NFL Power Rankings Week 6: Updated 2014 Analysis Before Thursday Night Football

After five weeks of NFL action, we are still waiting on many inconsistent teams to show us who they really are.

The Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals went down, giving every team in the league at least one loss heading into Week 6. This shows that the league remains wide open for squads to move up into the list of top contenders for the rest of the season.

However, the big question at this point is how to treat the teams in the middle. A number of organizations keep pairing impressive wins with terrible losses, which makes it tough to predict what will happen one week to another.

The easiest way to break them down is to continue putting everyone into tiers to truly evaluate how each team rates against one another in the latest power rankings.

Looking at the 2015 Draft

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-5)

While the Jaguars did show signs of life this week, especially on defense, they still could not beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and fell to 0-5 on the year. They have now been outscored by 102 points this season, almost twice as much as the next worst team.

Blake Bortles will get a long leash to show what he can do, but that is about all the team has to look forward to this season.

31. Oakland Raiders (0-4)

Week 6 represents the start of the Tony Sparano era in Oakland, and the team is hoping things go better than it did with Dennis Allen. Unfortunately, the roster is the same, and there is simply not enough talent to compete at this level.

It is up to Derek Carr to pick up his game and carry the squad to success, something that is difficult to imagine at this point. 

30. Tennessee Titans (1-4)

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The Titans built up a 25-point lead against the Cleveland Browns, almost just to show that they could. Of course, they still could not hold on for the win, as they have lost four games in a row.

There is a chance for redemption with a home game against Jacksonville in Week 6, but a loss could represent a fork in the season.

On the plus side, the squad appears intent on looking toward the future with rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger, according to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports:

Based on what Tennessee has shown this year, next season might be all that matters.

29. New York Jets (1-4)

The Jets had done a good job of keeping games close before falling just short. That was until this past week, where they were never in contention with the San Diego Chargers in a 31-0 loss.

While both Geno Smith and Michael Vick had their chances, the offense managed just 2.8 yards per play in the shutout. There are still some positives on the team, but wins could be tough to come by with this level of production. 

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4)

While the Buccaneers might still like Josh McCown, Mike Glennon is doing just enough to extend his audition as the future quarterback of this team. He currently ranks seventh in the NFL in Total QBR and is once again linking up with his best target in Vincent Jackson.

Unfortunately, the defense has not done its part, and this will continue to lead to more losses throughout the year. 

27. St. Louis Rams (1-3)

We all thought the Rams would be held back by quarterback play this season once Sam Bradford went down, but Austin Davis did his part in the last game with 375 passing yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

When an undrafted free agent is putting up these numbers and the team still loses, it is a sign the season is just not meant to be successful. 

26. Washington Redskins (1-4)

The biggest story throughout the season for Washington (aside from the name controversy) is whether Kirk Cousins or Robert Griffin III is a better quarterback for this team. However, it does not matter much with a defense that ranks 26th in the league in points allowed per game.

Add this to the recent struggles running the football—which used to be a strength on this squad—and the Redskins are likely to keep losing regardless of who is under center. 

Can Still Turn Things Around

25. Miami Dolphins (2-2)

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The AFC East looked terrible as the Dolphins went into the bye, but impressive wins by the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills make this division much more competitive than we thought.

Still, Miami remains in this group of struggling teams with the talent to turn things around in 2014.

A big test comes this weekend with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers. James Walker of ESPN.com notes the Dolphins have a big advantage in one area they can exploit:

While Ryan Tannehill has been inconsistent this season, Miami ranks fifth in the league in rushing yards per game. With Knowshon Moreno possibly returning, the Dolphins have to lean on the run game to try to earn an important win.

24. Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

Christian Ponder might be better than your average third-string quarterback, but he still has not shown anything to indicate he can be a quality starter. Luckily, Teddy Bridgewater appears ready to return after missing last week with an ankle injury.

The question is whether the team can utilize its offensive weapons like Bridgewater, Jerick McKinnon and Cordarrelle Patterson well enough to help win some games.

23. Cleveland Browns (2-2)

Brian Hoyer is playing well enough to keep the Browns competitive in almost every game. At the very least, he is keeping Johnny Manziel on the bench for the time being.

While a playoff spot might be tough to come by in a difficult AFC North, this team is going to play the role of spoiler more than a few times this year.

22. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)

This NFC South team has a good quarterback who can lead a solid passing attack, but the Falcons have not shown the ability to win on the road. 

The inconsistency is a major problem on both sides of the ball, although the defense has struggled everywhere without the ability to create a pass rush. The Falcons have the chance to keep winning at home, but an 0-3 road record is not getting it done. 

21. New Orleans Saints (2-3)

This NFC South team has a good quarterback who can lead a solid passing attack, but the Saints have not shown the ability to win on the road. Sound familiar?

Like the Falcons, the Saints are 2-3 with all three losses coming away from home. The difference is New Orleans has not looked too great at home either, struggling against both the Vikings and Buccaneers. This team will hope the bye can solve some major problems on both sides of the ball.

Still Waiting to Prove Themselves

20. Houston Texans (3-2)

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The Houston Texans are one of a number of teams that we still do not know a lot about. Each team in this section has a few wins to make you think it could be a playoff squad, but there are losses to make you question things going forward.

While Houston has three wins, the schedule to this point has not been too difficult. The team fought hard against the Dallas Cowboys but could not earn a win in overtime. 

Still, head coach Bill O'Brien explained in a press conference he wants to see his team keep improving as the season progresses:

"

The bottom line in this league is winning, but it’s an improvement league. It’s a progress league. You have to make progress and improve every single week. And it’s the teams that improve the most that are going to be the ones still standing at the end, and that’s what we’re trying to do.

"

It remains to be seen whether the Texans can keep winning to remain in the playoff hunt, but things could get rough with a difficult upcoming schedule. 

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

The Steelers came into Week 4 looking like a playoff team but have since given the Buccaneers their only win while barely escaping Week 5 with a victory against Jacksonville.

Although the record indicates things are going well for the Steelers, they have to figure out their identity in a hurry if they want to get back into the postseason.

18. Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)

Although a road loss to the San Francisco 49ers is not too much to be worried about, especially after a big win over the New England Patriots, this team still does not look like the one that surprised everyone with a playoff run in 2013.

Alex Smith is no longer playing mistake-free football, and his struggles will hold back the Chiefs with a tough schedule throughout the year.

17. Buffalo Bills (3-2)

Kyle Orton seems to be a better fit for this team than EJ Manuel at the moment, even if it simply means getting the ball to playmakers like Sammy Watkins without overthrowing him by 20 feet.

The good news is the defense is for real while helping the team tie for first in the NFL with a plus-six turnover margin. With a home matchup against the Patriots coming in Week 6, Buffalo has a chance to take hold of a wide-open AFC East. 

16. Chicago Bears (2-3)

This is admittedly high for a 2-3 team, especially one that committed six combined turnovers in losses the last two weeks. However, the schedule has been difficult, with four of five opponents currently having a winning record.

Most importantly, the Bears have the talent to turn things around quickly. Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery make up a high-powered offense that can do damage if it can hold onto the football. 

Although an improved performance is far from guaranteed, this team will still not be easy for anyone to beat.

15. Carolina Panthers (3-2)

After two miserable losses, the Panthers bounced back in a big way with a come-from-behind win over the Bears. With the rest of the NFC South struggling, Carolina surprisingly remains in first place. 

The question is whether the offensive line can protect Cam Newton, because the quarterback might be able to do the rest if he can just stay on his feet.

14. New York Giants (3-2)

As bad as the Giants looked in the first two weeks, they have looked that good in the last three, turning the season around with three wins in a row. The difference has been the play of Eli Manning, who had four interceptions in the two losses but only one in the last three victories.

We still have to see how New York handles an elite opponent, but the squad is certainly trending upward at this point of the year.  

13. New England Patriots (3-2)

The Patriots might as well be the poster team for inconsistency. We were ready to count them out for the season after a blowout loss to the Chiefs, but an impressive win against the Cincinnati Bengals reminded us they are still a top team.

However, Tom Brady and company are always good at home. They cannot be considered a top team until they start winning tough games on the road.

12. Detroit Lions (3-2)

Detroit's offense was truly pathetic against the Bills, but this is what happens when Calvin Johnson and pretty much every running back are out with injuries. The good news is the defense continues to look good, ranking in the top five against both the run and pass.

If Matthew Stafford can keep the offense afloat until his weapons get healthier, the Lions should remain in the playoff hunt. 

Looking at the Playoffs

11. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)

It is amazing that no matter how many key players and coaches leave Baltimore, the defense still finds a way to be one of the best in the league. This unit might give up yards, but it still ranks third in the NFL with 16 points allowed per game.

Even after a loss to the Colts, the Ravens still appear positioned to earn a spot in the playoffs.

10. Dallas Cowboys (4-1)

While the Cowboys still have more to prove before they can be considered a legitimate contender like the other one-loss teams, they are showing they can be a playoff team.

Alex Brown of Optimum Scouting noted the key to this team's success:

DeMarco Murray is having an incredible year, topping 100 rushing yards in all five games, but a lot of that can be credited to the big men up front who are clearing space. They are also protecting Tony Romo, allowing him time to get the ball down the field to Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams.

The defense could end up struggling against better teams, but this offense will do enough to keep winning for now.

9. San Francisco 49ers (3-2)

The 49ers running backs had just 27 combined rushing attempts in losses to the Bears and Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco had a second-half lead in both games. This changed over the past two weeks with Frank Gore and the rest of the backfield totaling 62 carries, helping the team earn consecutive wins over the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. 

It seems San Francisco has remembered its identity as a power-rushing offense, which will lead to more success throughout the year. 

8. Green Bay Packers (3-2)

Aaron Rodgers helped continue the streak of blowouts on Thursday night with a 42-10 win over the Vikings. In the win, the team seemed to remember how explosive the offense can be, truly doing whatever it wanted through the air or on the ground.

There are still questions about both the offensive and defensive lines, but this team has the ability to dominate an opponent when given the chance.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

The Eagles keep winning, although not exactly in convincing fashion. The defense has given up big yards over the last two games, while much of the scoring has come from big plays on special teams. The squad has also turned the ball over 12 times this year, which is the worst mark in the NFL.

Although the 4-1 record looks good, this will not last until there are some improvements on both sides of the ball.

6. Arizona Cardinals (3-1)

While the Cardinals suffered their first loss of the season, there is little reason to sound the alarm bells. Peyton Manning is going to torch most defenses after a bye, while the offense was limited behind third-string quarterback Logan Thomas for much of the game.

Although Carson Palmer is still a question mark based on his shoulder/neck injury, his return will once again make this one of the top teams in the league. 

5. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)

The most concerning thing about the loss to the Patriots was how bad the defense looked without Vontaze Burfict in the middle. The squad has dealt with a few key injuries this year but needs him back as soon as possible.

Until then, Andy Dalton better pick up the slack and hope the offense can outscore opponents.

Best of the Best

4. Indianapolis Colts (3-2)

This is higher than most people will put the Colts, but this is truly one of the best teams in the NFL, and Indy is only getting better.

After consecutive wins over bottom-feeders, Indianapolis pulled out an impressive victory over the Ravens that featured big contributions from both the offense and defense. Kent Sterling of CBS Sports Radio felt this was a big moment in the season:

Andrew Luck has made mistakes this year, but he leads the league in both passing yards and touchdowns and is ready to take the next step toward leading his team to contention. The big question mark at this point is consistency.

With the next five opponents all currently having winning records, we will know a lot more about this team in a month. Chances are we will all think highly of the group at that point.

3. San Diego Chargers (4-1)

While there are still those who distrust Philip Rivers, he might be the MVP of the league on one of the best teams in the NFL. He current leads the league in passer rating and Total QBR while being a big reason the Chargers have outscored opponents by a league-leading 70 points this season.

Perhaps most impressively, the defense that ranked 29th against the pass in 2013 now ranks second in the same category. This has become a complete team that is now a serious Super Bowl contender.

2. Denver Broncos (3-1)

Anyone concerned that Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense were slowing down can now remain quiet. The reigning MVP threw for almost 500 yards against a quality Cardinals defense with Demaryius Thomas finally exploding for 226 yards and a touchdown.

The AFC is deeper than it was last season, but Denver remains the team to beat in the conference until further notice.

1. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

Russell Wilson might not be a prototypical quarterback, but he gets the job done both with his arm and his legs. With defenses forced to bring extra men into the box to stop Marshawn Lynch, this will remain a difficult offense to stop.

Of course, the defense remains the strength of this team, and it will keep the Seahawks on top of the league until someone proves otherwise.

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