Post-Week 5 Power Rankings

Cover photo taken from The Washington Post.

1 – Lions (4-1) 2

In a league with no clear cut No. 1 team, the Lions stand out as the most consistent, in-form squad. Their four-game win streak is the longest in football, and they have straight up kicked ass ever since being handled by Green Bay in Week 1.

The bright spot has honestly been their defense, considering we know what to expect from the other side of the ball. But, when you’ve played Jake Browning and Joe Flacco in your last two games, that might be a little skewed.

Still, Detroit was the only team I was comfortable putting on top this week.

2 – Colts (4-1) 7

Why not? The Colts have been on a ridiculous tear since the season started, with their only loss coming in largely self-inflicted fashion. The offense is a machine and the defense wreaks havoc. Everything is working hand in hand in Indianapolis, and it’s resulting in wildly efficient and electric football.

Now that we can throw precedent out the window and judge teams simply based on what they’ve been through a month, I feel comfortable saying the Colts have been the best team in the AFC through five weeks.

3 – Buccaneers (4-1) 5

I was hesitant to put the Bucs this high considering all four of their wins have been by three points or less, which isn’t exactly sustainable. But, at least they won the damn games. That goes quite a long way!

I said in the preseason that Tampa was a sneaky 1-seed candidate because of how their schedule shaped up, especially down the stretch. Well, they’re 4-1 and about to wrap up the “hard part” of said schedule, all with injuries galore on offense and a Swiss cheese secondary.

Until that bites them, they’re going to keep winning because Baker Mayfield is a psychopath and Emeka Egbuka is already a superstar. This team is appointment television every week.

4 – Bills (4-1) 3

No team in the NFL goes undefeated. A loss was always going to show up for Buffalo, and I’m not surprised that it was to a divisional opponent with an up-and-coming quarterback and terrific coach.

I’m more surprised that the Bills were lifeless for about 50 minutes on Sunday night. That’s not what we’ve come to expect from this team. Maybe they were complacent because they’ve been sleepwalking to victories over the likes of the Jets and Saints. Maybe they simply underestimated their division rivals. Regardless, I didn’t like what I saw. They were outplayed and outcoached, they couldn’t establish any semblance of a run game and Josh Allen got his lunch money taken by Drake Maye.

But, the Bills aren’t the type of team to stay complacent for long. They’ll bounce back in a big way against the fluff they continue to be gifted in this schedule.

5 – Packers (2-1-1)

The Packers are one of several teams that I had no idea what to do with here. Didn’t help that they didn’t play this week. They should dispose of the Bengals easily this week, but I can’t imagine we’ll learn much about Green Bay until they go to Arizona in two weeks time.

6 – 49ers (4-1) 9

Putting the Niners this high seems a little… kneejerk to say the least. But damn, this is the coaching operation of the year. And that’s worth a hell of a lot in this league.

Kyle Shanahan is coaching his tail off, getting this team to continue grinding out close wins over quality opponents despite their Costco receipt of injuries. He’s getting Mac Jones to play lights out, for crying out loud. Christian McCaffrey has been the ultimate weapon that we know he can be, freaking Kendrick Bourne is turning into Justin Jefferson for some reason and that young defense is really starting to come into its own — Alfred Collins had an eye-popping performance on Thursday night.

Just imagine what it’ll look like when this team is as healthy as they can be.

7 – Rams (3-2) 3

The Rams only have themselves to blame for not being 5-0. Horrendous kicking operations, less-than-ideal fourth down decision-making and untimely turnovers have doomed them in their two losses.

But we all know this team is of an incredibly high quality. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level, Puka Nacua is your OPOY through a month and that defense is all over the place. They just need to clean up the little things, because they’re snowballing into much, much bigger things. That can’t keep happening.

8 – Jaguars (4-1) 5

Hell yeah. This Jags team is absolutely electric. Monday night’s thrilling victory over the Chiefs was the epitome of that.

The story has to start with that defense, which continues to drop jaws. The takeaway total has reached 14, highlighted by Devin Lloyd — who would be the DPOY if the season ended today — taking a goal-line interception the distance for the game-flipping score. They make key plays in every key moment, which allows the offense to do the rest. And while I still don’t think that side of the ball is anything crazy, there’s no denying how good they’ve been in the clutch.

That win on Monday is the type of victory that can catalyze a strong regular season run. With plenty out there for the Jaguars to accomplish, who’s to say that they won’t?

9 – Seahawks (3-2) 1

I don’t know what the hell happened to this defense on Sunday, but it made for some excellent theater. Seeing Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba go band for band with Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka was the most electrifying offensive football we’ve seen in 2025.

I do lean towards that defensive debacle being an aberration and not something that could become a trend. And while many could knock Darnold for his pair of interceptions, I’m not the type of guy to hate on a QB for throwing a pick on a tipped ball, or trying to make a play with the game on the line. He has still been wildly efficient behind a so-so offensive line with a so-so run game. If you’re looking for Darnold slander, it won’t come from me.

10 – Commanders (3-2) 2

I told you so. Turns out I was right all along about the impact that Jayden Daniels being in the lineup has. You guys should trust me on this stuff.

I will admit that this team looked completely lifeless for 20-or-so minutes on Sunday before Quan Martin’s forced fumble on Quentin Johnston completely turned the tide. Jayden, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and the Washington offense completely dominated from there on out while the defense tightened up and made every play they needed to. Yes, the Commanders were aided on penalties here and there, but they weren’t bad calls or anything like that. They took advantage of the Chargers’ mistakes.

I thought Daniels played a terrific second half, Bill clearly had the best game of his young career — and should be the clear every-down back from here on out — Deebo Samuel continued to be the best playmaker on the roster. And it all culminated in the closest feeling to 2024 that we’ve had in ’25. I like that feeling.

However! I still hate so much of the coverage schematics. That was the type of the game where the defensive line takes over, which is awesome to see. Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne are playing out of their minds right now, and I loved to see the little sprinkling of Jordan Magee, who was a shot out of a cannon on several plays. But the countless third down conversions with wide open spots in the zone drove me nuts. Please, for the love of anything and everything that’s holy, clean that up.

11 – Broncos (3-2)

Thank you. Just… thank you. If I could move you into the top-10 on the principle of beating the Eagles alone, I would.

But honestly, I still have my qualms with the Broncos, particularly on offense. I just don’t understand why they still have Bo Nix playing with training wheels on, even with how solid the run game has been. They don’t want to throw over the middle — in fact, it feels like all they want to do is hit the sidelines with jump balls to Courtland Sutton or quick passes to the flat. And that works, but it won’t work consistently. In a strange way, I just feel like Sean Payton either doesn’t trust Nix right now, or they’re not on the same page.

But, if the offense can keep doing enough to match their defense’s ability to keep them in games, Denver can keep on winning. I just feel like Nix’s current level of play puts a low ceiling on how good they can be.

12 – Eagles (4-1) 10

Forget the 2024 Chiefs. These Eagles feel more like the 2020 Steelers.

No offensive identity. The players don’t like each other. The style of winning isn’t sustainable. The record doesn’t mean much when you throw on the tape.

Again, it has been a month. We can throw away precedent now. I don’t care that they won the Super Bowl eight months ago. This feels like a shell of the team that whooped the Chiefs in New Orleans. That dominant rushing team can no longer run the ball with Saquon freaking Barkley. AJ Brown continues to be alarmingly invisible. The once-lockdown secondary isn’t exactly fearsome. And teams can actually run on that front. At least the defense has been serviceable. The offense can’t say remotely the same.

I know I said that the Eagles will keep finding ways to win, but what happens if they can’t? Well, Sunday happens. And with a very tough schedule, that could continue to happen if this operation doesn’t tighten up. At least they get the Giants in two of their next three games.

It’s okay, Philadelphia. At least you have the Phillies! Oh wait.

13 – Chiefs (2-3) 7

I really did not want to bump the Chiefs this low, but I had nowhere else to put them. So, here you go. Just know that I don’t think you’re this low, Kansas City. It’s a matter of circumstance.

I’m just so perplexed at what this team is. When I watch them, I don’t get it. More than anything, I don’t understand why this defense is as underwhelming as it is. They have consistently given up major plays in the clutch to let down Patrick Mahomes and the offense. It feels like that side of the ball is starting to click, but it doesn’t matter because the D is failing them.

Let me be clear: I think the Chiefs are going to be fine despite a tough schedule, and I’d still easily pick them to win the AFC because they’re the Chiefs and Mahomes is still under center. But that doesn’t mean I can just put them in the top-5 or something. Because this isn’t a top-10 team in football right now, let alone a top-5 one.

14 – Patriots (3-2) 9

“Welcome to the f—ing show.” – Will Ferrell in The Campaign (2012).

The Patriots have arrived. I had my doubts about whether or not this would happen, but here we are. Drake Maye is here, folks. And he is really freaking good. His innate playmaking ability, his throwing prowess on the run and ever-improving decision-making has turned him into one of the league’s best-performing QBs thus far in 2025. The country got to see it in full, dazzling display on Sunday night.

Like I said with the Jaguars, that’s the type of win that can catalyze the run that determines the season. With the way Maye and Stefon Diggs are playing, with an improving defense, and with a TreVeyon Henderson that’s waiting to explode and with a Charmin-soft schedule, who knows what’s in the cards for the Patriots all of a sudden?

15 – Chargers (3-2) 8

You hear that? That’s the sound of the wheels falling off.

The offensive line situation has become untenable. The Chargers had to use two different right tackles and three separate right guards against the Commanders, and by the fourth quarter, they couldn’t keep the pocket clean if they had a full bottle of Windex.

Justin Herbert can only do so much — though, I’ve got to tell you, he’s not doing all that much anyways. There’s no semblance of a run game or a deep threat. It’s all dink and dunk, which is fine and dandy against the Raiders and all, but you can’t win every game like that. Now, Omarion Hampton is heading to IR, and the OL isn’t going to magically get healthier. This is a real make-or-break stretch coming up for LA.

16 – Steelers (3-1) 2

Bye weeks are fun when they mean I don’t have to watch the Steelers play football. Now I have to watch them play… Dillon Gabriel and the Browns? Great.

17 – Vikings (3-2) 2

Here’s what we know: this defense is still insane, and so is Justin Jefferson, and Kevin O’Connell is a remarkable coach. As long as those things remain true, the Vikings will continue to stay afloat.

Again, I’m interested to see what this operation looks like when JJ McCarthy returns, because I’m not so sure that they shouldn’t just stick with Carson Wentz as a steady hand to keep this thing upright. Only time will tell.

18 – Cowboys (2-2-1) 3

All it took to make this defense look good was playing the Jets. Seems legit.

In any case, this offense is still stupidly good. Javonte Williams has turned into Ladanian Tomlinson for whatever reason, Dak Prescott continues to play like an MVP, there are weapons everywhere and they are all making impacts. Ryan Flournoy is making plays for crying out loud.

I still think the Cowboys will have to win a shootout every week to stay out of the loss column when it comes to playing good teams. But shoot, maybe they can do it.

19 – Texans (2-3) 1

Hello, we’re back department? I’d like to file a claim.

I won’t get my hopes up because the Ravens are legitimately dreadful on both sides of the ball right now, but seeing CJ Stroud turn in a 2023-esque performance while the defense goes nuclear fills me with joy. That is the Texans team I feel like I’ve been waiting to see forever. If they can just keep consistently playing at or near that level, they can get right back in the thick of things.

Unfortunately, they’re going to stick around down here until I see that.

20 – Falcons (2-2) 4

I have no idea what this team is going to look like coming out of the bye, but I’m fascinated to find out. It’s a shame I’ll be missing that MNF matchup with the Bills due to being at the back-end of the ESPN/ABC doubleheader in Landover.

21 – Bears (2-2) 1

See you on Monday, my friends.

22 – Ravens (1-4) 8

It might legitimately be chalked in Baltimore. I don’t see how the Ravens turn this thing around in the immediate future, especially while Lamar Jackson is out.

This defense has now given up 41, 38, 37 and 41 points in their four losses this year. They cannot defend a scarecrow in an open field. The offense is lifeless without Lamar with absolutely zero rushing threat (any fellow Derrick Henry fantasy owners in shambles?). And the coaching doesn’t seem to be doing any favors.

The schedule will lighten up when Lamar is back, but will that matter if the Ravens are 1-5 or even 1-6? Because that’s a hell of a hole to dig out of.

23 – Cardinals (2-3) 6

You’re lucky I don’t put you at 32. That was one of the most embarrassing, inexplicable and laughable losses I’ve ever seen in nearly two decades of watching the NFL. And I don’t know that there’s any coming back from it.

Losing three games in a row on walkoff field goals with the latest being that absolute calamity can do irreparable damage to a locker room. We’re about to find out what this team is made of. My hopes aren’t very high.

24 – Panthers (2-3) 5

Oh look, another win! Shoutout Rico Dowdle.

This defense still stinks — though they’ve been better than anticipated — and I’m losing hope for Bryce Young by the quarter. But maybe, just maybe, the Panthers can find a little something on offense and keep it going into a favorable matchup against Dallas’ defense.

25 – Dolphins (1-4) 3

Ah, yes. The ol’ blown three-possession lead against the Panthers. Classic.

Miami has probably found something in Darren Waller. Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane are studs. But this offense still isn’t very good. And holy hell, that defense is abysmal. And that’s pretty much all there is to say about this team right now.

26 – Browns (1-4) 1

The nicest thing I can say about the Browns right now is that their defense is obviously great.

But offensively, it doesn’t feel like they’re trying to win. It feels like they play to not lose. I understand the limitations with that offensive line and an undersized and not-very-talented rookie quarterback, but come on guys. Let’s show some life.

27 – Saints (1-4) 4

You know what? Spencer Rattler has been good this season. I give the guy a ton of credit. The offense isn’t much to look at, but the sophomore quarterback has turned in some nice outings. None of the bad stuff happening in New Orleans is his fault.

The Saints defense is also playing at a solid level, and now we know what a turnover fest can look like for them. But, they’re not playing the Giants every week.

28 – Giants (1-4) 4

Jaxson Dart this, Cam Skattebo that. News flash: the Giants still suck! Who would’ve thought?!

Sunday’s game was necessary for Dart. He needs to make his rookie mistakes and learn that he’s not invincible. I’m just glad we can go back to pretending that New York is anything close to good or frisky. They’re bad.

29 – Titans (1-4) 3

No team in the NFL goes winless. Good for the Titans to get one, even if it took the looniest game I’ve ever watched to get it done.

I really think Cam Ward has it, man. He’s got the goods to make all the throws and the composure to be a franchise QB. Tennessee’s got one — they just have to surround him with the right pieces and infrastructure. I know you can see it too.

30 – Bengals (2-3) 4

The Jake Browning experiment ends… and the Joe Flacco experiment begins? A 40-year old QB behind that offensive line?

Good luck!

31 – Raiders (1-4) 6

It’s a pure, unmitigated disaster in the desert. Geno Smith has been one of the worst quarterbacks in football and Pete Carroll has no grip on anything in that locker room.

There is nothing remotely positive to say about the Raiders right now. It might be time to start over… again.

32 – Jets (0-5) 2

One is the loneliest number. The Jets sit alone as the NFL’s single winless squad.

When will that change? Not sure. When will Aaron Glenn look like a real head coach with any sort of grip on this organization? Also not sure.

New York might want to get comfy down here.