B/R Experts Week 6 NFL Power Rankings

And then there were none. Entering Week 5, there were just two undefeated teams remaining in the NFL, but both fell at home.

The Philadelphia Eagles blew a late lead and continued to scuffle offensively against the Denver Broncos, while the Buffalo Bills ran into a scrappy New England Patriots team Sunday night and fell on a last-second field goal.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans got win No. 1 in bizarre fashion in Arizona, and the New Orleans Saints got past the New York Giants at the Superdome.

After another week of NFL action, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski are here to rank all 32 teams.

This week, there's a change at the top—and at the bottom.

32. New York Jets (0-5)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Jets QB Justin Fields

Last Week: 30

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Dallas 37-22

Every single decision made by the Jets organization this offseason is being second-guessed after the team's 0-5 start. In fact, Gang Green remains the league's only winless squad. 

Was Aaron Glenn the wrong hire as head coach? Should the team have trusted Justin Fields to be its starting quarterback? Why didn't the front office add more weapons on offense? The one supposed team strength—its defense—is drastically worse today than it was last season.

The Jets, who ranked third in total defense in 2024, are now found among the bottom half of the league.  If something doesn't change soon, the Jets' current setup could be blown up sooner than expected. 

-Sobleski

31. Tennessee Titans (1-4)

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Tony Pollard

Last Week: 32

Week 5 Result: Won vs. Arizona 22-21

Finally, the Tennessee Titans notched a tally in the win column with a chaotic finish in the desert.

While one can argue the Arizona Cardinals gave last week's game away to the Titans—see Emari Demercado's end-zone fumble for a touchback—rookie Cam Ward operated smoothly under pressure and engineered a game-winning drive. 

Even more encouraging for Tennessee's offense, Ward connected with lead wideout Calvin Ridley on five passes for 131 yards. If their rapport continues to develop, the Titans can consistently attack defenses through the air while sprinkling in the ground game with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.

-Moton

30. Miami Dolphins (1-4)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

Last Week: 28

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Carolina 27-24

Tyreek Hill isn't walking through that door (maybe never again depending on what happens this offseason), so the Dolphins must figure out what they can do offensively to take advantage of the roster's remaining talent.

They didn't do so Sunday against the Panthers. Instead, Miami wasted a 17-0 lead. 

Tua Tagovailoa and Co. were bottled up by the Panthers defense for a significant portion of the contest. Without Hill's explosiveness to tilt the field in the Dolphins favor, defenses can take a different approach. Carolina provided the blueprint. 

At 1-4 with interesting upcoming matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons, Miami's season could spiral out of control rather quickly. 

-Sobleski

29. Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Raiders QB Geno Smith

Last Week: 25

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Indianapolis 40-6

There's no reason to sugarcoat it: The Las Vegas Raiders are not good.

Geno Smith can't stop turning the ball over, Chip Kelly refuses to lean on his first-round running back, and the offensive line struggled significantly.

Earlier in the year, though, Las Vegas' defensive front at least brought some pride to the field. On Sunday, even that group looked listless.

If Pete Carroll and his staff actually have a plan for building this team, it must not involve much winning in 2025.

-Knox

28. New Orleans Saints (1-4)

AP Photo/Butch Dill

Last Week: 31

Week 5 Result: Won vs. Giants 26-14

The New Orleans Saints have played competitively for most of the season. On Sunday, their scrappy nature finally delivered a win.

New Orleans still isn't likely to make an unexpected run to the playoffs. However, the Saints' 1-4 start feels a lot more promising than those of some other teams with equal records.

Kellen Moore looks like he might just pan out as a head coach, and Spencer Rattler is starting to play like a fairly solid NFL starter. While it was easy to write off New Orleans as the league's worst team heading into the regular season, it isn't. 

-Knox

27. Cleveland Browns (1-4)

Adam Bettcher /AP Content Services for the NFL

Dillon Gabriel

Last Week: 27

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Minnesota 21-17

There were some glimmers of optimism for the Cleveland Browns in Sunday's loss in London. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel was OK in his NFL debut, throwing a pair of touchdown passes without an interception. Fellow first-year player Quinshon Judkins carried the ball 23 times for 110 yards.

But the Browns also committed 10 penalties, converted just three of 15 third-down opportunities and couldn't hold a late lead, so the results were the same as they usually are for Cleveland: another loss.

Next week, the Browns have a tough one in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, but there's a manageable stretch of games after that, which should give Cleveland an extended look at whether Gabriel has the potential to be any sort of long-term solution under center.

-Davenport

26. Carolina Panthers (2-3)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle

Last Week: 29

Week 5 Result: Won vs. Miami 27-24

The bad news for Carolina Panthers fans is that, in Year 3, we still don't know what kind of quarterback Bryce Young can be. The good news is that Carolina has won two of its last three and is starting to find an overall identity.

Carolina's defense isn't particularly good, but it plays with intensity. The offense has enough weapons to be functional when things are working on the ground—and Rico Dowdle topped 200 rushing yards on Sunday.

And, yes, Young continues to tease with stretches of impressive play.

Carolina has looked like a much better team at home than on the road, though. We'll see if that holds with the Dallas Cowboys coming to town in Week 6.

-Knox

25. New York Giants (1-4)

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Giants QB Jaxson Dart

Last Week: 26

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. New Orleans 26-14

The New York Giants will ride the highs and lows with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Last week, he helped lead them to their first win of the season, but he turned the ball over three times in a follow-up performance against the New Orleans Saints.

Dart will make more mistakes as he develops in New York. If he can minimize errors, the Giants could achieve more wins and move up the rankings.

-Moton

24. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase

Last Week: 22

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Detroit 37-24

The good news for the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5 is that Jake Browning and the offense finally showed some signs of life. The backup quarterback threw three touchdown passes, while wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a big day.

Unfortunately, those positive offensive performances did not translate to a win.

Granted, Cincinnati's chances of downing a rolling Lions team with Browning under center weren't good. But while the score looked a little different, the same issues that have dogged the Bengals have weeks were still there. The defense is bad. Browning is a turnover machine—three more picks against the Lions.

We aren't going to see Burrow again this year. If he's healthy enough late in the season, there will be no point rolling him out in meaningless games.

And whether it's because of a pathetic defense or Burrow's inability to stay on the field, that will make three straight wasted seasons in Cincinnati since its Super Bowl run.

–Davenport

23. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray

Last Week: 21

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Tennessee 22-21

There's a legitimate debate to be had about who the NFC West's best team is. But there's no question who's worst: the Arizona Cardinals.

They earned that moniker Sunday with an error-filled performance that essentially handed the Tennessee Titans their first win of the season.

This was a game Arizona led 21-3, a game where quarterback Kyler Murray lost a fumble off his face. A game in which running back Emari Demarcado prematurely celebrated and fumbled before crossing the goal line.

By all rights, Arizona should be 3-2. But this was a team committed to defeat in Week 5.

And now the Cards have to travel to face the white-hot Colts before hosting the Packers.

-Davenport

22. Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens RB Derrick Henry

Last Week: 15

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Houston 44-10

The Baltimore Ravens' 2025 season is over before we have even hit Halloween.

This isn't hyperbole, or an overreaction to the injuries that left the likes of quarterback Lamar Jackson, linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Marlon Humphrey sidelined against the Houston Texans.

Even when the Ravens had Smith and Humphrey on the field, Baltimore's defense was atrocious this season—and things weren't a bit better against Houston.

After getting waxed 44-10 at home, the Ravens have one win on the season—over the hapless browns. That's also the only game where the Baltimore defense surrendered less than 37 points.

The Ravens' schedule doesn't ease up from here—the 3-2 Rams come calling next week. And given how Baltimore looked in Week 5, it will probably hit its Week 7 bye with a reeling 1-5 squad.

-Davenport

21. Houston Texans (2-3)

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Texans QB C.J. Stroud

Last Week: 24

Week 5 Result: Won vs. Baltimore 44-10

It took a few weeks, but the Houston Texans have woken up.

After three consecutive losses, they've won back-to-back games, albeit against teams with a combined record of 2-8. Still, the Texans offense is showing positive signs, scoring 70 points over the last two weeks following a 38-point output through Week 3.

Entering Week 6, C.J. Stroud looks closer to the quarterback who won 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the Texans' backfield features a veteran-rookie pair in Nick Chubb and Woody Marks.

Houston looks up at the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts in the standings and power rankings, but they're not far behind. 

-Moton

20. Chicago Bears (2-2)

AP Photo/John Locher

Bears WR Rome Odunze

Last Week: 20

Week 5 Result: Bye Week

The Bears entered their bye week with two straight victories. Furthermore, quarterback Caleb Williams has continued to grow, with 510 passing yards and a five-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio during those contests. 

While the bye is early, it can prove beneficial, because the team will have two weeks to prepare for Washington Commanders, who are coming off an impressive win over the Los Angeles Chargers with Jayden Daniels back in the lineup. 

From that point forward, the Bears have a manageable schedule. After Washington, Chicago's next four opponents own a combined 5-15 record.

With the talent on the Bears roster, the team can legitimately get on a roll. 

-Sobleski

19. New England Patriots (3-2)

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Patriots QB Drake Maye

Last Week: 19

Week 5 Result: Win vs. Buffalo 23-20

Drake Maye came out to play against the Bills.

His growth potential is on par with where Josh Allen currently is. It's a lofty comparison, but it's one that became obvious as the two teams dueled during Sunday Night Football.

Maye has the size, movement skills and horsepower in his right arm to make similar types of plays. 

Granted, no one should outright state Maye is going to be a future NFL MVP. It's unfair to do so. With that said, the Patriots with Maye leading the way are becoming more dangerous by the week. They've now shown they're capable of knocking off one of the AFC's elite.

New England will still experience its share of ups and downs this season, because the roster falls short of top standards. Clearly, this group can compete, though.

-Sobleski

18. Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1)

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

Last Week: 23

Week 5 Result: Won vs. New York Jets 37-22

Coming off their first road win, the Dallas Cowboys look like a team that can travel with its electric offense while star wideout CeeDee Lamb recovers from a high ankle sprain.

They need to cross their fingers on Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson's status, but Dak Prescott keeps the offense steady under center.

Against the New York Jets, the quarterback produced a quality passing performance, throwing for 237 yards and four touchdowns without four starting offensive linemen. By the way, he only took one sack. He's arguably the most underappreciated QB outside of Dallas.

The Cowboys will compete for a playoff spot as long as Prescott is healthy.

-Moton

17. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.

Last Week: 16

Week 5 Results: Bye Week

The Atlanta Falcons found a little momentum before their bye week, thanks to a 34-27 win over the Washington Commanders.

That game illustrated just how explosive Atlanta's offense can be when Michael Penix Jr. is playing efficiently. Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts have always been a fantastic core skill group.

The question is whether Penix can play at a high level consistently. The Falcons aren't likely to go far if he can't. The defense has been much better than last year's, but it isn't good enough to carry the team when the QB makes multiple mistakes.

Next Monday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills should bring a playoff-caliber test to Atlanta.

-Knox

16. Minnesota Vikings (3-2)

AP Photo/Peter Morrison

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson

Last Week: 18

Week 5 Result: Win vs. Cleveland 21-17

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is a wizard. One can go as far to say he's nearing the stage where he could be the NFL's version of Gandalf the White with his mastery of quarterback development. 

The Vikings are now 2-1 with Carson Wentz as the starting quarterback.

Wentz is a proven veteran, of course, yet Minnesota has been effective with Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy (for at least one game) and Wentz as his starting quarterbacks. The Vikings are where reclamation projects go in hopes of reigniting their careers. 

Wentz delivered in London, with an exceptional final drive where he completed all nine of his passes for Minnesota to claim the victory. 

-Sobleski

15. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Chargers RB Omarion Hampton

Last Week: 8

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Washington 27-10

A year ago, and for much of September, things felt different for the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh's squad was physical, disciplined and capable of winning tight games instead of blowing them.

Over the past two weeks, though, the Chargers have returned to making costly errors. On Sunday, Los Angeles committed far too many mistakes while turning a 10-0 first-quarter lead into a 27-10 blowout loss.

The Chargers are 3-2 and have a playoff-caliber roster. However, they're not good enough to consistently overcome sloppy play or an offensive line that is currently missing Joe Alt and won't have Rashawn Slater back in 2025.

-Knox

14. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

AP Photo/Kevin Ng

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Last Week: 9

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Tampa Bay 38-35

The scoreboard is all that matters in the NFL, but there wasn't a team that looked better losing in Week 5 than the Seattle Seahawks.

Sam Darnold and the Seahawks came up on the wrong end of a good old-fashioned shootout with Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but for most of the loss Darnold was dealing: 341 passing yards, four touchdowns and a passer rating of over 135.

Second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his early-season rampage, catching eight passes for 132 yards and a score.

The Seahawks aren't without issues—neither defense in Sunday's game has much to crow about. But in a week when most of the NFC West looked vulnerable, Seattle has the firepower to be a factor in the division, provided it takes care of business in winnable games against AFC South foes the next two weeks.

-Davenport

13. Washington Commanders (3-2)

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

Last Week: 17

Week 5 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Chargers 27-10

Jayden Daniels' Week 5 return made the Washington Commanders look like the same team that advanced to the NFC Championship Game in the previous campaign.

Yet their blowout win over the Los Angeles Chargers was still a bit surprising considering they did it without two-time Pro Bowl receiver Terry McLaurin, who's out with a quad injury.

Without back-to-back wins this season, the Commanders are outside the top 10 in these rankings, but they could gain momentum with the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys coming up on their schedule.

-Moton

12. Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton

Last Week: 7

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Jacksonville 31-28

Given how things have gone this week, the Chiefs' lopsided wins over the Giants and Ravens don't appear quite as impressive as they did a few days ago.

After Monday's loss, there are legitimate concerns about Kansas City's ability to get back in the title chase.

The Jaguars are looking like a quality team, but the Chiefs beat themselves as much as Jacksonville won. Penalties, mistakes and miscues—including a goal-line interception that was returned 99 yards for a Jags touchdown—helped turn an early 14-0 lead into a disaster of a loss.

The Chiefs have managed to weather rough starts in the past, in large part because of their ability to play smart, efficient football. Monday's game was a slop-fest, and Kansas City is 2-3 because of it.

-Knox

11. Denver Broncos (3-2)

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins

Last Week: 14

Week 5 Result: Win vs. Philadelphia 21-17

It felt like the Denver Broncos got some lucky breaks in Week 5, but a win is a win. A win over the defending Super Bowl champions on the road is even more than that.

Sunday's victory should catapult Denver right back into the playoff conversation.

A couple of weeks ago, the Broncos were coming off of two tough losses and appeared to be regressing, while Bo Nix was battling a sophomore slump.

No, a lopsided win over the ill-prepared Bengals didn't change that narrative. A good performance by Nix, some hard running by J.K. Dobbins, some timely defense, and the win on Sunday will.

With games against both New York teams upcoming, the Broncos are poised to go on a run.

-Knox

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

Last Week: 13

Week 5 Results: Won vs. Kansas City 31-28

On the Monday Night Football stage, the Jacksonville Jaguars officially entered the AFC contenders discussion with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

They showed resilience by battling back from a 14-0 deficit and composure in a big moment to seal the victory. 

One of Trevor Lawrence's offensive linemen stepped on his foot, but he stumbled out of the pocket and ran for the game-winning touchdown.

Take this 4-1 Jaguars team seriously going forward.

-Moton

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Steelers edge T.J. Watt

Last Week: 10

Week 5 Result: Bye Week

Raise your hand if you thought the Pittsburgh Steelers would be easily the class of the AFC North five weeks into the season.

Contrary to expectations, they have emerged as the division leaders.

In many respects, the Steelers aren't even particularly good. They entered Week 5 with a bottom-five offense in terms of yards per game and a bottom-five defense in terms of yards allowed per game.

Those aren't exactly intimidating numbers.

But the Baltimore Ravens are injury-ravaged with no defense. Without Joe Burrow under center, the Bengals cannot consistently move the ball. The Cleveland Browns are the Browns.

The Steelers have an opportunity to improve their record with winnable matches before hosting Green Bay.

-Davenport

8. Los Angeles Rams (3-2)

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

WR Puka Nacua

Last Week: 3

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. San Francisco 26-23 (OT)

One week doesn't make or break a season, especially in early October. But the day may come when the Los Angeles Rams look back on Week 5 with a sense of profound regret.

This was a game where the Rams were over a touchdown favorite at home. Where the 49ers were short their starting quarterback, top-four pass-catchers and best defensive players. A game where Matthew Stafford threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.

And not only did the Rams lose, but they also spotted San Francisco a 14-0 lead before eventually forcing overtime.

The Rams were hardly along in not playing their best in Week 5, but a performance like this from a team that fashions itself a Super Bowl contender isn't a great look.

-Davenport

7. Indianapolis Colts (4-1)

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Last Week: 12

Week 5 Result: Won vs. Las Vegas 40-6

The Indianapolis Colts flexed their muscle in front of their home crowd in a dominant victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Daniel Jones looked comfortable in the pocket; he didn't take a sack. Jonathan Taylor scored three rushing touchdowns. The defense forced a couple of turnovers and blocked a punt.

The Colts have exceeded early expectations with a 4-1 record, and they've earned our respect with a top-10 ranking this week.

-Moton

6. Green Bay Packers (2-1-1)

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Packers edge Micah Parsons

Last Week: 5

Week 5 Result: Bye Week

The Packers entered their bye week after a tie against the Dallas Cowboys that left a bad taste for Green Bay.

However, the bigger issue is how the team's defense played during that contest.  Earlier this season, Jeff Hafley's unit looked elite, constantly flying to the football and creating havoc.

The Cowboys managed 436 yards even without CeeDee Lamb in the lineup. A slight reassessment is necessary.

However, the schedule favors the Packers since they're not set to face another offense currently ranked among the top half of the league until Week 13.

Expect Parsons and Co. to torment Green Bay's upcoming opponents. 

-Sobleski

5. San Francisco 49ers (4-1)

AP Foto/Jessie Alcheh

49ers QB Mac Jones

Last Week: 11

Week 5 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Rams 26-23 (OT)

We need to start taking the San Francisco 49ers seriously. It's not easy to start an NFL season 4-1, but doing so with a backup team? That's impressive.

The 49ers have played much of the season without star tight end George Kittle. And without edge-rusher Nick Bosa. And without starting quarterback Brock Purdy. Thursday night against the Rams, they were short wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Picky Pearsall—and San Francisco still beat a good Rams team on the road.

If the 49ers can get back to close to 100 percent, this can be a dangerous team. But they need to get healthy as quickly as possible.

For as well as guys like Mac Jones and Kendrick Bourne have played, the San Francisco offense is running through running back Christian McCaffrey—and he won't hold up touching the ball 30 times a game.

-Davenport

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)

AP Photo/Kevin Ng

Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka

Last Week: 6

Week 5 Result: Won vs. Seattle 38-25

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are starting to feel a bit like the 2024 Detroit Lions.

Injuries have been a major storyline in Tampa this year, but the Bucs have found ways to adjust and keep piling up wins. Unlike Detroit's 2024 situation, though, the majority of Buccaneers injuries aren't of the season-ending variety.

Tampa should get healthier in the coming weeks, which poses a problem for other teams in the NFC.

Baker Mayfield and the Bucs have become adept at keeping things close and pulling out last-second wins. If Tampa is ever close to fully assembled this season, it may start running away with games instead of coming from behind.

-Knox

3. Buffalo Bills (4-1)

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Bills WR Keon Coleman

Last Week: 2

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. New England 23-20

Buffalo has new competition in the AFC East. With the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets floundering, the Patriots proved they can now go toe-to-toe with the Josh Allen-led Bills.

After winning five straight division titles, Sean McDermott's squad should not look at Sunday night's outcome as a fluke. The Patriots found ways to slow the Bills offense and not allow Allen to beat them.

Buffalo remains the most talented team in the division, but the team is no longer undefeated. The victory means far more to the Patriots, who are trying to build something under head coach Mike Vrabel. Whereas, the Bills still have much higher aspirations.

Still, these two teams meet again in two months. Buffalo will need to send a message then. 

-Sobleski

2. Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

Last Week: 1

Week 5 Result: Lost vs. Denver 21-17

Despite losing their first game of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles didn't take a big tumble in the power rankings. Even though they have to iron out issues on the offensive side of the ball, the sky isn't falling. 

However, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have acknowledged a disconnect in the passing attack that could get wider if they don't have a productive conversation with quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The Eagles seem to thrive on drama, but there are warning signs that this team must weather a midseason storm for a strong finish to the 2025 term.

-Moton

1. Detroit Lions (4-1)

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Lions QB Jared Goff

Last Week: 4

Week 5 Result: Win vs. Cincinnati 37-24

The Lions have won four straight games, with the offense averaging just over 40 points per game during that stretch. Their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers is in the rearview mirror.

Detroit is back where it belongs among the NFC's elite. 

Jared Goff has been particularly outstanding. With Sunday's performance, he became only the second quarterback in NFL history to complete 75 percent of his passes, throw for 12 or more touchdowns and produce a total passer rating of at least 120 through the first five games. 

Who was the first? Peyton Manning, who was named the NFL MVP that year. 

-Sobleski