Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium put the Green Bay Packers among the top 10 teams in most NFL power rankings. However, it appeared most national writers ignored one of the main reasons why the Packers were able to improve to 3-2.
There was no mention of Xavier McKinney's two takeaways against the Rams or his fifth interception in five games .
Instead, there was a focus on Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft stepping up to lead a depleted receiving corps without Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, while quarterback Jordan Love continues to return to form after a knee injury.
Here's a summary of where the Packers rank before Week 6:
The Athletic, eighth
Josh Kendall moved the Packers up five spots and talked about Reed's fantasy football value.
“Wide receiver Jayden Reed has carried the Packers through Christian Watson’s injuries and Dontayvion Wicks’ drops. He’s fifth in the league in receiving (414 yards) and first among players with more than 20 catches in yards per catch (19.7). He’s fifth among wide receivers and 18th overall in the league in fantasy points per game (18.28). Not bad considering he was drafted at No. 83.”
CBS Sports, seventh
The Packers were 10th last week. Pete Prisco is a believer in Love, despite his inconsistent play in his three games.
"They are 3-2 and still have not played their best football. Love isn't close to being what he was last season as he recovers from a knee injury — but he will get there."
ESPN, ninth
The Packers moved up just two spots, but Rob Demovsky points out that tight end Kraft appears to be on his way to a breakout season .
"Before the season, Kraft might not have been projected as the top tight end on his team; Luke Musgrave probably got that nod. Now, Kraft is one of the most productive tight ends in the league. While his 16 catches does not crack the top 10 among tight ends this season, his 218 receiving yards ranks seventh among all tight ends, and he already has more touchdowns (three) than he did last season (two).
Pro Football Talk, seventh
Mike Florio is another believer in Love and the Packers :
"Given where we thought they’d be after Love was injured, they’re in great shape."
USA TODAY, 10th
The Packers have had a favorable schedule and Nate Davis writes why that's likely to continue after moving them up two spots.
"They only have to leave Wisconsin once (for Duval County) in the next six weeks (three home games, one road game, bye). Green and golden opportunity to cement themselves anew as bona fide Super Bowl threats."
Yahoo, 10th
Frank Schwab moves the Packers up just one position and addressed the elephant in the room.
“The Romeo Doubs situation is weird. He reportedly skipped practice last week because he was unhappy with his role and was suspended for Sunday’s game. Doubs has never been at the level of a No. 1 receiver. Does he think he is one? Either way the Packers have to figure out a solution.”
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here's where the Green Bay Packers sit in NFL Week 6 power rankings
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