NFL teams around the league have begun taking their bye weeks as the race for the postseason gets more competitive, but how do these teams hold up against their peers who played in Week 5?
The Dallas Express NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 6 have officially arrived. See how your team stacks up below:
1. Kansas City Chiefs (Previous Ranking: 1)
No surprises as the Chiefs remain at the top overall spot in the Week 5 power rankings. Despite the numerous injuries to the Chiefs’ offense, this team continues to win meaningful games against good teams. Kansas City’s defense will likely keep them in every game this season and should help support the offense as it continues to get healthier as the season progresses.
2. Baltimore Ravens (Previous Ranking: 2)
Baltimore is still second in the Week 6 Power Rankings after their close win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore has one of the best quarterbacks and one of the best running backs in the league paired with a defense that remains stout under John Harbaugh. Although the Ravens nearly gave the game away in overtime, they still came out on top and showed why they can never be counted out of any game.
3. Minnesota Vikings (Previous Ranking: 3)
An overseas game against a competitive New York Jets team would have been a completely understandable letdown after the Vikings’ 4-0 start to the season, but this team just continues to pick up wins and is now 5-0 on the year. Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores have outperformed every coaching staff they have faced this season and have shown no signs that they will slow down. There are still major concerns about whether Sam Darnold can lead a team deep in the playoffs, but the rest of this roster and coaching staff are ready to go.
4. Detroit Lions (Previous Ranking: 4)
The Lions had a bye in Week 5 and remain the fourth-highest team in the power rankings. Detroit has multiple impressive wins to start the season and is still one of the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Detroit will continue to bully teams in the run game and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will build the passing game from these looks, which is something the Lions have been doing for the past three seasons. The Lions can beat anyone in the NFL and will have the biggest test of their season in the upcoming matchup against the Vikings in Week 6.
5. Houston Texans (Previous Ranking: 6)
C.J. Stroud and the Texans have looked more impressive in every game this season, which is a trend that will likely continue for much of the year as they build more chemistry. The Texans’ offense slowed down after Nico Collins left the game with a hamstring injury, but adding both Collins and running back Joe Mixon back into the offense should give them an even bigger boost in the future. After defeating the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, the Texans should be recognized as one of the biggest threats to the Chiefs in the AFC.
6. San Francisco 49ers (Previous Ranking: 5)
Injuries have played a major role in the 49ers’ slow descent on the power rankings, as the team has now fallen to 2-3 after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Divisional games are never easy due to the familiarity of opponents but the 49ers had multiple opportunities to close out the Cardinals at home. San Francisco has been without running back Christian McCaffrey all season, along with multiple other key starters, and could now be looking for a new kicker after Jake Moody suffered an ankle injury in the loss. With an important divisional game against the Seattle Seahawks looming in Week 6, the 49ers need to come away with a win to keep their season on the right track.
7. Green Bay Packers (Previous Ranking: 9)
The Packers are one of the strangest teams in the NFL because every offensive drive is seemingly perfect or a disaster and there is no option in the middle. Green Bay can beat any team in the NFL when they are playing at their best, but this team could also lose to a lot of teams when they are playing poorly. This roster is still the youngest in the NFL and will likely experience each of these performances at some point this season, but the key for them is to be playing at their best by the time the postseason begins.
8. Washington Commanders (Previous Ranking: 10)
The Washington Commanders have found their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels, who dominated the Cleveland Browns 34-13 as this offense continues to impress. Daniels’ emergence elevated this offense higher than it ever reached last season and has helped the Commanders claim the top spot in the NFC East division with a record of 4-1. The defense has been better than expected and the offensive line looks much better than it did during the 2023 season. Washington will have their biggest test of the season in Week 6 against the Ravens, but there has been no indication that this team cannot travel to Baltimore and win on the road.
9. Buffalo Bills (Previous Ranking: 7)
Buffalo has one of the highest ceilings in the league due to Josh Allen’s abilities, but there are still various holes on the roster that other teams will attempt to take advantage of. One of the biggest weaknesses of this team might be the coaching. Head Coach Sean McDermott struggled to manage the clock in Week 5 and allowed the Texans to get back into range for the game-winning field goal. Concerns about the coaching staff and the lack of reliable pass catchers will loom over the Bills all season as they look to re-establish themselves as one of the AFC favorites.
10. Atlanta Falcons (Previous Ranking: 13)
The Falcons have reached the Top 10 of The Dallas Express Power Rankings for the first time this season and they look poised to stay. After defeating division rival Tampa Bay in Week 5, the Falcons have moved into first place in the NFC South division with a divisional record of 2-0. The Falcons’ offense looked explosive against the Buccaneers and Kirk Cousins has looked better in every game since his return from a torn Achilles. Continued growth from the defense and more chemistry on offense will keep Atlanta winning games.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous Ranking: 8)
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers could have easily won their Week 5 matchup against the Falcons if they had won the coin toss at the start of overtime. However, the Falcons started with the ball and put the game away before even giving Tampa Bay a chance. Both the offense and defense have shown to be explosive at times during the season, and Tampa Bay will have to put each on display during a tough upcoming stretch of games. The Buccaneers have the ability to win the division and guarantee themselves a home playoff game, but the biggest key will be their consistency on both sides of the ball.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (Previous Ranking: 11)
This bye week could not have come at a better time for the Eagles as they attempt to recover from various injuries to offensive skill positions. Both A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith are expected to return to the field for Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns as the Eagles will now try to bounce back from a slow start. With winnable games coming up against the Browns and Giants, this offense will have an opportunity to get back to form before the Eagles’ difficult portion of the season begins.
13. Dallas Cowboys (Previous Ranking: 12)
Injuries have destroyed the Cowboys to start this season but Dak Prescott still led Dallas to a win on Sunday over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dallas is in a similar situation to the 49ers, as both teams are looking to stay afloat until they can plug key starters back into the lineup. Although the Dallas rushing attack has been one of the worst in the league, Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have helped the team score enough points to go 3-2 to start the year. The Cowboys will have to take on the Lions in Week 6 without multiple starters on both sides of the ball, but they will then look to get healthier during their Week 7 Bye.
14. New Orleans Saints (Previous Ranking: 14)
No team should ever be too upset about losing to the back-to-back Super Bowl champions, which is why the Saints remained at the same spot in the rankings this week. This Saints offense is still incredibly explosive and the defense has shown that they can slow down nearly every quarterback in the league. New Orleans will compete for the NFC South division title all season and will be in contention for a playoff sport at the end of the year.
15. New York Jets (Previous Ranking: 15)
Traveling to London to take on one of the best teams in the NFL is a difficult task and the Jets are not being penalized too heavily for the loss to the Vikings. However, real concerns about the Jets’ offense arose during this game. New York’s offensive line seemed unable to stop the Vikings’ defense from creating pressures and the lack of impactful pass catchers on this team could keep the Jets from reaching their ceiling. The Jets are also now without a head coach after they opted to part ways with Robert Saleh on Tuesday morning, which will bring even more uncertainty into the franchise.
16. Chicago Bears (Previous Ranking: 22)
The Bears’ offense finally clicked in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have one of the worst defenses in the entire league, but it was still a good sign that the Bears were able to have their best offensive showing of the season. Caleb Williams will presumably continue to improve as the season continues, but Chicago will have to prove more as they move into the more difficult portion of their schedule.
17. Arizona Cardinals (Previous Ranking: 24)
The Cardinals feature some of the most explosive offensive weapons in the NFL with Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and James Conner leading the team. This high-scoring offense should keep the Cardinals in games throughout the year, but there is not much of a path to sustainable success in this model. Stringing together wins early in the season could help the Cardinals make a playoff push by winning the NFC West, but they should not be considered the favorites to come out of that division.
18. Denver Broncos (Previous Ranking: 23)
After starting the season 0-2, the Broncos have won three straight games and are now second place in the AFC West division. Patrick Surtain II and the Broncos’ defense has been incredibly impressive this season, allowing only 13.2 points per game and collecting eight total turnovers. Offensively, rookie quarterback Bo Nix has gotten more comfortable and avoided turnovers. Although the Broncos are unlikely to make a run to deep in the playoffs, the complementary football being played could help them compete for a spot in the postseason.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (Previous Ranking: 18)
The Bengals are now just 1-4 on the season and the playoffs look even more unlikely as the season continues, which is a situation that the Bengals could have easily avoided if they avoided mistakes to begin the year. Cincinnati matches the skill level of whatever opponent they are playing on a weekly basis, highlighted by the Bengals playing close games against the New England Patriots, Chiefs, and Ravens. Picking up a win in just one of these games would have made the Bengals’ situation much more manageable, but a 1-4 start to the season may already be too much to overcome. The Bengals have one of the easiest schedules left this season but they must begin stacking wins before it is too late for a playoff push.
20. Seattle Seahawks (Previous Ranking: 16)
Seattle has had multiple chances to take complete control of the NFC West division over the past two weeks, but they now sit at just 3-2 and will have to beat the 49ers in Week 6 to be in full control of the division. Injuries on the defensive side of the ball have played a role in the Seahawks’ back-to-back losses, but Seattle’s offense should also be able to score more than 20 points against the New York Giants. The Seahawks could still seize control of the division, but the path to success is much harder after losing to one of the worst teams in the league.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previous Ranking: 17)
The Steelers have now lost two games in a row against teams that are dealing with significant injuries on both sides of the ball. Pittsburgh might have the best defense in the league but Justin Fields and the offense have been unable to score consistently all season. The Steelers’ defense has allowed just 14.6 points per game to opponents, but the offense has also only scored an average of 18.4 points per game. These offensive issues included the team putting up just 17 points against a depleted Cowboys team in Week 5. Teams that are able to put up points early against the Steelers should feel good about their chances since the offense cannot move the ball upfield without relying on explosive plays.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (Previous Ranking: 21)
The Chargers are another team that will benefit heavily from an early bye since it bought them time to recover from injuries and regroup following two straight losses. Justin Herbert’s health will play a major factor in whether the Chargers are competitive this season, but the formula for success will be the same regardless of who is playing quarterback. Jim Harbaugh firmly believes in playing through the run game, which should help the Chargers stay in games all season despite having less talent than many of their opponents.
23. Los Angeles Rams (Previous Ranking: 19)
The Rams can never be counted out of a game when Sean McVay is coaching and Matthew Stafford is healthy, but they have now fallen to 1-4 and will still be without multiple starters for the foreseeable future. While the Rams could still put together a few wins to put them back into the playoff hunt, their upcoming schedule features the Vikings, Seahawks, and a potentially healthy Miami Dolphins team in three of the next four weeks. Los Angeles should be competitive all season and could be a spoiler by the end of the year, but the injury bug may have already cost them their season less than halfway through the year.
24. Indianapolis Colts (Previous Ranking: 20)
Indianapolis is another team that plays to the level of their competition, which has helped them avoid being blown out despite Joe Flacco stepping in at quarterback for an injured Anthony Richardson. The Colts’ biggest hole is on the defensive line, as the team has had to compensate with different defensive play calls to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The return of Richardson into the lineup could give the Colts a boost, but only if he can be consistent with his accuracy in the short and middle portions of the field.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Ranking: 31)
Jacksonville finally got a win and only needed a game-winning field goal from 49 yards to get it done. The Jaguars are now 1-4 and are tied for the worst record in the league, meaning their season is likely already coming to a close unless they put together a long winning streak. While the Jaguars do not have an incredibly difficult stretch of upcoming games, the slow start has likely already ended their season.
26. Tennessee Titans (Previous Ranking: 26)
The Titans’ Week 5 bye should be beneficial for the offense as it attempts to work through early-season issues. Tennessee does not have a single position on offense that is near the top of the league, but nearly every position sits somewhere in the middle, outside of quarterback. Will Levis has looked uncomfortable and nervous when on the field, resulting in crucial turnovers that have lost the Titans multiple games. Although Tennessee has a solid defense, this team will not be competitive in many games this season.
27. Cleveland Browns (Previous Ranking: 25)
Cleveland’s offense looks broken. There is not much more to say about a team that has yet to score 20 points in a single game this season. Although the defense has not looked as impressive as it has in previous seasons, it is still one of the better units in the league and has held opponents to 21 points or less in three of five games. Deshaun Watson has one of the largest contracts in NFL history, and he likely would have been replaced if his contract was not fully guaranteed.
28. New York Giants (Previous Ranking: 30)
Beating the Seahawks without Malik Nabers could end up being the highlight of the Giants’ season. There are moments when Daniel Jones looks lost in the pocket and there could be a change at quarterback at some point this season. The return of Nabers from his concussion should provide a spark for this team, but there is still little belief that they will be competing for the playoffs by the end of the year
29. Miami Dolphins (Previous Ranking: 27)
Miami desperately needs Tua Tagovailoa to return from his concussion. The offense looks completely lost without Tagovailoa on the field and the defense is not good enough to keep the Dolphins competitive in low-scoring games. This Dolphins team would be ranked in the upper half of the league if Tagovailoa were healthy, but his extended absence has exposed some of the team’s weaknesses. Miami is moving down in the power rankings despite the win because the New England Patriots are one of the worst teams in the league and the Dolphins should not need an overturned call in the final seconds to win.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (Previous Ranking: 28)
Nothing has gone right for the Raiders over the past week. Wide receiver Davante Adams informed the team of his desire to be traded and the Raiders proceeded to get blown out on Sunday against the Broncos. Las Vegas has a plethora of talented players on the roster, but poor performances by the quarterback and coaching staff will haunt this team all season.
31. Carolina Panthers (Previous Ranking: 29)
After defeating the Raiders and competing with the Bengals over the past two weeks, the Panthers came back down to earth in their 36-10 loss to the Bears. Neither the offense nor the defense were productive in this game and there is little to be excited about for the rest of the season. The Panthers’ front office should already be evaluating potential draft selections as they have almost no chance to make the playoffs and are a candidate to finish with the worst overall record.
32. New England Patriots (Previous Ranking: 32)
The Patriots nearly won against the Dolphins in Week 5 but rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk could not get his feet down for the touchdown, putting New England at 1-4 on the season. While the Patriots defense has looked impressive, the offense has had major issues to begin the year. The offensive line is one of the worst in the league and running back Rhamondre Stevenson is the only skill position player who makes a consistent impact. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye is now expected to begin taking a more prominent role in the offense, but he may have serious issues with his productivity due to the personnel around him.
