National Football League

NFL Power Rankings Week 5: Vikings Debut in Top 2

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The NFL is a quarter of the way done. How do the teams rank? Where does your team stand? Check out the week 5 power rankings here.

Week 4 of the NFL season saw one undefeated team go down, one team remain winless, and a couple of sure Super Bowl contenders fall for a third time.  Odell Beckham Jr. made headlines as his temper got the best of him once again vs. the Vikings on Monday Night Football.

The Giants start has vowed to change his behavior. As week 5 approaches Tom Brady returns from suspension, and the Packers and Eagles return from a bye week. The Vikings, Broncos and Eagles look to continue their hot starts.

And now the rankings:

Cleveland Browns

20-31 @ Redskins

Last week: 0-4Last rank: 32

The Browns are once again at the bottom of the power rankings. Cody Kessler has shown signs of being a capable starter for the season, but he is still a rookie. Terrelle Pryor, on the other hand, is on the verge of stardom. The quarterback-turned receiver has blossomed at his new position. Cleveland may be picking top five again, but they have some young talent to be excited about, in addition to having the number one rushing offense in the league.31

San Francisco 49ers

21-33 vs. Cardinals

Last week: 1-4Last rank: 30

The 49ers are 1-4 on the season following a 33-21 loss on Thursday Night Football against the Cardinals. The 49ers are in a difficult quarterback situation in which many in the locker room are vouching for former Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder to take over. Five games in and it looks like the 49ers are ready for next season.30

Tennessee Titans

20-27 @ Texans

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 28

The Titans lost to the Texans this week, and once again came up short. DeMarco Murray has been a touchdown machine this season, and the Titans have lost a lot of games by a small margin. This team could very easily be better than 1-3.29

Detroit Lions

14-17 @ Bears

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 27

The Lions continue to fall in the power rankings. Where is Golden Tate? Tate was supposed to take over as the Lions go-to receiver this season, but has failed to perform (hurting my fantasy team along the way). Detroit is moving into a rebuilding period.28

Chicago Bears

17-14 vs. Lions

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 32

The Bears picked up their first win in Week 4, which is great. However, second year (basically rookie) wide receiver Kevin White has been placed on IR with fractured fibula. This is the second season in as many years in which White will miss most of the Bear’s games. The Bears will be looking to start-over this offseason. 27

Miami Dolphins

7-22 @ Bengals

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 24

The Dolphins looked miserable at Cincinnati this past Thursday. After a deep touchdown to Kenny Stills the offense was shut out and the Bengals completely dominated the game. Sure, the Dolphins have played some tough games. At Seattle, New England, and Cincinnati is a tough way to start the year. However, they were very close to losing at home to Cleveland.26

Indianapolis Colts

27-30 @ Jaguars (in London)

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 20

The Colts are falling fast. For a team that was supposed to go to the Super Bowl last year, this team has really declined. In a division that’s up for grabs the Colts are not out of it yet, but they must get back on track quickly.25

Jacksonville Jaguars

30-27 vs. Colts (in London)

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 29

The Jaguars are undefeated this season outside of the US! Maybe this win could propel the Jaguars back into playoff contention.Next: More rankings: #24-1724

San Diego Chargers

35-34 vs. Saints

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 25

The Chargers have lost so many close games this year. It’s been a tough start. This team is not as bad as their record. This season is slipping away, but at least they’ve been competitive?23

New Orleans Saints

35-34 @ Chargers

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 24

The Saints season is NOT over! Despite what some people might have said, the Saints are still alive this season. They can score as well as any team, so it all falls on the defense.22

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

7-27 vs. Broncos

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 21

The Bucs are sliding after appearing to be a wild-card threat week 1. They need to get back on track in week 5.21

Washington Redskins

31-20 vs. Browns

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 23

The Redskins are right back in the thick of things after starting the season 0-2. Things were nerve-racking against Cleveland, but the Redskins pulled through.20

New York Giants

24-10 @ Vikings

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 16

The Giants have come back to Earth after their 2-0 start to the season. Things don’t get any easier this week when they head to Lambeau.19

New York Jets

17-27 vs. Seahawks

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 15

The Jets have had nine interceptions in the past two games. Not all of these have been on Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the turnover rate must decrease. The schedule remains tough for a few more weeks, but if the Jets want to have any hope of a playoff run they have to turn things around fast.18

Arizona Cardinals

Last week: 2-3Last rank: 11

The Cardinals came up with a huge win Thursday night against the 49ers. However, with Carson Palmer sidelined for an unknown amount of time it is unclear what the future holds for this team.17

Buffalo Bills

16-0 @ Patriots

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 22

The Bills are back! Well, they are back in the running for a wild-card after two great weeks of football. Next up are the Rams.Next: More rankings: #16-916

Carolina Panthers

33-48 @ Falcons

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 8

The Panthers are on the verge of having their season fall apart. Not only are they 1-3, but their MVP quarterback is injured. The team faces a must-win game in week 5 without their leader.15

Baltimore Ravens

27-28 vs. Raiders

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 13

The Ravens suffered their first loss at the hands of the Raiders. It was a tightly contested game, but Derek Carr won it down the stretch. The Ravens looked good though, and Steve Smith was brilliant.14

Oakland Raiders

28-27 @ Ravens

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 18

The Raiders won a great game vs. the Ravens on Sunday. Derek Carr led an incredible drive late to win the game. With the offense the Raiders have they could make some noise. The defense will have to step up though.13

Los Angeles Rams

17-13 @ Cardinals

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 19

The Rams keep winning. It’s unbelievable that this team is winning the NFC West. The number one overall draft pick is sitting on the sidelines while Case Keenum is lighting everyone up.12

Dallas Cowboys

24-17 @ 49ers

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 14

Dallas has been great for a team being led by a rookie quarterback and rookie running back. Even Jerry Jones said he was surprised. There is sure to be a quarterback controversy when Tony Romo returns.11

Kansas City Chiefs

14-43

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 6

Kansas City was absolutely demolished in Pittsburgh. It was brutal. The Steelers had already scored 21 points through one quarter. The Chiefs go into their bye week with Jamaal Charles returning on the other end it. They will get better.10

Houston Texans

27-20 vs. Titans

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 12

The Texans are an unnoticed 3-1 team. J.J. Watt is out for the season, but this is a good team.9

Atlanta Falcons

48-33 vs. Panthers

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 17

Julio Jones and Matt Ryan are possibly the best duo in the league.Next: More rankings: #8-18

Cincinnati Bengals

7-22 vs. Dolphins

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 10

The Bengals destroyed the Dolphins last Thursday. It was not close. The Bengals are one of the best teams in the NFL and AJ Green is a top five wide receiver.7

Pittsburgh Steelers

43-14

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 9

The Steelers offense looked incredible Sunday night. With LeVeon Bell in the mix this team could be unstoppable.6

Seattle Seahawks

27-17 @ Jets

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 7

The Seahawks flat out dominated the Jets. They are looking good.5

Green Bay Packers

Bye

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 5

The Packers return from their bye to play the Giants on SNF. This should be a good one.4

Philadelphia Eagles

Bye

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 4

The Eagles come off the bye week to face the Lions in Detroit. They’re looking to continue their undefeated season.3

New England Patriots

16-0 vs. Bills

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 1

The Patriots suffered their first loss of the season to the Bills. It was not a very competitive game, as Jacoby Brissett was unable to muster much on offense. However, Tom Brady returns.2

Minnesota Vikings

24-10 vs. Giants

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 3

The Vikings defense is great. This team is one of the best stories in the NFL.1

Denver Broncos

27-7 @ Buccaneers

Last week: 4-0Last rank: 2

There are some great matchups in week 5 that are sure to mess up these wonderful rankings. Enjoy the games this week, and as always, feel free to roast me if you disagree with any of the rankings.

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