Denver Broncos: Week Five NFL Power Rankings
The NFL is a crazy league. A solidified top ten is beginning to take shape. Who finally cracked the Top Ten in the Week Five NFL Power Rankings? Read on…
The NFL season has now reached the quarter mark. Three undefeated teams remain, but only one winless team. Week four was another crazy week, proving that “Any Given Sunday,” anything can truly happen. One thing that is clear is that nothing is clear as far as who is truly good and who isn’t. The Patriots went from a 27-0 shutout victory, to being shut out in Gillette in just a weeks time. How bad did that hurt them? What newcomers have found their way into the top-10, and who slid out? The answers are here in the Week Five NFL Power Rankings:
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos defensive back Aqib Talib (21) returns an interception in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
1. Denver Broncos (1)
The train keeps rolling for the 4-0 Denver Broncos. The defense just played it’s most complete game of the season, dominating the Buccaneers from the first drive on. However, just a week removed from winning and AFC Offensive Player of the Week award, Trevor Siemian now finds himself dealing with a sprained AC Joint. The Broncos offense didn’t skip a beat with first round Paxton Lynch at the helm. Like it or not, the Broncos now have a QB controversy. Kubiak will have a decision to make when Siemian is 100%. For now, all they do is win.
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) tackles New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
2. Minnesota Vikings (3)
It’s not a coincidence that the Vikings land at number two on this list. Defense wins championships and the Vikings and the Broncos are the two teams in the league with championship caliber defense. The “Purple Reign” defense is fast, mean, and physical. Sam Bradford has come in and played brilliant after being traded to the Vikings just eight days prior to the start of the regular season. The Vikings look like the hands-down favorite in the NFC at this point in the season.
Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) sits along the sidelines during the second half of the Buffalo Bills 16-0 win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
3. New England Patriots (2)
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10 days removed from shutting out the Houston Texans, the Patriots find themselves getting shut out by the Bills. With that said, the Patriots have to be happy sitting at 3-1. Enter Tom Brady—feature Gronkowski. Their season is just getting started.
Sep 25, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks around following the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
4. Green Bay Packers (4)
Aaron Rodgers and Co. got to watch as they enjoyed their bye week sitting at 2-1. They are in a hole, but still feel good about where they are and how their team is coming along. The Packers certainly hope to start the post-bye schedule better than they did a year ago—a demolition in Denver, followed up by a loss to Carolina. This year Rodgers has a healthy Nelson and slimmed down Eddie Lacy at his disposal. They shouldn’t have the same problems this time around.
Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates his fourth quarter interception with teammate Richard Sherman (25) during the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
5. Seattle Seahawks (5)
The Seahawks just love playing at MetLife Stadium. After a slow start to the year, the Seahawks offense is starting to resemble the one we all expected when the year began. Now they have a bye week to get Russell Wilson back to full health. The chemistry between Russell Wilson and Jimmy Graham is far better now than it was at any point last year. This is why the Seahawks gave up a first round pick to go and get the electric tight end.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (7)
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The best part about going into your bye week undefeated is that you know you will be undefeated for another week. Now teams have three weeks of film on Carson Wentz. Can defenses adjust and make things difficult on the rookie, or will he continue to shred defenses like a seasoned vet?
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (9)
You think the Steelers appreciate getting their faces kicked in by a rookie quarterback? If you watched Sunday night you got the answer. This Steelers team can kick it into another gear entirely on offense with Le’veon Bell back in action. That was the ultimate F-U game by Roethlisberger and it was scary how well they played. Defensive coordinators beware—the Steelers are coming.
Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
8. Cincinnati Bengals (10)
For as well as the Bengals played while destroying the Dolphins, the red zone issues still remain. The good news—they should be getting a much-needed reinforcement this week with the return of Tyler Eifert. That should help the woes and get this offense back on track. For now, they are 2-2 and ready to roll.
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
9. Atlanta Falcons (19)
Now that was one impressive showing by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. Ryan threw for over 500 yards, and Julio popped off for an easy 300 yard game—against the reigning NFC Champions—no big deal. One of two things are going on here: Either the Panthers defense is simply not that good, or the Falcons offense is really really good. The Falcons will get to find out if the latter is true as they travel to Denver next week to take on the defending Super Bowl Champion Broncos. Good luck.
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates his game winning touchdown catch against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium with quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Jalen Richard (30). Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
10. Oakland Raiders (13)
The Raiders are a top-10 team; how about that? They just keep finding a way to win close football games, which is usually the mark of a very good team. Can they keep this up? Only time will tell.
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates after making a first down conversion during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
11. Dallas Cowboys (14)
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How about them Cowboys? 3-1 behind a rookie quarterback and rookie running back is a truly encouraging sign for America’s Team. They have played a pretty easy schedule to this point so it’ll be interesting to see what happens when the competition stiffens. It will also be interesting to see what happens when Tony Romo returns. Will he be the starter or the backup? Jason Garrett will have a decision to make.
Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) returns a punt for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
12. Houston Texans (17)
The Texans are 3-1, but is Brock Osweiler beginning to feel like a $37 million mistake? He is throwing interceptions at a far higher clip than he was a year ago in Denver. If not for a punt return by Will Fuller, the Texans could be looking at 2-2 and behind in the division. With J.J. Watt out for the year, Osweiler’s production is going to have to improve or the Texans are going to have a very hard time returning to the playoffs.
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) catches a pass in front of Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
13. Baltimore Ravens (6)
The Ravens put themselves in a great position to win the game Sunday with a great comeback to put them ahead in the final minutes. The Raiders have shown that clutch gene this season to pull things out at the last second, and Sunday was no different. The Ravens were 3-0 against a very cushy schedule, and will have to prove they are legitimate against tougher competition.
Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) carries the ball during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
14. Los Angeles Rams (22)
Since they lost 28-0 in their opener, the Rams have been perfect in taking down the Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Cardinals. The Rams currently hold the top spot in the NFC West—just like we all expected. Case Keenum has yet to give the coaching staff a reason to put in first overall pick Jared Goff. We’ll see if they can keep this up, but they do play a pretty easy schedule in the next 8 weeks.
15. Buffalo Bills (20)
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Do you think there is anything that Rex Ryan enjoyed more than going into Belicheck’s house and shutting out the Patriots—with our without Brady? The answer is of course not. Rex was on the hot seat just two weeks ago, but back to back wins against the Cardinals and Patriots have quieted that narrative—for now.
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after a play in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
16. Carolina Panthers (8)
So maybe letting Josh Norman not play out the franchise tag wasn’t the best idea after all. The Panthers young secondary is a mess. Cam Newton is getting destroyed this season. So far there is only one word to describe the Panthers season thus far—DISASTER.
17. Arizona Cardinals (11)
So the two teams in the NFC Championship game, the Cardinals and the Panthers, both sit at 1-3—just like we all expected. Something has seemed off with the Cardinals since they took a beating by the Seattle Seahawks in week 17 a year ago. Even their divisional round win didn’t feel like the Cardinals that wrecked teams weeks 1-16 in 2015. This may be the beginning of the end for the Carson Palmer era.
Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) running away from New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine (41) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Jets 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
18. New York Jets (16)
A home loss to the Seahawks is not that despicable, especially considering the Seahawks don’t lose in that stadium. But they have now dug themselves into a 1-3 hole—a hole that is going to be very hard to dig out of considering they are now two games behind the Patriots who now welcome back Tom Brady.
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw the ball as Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
19. Washington Redskins (21)
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The Skins are back to 2-2 after a victory over the winless Browns. They had to sweat for this one however, as the final score doesn’t show the entire game. They entered the fourth quarter down, but Cousins to Reed finally picked back up where it left off at the end of last season. The NFC East is far from decided, and the defending champs of that division are still in the thick of it.
Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) celebrate a missed field goal by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos (5) after Santos slipped during the kick during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
20. Kansas City Chiefs (12)
What a complete disaster for the Chiefs. They got punched in the mouth early, and they never got up. This is three times in four weeks that they have come out completely flat on offense—now the defense took the worst beat down they have seen in quite some time. There is certainly time to get back on track, but for now the Chiefs appear poised for a free fall.
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) argues a call during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
21. New York Giants (18)
There is one thing that is clear in New York—in order to be successful, their best player needs to find a way to get his emotions in check. In two losses this year, Odell Beckham Jr. has played a reckless, selfish brand of football. It is only a matter of time before he gets himself tossed out of a game or suspended. He is one of the best receivers in the entire NFL, but at this point, he’s got a problem.
Oct 2, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) scores on a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during game 15 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (27)
Perhaps Shad Khan should consider permanently moving the Jaguars to London. They looked far more comfortable playing at Wembley than they do in their own stadium. Or perhaps it’s getting to play the Colts that helped them earn their first victory of the season. The best thing the Jaguars have going for them is that they play in the AFC South. At 1-3, they are far from out of it, and probably have the most talented team in the division.
Oct 2, 2016; London, ENG; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) works around Jacksonville Jaguars defense during the fourth quarter at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
23. Indianapolis Colts (15)
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There is something that happens with the Colts once they get down big in the fourth quarter that turns them into a good team. It’s the opening three quarters that is the problem. The Colts nearly made another fourth quarter comeback, but by the time they began to play some real football, it was too little and too late to come back this time. Perhaps Jim Irsay should petition the league to let the Colts begin their games two hours later than scheduled.
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) tries to avoid Denver Broncos defensive linemen Derek Wolfe (95) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (23)
Jameis Winston, meet the best defense you’ll face all year. Winston spent his Sunday under constant siege, and at times it didn’t really seem fair. The worst part was he had to go back into the locker room for more than an hour for the second time in as many weeks, and come back out just to endure more punishment. The Bucs are now 1-3, tied with the Saints and Panthers for second place in the division. There is still time to turn the season around, and the good news—they don’t have to play the Broncos again this year.
Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) reacts as he comes off the field during the fourth quarter after fumbling against the New Orleans Saints at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
25. San Diego Chargers (24)
4-0—that’s what the Chargers should be right now. Every loss that this team has had, they have blown fourth quarter leads. At some point, someone is going to have to answer for being 1-3 when they’ve played well enough to be 4-0. That person is going to be Mike McCoy. Don’t say coaching doesn’t matter because a well coached team doesn’t blow three fourth quarter leads in four weeks.
Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws a pass during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
26. New Orleans Saints (31)
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Drew Brees and the Saints finally got off the schneid due in large part to the Chargers inability to put a team away. Coming back from 13 down in the final six minutes was a great accomplishment, but it certainly helps when your opponent sets you up in their own territory twice in six minutes. The Saints still employ a high school level defense, so don’t expect them to go on a huge win streak just yet.
October 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) runs the football against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) during the first quarter at Levi
27. San Francisco 49ers (26)
Chip Kelly had his guys in position to win another football game—instead they allowed the Cowboys pair of rookies to come back from down 14 without Dez Bryant and take this one away. To make matters worse, the Niners best defender was carted off the field with an injury. Should it be Kaepernick time soon in San Francisco? At this point what would it hurt.
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Deiondre
28. Chicago Bears (32)
Victory!!! After dropping to number 32 in the rankings, the Bears respond with their first W of the season, capitalizing on a pair of Matthew Stafford interceptions. Brian Hoyer looked serviceable in this one, and will cast further doubt on the future of Jay Cutler with the Bears. It is possible he has played his last snap for the team.
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) is tackled by Detroit Lions outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
29. Detroit Lions (28)
There was so much promise starting the year. The Lions finished 2015 playing a very good brand of football and opened the year with a promising road win against Andrew Luck and the Colts. They replaced Megatron with a couple of more than capable replacements. The train should have kept rolling, but instead it derailed. Jim Caldwell is going to be out as the head coach soon—the only question is will it happen during the season or do they let him tank this one and secure a high draft pick? Either way, there is no way Caldwell is still coaching the team in 2017.
Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
30. Miami Dolphins (25)
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The Dolphins have a huge problem—they are paying for a franchise quarterback, but don’t actually have one. Ryan Tannehill is not getting the job done, not even close. At this point he probably is who he is, perhaps a decent backup. Unfortunately the Dolphins just recently signed him to a big deal, and parting ways with him at this point, or at any point in the next two years will be extremely cost prohibitive. At this point it appears that even Adam Gase can’t fix Tannehill’s woes.
Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws during the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
31. Tennessee Titans (29)
The Titans were right there, but an inexplicable mistake in punt coverage cost them any shot at beating the Texans. Marcus Mariota needs to find a way to take this team to the next level, or else the Titans will end up drafting in the top-5 again.
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) pressures Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) during the second half at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
32. Cleveland Browns (30)
Cody Kessler has done well in his first two starts, all things considered. He still hasn’t played as well as Carson Wentz, though, and that has got to infuriate Browns fans. The news that the team will be moving on from Josh Gordon is just another punch in the gut to the helpless fan base. The city of Cleveland must be excited that basketball season is underway.
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