NFL Analysis
10/8/24
14 min read
2024 NFL Week 6 Power Rankings: Commanders Enter Top 5
Week 5 was another fantastic week around the NFL, but there were upsets galore, which means there is a lot of movement in our power rankings.
Top 10 teams like the 49ers, Bills, Seahawks, and Buccaneers all fell this week, and it’s become clearer that we don’t have many “elite” teams right now. But who are our top teams? Which teams look like September flukes?
Here is our full set of rankings coming out of the fifth week of action:
NFL Week 6 Power Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) 
Previous Ranking: 1 
The Kansas City Chiefs still haven't put together a complete game, and they have a glaring weakness at receiver, with Rashee Rice (knee) likely out for the entire 2024 season.
Still, they are at 5-0 and have played a difficult schedule. The good news is that their defense continues to shine, and they actually ran the ball effectively against the Saints. The Chiefs are on bye in Week 6, and need to figure out their red zone issues, but they have to be thrilled with their start considering the schedule.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 20 vs. 49ers
2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Previous Ranking: 2 
It shouldn’t be shocking anymore at this point that the Minnesota Vikings are ranked so highly. No team in the NFL has played a more difficult schedule, and they’ve faced a gauntlet of elite quarterbacks, including C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, Jordan Love, and Aaron Rodgers.
Yet, they’ve conquered them all. The Vikings are absolutely a legit playoff contender and with a Week 6 bye upcoming, it will be hard to put an NFC team ahead of them anytime soon.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 20 vs. Lions
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 3
Lamar Jackson had another MVP-caliber game in Week 5, totaling more than 400 yards and four touchdowns. It was a gritty, tough win for the Baltimore Ravens, but their defense is starting to become a concern.
They allowed 25 or more points in just two games (including the postseason) last season but have already done so four times in 2024. They need Jackson to continue to play at an MVP level to win the AFC North.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Commanders
4. Houston Texans (4-1)
Previous Ranking: 7 
Houston did not play an A+ game against the Bills, and yet it came away with a win.
The Houston Texans were lost on offense once Nico Collins left the game, but their defense got enough stops to ultimately hold on. Houston has a commanding lead in the AFC South, and now it’s time for it to put together a run at the No. 1 seed in the conference.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Patriots
5. Washington Commanders (4-1)
Previous Ranking: 11
The Washington Commanders are not a fluke. Against one of the league’s best defenses, Jayden Daniels lit up the Browns in a game that was never competitive.
Washington’s defense is starting to come together, as it allowed just six non-garbage-time points to the Browns. Through five games, the Commanders have to be considered the clear-cut favorites in the NFC East. What a start for Washington.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Ravens
6. Detroit Lions (3-1)
Previous Ranking: 5 
Detroit was on a bye in Week 5, and it remains one of the top teams in the NFC. What is fascinating about the Lions is they appear to be a stronger team this year than in 2023, but they might not win their division.
The Vikings have looked so dominant out of the gate, and their Week 7 matchup could decide who wins the NFC North. Make no mistake about it: the Lions are a Super Bowl contender again this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Cowboys
7. Buffalo Bills (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 6
The Buffalo Bills went toe-to-toe with the Texans in Houston, but some rough game management decisions by Sean McDermott gave away this game.
The Bills aren’t the same without Khalil Shakir on offense, as Josh Allen completed just nine passes on Sunday. This is still a talented team, but its flaws are clear, and it could hold it back from advancing deep in the playoffs.
Next Game: Monday, Oct. 14 vs. Jets
8. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 8
After a 3-0 start, the Seattle Seahawks have dropped back-to-back games. They had a massive rest disadvantage against the Giants (10 days vs. 6 days), and it showed.
Seattle’s defense couldn’t get off the field, and New York controlled the time of possession all game long. The most concerning thing for the Seahawks was their pass protection, as the Giants pressured Geno Smith all game. Seattle is still in a good spot in the NFC West, but its Week 6 matchup against the 49ers could go a long way in deciding its fate in the NFC.
Next Game: Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. 49ers
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 9
Tampa Bay played a fantastic game against the Falcons in Atlanta in Week 5, but it just didn’t result in a win.
The Buccaneers outplayed the Falcons for the entire game, but the defense just couldn’t get off the field on either of its final two drives. The good news for the Buccaneers is that Baker Mayfield is playing the best football of his career, and they look like a sure-fire playoff team this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Saints
10. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 4
The San Francisco 49ers are usually a team that improves a lot in the second half of the season, but their defense is starting to become a big concern.
They just can’t get a stop when they need one, and it costs them again on Sunday. Sitting at 2-3, the 49ers are only a game back in the NFC West going into Week 6. However, the vibes are not great in San Francisco.
Next Game: Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Seahawks
11. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 12
It took a while, but the Green Bay Packers started to look like themselves again in the second half against the Rams. Jordan Love made a few knucklehead plays in the first half, but he and the rest of the offense settled down and got the road win in Los Angeles.
The Packers have not played a complete game in which both sides of the ball stand out, but they are above .500 despite their star quarterback missing two early-season starts.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Cardinals
12. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 15
Last year, the Dallas Cowboys could not win ugly, gritty games, especially on the road. This year, they have done so in back-to-back weeks despite a massive number of injuries on defense.
It’s clear that Dallas isn’t anywhere near as talented as it was last season, but getting to 3-2 after five games is more than fine as it heads into its Week 6 matchup against the Lions.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Lions
13. Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 13
After a slow start to the season, the Atlanta Falcons are starting to find themselves. They got a gritty win against the Saints and then another against the Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football.
Kirk Cousins played one of the best games of his career, and the Falcons are now over .500 for the first time this season. It’s taken a bit, but this looks like the team we all envisioned when they signed Cousins this offseason.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Panthers
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 10
Pittsburgh played its style of game in Week 5, creating three turnovers on defense and blocking a field goal against Dallas.
However, because their offense remains stagnant, the Cowboys hung around and stole a game they probably shouldn’t have won. The Pittsburgh Steelers have now dropped two straight games, and questions about Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields will surely arise this week.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Raiders
15. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
Previous Ranking: 16
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Los Angeles Chargers, as they have several key starters dealing with injuries. The biggest of which was Justin Herbert, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 3.
If the Chargers get healthy, they can be a real contender in the AFC because of their strong defense and elite rushing attack. Still, their durability and health are huge areas of concern moving forward.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Broncos
16. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 22
Caleb Williams has steadily improved in each of his five starts, and he was fantastic against the Panthers in Week 5. Chicago’s defense is one of the most underrated units in the league, and the Bears suddenly have a big home-field advantage and win nine straight wins.
Chicago might be the worst team in the NFC North, but this should be a playoff team this year.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Jaguars (London)
17. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Previous Ranking: 18
The Philadelphia Eagles needed a bye week after a blowout loss in Week 4, and their season might come down to their Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
If the Eagles can’t win that game, things could get ugly really fast. Their schedule does get easier in the next month with games against the Browns, Giants, and Jaguars. This is a team that needs to start playing well and building confidence.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Browns
18. New Orleans Saints (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 14
After their hot start, the New Orleans Saints have now dropped three games in a row, and their offense doesn't look the same at all. The offensive line has suffered several injuries, and you are starting to see that come back to haunt them.
The Saints are better than what the record shows, but they've looked worse each week. Now, with Derek Carr (oblique) dealing with an injury, things are getting scary quick in New Orleans.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Buccaneers
19. Denver Broncos (3-2)
Previous Ranking: 23
Don’t look now, but the Denver Broncos have won three straight games and are now above .500 for the first time this season.
Bo Nix played better against Las Vegas, but the defense continues to be the story here. Vance Joseph’s unit is playing out of their mind, and it's keeping the offense in the game. Denver is still a few years away, but it’s cool to see this young team improve each week.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Chargers
20. Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 19
Are the Cincinnati Bengals the best 1-4 team in NFL history? Who knows, but there is no reason this team should be 1-4 with the play of Joe Burrow.
He leads the NFL in touchdown passes (12) and has a career-high passer rating of 113.6. Yet, their defense can’t get any stops, and their coaching staff has held them back in multiple games.
Luckily, they are only two games back in the AFC North with five divisional meetings left. The Bengals have to start stringing together wins if they want to be competitive at all this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Giants
21. New York Jets (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 17
The same issues continue to plague the New York Jets. They make a lot of mental mistakes and unforced errors, like false starts, delay of games, and holding calls.
Then there are the turnovers, which Aaron Rodgers had three of in Week 5. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Jets with games against the Bills and Steelers in primetime in the next two weeks. There is no question they are loaded with talent, but this isn’t a well-coached team.
Next Game: Monday, Oct. 14 vs. Bills
22. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 21
The Indianapolis Colts were decimated by injuries going into Week 5 with Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor out.
Still, they were highly competitive against the Jaguars on the road and nearly pulled off the win. The Colts are 2-3 on the season but are much better than their record indicates. Don’t give up on this team just yet.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Titans
23. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 25
Sunday was a good reminder of just how talented Kyler Murray is and how well he can play in any given week.
Against a much better team, Murray was the best player on the field, and it led to the Cardinals upsetting the 49ers. Arizona’s offense is so much fun to watch and as long as Murray can stay healthy, Arizona has a chance in every single game.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Packers
24. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 20
The Las Vegas Raiders had their winning streak against the Broncos snapped in Week 5, mostly due to turnovers on offense. Las Vegas was moving the ball well early in the game, but a 100-yard pick-six by Patrick Surtain II off Gardner Minshew changed the game.
Minshew was eventually replaced by Aidan O’Connell, but he didn’t fare any better. The Raiders are a good team with a bottom-five quarterback situation. And that’s exactly what most thought of them going into the 2024 season.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Steelers
25. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 26
The Los Angeles Rams are just too beat up to close out games despite being competitive. They held a late in the second half, but their defense allowed too many big plays, and Matthew Stafford couldn’t do it all.
The good news for Los Angeles is that the 49ers are 2-3, and the Seahawks have now dropped back-to-back games. If Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua return to the lineup soon, they’ll have an outside chance to compete in the division. Don’t give up hope just yet.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 20 vs. Raiders
26. New York Giants (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 28
The New York Giants played their best game of the season, and Daniel Jones was in complete control. The defense dominated, pressuring Geno Smith all game long.
New York is still the worst team in the NFC East, but this is a respectable team that is clearly more talented than last season. Good job by Brian Daboll and his staff getting a tough road win against a good team.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Bengals
27. Cleveland Browns (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 24
There might not be a more disappointing team in the NFL than the Cleveland Browns. After making the playoffs last season, Cleveland’s offense is the worst in the league.
Deshaun Watson continues to struggle, and the defense is starting to get exposed. Cleveland needs to make some sort of change to switch things up, but Kevin Stefanski is hesitant to give up on Watson. However, with Cleveland sitting at 1-4, he might not have a choice.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Browns
28. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 29
The Miami Dolphins looked awful against the Titans in Week 4, and we debated on putting them at the very bottom of the power rankings.
However, they bounced back in Week 5 and got a much-needed win against the Patriots. With a record of 2-3, the Dolphins aren’t out of the running in the AFC East at all. They are just 1.5 games behind Buffalo, and we are inching closer to Tua Tagovailoa’s return. If they can win one more game and get back to .500, they’ll have a real shot to make some noise in the second half of the season.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 20 vs. Colts
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 32
The Jacksonville Jaguars had to get a win in Week 5 to avoid an 0-2 start, and they got it done against the Colts. Trevor Lawrence played his best game of the season, and Brian Thomas looked like a superstar, catching his third touchdown of the season.
Jacksonville still has a long climb back in the AFC, but this was a nice win to get before it heads to London.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Bears
30. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
Previous Ranking: 27
Tennessee earned its first win of the season in Week 4 and were on bye in Week 5. Mason Rudolph helped them earn that victory, but coach Brian Callahan is adamant that Will Levis will start when he is 100 percent healthy.
We’ll see if Levis is healthy going into Week 6, but the Titans have a capable backup if they need him this week.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Colts
31. Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 30
It’s starting to look like the Week 3 win against the Raiders was a fluke for the Carolina Panthers. They weren’t competitive against the Bears, and Andy Dalton’s play has dropped off significantly in the last few weeks.
Their defense has suffered some big injuries, including to Derrick Brown, so this shouldn’t be a surprise. But this was another rough outing for Carolina against a good, but not great, Bears team.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Falcons
32. New England Patriots (1-4)
Previous Ranking: 31
The New England Patriots are right back to being the worst team in the NFL after losing to Tyler Huntley and the Dolphins at home. The offense scored just 10 points, and they might be the hardest team in the league to watch.
Hopefully, Drake Maye can play soon and provide some entertainment value because it’s a job to watch this team for three hours on a Sunday.
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Texans
