here are the power rankings for week five.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week's ranking: 30
Week four result: 24-20 loss vs Texans
Week five opponent: Home vs Colts
The Jacksonville Jaguars are 1-9 in their last 10 games. That is a big issue. The clock is ticking for Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence. This is a bad football team. Though they played better than weeks before, it is still a loss, and the Jaguars are still 0-4. In signing Trevor Lawrence to a five-year contract in the offseason, the franchise has committed to the former number one overall pick. It is a ticking clock that Doug Pederson will be out of a job sooner or later. The Jaguars have had chances to win three of the four games they have played, and the blame must go around to everyone involved. Coach, general manager, and quarterback.
31. Carolina Panthers
Last week's ranking: 29
Week four result: 34-24 loss vs Bengals
Week five opponent: At Bears
If the performance of the Carolina Panthers told you anything in the last two weeks, Bryce Young is not the answer as the franchise quarterback for the Panthers. The offense moves the ball much better, and the team seems to be playing for Andy Dalton. They just are not a good football team defensively. Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals could do whatever they wanted on offense, but Carolina did not have an answer. The question now turns to what the Panthers do with Bryce Young. Will any team take a flier on the former number-one overall pick, or will Carolina not give up on its prize possession so early?
30. Miami Dolphins
Last week's ranking: 25
Week four result: 31-12 loss vs Titans
Week five opponent: At Patriots
It's safe to say Tua Tagovailoa is very important to this football team. Without him as the starting quarterback, the Dolphins seem lost on offense. Tyler Huntley came in and did not perform well at all. This team needs Tua Tagovailoa. They are built around him. With the injury updates we are getting, he could be nearing a return, so why rush him back? If he gets another concussion, what are the next steps? When is enough for Tua, and when will the Dolphins or NFL step in? It is a weird situation, but one that has to be taken seriously, given past concussion injuries.
29. New England Patriots
Last week's ranking: 31
Week four result: 30-13 loss vs 49ers
Week five opponent: Home vs Dolphins
This team is a scrappy unit defensively, and you can tell they are playing hard for their new head coach, Jerod Mayo. There just isn't a lot of talent on this team on the offensive side of the ball, and it has shown through the first four weeks of the season. There is no clear-cut wide receiver, and then you mix that with lousy play from the offensive line; it is not a recipe for success. This is why Drake Maye is not playing for New England. They don't want to throw him into the fire and ruin his development. Coming into the season, we knew that the Patriots would be a lousy football team. It is all about development for first year head coach Jerod Mayo and his team.
28. Tennessee Titans
Last week's ranking: 32
Week four result: 31-12 win vs Dolphins
Week five opponent: Bye
There might be a quarterback controversy going on in Tennessee. After Will Levis was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury in the first half, Mason Rudolph came in relief to lead the Titans to their first win of the season. Rudolph was about what you expected. It was fine but not anything special. But that might just be what the Titans need. Tennessee's defense has been outstanding this season; the offense has struggled, and turnovers have killed the Titans. Though head coach Brian Callahan said after the game that Will Levis is the team's starting quarterback, if Mason Rudolph plays well and doesn't turn the ball over, we could be looking at a quarterback controversy in Tennessee.
27. Cleveland Browns
Last week's ranking: 24
Week four result: 20-16 loss vs Raiders
Week five opponent: At Commanders
The Cleveland Browns have a much better roster than a 1-3 record. Why are they in this predicament? A combination of things. The usual steady offensive line has not been very good this season. Mix that with inconsistent quarterback play in Deshaun Watson, which mixes to be a lousy offense for the Browns. The defense has been iffy as well. They have taken a significant step back after ranking as one of the league's best units last year. What do the Browns do now? They are locked into the Deshaun Watson contract, but that doesn't mean they can't bench him. Could it finally be the time when we see Jameis Winston make his debut in a Browns uniform? The Browns need a spark, and Jameis could be precisely what this team needs.
26. New York Giants
Last week's ranking: 28
Week four opponent: 20-15 loss vs Cowboys
Week five opponent: Away vs Seahawks
I fear what this team could look like without rookie star Malik Nabers. The unit around him is not good. There is no explosion at the running back position, the offensive line is terrible, no one at the tight end position is a threat, and the quarterback play will not win you a game. With Nabers leaving the game with a concussion, New York finally might have to see what they can do without the rookie superstar. It is year three of the Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen tenure. They shouldn't be this bad on the offensive side of the ball.
25. Arizona Cardinals
Last week's ranking: 22
Week four result: 42-14 loss vs Commanders
Week five opponent: At 49ers
The defense is not playing at the level the Cardinals need to win football games. That puts the offense in a tough spot. At Arizona's best, they look like they can compete with the league's best and be in many games. At their worst, this ranks as one of the worst teams in the league. With Jonathan Gannon being a defensive-minded coach, the worries about the defensive side of the ball and the vision of the unit they want to be will expand. Is it the scheme or the players? We knew Arizona didn't come into this season with big expectations for the season, but we wanted to see improvement. So far, we have not seen that on the defensive side of the ball.
24. Los Angeles Rams
Last week's ranking: 17
Week four opponent: 24-18 loss vs Bears
Week five opponent: Home vs Packers
Injuries have been the key to the season so far for the Rams. Almost all their weapons offensively have been banged up. Though Sean Mcvay and Matthew Stafford are trying to pull rabbits out of their hat, it is tough when you are down two top receivers. Combining the loss of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua with two offensive linemen missing has been tough sledding for Matthew Stafford and the offense. We have seen late season turnarounds from the Rams before. Last season, they started 3-6 and came all the way back to make a wild card. With all the injuries, the Rams need to hang around .500 until they get back some of their weapons on the offensive side of the ball. If they do that, they should be in a good spot.
23. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week's ranking: 26
Week four result: 20-16 win vs Browns
Week five opponent: Away vs Broncos
Without Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby, the Raiders had a big victory against the Browns, scoring 2-2. Let it be known this roster should not be playing at a 2-2 record. Hats off to Antonio Pierce and his coaching staff. This will be a scrappy unit all season as Antonio Pierce tries to get back to the "Raider way." The question now turns to if Davante Adams has played his final snap in a Raider uniform. He has officially requested a trade amid a feud going on with the front office after a difference that is still undisclosed. The Raiders paid a lot to get Davante Adams, and they should take their time trading him. There is no rush.
22. Denver Broncos
Last week's ranking: 27
Week four result: 10-9 win vs Jets
Week five opponent: Home vs Raiders
While it wasn't pretty in New York, Sean Payton entered the Met Life and got a big win for the Denver Broncos. Bo Nix is getting better every week, and that is precisely what you want to see from a rookie quarterback. The story has been the Denver defense. The defense has allowed 29 points over the past 12 quarters and held each of its three opponents to 251 yards or fewer. With the Chiefs and Chargers banged up and a flurry of injuries in the AFC, the season has completely turned around for the Broncos. With that defense, they can play with anybody. The offense doesn't need to be great, it just needs to be good enough. And it was on Sunday.
21. Chicago Bears
Last week's ranking: 23
Week four result: 24-18 win vs Rams
Week five opponent: Home vs Panthers
A player's only meeting with the offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to urge him to be more aggressive could have just saved the Bears' season. The offense is getting better every week, and with that, Caleb Williams looks more comfortable in the pocket. With this, the run game got going after struggling for the season's first three weeks. A good and efficient run game makes the game so much easier, especially for a rookie quarterback. This game also saw the return of Keenan Allen, who will provide a veteran presence in the offense and give Caleb Williams another weapon offensively. The defense will keep the Bears in many games, and if the offense can make the necessary steps offensively, the Bears could be a contender in the NFC.
20. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week's ranking: 21
Week four result: 34-24 win vs Panthers
Week five opponent: Home vs Ravens
The Bengals desperately needed a win vs the Panthers. And they got it. Step one is complete. Now it becomes a little tougher for Cincinnati, as they have a big AFC North showdown on Sunday vs the Ravens. If they win that, they are right back in it. We've seen slow starts from the Bengals and Joe Burrow before, and they were able to come back and make the playoffs. I have no doubt they can do it again. The offense is as good as advertised, and the return of Tee Higgins is significant for Joe Burrow. The defense is still a work in progress, but I trust that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will adapt to what he has later in the season. If they win on Sunday, Cincinnati will be back in the mix.
19. Los Angeles Chargers
Last week's ranking: 14
Week four result: 17-10 loss vs Chiefs
Week five opponent: Bye
The Chargers had a solid first half, leading 10-0. 17 unanswered points from the Chiefs and the Chargers offense stalls and now Los Angeles is 2-2. The passing game for the Chargers is worrisome. They don't have a proper number one target, and they become one dimensional when the opponent can stop the run. The bye comes at a good time for the Chargers, as they can get healthier on both sides of the ball. With all the injuries the Chargers have suffered so early on in the season, this team will be able to rally around that and try and get back in the fight in the AFC. 2-2 is right where you want to be, even if you are injured. The Chargers are in good shape.
18. Atlanta Falcons
Last week's ranking: 18
Week four result: 26-24 win vs Saints
Week five opponent: Home vs Bucs
This is why the Falcons paid the big money to get Kirk Cousins as their quarterback. To win these types of games. This was a massive win for Atlanta against a NFC South opponent. While it was not perfect, getting the win was much better. Red zone offense needs to be figured out for Atlanta, as they have struggled mightily on that this season. They can't rely on a defensive and special-team score every week to try and win football games. This is the game that Falcons teams would lose in the past. It is refreshing to see Atlanta not blow a lead and win a game like this.
17. Indianapolis Colts
Last week's ranking: 20
Week four result: 27-24 win vs Steelers
Week five opponent: At Jaguars
This is precisely why Chris Ballard went out and got Joe Flacco in the offseason. He is a serviceable veteran who can go out there and win you a game. The injury of Anthony Richardson is concerning. He has to learn how to slide and protect himself. Joe Flacco looked very comfortable in the Colts offense, but Pittsburgh did not have an answer. This was a much needed win for the Colts. Richardson should be fine for the future, but one can wonder if Joe Flacco looks better in the Colts offense than Anthony Richardson.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Last week's ranking: 16
Week four result: 20-15 win vs Giants
Week five opponent: At Steelers
The big problem that Dallas is going to have is injuries. On the defensive side of the ball, Micah Parsons hurt his ankle and is expected to be sidelined for about a month. Demarcus Lawrence is headed to the IR with a Lisfranc injury. For the next month or so, without those stars on the defensive side of the ball, the offense will have to carry the Cowboys. This is why Dallas paid Dak Prescott all that money. The offense will have to go win some games for the Cowboys. They took care of business against the Giants, but it wasn't pretty. A win is a win, but Dallas has severe flaws on their team, and the defense will struggle without Parsons and Lawrence.
15. New York Jets
Last week's ranking: 12
Week four result: 10-9 loss vs Broncos
Week five opponent: Vikings (London)
All of the heat is coming for Robert Saleh right now. And deservedly so. He did not have his team ready to play in this game. After the offense looked to be turning the corner the past two weeks, it took a massive step back vs the Broncos. That in itself has to be a concern for the Jets. With all of this, the Jets had a chance to win the game. A missed field goal by Greg Zuerlin cost the Jets the game. While everyone should get the blame, Robert Saleh will be used as the scapegoat in this situation.
14. New Orleans Saints
Last week's ranking: 9
Week four result: 26-24 loss vs Falcons
Week two opponent: At Chiefs
After a 2-0 start with the offense looking unstoppable, the Saints have taken a massive step back in the last two opponents in a divisional matchup. The injuries on the offensive line are an enormous concern for the Saints. Too many drives that stalled out for the Saints are why they lost on Sunday. The next four games will determine the Saints season, starting with the Chiefs on Monday night. The injuries on the starting line are concerning, especially Erik McCoy. New Orleans games in the next month will determine their season. The NFC is wide open, but they must get back on track.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week's ranking: 6
Week four result: 33-16 loss vs Bucs
Week five opponent: Bye
There are significant problems with this team. There are injuries all over the offensive side of the ball, and Jalen Hurts has not been playing good football as of late. Turnovers have haunted Jalen Hurts, and the heat will come on for Nick Sirianni. The defense also has big problems as well. They are not fundamentally sound units right now. The bye comes at a good time for Philadelphia, as they will be able to get their receiving core healthy and give Jalen Hurts the weapons he needs. Jalen Hurts has not met those expectations for a guy who was given a $255 million contract. The clock is ticking for Nick Sirianni.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Last week's ranking: 13
Week four result: 42-29 loss vs Lions
Week five opponent: Home vs Giants
The defense was injured and was not able to stop anything that Detroit threw at them on Monday night. The defense is a problem, but the offense has kept them in games and looks on the right track. Seattle has a good base offensively and good core guys to build around, but we haven't seen the consistency that you would expect. With Ryan Grubb coming from the University of Washington, he has completely changed Seattle's offense. For the defense, they just need to get healthy. I trust Mike Macdonald and his staff to adapt to what they are working with. Seattle is in good shape.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week's ranking: 8
Week four result: 27-24 loss vs Colts
Week five opponent: Home vs Cowboys
The Steelers did not show up in the first half of this game. The defense was getting shredded by Joe Flacco and didn't have an answer. While I am not overly concerned with the defense's performance, they had the opportunity to force some turnovers and couldn't make the plays. On the offensive side of the ball, it was a slow start for Justin Fields, but a solid second half has to have Pittsburgh optimistic. Pittsburgh played as poorly in the first half as you can play. They turned the ball over in the red zone and still had the ball with a minute and a half left to try and win the game. This was not a loss where you can put the blame on the offense. The highest-paid defense in the league did not show up. Simple as that.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Last week's ranking: 11
Week four result: 30-13 win vs Patriots
Week five opponent: Home vs Cardinals
They were able to beat up a stormy New England team, but they still did not play their best game. Injuries impact that, as San Francisco is still working through some things on offense and is missing running back Christian McCaffrey, but Jordan Mason has come in and done a fine job. We haven't seen this 49ers team at full strength just yet, and when they are healthy, they still have one of the best rosters in the league and can play with anyone. San Francisco's next few games will be crucial, but they must get healthy.
9. Green Bay Packers
Last week's ranking: 7
Week four result: 31-29 loss vs Vikings
Week five opponent: Away vs Rams
The return for Jordan Love consisted of a bit of rust for the Packers quarterback. They didn't show up at all in the first half. In the second half, Green Bay started to turn the tides and make it a game. Green Bay suffered from untimely penalties, missed field goals, and turnovers. Clean those up, and this could have been a different result. The defense has to be a little concerning for the Packers. It is concerning, but Green Bay should be alright. You can build off that second half and finally have your franchise quarterback back.
8. Washington Commanders
Last week's ranking: 19
Week four result: 42-14 win vs Cardinals
Week five opponent: Home vs Browns
Jayden Daniels has this team, and the city of Washington, D.C., believes again. This can be a particular unit. For the offense, Jayden Daniels is as advertised. The Commanders have played like the best team in the NFC East. Imagine saying that before the season. This reminds me a lot of the Houston Texans last year. Rookie quarterback, the second overall pick, exceeding expectations of a franchise looking for a winner for the past 25 years. Something special is brewing in D.C., all hail the Jayden Daniels show.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week's ranking: 15
Week four result: 33-16 win vs Eagles
Week five opponent: Away vs Falcons
After a bad loss to the Broncos a week ago when the offense could do next to nothing, the Bucs responded with a big NFC win at home against the Eagles. The offense was back on track, and Baker Mayfield looks like an MVP candidate. The Bucs will be tested in the next six games, as three will be divisional games, and the three others will be vs the Chiefs, Ravens, and 49ers. We will learn about Tampa Bay in the next six weeks and see what they are all about. This defense has been very good so far this season, and the offense is playing at a high level. This is a dangerous team.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Last week's ranking: 10
Week four result: 35-10 win vs Bills
Week five opponent: Away vs Bengals
When they play their best baseball, and they play the style of game that they are good at, Baltimore is one of the best teams in the league, and there isn't anything a team can do about it. Trying to contain Lamar Jackson is one thing, but now you have to think about Derrick Henry and Baltimore's prolific rushing attack. With that, receivers for Baltimore are finally getting healthy, and they are one of the better groups in the league. Baltimore averaged 10.4 yards a play in the first half against the Buffalo Bills. You aren't gonna lose a lot of games with that statline. After starting 0-2, Baltimore is now right back in the mix and looks like a big time contender in the AFC.
5. Buffalo Bills
Last week's ranking: 2
Week four result: 35-10 loss vs Ravens
Week five opponent: Away vs Texans
Buffalo was beaten up in this game. Dominated on both sides of the trenches, and they did not have an answer for Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. The injuries are a big concern for Buffalo, as the linebackers struggled in this game. The offense made some progress, but too many penalties and inconsistency in the run game made them stall many of their drives. And it won't get easier for Buffalo. It was announced on Tuesday that they will be without Von Miller for the next four games after violating the league's personal conduct policy. This is a significant loss for Buffalo, as Miller was just finding his footing for the Bills.
4. Houston Texans
Last week's ranking: 5
Week four result: 24-20 win vs Jaguars
Week five opponent: Home vs Bills
While it wasn't a good performance at home against the Jaguars, a win is a win, and you won't complain about that. The red zone offense and the offensive line are a big concern for Houston. This team is ultra talented, but they sometimes play down to competition, like they did on Sunday vs the Jaguars. There's no doubt that CJ Stroud has the it factor of an NFL quarterback, as he was able to erase what happened earlier in the game, drive right down the field for the Texans, and get a touchdown to take the lead. Houston has a big test against a true contender in the AFC this Sunday in Buffalo. If they care about business, they will separate themselves from the AFC.
3. Detroit Lions
Last week's ranking: 3
Week four result: 42-29 win vs Seahawks
Week five opponent: Bye
Like last year, the defense for the Detroit Lions is still a big concern. But they made it to the NFC Championship with that defense. How did they do that? The offense. Detroit has one of the most lethal offenses in the league, and it has weapons all around. The running game is outstanding with a one-two punch in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and the receiving core has been excellent with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam Laporta. Cap it off with Jared Goff playing at a high level, and it is no surprise that Detroit is one of the best teams in the league. They dominated the trenches against the Seahawks on Monday night. That's what championship teams do.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Last week's ranking: 4
Week four result: 31-29 win vs Packers
Week five opponent: vs Jets (London)
The train is running smoothly in Minnesota. On both sides of the ball. Offensively, Sam Darnold's bump this season has been nothing short of spectacular. After getting reborn by Kyle Shannahan and the San Francisco 49ers, he has come into Minnesota and has played at an MVP level with Kevin O'Connell. They were doing whatever they wanted in the first half vs the Packers on Sunday, and they have shown they are genuine contenders in the NFC. The defense has been outstanding this season. Brian Flores's scheme is unique, and he does a good job disguising coverages and putting his guys in good situations. They are just a fun team overall. They will have a big game on Sunday against the Jets in London.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week's ranking: 1
Week four result: 17-10 win vs Chargers
Week five opponent: Home vs Saints
They haven't played as well as they are capable of, and they still keep winning. That is scary. Travis Kelce had a breakout game and looks to be back in form, but the Chiefs will have to be without Rashee Rice for the rest of the season, as the wide receiver tore his ACL trying to make a tackle after an interception last week. The story for the Chiefs has been the defense. They have saved the Chiefs this season and always make the plays that need to be made in order to win football games. That's what championship teams do. Like I've said before, until they lose, they will remain at the top spot.
HN’s NFL Power Rankings: Week 12
