Tag: Week 5

Post-Week 5 Power Rankings

The wackiest week in a wild NFL season has produced the weirdest set of rankings I’ve ever concocted.

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.

Week 5 Picks

The first football weekend in October promises to be another fun one in the NFL with a number of star-studded matchups and high-powered battles across the league.

Cover photo taken from NFL.

Last Week: 11-4-1

Season Total: 40-23-1

Rams 24-10 49ers

Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video

The 49ers are decimated by injuries and the Rams are humming. This is a simple calculus.

If San Francisco finds a way to win this game on the road without Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings and George Kittle, I’ll just throw my hands up and concede defeat.

Vikings 13-10 Browns

Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network

First to 10 points wins.

With the way these two defenses are playing, the submarined total of 35.5 makes total sense. I guess I’ll take the “trusty” vet in Carson Wentz over the rookie making his first start in Dillon Gabriel. Plus, the Vikings have been overseas for two weeks now, which should be an advantage.

Either way, we owe the UK an apology for sending this game their way.

Colts 27-17 Raiders

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Considering the trajectory of these two squads, this game shouldn’t be close. But, because I’m picking the Colts in survivor, it’ll find a way to be.

Regardless, I won’t predict that to be the case. The Raiders are a mess right now and this is a great spot for Indy to bounce back after last week’s tough loss on the west coast.

Saints 22-19 Giants

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Saints aren’t going 0-17. They’ve got to find a win somewhere.

Before the season started, I said this would be one of only two wins for them, so I’ll stick to my guns.

Cowboys 27-24 Jets

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

For some reason that I can’t quite pinpoint, I really wanted to pick the Jets to win this game. Like the Saints, they’ve got to find a win somewhere, right? Why shouldn’t it come against the worst defense in the NFL?

Well, I just don’t trust New York’s offense right now. The Cowboys have essentially proven that they can win any shootout with the way their offense is playing, so at least I can trust them in that regard.

Eagles 20-16 Broncos

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

As I’ve repeated, I’m going to continue to pick the Eagles until they lose, because they will always find a way to win.

Plus, Bo Nix doesn’t really move me, even against a susceptible Philly defense. Denver’s defense should keep them in this one, but I don’t know if the Broncos offense can make the plays necessary to put them over the top.

Panthers 26-21 Dolphins

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Do I have to pick a winner here? Fine, I guess.

Give me the Panthers for no reason other than vibes. I can see Bryce Young putting together his bi-monthly solid game, and I can particularly see Tetairoa McMillan finally having his breakout game for Carolina. Don’t get me wrong, I also see the potentially more likely outcome of the Dolphins shredding Carolina’s dreadful defense, but I’ll choose the glass-half-full option with the home team.

Texans 24-16 Ravens

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

So, the Ravens are screwed. Here’s a list of players that could miss this game for Baltimore: Lamar Jackson, Ronnie Stanley, Tyler Linderbaum, Kyle Hamilton, Nate Wiggins, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey (this one might be a good thing) and Chidobe Awuzie. That’s insane. It’s never a good sign when your injury report mirrors a Costco receipt.

Hence, I’ll take the Texans, since there’s no way this shorthanded Baltimore squad can beat that defense without Lamar. And while Houston’s offense isn’t anything amazing, you and I can move the ball against the Ravens defense at full strength. Now that they’re missing all their best players, it’ll be brutal.

Cardinals 25-12 Titans

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

Every passing week with the Titans, we should be telling ourselves, “This should be Brian Callahan’s last game as head coach.”

We’ll see if that actually comes to fruition on Sunday.

Seahawks 24-20 Buccaneers

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

Ah, yes. The throwback uniform matchup of the century. The former Panthers outcast quarterback bowl. The “Ohio State is WRU” battle of the year. So on and so forth.

This game should be a banger, but I get the feeling that it won’t be. And that’s largely due to the injuries that Tampa Bay continues to deal with. Baker Mayfield has missed some practice time and Bucky Irving might miss his first game of the year all while the offensive line continues being a patchwork one and the WR corps remains on the mend.

Meanwhile, Seattle is on a completely upward trajectory. Considering their home field advantage, the way their defense is dominating games and how brilliant Sam Darnold and JSN have been, the Seahawks are an easy pick for me here.

Commanders 30-27 Chargers

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

This one’s going to come back to bite me, but so be it. This is the difference that Jayden Daniels makes.

No, Terry McLaurin nor Noah Brown are playing in this game. No, our defense can’t stop a traffic cone. But No. 5 is the great eraser. And he’s back.

It’s not just that, though. The Chargers being without Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt with an already abysmal interior offensive line gives me confidence that our defensive line can get some movement up front, both limiting Omarion Hampton and making Justin Herbert uncomfortable. That will need to happen, because I have little to no faith in our secondary against Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. And while I like LA’s defense, they haven’t faced a Daniels-like quarterback just yet.

This game is going to be played on ice skates. And I trust Jayden to get the job done in his homecoming to SoCal.

Lions 38-10 Bengals

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

This is going to be a bloodbath so vicious that it should be censored on television.

Bills 23-14 Patriots

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

This is quite the measuring stick game for the Patriots, and undoubtedly the biggest game of Drake Maye’s young career. With the eyes of the nation looking at New England, it’s a real chance to make a statement.

But, it’s not going to happen. The Bills don’t lose at home, and they don’t lose to the Patriots anymore. Plus, how can Buffalo falter in those icy white uniforms?

Chiefs 23-20 Jaguars

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

Like the Patriots, this is a heck of a measuring stick game for the Jaguars. They’ve started hot, but they also haven’t really played anyone crazy quite yet. This will be a great test for them at home.

With the way Jacksonville’s defense is playing, it’s admittedly hard to pick against them. But the Chiefs feel like they’re back, and I think they have what it takes to beat that strong Jags D now that Xavier Worthy is back. But, if Liam Coen’s fiesty bunch finds a way to pull this out, don’t color me surprised.

Post-Week 5 Power Rankings

After another wild week of football, there are a plethora of ups and downs in an ever-shifting list, including some major changes in the top ten.

Cover photo taken from Bleeding Green Nation.

1 – 49ers (5-0)

I told you so. 

The 49ers have established themselves as the best team in the NFL by a country mile, and it’s now very easy for everyone to see why. They have football’s equivalent of a superteam, they haven’t lost a regular season game in nearly a year, they still haven’t lost a game that Brock Purdy has started and finished, they have scored 30-plus in each game this year while giving up the least points per game in the league… the list goes on and on and on. 

You just can’t stop these guys. You can only pray to slow them down. 

2 – Eagles (5-0) 2

I have seen enough from the Eagles to feel comfortable putting them above the Chiefs for the time being. This team clearly hasn’t lost a beat from last season, being completely dominant through five regular season games. 

While I’m still not crazy about their secondary — which is the eighth-worst in the league — their run defense is incredible, leading the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. Jalen Carter is an absolute menace on the inside, and the front is deep and talented enough to stifle teams all game long. The offense is only getting scarier as A.J. Brown continues to dominate and D’Andre Swift keeps getting better at providing a complement in the run game to Jalen Hurts. 

The Birds and the Niners are simply on a collision course with one another that will come to a head on December 3rd in Philly, and probably in late January as well. We might as well just fast forward to that now. 

3 – Chiefs (4-1)

There’s really not much I can say about the Chiefs at this point. If nothing else, they’ve been quite consistent through five games. Patrick Mahomes is amazing, the receivers are still figuring it out, something is really holding Travis Kelce back, and the defense has been pretty good. That’s all there is to it.

Kelce’s new ankle injury is something to monitor moving forward, but the dude is a warrior. He should be good to go. I don’t really think Kansas City needs him in the next few weeks, though. The schedule is only getting easier. 

4 – Dolphins (4-1) 1

Sunday’s win was a return to form for the Dolphins, but I don’t think we necessarily learned anything. We just saw Miami blow out a terrible team despite some pretty poor mistakes from Tua Tagovailoa. I don’t think that’s a cause for concern — Tua usually bounces back, and I think this offense is simply too good for that to become a trend.

However, I think the injury to De’Von Achane could be tough to overcome. Raheem Mostert is obviously a great option for an RB1, but Achane provided a level of speed and athleticism that really opened things up for the rest of the offense, including Mostert. I’m very interested to see what this offense looks like without him. 

5 – Lions (4-1) 4

I really didn’t want to take too much out of a blowout of the worst team in the NFL, but man the Lions look better and better every week. Without Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, they put up arguably their best offensive effort of the season. Is that not a horrifying truth?

What continues to impress me with Detroit is their defense, which now gives up the sixth-least yards per game in the league. Like I said, they’re only getting better. Now, the NFC North is clearly theirs to lose, and I can’t wait to see what awaits them once the calendar flips to January.

6 – Jaguars (3-2) 6

All it took was a trip to London to get the Jaguars season back on track. They’ve played their best two games of the year in England, and I now have my confidence in them restored, especially after how badly they beat the Bills on Sunday morning. They completely dominated in the trenches, allowing Travis Etienne to dominate, Trevor Lawrence continued his accurate and efficient ways, and the defense locked up a Bills offense that just looked like world beaters against Miami.

Maybe Buffalo’s collapse was more of an emotional crash after that win, but I’m choosing to give a ton of credit to Jacksonville, who can hopefully keep this level of play up now that they’re coming back home. 

7 – Bills (3-2) 5

The first month of the season is over, which means it’s time for the Bills to come back to earth. I don’t know why we’re all not used to this by now. It has become far too predictable.

The box score would have you believe that Josh Allen and the offense was just fine on Sunday, but I don’t really think that was the case. They were stymied almost all game long by the Jags defense, and some garbage time fireworks made the performance look respectable. Despite the struggles, I’d have to believe the offense is good enough to be just fine.

However, I think Buffalo is in a ton of trouble with all of their injuries on the defensive side of the ball. With Tre White and Matt Milano now out for the year after devastating leg injuries, I think it’s a real possibility that the defense really starts to struggle, especially as the schedule ramps up down the stretch. The good news is that they have cupcake after cupcake for the next month or so to figure out those issues. But it’s certainly something to monitor.

8 – Seahawks (3-1)

The Seahawks were one of the first teams with a bye this season ahead of a fascinating matchup against the Bengals, who have seemed to find their stride. I’m very intrigued by how that’s going to play out, but I’ll save that for Thursday. 

9 – Ravens (3-2) 2

The Ravens may have collapsed in rather embarrassing fashion on Sunday, but I honestly don’t think they deserved to lose. Lamar Jackson was sold time and time again by his receivers in a performance that was reminiscent of the Chiefs in Week 1. Like I said then, if those receivers made just a fraction of the catches they should have, Baltimore probably wins the game.

Still, that’s a cause for concern. This receiving core is nothing close to what it was hyped up to be, and if they keep selling Lamar, we could see more games like Sunday’s. But I’d have to think it won’t look that bad again, and the defense is more than good enough to stay afloat. 

10 – Cowboys (3-2) 4

In any other week, the Cowboys are clearly the Team of Shame. Luckily for them, their rivals one-upped them a few days prior. That being said, I will still take this time to take a victory lap and laugh at the Cowboys.

I warned everyone that we might have been looking at fool’s gold with Dallas, who looked dominant against dreadful teams like the Giants, Jets, and Patriots. I always said the 49ers would be the litmus test, and that I never believed they’d be up for it. Lo and behold: a complete and utter dismantling at the hands of an actually elite team that serves as the hump that the Cowboys simply can never get over. And that was the worst loss to them that I’ve ever seen. Dak Prescott played what might’ve been the worst game of his life, the offense couldn’t move the ball, and the supposedly otherworldly defense was sliced and diced by Brock Purdy and company. It was an embarrassment of the highest order — one that we should come to expect from a team as unserious as this one.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is why you don’t let your star pass-rusher have a solo podcast where he talks about his team’s claim to a Super Bowl after one great game against Daniel freakin’ Jones. 

11 – Chargers (2-2) 1

I’d argue that the Chargers won the bye week as they should finally be getting Austin Ekeler back ahead of a huge Monday nighter against the Cowboys.

And I mean that this time. He’s the one who said it, not me. 

12 – Rams (2-3) 1

Despite a tough loss on Sunday, I still feel good about the Rams. The defense continues to be so-so, but the re-addition of Cooper Kupp to the lineup has made this passing offense really, really scary, just as I predicted it would. Him and Puka Nacua are going to be very difficult to stop moving forward, and that alone gives me confidence.

I still don’t think this team is anything crazy — they’re an above average to middle-of-the-pack squad that will be in a lot of fun, tight games. But I think their offensive talent puts them at the top of that proverbial tier of teams. 

13 – Buccaneers (3-1) 1

The Buccaneers had the week off ahead of a very fun matchup with the Lions in which they will be rocking the Creamsicles. That alone makes it my most anticipated game of the week. 

14 – Falcons (3-2) 5

Are the Falcons back? Is Desmond Ridder actually a real quarterback? Is the race for the NFC South title back on? Maybe. Maybe not. But I was pretty impressed with Atlanta’s resolve down the stretch on Sunday against Houston. I never would have expected Ridder to lead a game-winning drive, especially after C.J. Stroud decimated the Falcons defense to take a late lead. But he did, and maybe that’s the type of drive to turn things around him. Only time will tell on that front.

Regardless, this defense is still solid, Bijan Robinson is still awesome, and we’re starting to see some contributions poured in from guys like Drake London and Kyle Pitts, which is a huge positive moving forward. 

15 – Packers (2-3) 2

Did I victory lap my Packers/Jordan Love takes too soon? I sure as hell hope not. But Monday night’s disaster in the desert certainly made it seem that way.

Love was absolutely abhorrent from start to finish, throwing three terrible interceptions without even tossing a touchdown — something that Aaron Rodgers neverdid in over 220 starts in green and yellow. That’s not a great sign. The good news is that Green Bay’s defense was fine and did a great job of limiting Davante Adams from hurting them in his revenge game. Love and the offense simply let them down and were the sole reason the Packers lost that game.

One or two more of those performances, and I might have to eat a lot of crow. 

16 – Saints (3-2) 5

I’m not going to make too much of a blowout of arguably the worst team in football, but the Saints were mighty impressive on Sunday in a game I inexplicably picked them to lose.

The defense is ridiculously good, Alvin Kamara continues to elevate the offense, which isn’t great, but is slowly getting better. If they can turn into a great unit to complement the elite defense, then New Orleans has a real shot of winning this division, which Vegas thinks is theirs to lose.

I disagree with the books, but I’m also the guy who said Mac Jones was going to beat this team. So what do I know?

17 – Bengals (2-3) 5

I’m not going to overreact, I’m not going to overreact, I’m not going to overreact… but it’s damn hard not to.

What do you want me to say? Seeing Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase get back to their old ways was more than enough to restore my faith in the Bengals. But it’s not necessarily the stats they put up — it’s more of how it happened. Burrow was more mobile on Sunday than he was in the previous four weeks combined, and Chase lined up all over the place and ran circles around Arizona’s defense with a diverse route tree no matter where he was. That’s exactly the type of shot in the arm that this offense has needed for a month now. Combine that with another good defensive performance, and there’s plenty to like about where Cincinnati is headed.

But I need to see this more consistently to bump them higher and higher. I am erring on the side of caution… for now. 

18 – Texans (2-3)

There’s not much I can say about the Texans this week. I really hoped they emerged victorious in Atlanta, but I still saw plenty to like and not much to dislike. C.J. Stroud wasn’t as flashy or explosive as he had been in recent weeks, but that has a lot more to do with the great, sticky man coverage of the Falcons. Despite that, he still played a clean game and led what should have been the game-winning drive, which culminated in a gorgeous touchdown throw to Dalton Schultz.

There are some pretty good secondaries left on the schedule, so we’ll see what Houston can muster up moving forward. Until I see Stroud and the offense put up a truly poor performance, I don’t see any reason to bump this team down.  

19 – Steelers (3-2) 1

Against all odds, the Steelers won a football game in large part thanks to one single great offensive play. Kenny Pickett’s gorgeous deep ball to George Pickens to take the lead was truly something to behold, as was most of the rest of the game for Pittsburgh, mostly defensively. They got away with a lot due to the incompetence of the Ravens’ pass-catchers, but they still made huge plays when it mattered most, including an endzone interception for rookie corner Joey Porter Jr. and a game-sealing strip sack of Lamar Jackson.

That’s exactly what the Steelers are: they’re good enough to win games if they make one or two plays on offense and let their defense do the rest. That’s what won them games against Cleveland, Las Vegas, and now Baltimore. But, when that doesn’t happen, which we saw against San Francisco and Houston, then it looks disastrous. 

20 – Browns (2-2) 4

I feel bad for bumping the Browns down so much during their bye week, but that’s just how the chips fell. It doesn’t help that they’re being really weird about this whole Deshaun Watson shoulder injury. They better hope and pray that they don’t have to trot Dorian Thompson-Robinson back out there when the 49ers roll into town. That would be quite ugly.

21 – Colts (3-2) 4

The Colts are truly fascinating. In each of their three wins, Anthony Richardson has either exited early or not played at all due to injury. Winning football games with a backup quarterback is usually the sign of a pretty good team, or at the very least a pretty good culture.

We’ll see how long they can keep that up as Richardson heads to the injured reserve with a shoulder injury and Gardner Minshew handles the reins for the next month or so. But with a constantly improving offense featuring a suddenly dynamic one-two punch at running back with Jonathan Taylor’s return and Zack Moss’ random dominance and a solid group of pass-catchers, I think Indy will stay afloat. 

22 – Titans (2-3) 7

The roller coaster continues! Whee!

As I’ve said repeatedly in the past several weeks, this is getting really annoying. But, at the very least, the predictability of the Titans makes them much, much easier to assess. I’ll see you all next week when they get bumped back up seven spots!

23 – Commanders (2-3) 6

Thursday night’s debacle easily ranks as one of the ten worst losses I have witnessed in two decades as a fan of this team. I’ve exhausted myself in rants and emotional distress in the week that has followed, so once again, I will keep this nice and simple:

When you are coming off back-to-back tough losses — including a 37-3 embarrassment at home — and have given up over 30 points in all but one game this season, then implore your fans to come out in droves for your lone primetime game of the year — which turns into a sellout — against the worst team in the NFL who hasn’t won a game in nearly a full calendar year and is going through more dysfunction than any other team in professional sports — including a 38-point loss and a blown 21-point second half lead on top of a defensive coordinator fire after an FBI raid, just to name a few incidents — just to get absolutely embarrassed by giving up 40 points and an all-time performance to a single wide receiver thanks to the large incompetence of not just the defense as a whole — which is being led by a man who has no remote idea what on earth he is doing — but the wiry-thin and small corner that you deliberately drafted in the first round over several other actually capable prospects, en route to a 20-point, season-derailing loss in which the clearly incapable, ineffective and honestly straight up dreadful head coach doesn’t talk to the team at halftime or at any point during the game, you quite simply become the easiest Team of Shame of all time. In fact, you should arguably bear that burden for the rest of the season for such a disastrous, shameful humiliation. 

…and exhale.  

24 – Jets (2-3) 3

I’m not entirely sure what to make out of the Jets after one of the wackiest, funniest games I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. But some things are clearly apparent here.

Breece Hall is amazing, Dalvin Cook is dreadful, the offensive line is going to continue to get worse, Zach Wilson clearly has some juice but is probably going to lose you more games than he wins you, and the defense might have some rough patches, but they’re still fantastic overall.

I’d say that, when you stir all of those in one pot, you have a five-to-seven-win team. 

25 – Raiders (2-3) 3

You know what Monday night’s win was? It was the Raiders’ patented win early in the season where we think to ourselves: “Is this team actually legit?” The answer is obviously no. That win almost always comes against a team who actually turns out to be not so great.

As I’ve said all year long, I like a lot of pieces with this team, but the Raiders as a whole are absolutely nothing to write home about. They got handed Monday’s win on a silver platter — something that likely won’t happen to them or the remainder of this season.

If you choose to somehow be moved by this team, then you do you. But they can’t fool me. I am familiar with their game. 

26 – Vikings (1-4) 3

Regression to the mean. 11-0 in one-score games in 2022. 1-4 in such games in 2023. 

We’re reaching a point where that’s probably the only thing I need to say about the Vikings on a weekly basis. I have a feeling that I won’t have to in the weeks that follow considering that Justin Jefferson is headed to the injured reserve with a non-contact hamstring injury suffered on Sunday thanks to US Bank Stadium’s turf. Thanks for that, NFL! I really didn’t want to watch the most exciting young receiver of the decade every Sunday!

Jefferson’s absence means that Minnesota is staring down the barrel of a string of tough losses. It might be time to blow it all up.  

27 – Cardinals (1-4) 3

The 2023 Arizona Cardinals in one word? Frisky.

But that’s about it. The Cards are showing that they’re simply a team that’s going to fight, but still lose at the end of the day. With James Conner headed to the injured reserve, they might just turn into a team that straight up loses games without even putting up a fight. It’s going to start getting a lot tougher in the desert for Jonathan Gannon’s bus-riders. 

28 – Bears (1-4) 4

I don’t want to talk about it.

I’ll just say this: good on the Bears for finally getting in the win column, and good for Justin Fields and D.J. Moore to do all that. It was about damn time. I just wish they chose a different game. Literally any other game. 

29 – Broncos (1-4)

As horrible as my team’s situation is, I relish in the fact that it’s not nearly as bad as the Broncos’. I truly cannot fathom completing one of the worst trades in recent memory, then giving up a first round pick for a head coach who said that the previous skipper pulled off one of the worst jobs in history only for that man to return to town and beat him down. That is so embarrassing that it’s hilarious.

Like, extremely hilarious. 

30 – Patriots (1-4) 4

The Patriots are by far the worst team in the AFC, and there’s really only one thing you need to know to back that up: this team has been outscored 72-3 in the last two games. After Bill Belichick suffered the worst loss of his career in Dallas, he came back to Foxboro and suffered his worst home loss as the head man in New England. 

I definitely don’t think it’s his fault. What the hell is any team supposed to do when Mac Jones is its quarterback and its defense is as banged up as it is? There’s simply nothing that the Pats can do at this point except tank. The only thing they have to look forward to is next year. 

31 – Giants (1-4)

It has gone from bad to worse to a lot worse to unsalvageable for the Giants.

A predictable blowout loss to the Dolphins is fine, but what’s not fine is this offensive line’s continued incompetence and injuries continuing to stack up across the board. They just have no healthy players, and the ones that are healthy or at least close to healthy are horrible. There’s a real chance that the Giants have to field their B-team in Buffalo on Sunday night.

At this point, I don’t know if their B-team can beat Bishop Sycamore. 

32 – Panthers (0-5) 2

Now the NFL’s lone winless team, the Panthers have unfortunately been relegated to the bottom of the Power Rankings, giving us our second team in the basement thus far in 2023. And it’s honestly just sad to see. Injuries and extremely poor play across the board has simply doomed this team. And they don’t even have their first round pick or their former stud WR1 to compensate for that.

This calendar year has simply been a comedy of errors for Carolina, and that doesn’t figure to stop any time soon. 

All stats taken from ESPN.

Week 5 Picks

The season’s first full October slate features some great matchups, including what might just be the biggest game of the year thus far.

Cover photo taken from NFL.com.

Last Week: 9-7

Season Total: 37-27

Commanders 23-10 Bears

Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video

If we lose this game, you will never hear from me ever again.

Unlike Sundays and Mondays, Thursday nighters usually treat us well, including last year’s win in Chicago. I genuinely don’t see a world in which we lose this game, but I don’t want to put anything past this team, which finds a way to let me down even in the safest of circumstances.

As long as the defense doesn’t let Justin Fields hurt them with his legs — and finally decides to give up less than 30 points — and the offense puts up a respectable number of points, victory should be in the bag to get back above .500. And if that doesn’t happen, then there will be a lot of questions to answer across the board.

Bills 26-20 Jaguars

Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network

The Jaguars are playing their second consecutive game in London, and while some might think that gives them the upper hand, I personally don’t think it matters. I’ve always talked about how hard it is for west coast teams to come out east and vice versa, but I don’t think that argument holds much weight anymore. NFL teams simply know how to travel and still execute at the highest level. A team like the Bills will be just fine, even with the trip across the pond.

They’re also just a much better team than Jacksonville is right now, playing at a much higher level on both sides of the ball. Josh Allen has been on fire and isn’t showing signs of slowing down, and although the defense just lost Tre White for the season, they might be getting Von Miller back in this one. That’s a horrifying prospect for any opposing offense. 

Texans 23-16 Falcons

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Not many teams are trending upwards as much as the Texans right now. Not many teams are trending downwards as much as the Falcons right now. That scares me a bit, especially with this game being in Atlanta, but I see no reason to get off the Houston train.

Until I see C.J. Stroud slow down, which he hasn’t done in any capacity a month into his career, I’m not going to bet against him. I think the Falcons are due for a bounce-back performance, but it’s hard to put any faith in them, especially with Desmond Ridder looking as terrible as he has in recent weeks. I’m going to stick with the trends on this one. 

Lions 30-14 Panthers

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

I’m always wary of picking blowouts when a great team is playing an awful team. But I feel strangely confident about this one. The Lions are terrific at home, and the Panthers have been dreadful all year long.

The margin of victory might not end up being this big, but I refuse to see a scenario where Carolina winds up winning this game. They’d need their best performance of the year on both sides of the ball, which doesn’t seem feasible against a Detroit team that looks like one of the most complete squads in the NFL. 

Colts 23-20 Titans

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Like it seemingly always is, this matchup is a complete coinflip. I have no idea what to expect from either of these teams on any given week, especially the Titans. In fact, the reason I’m picking them to lose is because this season has gone loss-win-loss-win. The trends point towards an L.

Moreover, Indianapolis continues to flash with Anthony Richardson, and they might just be getting Jonathan Taylor back on Sunday. Considering Zack Moss got to cooking behind this offensive line and Richardson poses a rushing threat, I think the re-addition of JT could make this a truly lethal offense. Tennessee’s defense is great, but I think this is a bad matchup for them, and I don’t think their offense can keep up with Indy’s especially if Taylor plays. 

Dolphins 34-13 Giants

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Remember what I said about the Lions and Panthers? That doesn’t apply here.

It won’t be 70-20 again, but it’s going to be ugly. And it’s going to be glorious. 

Patriots 19-16 Saints

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Whatever the exact opposite of a “feast for the eyes” is can be used to describe this game to a T.

These are two terrible offenses being held back by awful quarterback play, but both defenses are good enough to keep this one close throughout. I wouldn’t even be surprised if this game was decided by a defensive or special teams play. Both defenses had uncharacteristically terrible performances a week ago, so both should be in for a return to form here. I think it truly just boils down to which one cracks more.

As bad as Mac Jones has been, at least he’s healthy. The same can’t be said about Derek Carr, who continues to dubiously play with a bum shoulder. For that reason, I’ll take the Patriots at home. 

Ravens 20-17 Steelers

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Ravens-Steelers is always a dogfight. This seems like it should be a Baltimore blowout on paper, but I don’t think Pittsburgh will go down easy, even with Kenny Pickett being on a bum knee.

The Ravens offense is infinitely better than the Steelers’ at this point, but this is the type of game that T.J. Watt and Pittsburgh’s defense rises to the occasion for. That’s enough to make me believe that this one will be close. But Baltimore’s own defense should absolutely dominate the beat-up Steelers, and Lamar Jackson should eventually do his thing on the other side of the ball to help the Ravens earn a hard-fought road win over their bitter rivals. 

Rams 23-20 Eagles

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX

I’m picking more upsets than usual this week, and I think this one is my absolute favorite. I don’t know why, it just feels like it makes sense.

The Eagles may be 4-0, but they haven’t taken the most impressive route to get there. They keep on bending but not breaking. I feel like a break is imminent. Why shouldn’t the Rams be the team to do it? Their offense keeps on clicking, and they might be getting Cooper Kupp back in this game. I don’t think people realize how big of a deal that is. Yes, Matt Stafford has been able to cook with Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, but adding Kupp back to the lineup makes this offense one of the scariest in the league. Good luck to secondaries trying to stop both him and the potential OROY in Nacua.

If LA’s defense does just enough against Jalen Hurts and the Birds offense, I feel strangely comfortable with trusting Stafford and the Rams to do enough offensively to pull off this upset. 

Cardinals 24-16 Bengals

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX

It’s truly sad that this is what it has come to for the Bengals. But I simply cannot pick them in confidence with their offense being as disastrous as it is and with Joe Burrow being as injured and ineffective as he has been.

However, I think this would have been a tough matchup for Cincinnati regardless. The Cardinals are much better than we anticipated and plenty competitive, especially at home. They have a tendency to ball out in front of their home crowd, and against a team that’s reeling as much as Cincy is, I don’t see why that trend shouldn’t continue.

I think Arizona’s defense is going to make things difficult for Burrow, as seemingly any defense can these days, and Josh Dobbs should lead the offense to enough scoring drives to be able to win this ballgame. Which is a sentence I could not fathom typing out a month ago.  

Jets 13-10 Broncos

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

This is the type of game that I just pick and move forward. It is so ugly that I don’t even want to think about it, let alone talk about it. I’ll just take the more promising offense and better defense and leave it there. 

Chiefs 31-17 Vikings

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

Primetime Kirk Cousins gets all the hate, but I don’t think we highlight just how terrible Cousins performs in the 4 p.m. time slot, especially in a national television game like this one. Remember when they got the national CBS game last year? It was twice — a 40-3 loss to the Cowboys and a 41-17 loss to the Packers. I never feel comfortable picking blowouts, so I’ll give Minnesota the benefit of the doubt and say they keep it closer than that, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this one is a complete wash.

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense is probably itching to bounce back from a terrible performance last week in primetime against the Jets, and I think the defense sees food. Stopping Justin Jefferson is always a tough task, but in those two aforementioned games, his combined stat line was four catches for 48 yards. I’m simply riding the trends and predicting this to be another disaster for the Vikings. 

49ers 24-17 Cowboys

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Here’s the big one: probably the biggest game of the young season. Usually games like this are a bit tough to pick, but I have no reservations here. The 49ers are much, much better than the Cowboys are, especially right now.

Yes, Dallas had a bounce-back defensive performance in their thrashing of the Patriots, but those were the Patriots. Their two other great defensive performances were against Daniel Jones’ Giants and Zach Wilson’s Jets. This is the first real test for the Cowboys defense, and I simply do not believe they are up for the task without Trevon Diggs in the lineup and with Micah Parsons dealing with a knee issue. San Francisco’s offense has put up 30 or more points in every game this season, while their own defense continues to dominate. Dallas’ offense has really not been much to write home about; honestly it feels like their defense is in the endzone more often.

I think this matchup plays directly into the hands of the Niners, as it seemingly does every year. San Francisco is simply Dallas’ kryptonite, and I don’t see that changing on Sunday night. 

Packers 27-17 Raiders

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

Both of these teams are coming off failed comeback attempts against their division rivals, but it’s much easier to feel good about one of these teams than the other. The Packers continue to flash their young talent on both sides of the ball while the Raiders… are playing football, I guess.

Here’s my take: if Jimmy Garoppolo doesn’t suit up for Vegas and Aidan O’Connell once again gets the start, this game won’t even be worth watching. If Jimmy does play, then the Raiders should be competitive, but they should also still lose. I just think the Packers pose too much of a threat on both sides of the ball for Vegas to keep up with, and you already know that stadium is going to be littered with Green Bay fans on Monday night. 

All stats taken from ESPN.

Post-Week 5 Power Rankings

Tom Brady may have been right. This week provided some bad football leading to plenty more shakeups in the Power Rankings. Here’s how I stack up the league 1-32 after another weird weekend.

Cover photo taken from Bleeding Green Nation.

1 – Eagles (5-0)

It was a bit closer than they may have liked, but the Eagles kept their undefeated streak going with a very nice win in Arizona. Jalen Hurts was stellar once again to help carry his team to victory with both his arm and his legs. The defense was also sharp in locking down the Cardinals offense for the most part. They were the beneficiary of their opponent’s kicking woes, and if it weren’t for that, perhaps they would have lost like I predicted them to. But they still looked great in pretty much every facet and are more than deserving to remain at #1 for another week.

2 – Chiefs (4-1)

I really don’t know how you’re supposed to stop this team. Even when you have them down 17-0 in the first half and get ridiculous calls to go your way, they will find a way to beat you. Patrick Mahomes is playing some of the best football of anyone else in the league at the position, leading remarkable scoring drives and orchestrating offense at an otherworldly level. Their defense still raises questions, especially in the secondary, but does it even matter at this point? When Mahomes plays like he has been, this team is an absolute freight train. Everyone gets involved offensively and it is poetry in motion.

3 – Bills (4-1)

I won’t take too much stock of the Bills destroying one of the worst teams in the league at home when that team is led by a rookie QB making his first start. That being said, it sure is awesome to watch this team when they are playing at a level that high. Josh Allen has been a wonder this entire season, living up to the hype and exceeding it. The offense is seemingly unstoppable through the air, and while I don’t like their run game, I love watching Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis in action. Their defense also played their best game of the year, but again, it wasn’t much of a challenge. This week’s Game of the Year on paper in Kansas City will tell us much more about where this team stands in relation to the giant that they are yet to slay.

4 – Ravens (3-2) 2

After the top 3, things get ridiculously messy. I really don’t know if the Ravens are the fourth best team in football. I really doubt that they are. Sunday night’s win was a good one thanks to a great performance from their defense, but Lamar Jackson didn’t have his best night. He led a fantastic game-winning drive, but other than that, he didn’t play up to his standards. The WRs on this team are also back to being invisible. I just feel like I can trust this team more than so many of the ones below them either due to injuries or precedent or anything else, so Baltimore gets the benefit of the doubt and stays up here for now.

5 – Buccaneers (3-2) 2

The worst roughing the passer call in history (until it was one-upped the next day) is distracting a lot of people from the fact that the Buccaneers nearly blew a 21-point lead at home to the Falcons. Tampa looked good on both sides of the ball for about three quarters, but the fourth was a mess. Whether you want to blame injuries or fatigue or whatever, this team just feels like it’s lacking something to make them truly great. Their elite defense and GOAT at QB makes it easy to prop them up amidst the messiness of the rest of the league, but it’s really hard to project what this team is capable of from here on out.

6 – 49ers (3-2) 4

The 49ers are looking better by the week, and it’s due to them continuing to follow their very simple yet effective formula of running it down teams’ throats and letting their defense do the rest. The offense is still nothing special, but they get the job done no matter who is at QB or running the ball. This has been the best defense in football so far this season, shutting down opponents left and right and taking the ball away with ease. Some injuries might shake that up a bit as Emmanuel Moseley will miss the rest of the year with a torn ACL and Nick Bosa might miss some time with a groin problem. But this team has the depth and coaching to overcome that.

7 – Chargers (3-2) 1

The Chargers are another team that I have very little idea what to make of. On one hand, I love that Austin Ekeler is finally returning to his old form and making a huge impact in this offense. The run game looks infinitely better, even getting contributions from backup Joshua Kelley. I think the rest of the offense is just fine as long as Justin Herbert is throwing the ball. The defense is clearly lagging behind though, and all of the injuries don’t help. And the in-game coaching decisions continue to boggle my mind. They should have lost on Sunday after an inexplicable 4th down decision in the final minutes, but they lucked out after a missed FG. It’s not going to get easier from here on out. They need to tighten up.

8 – Cowboys (4-1) 3

I genuinely think I’m underrating the Cowboys here. They’ve been one of the most consistent teams in football in the four weeks with Cooper Rush starting at QB, following a very similar formula to San Francisco. Their defense looks better and better by the week, somehow generating more pressure and playing even stickier coverage. The offense virtually doesn’t need to do anything to win games at this point. They’re playing at a better, more consistent level than most teams in the league, but it’s just hard to put them above others while Rush is still their QB. I don’t know how much better it will be once Dak Prescott returns, which should be soon, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

9 – Vikings (4-1)

Once again, the Vikings are winning all of the games that the Vikings of the past would have lost. That’s something that should frighten people. I don’t love this team nearly imploding after going up 21-3 in the first half, and I don’t love their defense forgetting how to play against the Bears, but everything else was likable! Kirk Cousins played a precise, efficient game, Dalvin Cook ran like a madman, and Justin Jefferson continued making his case for being the best receiver in the league. And while the defense bent and bent, they made the play that won them the game. So while the Vikings aren’t the most impressive 4-1 team, they have earned this record and should be able to keep up their winning ways in pursuit of a division title.

10 – Packers (3-2) 6

Unimpressive, unpredictable, up and down, and straight up weird. That’s how I’d describe the Packers at this point. You really just never know what you’re going to get out of this team. However, I am starting to sense a bit of a trend. They always seem to come out strong with Aaron Rodgers slinging the ball and their offense moving up and down the field while their defense does its job. Then after halftime, they get completely static, incapable of doing anything effective on either side of the ball. That’s what nearly lost them their last two games, and it’s what lost them Sunday’s game in London: getting outscored 17-0 in the second half to lose it. I don’t know if it’s a coaching problem or an attitude problem or what, but it’s a very glaring issue with a team of this caliber. It will hold them back every single week until they can figure out a way to actually play football in second halves.

11 – Dolphins (3-2) 6

I really feel for the Dolphins after yet another QB injury. Teddy Bridgewater got absolutely rocked early on Sunday and is now dealing with head and elbow injuries while the keys are handed to 7th round rookie Skylar Thompson. While I said that anyone can thrive in this offense, it might be a bit harder now. That was on display with this team’s ineffectiveness on that side of the ball against the Jets. It also never helps when your supposedly great defense gets gashed the way it did. It was just a tragedy of errors across the board for Miami, and while I’d like to think that won’t continue, it’s just hard to imagine what the next few weeks are going to look like for this team.

12 – Bengals (2-3)

The shocking theme with the Bengals continues. They can’t throw the ball downfield. Not having Tee Higgins fully healthy obviously hurts that department in a huge way, but it’s like nobody can even get open. It’s all checkdowns and screens and short passes and it feels like the antithesis of the Cincy team that was so much fun to watch last year. I’ve been blaming it on the scheme, but the stars like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase just look like a fraction of themselves right now. The Bengals are lacking a gear that makes them a threat to anybody on offense, so it doesn’t even matter if the defense plays well like they did this week. They are also awful in late-game situations as all three of their losses have been on walk-off FGs. Unless that gets turned around, this team isn’t really going anywhere.

13 – Browns (2-3)

This team is rather unbelievable. Their three losses are by a combined six (6) points and none of them should have even happened. An inexplicable collapse against the Jets, a horrible final stretch against the Falcons, and now Sunday’s gift from the Chargers thrown away via Cade York’s missed game-winning FG. By all accounts, this team should be unbeaten, but their own incompetence has them below .500. They have the talent, but they just refuse to win games. If that’s not indicative of what this franchise is, then I don’t know what is.

14 – Titans (3-2) 3

The Titans are back, I suppose. It doesn’t take much to beat Washington, and they almost didn’t, but they are now riding a 3-game win streak and above .500 for the first time this season. Derrick Henry is continuing to bounce back from a poor start to the year by literally carrying the offense on his back, and the defense continues to play at a high level, especially up front. It’s a simple formula that the Titans have followed for so long, and it’s finally starting to win games for them this year. We’ll see how far it can take them against real football teams.

15 – Giants (4-1) 12

I am finally going to respect the Giants. Maybe this is still too low for them, but as of now, they are the biggest jumpers in the history of my Power Rankings. Perhaps that’s a product of my own incompetence or preconceived biases. All I know now is that this team is pretty solid, and they deserve their flowers. First-year HC Brian Daboll is implementing a winning culture in New York and is somehow making lemonade out of lemons with this offense. Saquon Barkley has been as dynamic as ever, Daniel Jones looks solid, and even with virtually no WRs, this team finds ways to score. The defense has been excellent, and they locked down one of the best QBs of all time in the second half on Sunday. I really don’t know if the Giants will keep this up, but as of right now, they deserve the credit I’ve refused to give them for a month.

16 – Rams (2-3) 1

This team is a sad joke. I warned you all about the problems they had, but even I didn’t foresee it being this bad. I frankly might have the Rams too high here. They have one of the worst offensive lines in football, they cannot run the ball, their QB is a turnover machine who has no time to throw, they have one real pass-catching threat who just so happens to be the biggest ballhog in the sport, and their defense hasn’t been anything special. It’s not a winning formula at all. With a cutthroat schedule, I can’t fathom how the Rams possibly turn things around.

17 – Cardinals (2-3) 1

The Cardinals came oh so close to pulling off the upset that I predicted them to on Sunday, but injuries to their kicker prevented that from happening. Between his game against the Colts with Kansas City and Sunday’s game, it’s safe to say Matt Amendola won’t be getting another kicking job any time soon. Still, Arizona looked solid across the board on Sunday, doing a good job limiting the Eagles offense to just 20 points and not allowing anything too crazy. They went down 14-0 early, but outscored Philly by 11 the rest of the way and should have won if it wasn’t for missed kicks. It also didn’t help that they were taken down to their third string RB. Not much has gone the Cardinals’ way this year, but they’re still hanging tough. My opinion on them hasn’t changed. They’re a competitive team that can win plenty of games, but they’re nothing special.

18 – Saints (2-3) 1

The Saints haven’t really been themselves this year. I don’t know what to make of them at all. The QB situation continues to be a mess as Taysom Hill is now apparently the most effective one they have. The defense continues to be inexplicably putrid. The WRs won’t stop getting banged up as Chris Olave had to leave Sunday’s game with a head injury. It’s a complete mess right now in New Orleans, so they better be thankful that they somehow escaped Sunday’s game with a win despite getting torched by Geno Smith and the Seahawks. It’s hard to see many more Ws coming.

19 – Patriots (2-3) 2

Even with a 3rd string QB, the Patriots finally looked like themselves on Sunday. The defense finally decided to show up and show out, shutting out the best statistical offense in football thanks to the playmaking ability of their young studs like Jack Jones. Bailey Zappe played another solid game, and the offense did its thing to put up plenty of points. They didn’t need to do much, but they still looked solid, especially in the running game despite the injury sustained by Damien Harris. If New England can bring that level of defense to some of their games moving forward, they will continue to be a tough out like we saw last week in Green Bay regardless of who is under center for them.

20 – Jaguars (2-3) 6

We drank the Kool-Aid a little bit too early with the Jaguars. Back to back losses in which the team has looked awful has this team skidding. It’s one thing to lose to the league’s only undefeated team on the road in a monsoon. It’s another to lose to the league’s only winless team at home, not even scoring a touchdown in the process. Yes, the Texans are feisty, but they should not hold you to two field goals all game long. That’s embarrassing. Trevor Lawrence played what was likely his worst game of the year, highlighted by a horrible INT in the endzone with the game on the line. The defense was fine, but it doesn’t matter when the offense which previously looked so good does absolutely nothing. I actually have faith in them to get back on track, but they better hope it happens fast if they want to keep up in this division.

21 – Raiders (1-4) 2

You can change the city, the weapons, the head coach, and everything else. But you can never change the Raiders being the Raiders. Winning simply isn’t in their DNA, but choking and incompetence run wild in their veins. I can’t even sit here and say they played anything close to a poor game on Monday night. They looked great on offense, hitting huge plays down the field to Davante Adams and running with power and effectiveness with Josh Jacobs. But you just cannot go up 17-0 and get one of the most ridiculous roughing the passer calls we’ve ever seen and lose the game in the fashion that they did. Sure, the defense choked, but the offense should have tied the game late, but an unbelievable decision to go for two because of “analytics” lost them the game. Yes, that lost them the game, not Adams not controlling the ball on the sideline or him and Hunter Renfrow running into each other on the last play. Because all of that still could have happened, and the game would have at least gone into overtime. Don’t bother trying to explain it to me, because I won’t listen.

22 – Falcons (2-3) 2

The Falcons are one of the most upset teams in the league this week, and for good reason. They got screwed on Sunday. I can’t say with confidence that they would have won if it wasn’t for the “roughing the passer” call, but it was very well possible considering how they were playing in the fourth quarter. Still, this team didn’t look great for the first three quarters on either side of the ball. It was a slog for them against a great defense, as it probably will be all year long against any great teams. At least the rest of the division and most of the schedule doesn’t have many great teams left.

23 – Seahawks (2-3) 1

Listen man. Geno Smith is doing his thing. I was half-joking when I said the Seahawks upgraded at QB but… I don’t think it’s a joke anymore. The Seahawks are better than the Broncos are right now, and their QB play is infinitely better. Like, it’s not close. Geno is making incredible throws, his pass-catchers are making huge contributions, and the run game is effective no matter who’s carrying the ball. The season-ending injury to Rashaad Penny definitely hurts, but Kenneth Walker looks more than serviceable. The defense is still pretty awful, but they have bright spots too. The Seahawks aren’t awful by any means.

24 – Jets (3-2) 2

I can’t make sense of the Jets having a winning record. It’s just hard to wrap your head around. But, here they are. Zach Wilson is 2-0 this year after returning from his injury, the offense is serviceable with a good amount of weapons, they are running the ball with authority thanks to a solid RB duo of Breece Hall and Michael Carter, and the defense is actually making plays. Sauce Gardner is playing like the top 4 pick he is, and the front seven is actually being disruptive for once. Believe it or not, this is a solid team. We’ll see how long it takes to come crumbling down.

25 – Lions (1-4) 7

Like another cat team slightly above them, we overrated the Lions a bit too early. The signs were there. Yes the offense was a weekly fireworks show, but you simply cannot win games with the defense being this bad. Now, one is a much more glaring issue than the other. The offense quite literally disappeared to the tune of a big ol’ goose egg on the scoreboard while the defense continued to get absolutely scorched. Having a generationally bad defense will always lead to losses, no matter how effective your offense is. I’m shocked DC Aaron Glenn is still employed right now, because at this rate, the Lions won’t win many more games for the remainder of the year.

26 – Colts (2-2-1) 4

I really don’t want to talk about either team involved in Thursday night’s crapfest. One team had to win it, and it just happened to be the Colts. Even without Jonathan Taylor, the offense found a way to put up enough points to win the game. It helped that their defense was gifted the ball several times by an offense that is incapable of moving the ball. Despite getting the win to get back to .500, this team doesn’t move me at all in large part thanks to their dinosaur of a QB and lack of weapons. But at least they can say that they weren’t the ones to lose one of the worst games ever.

27 – Broncos (2-3) 2

This team doesn’t deserve my time or analysis this week. Just know that I cannot stop laughing at this organization and their QB. I am relishing every moment of hilarity and purely garbage football that this team is providing.

28 – Bears (2-3) 3

Gotta feel for the Bears this week. After going down 21-3, they looked like an actual football team, and Justin Fields played his best game of the season. But, between an incredible rushing touchdown by Fields being called back for a penalty that didn’t even happen and an incredible play by Vikings DB Cam Dantlzer to win them the game, Chicago back below .500 for the first time this year (weird fact, but a fact nonetheless). The good news is that they should be able to return back to an even record with an even worse team coming into town on Thursday.

29 – Texans (1-3-1) 3

Good for Houston to finally get off the schneid and get their first win in honestly impressive fashion on the road against their division rivals. It was deserved after a couple of close losses against the likes of Denver and Chicago. They just keep on doing their thing as they continue to get great contributions from their rookies Dameon Pierce, Derek Stingley Jr., and Jalen Pitre. This is a team with a real future and a plethora of picks to turn things around. I’m starting to feel a lot better about that future than I did before.

30 – Steelers (1-4) 2

Kenny Pickett’s first start in this prehistoric offense on the road against perhaps the best team in the NFL went about as awful as you’d expect. Not much of it his fault, considering the incomprehensibly bad offensive scheme ran by this team and the porous nature of their defense. It has gone from bad to worse to way worse in the blink of an eye, and all of a sudden, the Steelers are staring down the barrel of a top 5 pick. I don’t think any of us saw that coming.

31 – Commanders (1-4) 1

32 – Panthers (1-4) 3

As much as I would love to put the team above them in this spot, the Panthers have more than earned the #32 ranking this week. They just fired their head coach and have an even worse coach as their interim HC. They have the worst offense in the league and will now be starting a 3rd string QB for the next several weeks. All of their players that are worth a semblance of a damn are now on the trade block. They are seemingly on the fast track to the #1 pick. I think they could get comfortable down here for a while. Buckle up, Carolina fans. It’s going to be a rough ride for the rest of 2022.

All stats taken from ESPN.

Week 5 Picks

A month of football is in the books, and things have been as unpredictable as ever. Very little is separating most teams in the league, and that’s showing in how mediocre my picks have been. Let’s try to do better this week.

Cover photo taken from Tom’s Guide.

A month of football is in the books, and things have been as unpredictable as ever. Very little is separating most teams in the league, and that’s showing in how mediocre my picks have been. I had another run-of-the-mill outing in Week 4, going 9-7 to bring my season total to 33-30-1. Any and all improvement is a good thing. Let’s try to do better this week.

Broncos 20-13 Colts

Thursday, 8:15 PM EST, Prime Video

This is about as awful of a Thursday nighter as we could ask for. It’s made even worse by Jonathan Taylor being out for Indianapolis. Not like he’s doing anything productive this season anyways. The Broncos will also be without their star RB as they’ve lost Javonte Williams for the season with a knee injury, but I feel far more comfortable picking them thanks to their superior roster across the board. For all the woes of their offense, the other side of the ball has been fairly solid all year. It certainly helps to have one of the best homefield advantages going your way as well.

Packers 26-14 Giants

Sunday, 9:30 AM EST, NFL Network

Imagine telling someone a month ago that both of these teams would come into this game with the same record. Despite that being the case, we all know how much better the Packers are. The Giants may be 3-1, but that record holds no weight at all. They are in for a rude awakening in London. It doesn’t help that they might have to rely on a third-string QB with Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor nursing injuries. Against a defense as elite as Green Bay’s that spells disaster. This could be ugly.

Bills 28-17 Steelers

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, CBS

While I understand the sentiment behind Vegas making the Bills a two-touchdown favorite, it’s a little too hard to see it coming to fruition. This isn’t college football, after all. I do think this should still be a resounding win for Buffalo. It remains to be seen what Kenny Pickett can do for Pittsburgh, but I think the team will play with a higher energy level in his first start. Going up against a defense like Buffalo’s will be tough for him, but I think they can put up some points. For that reason, they should at least cover a 14-point spread. But their defense still can’t stop a nosebleed, and the Bills should tear them apart.

Browns 23-20 Chargers

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, CBS

How the Browns are an underdog at home against a team as thin as the Chargers are is quite confusing to me. Yes, they threw the game away last week and they didn’t put together their best game on either side of the ball. But the Chargers nearly blew a three-possession lead against the worst team in the league and didn’t look all too convincing either. Now, they have to come out east and play a very solid Cleveland team. I just don’t see them winning with the current state of their roster. The Browns should be able to bounce back and put together a more complete performance to notch a huge win at home.

Vikings 26-10 Bears

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, FOX

No need to overthink this one. The Vikings have had three weeks of wacky, tough games against solid teams. This is a tune-up that they desperately need. Their defense will finally look like they did in Week 1 thanks to playing the worst offense in football, and their offense will likely explode with some big numbers. Divisional games definitely tend to be close, but I just don’t see a world where this one is.

Lions 24-21 Patriots

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, FOX

I have absolutely no idea what’s going on with the Patriots at QB, and I don’t think anyone else does either. That makes it damn near impossible to pick them in this game. The Lions also boast the NFL’s best offense, although Amon-Ra St. Brown and D’Andre Swift will likely still be out. But, Jamaal Williams is as good of a RB2 as you could ask for, and the rest of the pass-catchers are more than capable, as we saw last week. The Patriots hung tough against the Packers, but this one just feels different, especially with the uncertainty at QB. Another close loss seems imminent.

Saints 23-17 Seahawks

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, FOX

The Seahawks have been playing better than the Saints as of late, but going into the Superdome and winning is an extremely tall task. The health of key New Orleans players is still in question, but last week showed us that their depth isn’t too big of an issue. Chris Olave has been great in the absence of Michael Thomas and Andy Dalton isn’t the worst backup in the world. This team has had some rotten luck as of late and needs a big home win like this to get their season back on track. Not many people have been able to stop Geno Smith and the Seattle offense (what a sentence), but I think the Saints can get it done.

Dolphins 22-14 Jets

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, CBS

The Dolphins could be starting literally anyone at the QB in this game and they’d still win with ease. I will admit that the Jets are playing solid football right now, but this is their toughest test of the season thus far. I fail to see the possibility that they’re able to slow down Miami’s offense or move the ball on their defense. Zach Wilson looked solid in his return, but not good enough to inspire confidence in him taking down a defense like this. I like Teddy Bridgewater and his electric WRs to cut through the New York secondary all game long for a nice bounce-back win.

Buccaneers 30-17 Falcons

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, FOX

Like so many other teams I’ve mentioned, the Falcons are playing solid football right now, but this is just way too talk of a task for them. They won last week with Marcus Mariota completing just seven passes all game long. That is not going to fly against a team like the Buccaneers who are absolutely seething after their primetime embarrassment on Sunday night. I think they’re going to bounce back in a huge way and blow their division rival out of the water. Even with Tom Brady dealing with some injuries on his throwing arm, the Bucs should be just fine. They will dominate on both sides of the ball no matter what.

Titans 23-16 Commanders

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, CBS

Believe it or not, I was pretty close to picking us here. I don’t know why, but this just feels like one of those games we win to get the fans back into the season before going on a 10-game losing streak. I just couldn’t talk myself into actually picking it. All I had to do was picture the Titans defensive front against Washington’s thin, porous offensive line and Derrick Henry running against our defense to be assured that Tennessee is going to win this game. They’ve been slowly but surely playing better football. The Commanders are going in the complete opposite direction, and this should be another awful loss that could hopefully bring some change.

Jaguars 28-16 Texans

Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, CBS

Like I said the other day, if the Jaguars were playing in clear weather on Sunday, they probably could have won. Alas, they suffered a bitter loss, and now get to take it out on the measly Texans. Good for them. This one should be a blowout from start to finish, and the Jags offense should put up huge numbers. The defense is also going to look a lot better when they’re not facing the best rushing team in the NFL in a monsoon. This is as perfect of a scenario for a bounce-back win as you could ask for.

49ers 24-10 Panthers

Sunday, 4:05 PM EST, CBS

The Panthers are spiraling out of control and are one of the worst teams in the sport that will likely fire their head coach Matt Rhule in the coming weeks. Maybe it’ll be after this blowout loss at the hands of the 49ers. San Francisco is riding the high of their huge primetime win against the Rams last week and are playing with an extreme level of confidence, especially defensively. This is the #1 total and scoring defense in the league that’s absolutely suffocating everyone they play. It doesn’t take much to suffocate Baker Mayfield and the Carolina offense. The Niners offense won’t have to do too much against an admittedly solid Panthers defense to win this one with ease.

Cowboys 20-17 Rams

Sunday, 4:25 PM EST, FOX

That’s right, I’m rolling with Cooper Rush yet again. The Cowboys just give me way more to like than the Rams do, and that has been on display for several weeks now. Dallas’ offense has been more than competent with Rush at QB, and their defense is playing some of the best football of any other team in the league right now, giving up the 3rd fewest points in the league. The Rams offense has looked dreadful all year long, and I definitely see that continuing against a very good defense. Their offensive line has been the worst in the league, and the Cowboys defensive front will feast all game long. It will be far too much to overcome, so all Dallas has to do offensively is put up enough points, and they’ll be just fine.

Cardinals 27-24 Eagles

Sunday, 4:25 PM EST, FOX

I know what you’re thinking. What on Earth is the merit to picking an upset like this? And honestly, I don’t really know. It’s just my gut feeling. Every Cardinals-Eagles game is guaranteed to be wacky and wild, and I see this one falling right in line with its predecessors. I think the Cardinals are playing much better in recent weeks and shouldn’t be written off at home despite the quality of their opponent. If there’s any QB that can give the Eagles great defense fits, it has to be Kyler Murray with his mobility. Arizona’s offense has been pretty solid even without DeAndre Hopkins, and their defense has been making tons of plays this season. Combine all of that with the fact that this season has already seen a ton of parity and I just think this game has all the makings of an upset. Obviously the Eagles are the far better team on both sides of the ball, but anything can happen on any given Sunday in this league.

Ravens 23-20 Bengals

Sunday, 8:20 PM EST, NBC

It may not seem like it, but this game is actually one of the biggest of the year thus far. Both of these teams sit at 2-2 with two pretty inexcusable losses, the winner goes to 3-2 and sits atop the division, and the loser goes to 2-3 with a steep climb back up. A lot is at stake here. It’s really hard to pick against the Ravens and Lamar Jackson at home where they’ve been so great in primetime. This is a team that has trailed for all of 14 seconds all season long. I think the Bengals are playing much better after their 0-2 start, but this may be too tough of an environment for them to win in. I think their offense will put up plenty of numbers, but so will Baltimore’s. I think they walk this one off at the buzzer to atone for last week and get a much-needed return to the win column. w

Chiefs 27-17 Raiders

Monday, 8:15 PM EST, ESPN

The Chiefs are arguably the NFL’s best team and put the league back on notice with last week’s huge win on Sunday night in Tampa. Now, they come back home for another primetime clash against a Raiders team that only just got their first win. So, I think we know how this one is going to go. I do think Vegas will put up a good fight in this one, as they seemingly always do against Kansas City. It’s a divisional game on primetime, so I think a blowout seems a bit far-fetched. But the Chiefs should be able to keep things under control for the majority of the game and win comfortably. Their offense will obviously be flashy, but look for their defense to make some huge plays to shut down the Raiders offense and shut things down late in the game.

All stats taken from ESPN.

Post-Week 5 Power Rankings

Through just over a quarter of the 2021 NFL season, things are only getting crazier. Let’s see how the league stacks up after another wild weekend.

Josh Allen and the Bills put on a masterful performance in a rainy primetime game against the Chiefs on Sunday night to leap to the top spot in the Power Rankings. (h/t James P. McCoy, Buffalo News)

Note: Sorry for not getting out yesterday’s Week in Review. I fell really sick after going on a trip and had no energy or will to finish it. Again, I’m sorry, and I’ll try and stay healthy enough in the future to keep pumping these out. I’ll get a bit more in depth today to try and compensate for that.

The 2021 season is now just over a quarter of the way done, and if we’ve learned anything so far, it’s that nothing is set in stone. So many teams are still doing all sorts of things, good and bad, that make this job just as difficult as ever. There has been plenty of shuffling through five weeks, and I assure you, we are nowhere close to that being over. Let’s stack up the teams 1-32 after another riveting weekend of football:

1 – Bills (4-1) 1

There is no team that even comes close to the hellishly hot streak the Bills are currently on. I’ll recognize that beating the Chiefs doesn’t mean what it once did, but the way they did it is still remarkably impressive. That was seemingly never even a game. They had whatever they wanted, especially through the air, with Josh Allen throwing for 315 yards and 3 TDs on just 15 completions. Allen is now the odds-on MVP favorite, and the Bills have the 2nd best odds to win it all behind the Bucs. Again, as I said before the season, this schedule is disgustingly easy, and the hardest part of it is now behind Buffalo. I really don’t see them wavering from this top spot at all this season.

2 – Cardinals (5-0) 1

This one spot drop isn’t Arizona’s fault. They are still the NFL’s lone undefeated team, and are still playing very good football. The Bills just happen to be even hotter right now. Also, I wasn’t expecting the Cardinals’ offense to be so stifled against the Niners on Sunday, but that is a very solid defensive unit, so they get a pass. Kyler and co. still did what they had to do to come out with a win, and I still don’t have many doubts about this team. They have one of their toughest tests this week against Cleveland, and I’m very excited to see how they handle that. It will continue to clear up any and all questions that may exist with this team.

3 – Rams (4-1)

LA was essentially gift-wrapped a victory on Thursday night thanks to the injury sustained by Russell Wilson, but still, the Rams played a very solid game from start to finish. It was essentially exactly what I expected to see out of them. Matthew Stafford was very solid, they were able to run the ball effectively, and their defense slammed the door shut on the hobbling Seahawks. Everyone seems to have forgotten how good this team is, or lost their infatuation with them, but it’s important to keep things into perspective. It’s a long season, and this is still one of football’s best teams. Let’s keep overreactions to a minimum, please.

4 – Buccaneers (4-1)

Sunday’s blowout was exactly what the Buccaneers imagined themselves being this season. It just took them a while to realize it. Tom Brady continues to be magnificent as he threw for 411 yards and 5 touchdowns without even breaking a sweat. The GOAT now leads the NFL in passing yards and is 2nd in TDs, and every passing week, he makes it look more and more effortless. The defense is also continuing to show signs of improvement, despite being very beat up, but they’re also playing some pretty poor offenses, so I’m taking that with a grain of salt. In any case, this offense is simply too talented, and that will be enough to carry them to plenty of wins while the other side of the ball gets back healthy.

5 – Chargers (4-1)

What else do the Chargers have left to prove this season? They can win close games. They can win barnburners. They can win defensive battles. They can come back and win. They can beat you through the air. They can beat you on the ground. They can beat you with their defense. They’re as aggressive as anyone and it almost always pays off. They have everything going perfectly. The one problem they have is kicking, but this is the Chargers. That will always be an issue. Justin Herbert is playing like a true MVP, Austin Ekeler is the definition of a bowling ball out of the backfield, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are establishing themselves as perhaps the best WR duo in football, and while their defense got gashed last week, it’s still a very talented unit that likely won’t play that poor again. This team is just so damn stacked, and if the season was ending today, I’d probably pick them to win the AFC. I’m praying they can keep it up.

6 – Cowboys (4-1) 1

Dallas continues to dazzle on a weekly basis. Everything that has made this team so great through about a quarter of the season continues to be on full display every single week. The offense is just so talented and balanced, as both the passing and rushing attacks are as lethal as any in football. The defense is also showing up and showing out, especially in the secondary, as CB Trevon Diggs nabbed his 6th INT in 5 games on Sunday. Yes, this all happened against a bad Giants team that was without Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley within 2 quarters, but I feel like this would have happened anyways. I’d love to see this type of performance against a proper team, and I think it’s only a matter of time before that happens.

7 – Browns (3-2) 1

Offensively, the Browns looked as good as you possibly could in a loss. I mean that as literally as possible. Before Sunday, teams that scored over 40 points with no turnovers in a game were 443-0 in NFL history. Imagine being so good that you end a streak like that. I was honestly shocked with how bad Cleveland’s defense was, but I felt the same way about the Chargers defense. This was just an all-time shootout, and it doesn’t always go your way. The Browns probably should have left LA with a W, but some limitations are clearly still there that held them back from doing so. They just got too conservative in the end, and I think it’s a reflection of a lack of trust in Baker Mayfield. On the other side, the Chargers were going for every 4th down and Herbert was making every throw. I just don’t know if this team can go to the next level if they don’t trust their franchise QB to take them there, but at this point, I don’t even know if he has what it takes to do so.

8 – Packers (4-1) 2

Sunday’s game in Cincinnati was one of the funniest I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching, and the Packers just happened to win the coin toss orchestrated by the football gods to come out on top. After a sequence of 5 missed kicks in the last 3 minutes + OT, Mason Crosby finally split the uprights to win it for the Packers. You can say they deserved to lose, but the Bengals fumbled away just as many chances as Green Bay did. Even though they won, I’m not sure I liked what I saw out of the Packers. All of the problems I have with them are still apparent. They are still way, way too dependent on Davante Adams, who had a monster game with 206 yards and a TD on 11 catches, but he can’t be the only WR capable of making plays. Their defense also clearly felt the absence of Jaire Alexander, as they were ripped apart through the air. The schedule isn’t the easiest in the world, so the Packers better hope they become a more complete team before it’s time to take on the NFL’s elites.

9 – Ravens (4-1) 2

Special. Game-changing. Electric. We’re running out of words to describe Lamar Jackson. The star QB led a 19-point comeback on Monday night, and did so in incredible fashion, throwing for 442 yards and 3 touchdowns as well as two 2-point conversions on a record-breaking 86% completion, the highest EVER for a 400-yard game. Oh, and he also added 62 on the ground. #8 accounted for 504 of the team’s 523 yards of offense. That’s a stat that just doesn’t make sense. He now has more total yards than EIGHTEEN (18) TEAMS. It’s just historic and incredible to watch. What isn’t incredible to watch, however, is this defense. They’re the ones who dug the hole to begin with, and they laid a complete dud. They gave up 513 yards of offense, including 402 passing, and let the Colts march all the way down the field for what should have been the game-winning drive if they hadn’t missed a FG at the buzzer. Lamar is awesome, but he cannot carry the entire team on his back every game, especially to this extent. Baltimore is a few breaks away from being 1-4. They better hope they improve, especially defensively, and start winning games a lot more convincingly before I bump them up.

10 – Bengals (3-2) 5

I’m sure you have a lot of questions here. The Bengals in the top 10? Jumping up 5 spots for losing? Especially when they should have won? What’s going on here? Allow me to explain. This team is pretty dang good. And more than that, they’re as resilient as any team I’ve seen this season. Falling behind does not faze this team whatsoever, no matter what the deficit is. You can always count on them to be in it when time is winding down. It’s honestly a testament to Joe Burrow and his own resilience. He has vastly exceeded my expectations and has been very good this season. It helps that Jamarr Chase continues to be one of the standout receivers in football in just 5 games. Just ask yourself this: how would we be perceiving this team had Evan McPherson made one of the several kicks he missed late in this game? Cincy would be 4-1 with stars all across the offense and a defense that did enough to beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Yes, your special teams has to be good enough to secure victories, but this is a rookie who already had 2 game-winners this season. Let’s cut the kid some slack. I think this is still a very solid team that can definitely make a playoff push, and they’re certainly playing a lot better than many other “contenders” so far this season.

11 – 49ers (2-3) 1

Yes, this team has lost 3 straight games, but I really liked what I saw out of them on Sunday. Going on the road and relatively shutting down one of the best offenses in football is no small feat. If it wasn’t Trey Lance’s first start, there’s a good chance San Francisco could have won that game. And they still almost pulled it out. This team will be just fine no matter who is under center as long as their defense continues performing like that. If it has to be Lance for an extended period of time, he’ll just continue getting better with more and reps. If they have to go back to Jimmy G, they get a QB who knows the system better than anyone with a history of winning. This was also a very difficult stretch of the schedule, and while it’s still a tough one, it gets easier. I think this week’s bye will help them a lot moving forward.

12 – Chiefs (2-3) 3

This is just bad. Really, really bad. Not only was Kansas City’s defense embarrassed once again, but their offense put up possibly its worst performance in the Mahomes era. They continue to be extremely careless with the ball, and they could not get anything going whatsoever downfield. Defensively, this is the worst team in football. They are now last in points allowed and second to last in yards allowed, and they couldn’t stop a nosebleed if it was just one drop of blood. They are sorely missing Chris Jones up front, as they can’t generate even a semblance of a pass rush. Their offense isn’t doing them any favors either, as they’ve seemingly been figured out by opposing defenses. They cannot run the football at all, and losing Clyde Edwards-Helaire to injury doesn’t help that at all. Against competent defenses, they just aren’t nearly as lethal as they have been in recent memory. I don’t know what this team can do to get better, because I don’t know if they have what it takes. I still trust Patrick Mahomes more than almost anyone in football, but this defense is just unsalvageable.

13 – Vikings (2-3) 3

This jump is the result of several teams falling apart, but I still think the Vikings are pretty good. They should have lost on Sunday, somehow, but they pulled off the late victory and are still going to be competitive. Their schedule is absolutely brutal, so it’s good that they’re picking up wins where they can. In my opinion, the stories of this team have been the emergence of two unlikely contributors: the defense and Alexander Mattison. This is clearly a vastly improved defensive unit after last year’s disgracefully bad one, and it has been the key to them being in every game they’ve played so far. And Mattison has been the most productive RB on this team through 5 weeks, as he put up another great game in lieu of Dalvin Cook being injured on Sunday. This team is going to need all the help they can get moving forward, so getting that out of unlikely sources is going to be very important.

14 – Saints (3-2) 4

I told you I’d take things as they came with this team. Last week’s performance was a pretty damn good one, so they’re right back to where they were 2 weeks ago. Granted, it was against a rather embarrassing team, but they did what they had to do, and then some. New Orleans predictably sliced through a porous Washington defense, as Jameis Winston put on a very good performance through the air, and Alvin Kamara was back to his old ways of being one of the most lethal threats out of the backfield in football. I don’t know if this team will sustain this; in fact I doubt they will as they won’t face a defense this bad again this season. But, they’ve deserved this spot for this week.

15 – Broncos (3-2) 1

The Broncos were barely competitive on Sunday before a late comeback attempt, and the fault lies on both sides of the ball. Even with Teddy Bridgewater playing, this offense laid another dud. And for some reason, this defense has forgotten how to play football in the last 2 weeks. They made the Steelers look like a real offense, which is honestly impressive. I’m just not too sure what to make of this team after their last 2 losses. As the schedule gets tougher, things might get uglier in Denver.

16 – Raiders (3-2) 6

Ohhhhhhhhhh boy. Where do I begin? I was already going to punish this team for laying a complete stinker against a bad Bears team at home on Sunday, but I could never have envisioned what followed. HC Jon Gruden resigned on Monday night following the surfacing of old emails sent across the NFL containing an inexplicable amount of bigotry. Gruden was in his 4th year of a 10 year, $100 million deal, and luckily, the Raiders don’t have to worry about paying him that anymore. Now, Rich Bisaccia takes over as the interim head coach, and I have no idea what the trajectory of this team will be anymore. The next few weeks in Vegas are going to be bizarre, and I just can’t help but feel bad for them.

17 – Patriots (2-3) 2

I really don’t know how the Patriots struggled as much as they did on Sunday. Having to come back from 13 down against perhaps the worst team in football isn’t a great look. Moreover, the Texans were starting rookie QB Davis Mills, and Bill Belichick is notoriously dominant against rookie QBs. In any case, New England avoided the big-time embarrassment and are back on the right track. They aren’t without their concerns, especially after this week’s performance, but they also have plenty of positives to take away at the moment, mostly concerning Mac Jones and his performance as the starting QB thus far. But I just don’t think this team has what it takes to be great just yet.

18 – Panthers (3-2) 1

Before this season, I didn’t believe in this team at all. At 3-0, I didn’t believe in this team at all. And still, I don’t believe in this team at all. I hope everyone is off of one of the shortest-lived bandwagons in recent memory, as the Panthers are seemingly falling apart. I don’t care that Christian McCaffrey is out, there is no excuse to lose to the Eagles. None. Especially if you’re up by double digits on them. I mean come on. The offense isn’t nearly as productive, Sam Darnold is back to being the Sam Darnold of old, and this once-“elite” defense can’t even stop Jalen Hurts. Be honest with yourselves about Carolina. They’re not good.

19 – Seahawks (2-3) 6

This could quickly become the ugliest situation in the NFC. Without Russell Wilson, this team is nothing. Genuinely nothing. I’d be shocked if they win a single game while he’s out, outside of their gimme against Jacksonville. Russ jammed his finger in an unlucky manner on Thursday night, and will now be out 6-8 weeks. In his stead, Geno Smith will be quarterbacking the Seahawks, which doesn’t inspire confidence in anyone. This defense is also still terrible, and it’s not getting any better. Russ was the only thing keeping this mess together, and without him, it is going to fall apart fast. What a mess.

20 – Titans (3-2) 1

I’m not giving this team any flowers for beating up on the Jaguars. I still haven’t forgotten that loss to the Jets. Still, I’ll give the Titans credit for putting on a good show on Sunday. Derrick Henry continues to be an incredible force and must-see TV. I still don’t believe in this defense very much, as they were honestly struggling for a bit. But, I don’t believe in much of this team. No flowers for you.

21 – Bears (3-2) 3

Chicago is now 2-0 in Justin Fields’ starts. The numbers don’t lie! The real star of the show on Sunday was the defense, which locked up a potent Raiders passing offense. Fields still did his thing, and the run game also surprisingly contributed, even without David Montgomery. It’s a good formula that can clearly work against good teams, but I’d really like to see more out of this passing game before I put more faith in the Bears. Still, I’m loving what I’m seeing out of Fields and still very confident in his ability to lead this team to more victories.

22 – Steelers (2-3)

Against all odds, the Steelers looked like a real offense on Sunday. They were getting it done all across the board, and for the first time in seemingly forever, they finally got the run game going. Najee Harris won for 122 yards and a touchdown on 23 yards, and the team amassed almost 400 total yards of offense. This was against a Broncos D that has been pretty solid so far this season, so I was honestly impressed. That being said, I need to see this more consistently before bumping Pittsburgh up. We’ll see whether or not they’re capable of doing so.

23 – Colts (1-4)

Man. That was one of the more rough blown leads and losses I’ve seen in a long time in this league. The Colts were nothing short of fantastic on both sides of the ball through 3+ quarters on Monday night, as they were dominating on offense and suffocating the Ravens defensively. Even after blowing the lead and finding themselves in a tie game, they missed a FG at the buzzer to send the game to OT, where they didn’t even possess the ball en route to the loss. It’s just a shame. After putting up over 500 yards of offense with Carson Wentz throwing for over 400 and getting another fantastic performance from Jonathan Taylor, Indy has nothing to show for it. Now, they sit at 1-4 with seemingly no upward trajectory. I just feel really sorry for them.

24 – Washington (2-3) 4

What can I say about this team at this point? Everything I’ve said that is wrong with this team is still as prevalent as ever. They refuse to show up against any teams worth a damn, and the defense is still abhorrent at best. This is the second worst scoring defense in the league, giving up 31 PPG, and they aren’t showing any signs of getting better. They can’t generate any pressure, and they couldn’t cover a receiving core of people in wheelchairs. The Taylor Heinicke experience is also continuing to be a rollercoaster, as every other week he looks like the XFL QB he once was. I’m just sick of this team being inconsistent at best and one of the worst teams in football at worst. If they don’t want to care, then why should I?

25 – Eagles (2-3) 2

I’ll give Philly credit: they’ve shown plenty of promise in spurts this season. Sunday’s comeback victory was a realization of that potential that I know they have, especially offensively. I truly believe that the Eagles have some of the best young talent in football, and I honestly enjoy seeing performances like this that help back that claim up. This defense still isn’t without its issues, but they stepped up when they needed to on Sunday to secure the win. Good for the Birds.

26 – Falcons (2-3) 2

Congrats on beating the Jets, I guess? It was a bit closer than it needed to be at the end in London, but the Falcons looked good enough throughout the game, especially on offense. It was the coming out party for Kyle Pitts, who had 119 yards and a touchdown on 9 catches. I’ve been waiting for him to emerge as a real threat in this offense, and while I recognize that he was playing the Jets, I’m hoping he can keep this up. It will help make this team more watchable.

27 – Giants (1-4) 2

How can you not feel bad for this team? After a beautiful performance in NOLA led by Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, both pivotal members of the offense suffered seemingly serious injuries on Sunday in Dallas. Jones got dinged up on a run on the goal line which knocked him out of the game, although he could return as soon as this week if he clears concussion protocol. Barkley, however, rolled his ankle on a freak incident after a play and had to be carted off. He could be out long term, which is just awful to see, especially seeing how he was finally returning to form after last year’s ACL injury. There was already not much going for New York, and now it’s only getting worse. The only bright spot is the emergence of rookie WR Kadarius Toney, who had a monster game with 189 yards receiving, but it’s still just a sad time for this team. I just feel horrible for the Giants.

28 – Dolphins (1-4) 2

Yeesh. This team is all sorts of disgusting. Jacoby Brissett has seemingly lost the ability to look like an NFL QB, and this defense is somehow getting worse. What was supposed to be the saving grace of this team is now its weakest spot. I don’t understand how this is happening, but it’s just an ugly sight. There is no saving the Dolphins in 2021.

29 – Lions (0-5)

Man. This is sad. Once again, the Lions had a hard-earned victory snatched right from them in unfortunate fashion, as another long-distance FG at the buzzer sent them to their 5th straight loss. That came after a big-time turnover to get the ball back, score a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to take the lead with barely any time left. The defense just still couldn’t get the job done, giving up enough yardage to set up a game-winning kick. I’m not even surprised that HC Dan Campbell was in tears after the game. I would be too.

30 – Texans (1-4) 1

Look at the Texans being competitive again. How scrappy of them. Houston almost pulled off the upset of the week, but they remembered that they were tanking, so they blew a double digit lead to ensure they didn’t commit the heinous act of winning a game. Sunday was honestly best case scenario for this team. They looked solid and still lost the game. They should see that as an absolute win.

31 – Jets (1-4) 1

You know, at least the Jets were somewhat competitive on Sunday in London. I still think it’s disrespectful that we subjected our friends across the pond to watching this joke of a team, but it could have been worse. Zach Wilson was still an errant turnover waiting to happen, but they made things interesting at the end, and that’s all we could have asked for.

32 – Jaguars (0-5)

Bad bad bad. Still oh so bad. Not getting any better. There’s nothing I can say about this team. They’re just as much of a mess as they were a week ago, if not more of one. At least Urban Meyer didn’t get caught getting twerked on this week! I call that a big-time improvement.

All stats taken from ESPN.