<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0XvK7f_0vpxYKFG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0XvK7f_0vpxYKFG00" width="1024" height="681" ><figcaption>Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) high fives fans before the game against the Buffalo Bills at M&amp;T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>We are through the first month of the season, and it’s fair to wonder how many “great” teams we have this year. Even the Kansas City Chiefs are having a hard time scoring right now. But what we do have this season is a lot of depth, which means both conferences are wide open. It will be one of those weird years where 10-12 teams could feasibly win the Super Bowl. But how do our power rankings look after the first month of the year? Here is our full set of rankings coming out of the fourth week of action:<h2>NFL Week 5 Power Rankings</h2>It’s always nice to get a divisional road win, especially against Justin Herbert. But losing Rashee Rice (torn ACL) for the season on a fluke play could end up being the difference in a three-peat or not. The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense wasn’t playing well even with Rice, and now it has lost its most reliable receiver. Things are about to get a whole lot tougher for Patrick Mahomes.Next Game: Monday, Oct. 7 vs. SaintsPrevious Ranking: 3 It’s not hard to argue that the Minnesota Vikings should be No. 1 on this list after beating the Packers in Lambeau on Sunday. They are undefeated and have beaten three really quality opponents in the 49ers, Texans, and Packers. Sam Darnold continues to play out of his mind, and the defense has been great at creating sacks and forcing turnovers. I know it’s only four games, but the Vikings look like legit contenders in the NFC.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Jets (London)Previous Ranking: 13 The Baltimore Ravens had a tough start to the year, including a bad home loss to the Raiders in Week 2. But they’ve looked dominant in the last two weeks, beating the Cowboys and the Bills. The offense got off to a fast start in both games, which is a huge key to success for Baltimore. Their schedule isn’t easy going forward, but if the Ravens can play like this most weeks, they will be just fine.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. BengalsPrevious Ranking: 4 There is no question that the San Francisco 49ers are still the team to beat in the NFC. But they just haven’t always played that way this season. Injuries can explain a lot of their shortcomings, but the defense hasn’t always lived up to its ability. They did beat the Patriots by double-digits in Week 4, and the offense moved the ball up and down the field. Once they can get healthier on offense, this will be an incredibly tough team to beat moving forward.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Cardinals<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1k1YMr_0vpxYKFG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1k1YMr_0vpxYKFG00" width="1024" height="683" ><figcaption>Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates with running back David Montgomery (5) after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>The Detroit Lions needed a game like this. The offense has looked a bit off in the first three games of the season, but we know it is capable of exploding at any minute. This was that game as Jared Goff looked fantastic, and all of the weapons made plays. The defense is still a bit of an issue, but this was the version of the Lions we were hoping to see right out of the gate.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. CowboysThe Buffalo Bills looked fantastic in the first three weeks of the season. But for as good as they looked against the Cardinals, Dolphins, and Jaguars, they looked just as bad against the Ravens. Baltimore completely controlled the line of scrimmage, and Buffalo had no shot on either side of the ball. The Bills are still a Super Bowl contender, but this was a rough outing for the Buffalo faithful.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. TexansThe Houston Texans are 3-1, but they haven’t “looked” like a team ready to challenge the Chiefs atop of the AFC quite yet. C.J. Stroud has been fine, and Nico Collins is off to a great start, but something about this team doesn’t feel quite ready yet for big-time games.Maybe that’ll happen in the next few months, but it’s fair to be a little disappointed in the Texans despite their 3-1 start.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. BillsThe Seattle Seahawks did not play a bad game against the Lions. Geno Smith played incredibly well, and Kenneth Walker scored three touchdowns. The defense just didn't get enough stops when it needed to, but there is no reason to get discouraged about Seattle moving forward. This is clearly one of the best teams in the NFC. The Seahawks have a real chance of stealing the NFC West away from the 49ers. Don't panic after one road loss against a really good Detroit team.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Giants The NFL is better when Baker Mayfield is playing well and he certainly did in Week 4. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got out to a huge lead, and it was because Mayfield had complete control of the offense. Tampa Bay has dealt with some major injuries in the first month of the season, and yet it came out with a record of 3-1. This still feels like Tampa Bay’s division until further notice, especially if Mayfield continues to play at this level.Next Game: Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. FalconsThe Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t have looked worse in the first half against the Colts. Pittsburgh allowed back-to-back touchdown drives to open the game, and it had no answer for Anthony Richardson or Joe Flacco. Anytime the Colts needed points to extend their lead, they got them, and T.J. Watt had no impact against a beat-up offensive line. This was an ugly loss by Pittsburgh that could largely be chalked up to a bad coaching performance by Mike Tomlin and his staff.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Cowboys<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1rKIq4_0vpxYKFG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1rKIq4_0vpxYKFG00" width="1024" height="702" ><figcaption>Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>Jayden Daniels has turned the Washington Commanders into an instant contender in the NFC East. There might not be a team in the NFL that is more fun to watch than Washington. The defense is still a major issue, and it remains to be seen if it can get any stops against quality offenses, but the Commanders are legit and hold a one-game lead over the Cowboys and the Eagles in the division after the season's first month.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. BrownsMinnesota blew out the Green Bay Packers in the first half, but the Packers crawled back into that contest and made the game competitive. Jordan Love threw three interceptions in his first game back, and it’s clear he’s not 100 percent healthy.Green Bay's bigger concern is its pass defense, which allowed Sam Darnold to march up and down the field. That will need to look a whole lot better quickly if the Packers want to climb back into the NFC North hunt.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. RamsThe Atlanta Falcons have had a brutal schedule to start the season, but they emerged with their heads still above water at 2-2. They needed to get a win against the Saints, and they did that on Sunday, mostly due to their defense. Kirk Cousins still doesn’t look quite comfortable in this offense, and Kyle Pitts was nowhere to be found. Yet, they scored 26 points and took down a division rival.Next Game: Thursday, Oct. 3 vs. BuccaneersThings have come crashing down for the New Orleans Saints after a 2-0 start. They couldn't do anything on offense against the Eagles last week, and they couldn’t get out of their own way against the Falcons. New Orleans did have a depleted squad on Sunday, and losing Taysom Hill again to injury hurt the offense. Still, this was a big loss for the Saints, as they needed to get back on track to stay on pace in the NFC South.Next Game: Monday, Oct. 4 vs. ChiefsPrevious Ranking: 17 The Dallas Cowboys needed a win in Week 4 to get back to .500, but it was a costly one. All-Pro EDGE Micah Parsons suffered a high-ankle sprain that will likely keep him out for at least the next two games. DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a mid-foot sprain that could keep him out until after Thanksgiving. Dallas didn’t have much depth at defensive end after already losing Sam Williams (torn ACL) in training camp. The Cowboys will have to rely on their offense to win games during the next few weeks, and that’ll be tough to do against Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football in Week 5.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. SteelersIt’s hard not to come away encouraged by the Los Angeles Chargers' Week 4 loss to the Chiefs. Justin Herbert (high-ankle sprain) probably shouldn’t have played, especially with both starting offensive tackles out. However, the Chargers hung with the Chiefs all game long. If it weren’t for a few drops and a failed fourth down conversion from the one-yard-line, the Chargers steal that game and improve to 3-1. Instead, they are 2-2 going into their bye week. Assuming Herbert, Joe Alt, and Rashawn Slater are ready to go for Week 6, this is still a dangerous team in the AFC.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Broncos<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2IdxFO_0vpxYKFG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2IdxFO_0vpxYKFG00" width="1024" height="672" ><figcaption>New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after the Jets failed to score on the Denver Broncos late in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>Previous Ranking: 12 Yikes. After back-to-back wins, the New York Jets only scored nine points at home against the Broncos and lost a game where they were 7.5-point favorites. The defense played lights out, but the Jets' inability to run the ball or beat the blitz was alarming. New York is still a good team, but this was a game it had to win, and they couldn’t get it done.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Vikings (London)Things are getting really ugly in Philadelphia — quickly. Jalen Hurts looks like a shell of himself physically, and the turnovers continue to happen every week. The defense looked even worse in Week 4, as it had no answer for Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans.The hope is that a healthy A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith can save the offense, but there are no reinforcements coming on defense. The Philadelphia Eagles have now lost nine of their last 12 games dating back to the 2023 season, and the Week 5 bye couldn’t have come at a better time.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. BrownsThe Cincinnati Bengals had to beat the Panthers in Week 4 to keep any hopes of a playoff trip alive, and they did that on the back of Joe Burrow. While this certainly wasn’t a perfect game for Burrow, the offense scored 34 points and controlled the pace. Cincinnati’s defense remains a big issue, but the fact that the offense has caught fire during the last two weeks is encouraging.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Ravens It’s hard to know what to think about the Las Vegas Raiders. One week, they are upsetting the Ravens in Baltimore. And the next week, they are getting blown out by the Panthers. They got a gritty win against the Browns in Week 4 despite being without Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams. It’s clear that the players love Antonio Pierce, and for that reason alone, they will be competitive in a lot of these types of games.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. BroncosPrevious Ranking: 21 The Indianapolis Colts had a rough start to the season, including a bad loss to Malik Willis and the Packers. Now, they have back-to-back wins despite being shorthanded. The Colts had an excellent game plan against the Steelers, and Anthony Richardson led two touchdown drives before exiting with a hip injury. The Colts still have some major issues on defense, but they were without Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, and Kenny Moore on Sunday. If they can get those three back by November, they can make some noise in the AFC Wild Card hunt.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Jaguars<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3EnOCA_0vpxYKFG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3EnOCA_0vpxYKFG00" width="1024" height="683" ><figcaption>Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass at the end of the second half at Soldier Field. Matt Marton-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>There are a lot of reasons to be excited about the win against the Rams in Week 4. The biggest thing might be that D’Andre Swift had a breakout performance and looked like the running back who could be a difference-maker. If the Chicago Bears can stay balanced on offense, they will win a lot of games. Hopefully, this isn’t just a one-game fluke for Swift; instead, it’s a sign of things to come.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. PanthersPrevious Ranking: 27 Bo Nix had just 60 passing yards against the Jets in Week 4. However, the Denver Broncos emerged victorious. After a rough start to the season, Denver’s defense has played incredibly well, and it is now back to .500 on the year. Nix needs to play a lot better if the Broncos want to have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs, but Sean Payton deserves praise for getting back-to-back wins with this young team.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. RaidersPrevious Ranking: 19 Things continue to go south for the Cleveland Browns after another loss in Week 4 to the depleted Raiders. The good news is that Deshaun Watson didn’t play poorly. His interception was a strike to Amari Cooper that bounced off his chest and into the arms of a defender. Watson also connected with Cooper on an 80-yard touchdown that was wiped off the board due to a controversial holding call.However, the Browns couldn’t make enough plays when they needed them and are now two games below .500 with a tough upcoming schedule. Cleveland’s season isn’t over, but it’s trending in a bad direction.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. CommandersThe Arizona Cardinals scored on the opening drive of the game against the Commanders, but it was all downhill from there. The defense couldn’t get off the field, allowing 449 yards and 42 points. The Cardinals have a lot of talent on offense, but their lack of stars on defense showed up this week. Arizona can be a competitive team any given week, but its defense will likely keep them near the bottom of the NFC this year.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. 49ersAfter a really gritty win against the 49ers in Week 3, the Los Angeles Rams fell back to earth in Week 4 against the Bears. Kyren Williams looked awesome, but he was the only player on offense that could generate any production. Give credit to Los Angeles' defense. It allowed just 264 yards and only 17 first downs. That unit has played fantastic the last two weeks and is keeping the Rams in games despite several injuries in the secondary.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. PackersPrevious Ranking: 32 It was great to see the Tennessee Titans get a win after playing so well on defense in the first three weeks of the season. Tennessee's defense was fantastic against Miami. It flew to the football and didn't allow Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle to destroy the game. The offense is still a major issue, as Will Levis turned the ball over on the first drive of the game and was eventually replaced by Mason Rudolph due to injury. Tennesee isn't a contender, but they have many solid pieces on both sides of the ball.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. ColtsPrevious Ranking: 28 Daniel Jones played well against the Cowboys, but his inability to hit the deep ball limited the offense too much to win. He was pinpoint accurate on the short to intermediate passes, which allowed the offense to move the ball up and down the field. That just won't cut it against good teams, though. The New York Giants have more talent than they have had in previous years, but it’s still fair to wonder if Jones is the long-term answer in New York.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. SeahawksThe Miami Dolphins, without Tua Tagovailoa, might be the league's most unwatchable team. And that's unfortunate, considering they have so many star players on both sides of the ball.This is barely an NFL offense, and they haven't competed (at all) without Tagovailoa under center. There is a chance he could return by Week 8, but it might not matter at that point. The Dolphins could be too far out of the playoff picture. Miami has a good roster, but the lack of a competent backup quarterback makes it one of the worst teams in the league.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. PatriotsPrevious Ranking: 31 The Carolina Panthers put up a good fight against the Bengals in Week 4, scoring 24 points. Still, it was the defense that was exposed, allowing 34 points and failing to sack Joe Burrow once. The good news is that they are much more functional on offense with Andy Dalton behind center, and Xavier Legette's development (six catches, 66 yards, one touchdown) is a great sign for the team's long-term outlook.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. BearsPrevious Ranking: 30 We are officially on Drake Maye watch as the New England Patriots struggled on offense again. New England had just 143 net passing yards with Jacoby Brissett under center and are averaging just 13 points per game through the first month of the season. The offensive line remains a big issue, which could prevent Maye from seeing the field soon, but there is no doubt that they need his athleticism and playmaking to make this offense work.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. DolphinsPrevious Ranking: 29 It’s over for the Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars. They have now lost nine of their last 10 games dating back to 2023, and their only win was against Bryce Young and the Panthers. Trevor Lawrence has regressed, and nothing they do on offense is creative or dynamic.The sooner the Jaguars move on, the quicker they can get started on their coaching search and the 2025 season. The Jaguars look like a lock to pick inside the top five of the 2025 NFL Draft.Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. Colts</div></body>

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2024 NFL Week 5 Power Rankings: Ravens' Statement Win Vaults Them Into Top 3

We are through the first month of the season, and it’s fair to wonder how many “great” teams we have this year. Even the Kansas City Chiefs are having a hard time scoring right now. But what we do have this season is a lot of depth, which means both conferences are wide open.

2024 NFL Week 5 Power Rankings: Ravens' Statement Win Vaults Them Into Top 3

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