Philadelphia Eagles

NFL power rankings, Week 6: Patriots rise, Eagles fall

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

foxsports

Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (5) makes a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Falcons beat the Browns 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

We break out our NFL power rankings for Week 6. To the surprise of nobody, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are on the rise.

Cleveland Browns

0-5

Last week: L, 33-13, vs. NELast rank: 32nd

Next Week: The Browns head south to Nashville to square off against a Tennessee Titans team coming off a 30-17 victory at Miami. This will mark the third consecutive year that these two franchises will square off, with Cleveland winning each of the last two meetings – including a 28-14 home victory last season in Week 2.

Playoff hopes: Are you kidding? No team in NFL history has ever reached the postseason following a 0-5 start. And the Browns are chasing everyone these days given the fact that they are the lone winless team in the league. The team’s biggest concern these days is who will be the starting quarterback at Nashville next Sunday against the Titans.

Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during a NFL game at Levi

San Francisco 49ers

1-4

Last week: L, 33-21, vs. AZLast rank: 31st

Next week: Traveling to Buffalo could be a disaster for San Francisco. The Rex Ryan-led Bills looked to be going-into a nosedive when they fired Greg Roman early in the season, but they have appeared to have somewhat rebounded. LeSean McCoy has had at least 90 yards of offense in his last five games, and will be looking to stick it to his former coach Chip Kelly after what transpired in Philadelphia last season.

Playoff hopes: The playoffs were an afterthought in San Francisco during training camp. With no quarterback, a patchwork offense, and a worn-out defense riddled with injuries you can not expect to see the 49ers playing late into January. Instead they’ll be competing in the DeShone Kizer sweepstakes, hoping to at-least get a consolation prize such as Deshaun Watson or J.T. Barrett.

Oct 9, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Titans won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins

1-4

Last week: L, 30-17, vs. TENLast rank: 28th

Next Week: As if the Dolphins didn’t have enough problems, they host the 4-1 Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Mike Tomlin’s team has scored a combined 74 points in their last two games. And one week after not being able to slow down DeMarco Murray, Miami must deal with the likes of running back Le’Veon Bell.

Playoff hopes: Five games into the season and the Dolphins are already three games out of first place, with a loss to the New England Patriots on their ledger. Miami is also 1-3 within the conference, with home losses to the Pats, Titans and Cincinnati Bengals. It’s shaping up to be a long season for a team that hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2008.

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1-3

Last week: Mon. night at CARLast rank: 29th

Next Week: Tampa Bay will be off before traveling to take on the 49ers in Levi’s Stadium.

Playoff hopes: Monday’s game will be huge for both teams, giving one a step up towards the playoffs in both total wins, and victories against divisional opponents. With a tough schedule approaching, the Buccaneers need to collect wins early to compete late in the year.

October 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers punter Drew Kaser (8) and kicker Josh Lambo (2) react after a missed field goal attempt fumbling the snap during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers

1-4

Last week: L, 34-31, at OAKLast rank: 27th

Next Week: The Bolts hope to end their recent losing ways within the division in less than a week as they host the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos on Thursday night. It’s worth noting that Denver has won its last five road games in this series and also beaten the Chargers five straight times overall.

Playoff hopes: Dismal to say the least. The Chargers are the only team in the AFC West with a losing record and are already three games out of first place. Mike McCoy’s club can keep its season somewhat alive by knocking off the Broncos on Thursday evening at home. But this has been an exciting yet troubled club early in this season.

Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears receiver Jordan Howard (24) celebrates his touchdown with teammate receiver Cameron Meredith (81) against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears

1-4

Last week: L, 29-23, at INDLast rank: 25th

Next week: The Bears host the Jacksonville Jaguars, and are looking to win their second-consecutive home game since 2014. The Jaguars are currently in the middle of their bye week after winning across the pond against the Indianapolis Colts. Jacksonville will hope to have Dan Skuta and Julius Thomas back from injuries.

Playoff hopes: Chicago most likely won’t be going to the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, and be in the running for one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. Without a win on the road since week 16 last season, the Bears are looking to finally rebuild their franchise the right way.

Oct 9, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) flips the ball during the second half against Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Titans won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans

2-3

Last week: W, 30-17, at MIALast rank: 30th

Next Week: The Cleveland Browns, losers of eight straight games dating back to 2015 and the only winless team in the league this season, head to Nashville. But keep in mind that the Titans have lost twice to this club each of the past two season, including back in ’14 at Tennessee.

Playoff hopes: When you play defense the way the Titans are this season, there’s always a chance of reaching the playoffs. Obviously, no team is running away with the AFC South to date and if the Tennessee offense can develop a little more consistency, this club can be a factor in the race for the division’s top spot.

Oct 2, 2016; London, ENG; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) runs the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars

1-3

Last week: BYELast rank: 24th

Next Week: The Jaguars have now had plenty of time to prepare for the Chicago Bears, who comes off a 29-23 loss to the Colts at Indianapolis. It marks the team’s first trip to the Windy City since 2008. Last season, Jacksonville was 0-4 vs. NFC teams and lost to the Green Bay Packers at home in Week 1.

Playoff hopes: The fact that Jacksonville’s only victory of the season came within the division is a plus. But the reality is that the team is all by itself in last place in the AFC South after five weeks of play. There’s plenty of season ahead but the Jaguars must build on that win over the Colts.

Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets receiver Jeremy Ross (10) returns a kick-off against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets

1-4

Last week: L, 31-13, at PITLast rank: 21st

Next Week: The Jets are on the road for the fourth time in five weeks and once again face yet another team that reached the playoffs a year ago. A week from Monday night, Todd Bowles returns to Arizona where he was the NFL Assistant Coach of the Year in 2014. The 2-3 Cardinals are coming off a 33-21 Thursday night win at San Francisco.

Playoff hopes: At 1-4, the Jets are tied with the Miami Dolphins for last place in the AFC East. Both clubs also own 1-3 marks within the conference as New York has losses to the Bengals, Chiefs and Steelers on its resume. All three of those teams were in the postseason a year ago. That doesn’t bode well for the Green and White even with 11 games to play.

Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks on during a pause in play during the fourth quarter in the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. New Orleans won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints

1-3

Last week: BYELast rank: 22nd

Next week: The Saints will get Carolina off a short week after the Panthers play on Monday night. New Orleans is looking for their first win at home this season, something few teams can say at this point of the season. Should Cam Newton return from a concussion, fans could be waiting even longer to see their hometown team win.

Playoff hopes: You hate to label a team’s season “done” after four games, but New Orleans has very little shot at making the playoffs this year. Injuries and poor play throughout their defense will prevent even their own high-scoring offense from giving them a chance. This entire organization needs to take a look in the mirror and fix what has kept them out of the playoffs since 2013.

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) celebrates with wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) after a catch during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field. Lions win 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions

2-3

Last week: W, 24-23, vs. PHILast rank: 26th

Next Week: The Lions will host the Los Angeles Rams for the second game of a three game homestand. Detroit will hope to have many of their injured players back, most of whom play on defense. Haloti Ngata’s name was added to a lengthy list which already had DeAndre Levy and Ziggy Ansah on it.

Playoff hopes: At 2-3 the Lions are still in a tough position to make the playoffs, let alone win the division. Minnesota remains undefeated despite their own injuries, and holds the early advantage in the NFC North. The Vikings now have a bye week, giving Detroit an opportunity to have a shot at being just two games back.

Oct 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) reacts on the sideline during the game against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens

3-2

Last week: L, 16-10, vs. WSHLast rank: 21st

Next Week: The Ravens face an NFC East for the second straight Sunday. And they are back on the road for the first time since Week 3 as they make the short trip to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants. The franchises square off for the first time since 2012.

Playoff hopes: After opening with three wins, the Ravens have dropped back-to-back home games and suddenly find themselves one game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. They’re right in the thick of things in the conference despite the recent slump.

Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) catches a pass for the winning touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeated Chicago 29-23. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts

2-3

Last week: W, 29-23, vs. CHILast rank: 23rd

Next Week: The Colts look to even their record against one of their favorite divisional whipping boys as they travel to Houston to meet the Texans. Indianapolis owns an imposing 23-5 lifetime lead in the series, which includes three straight road wins in this rivalry and a 10-4 road record in this divisional setting.

Playoff hopes: Thanks to the Houston Texans’ recent issues, the Colts and the rest of the teams in the AFC South are very much in the divisional chase. Andrew Luck has always been pretty successful against this rival but it’s worth noting that he didn’t face them at all in 2015. Should make for an interesting primetime reunion next week.

Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Jerry Hughes (55) goes for the sack of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) during a NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Rams

3-2

Last week: L, 30-19, vs. BUFLast rank: 18th

Next Week: Los Angeles will look to rebound in Detroit, where the Lions scratched out a close win at home. Detroit has a large number of starters on defense injured, and are without two of their top running backs. While fans would love to see Goff after Keenum’s dismal performance, Fisher is thinking about the future and making sure Goff is ready.

Playoff hopes: The defense of Los Angeles has kept them in the race thus far, but they reside in a competitive division with Arizona and Seattle. They have already surprised us this year, but don’t expect too much more magic coming out of Los Angeles with some tough opponents scheduled for the end of the season.

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) passes against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans

3-2

Last week: L, 31-13, at MINLast rank: 11th

Next Week: The Texans host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football and to fare better than they have against this team throughout the series history. They’ve lost 23 of the 28 meetings between the franchises and even though they won at Indianapolis for the first time a year ago, they’ve dropped 3 straight home games to the Colts.

Playoff hopes: Houston remains in first place in the AFC South but they have not shown well against the top teams in the league to date. For the second time in three weeks they were manhandled on the road against a quality opponent, which doesn’t bode well if you make the playoffs. And both the Colts and Tennessee Titans won on Sunday (Jacksonville was off), tightening the division race.

Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked in the fourth quarter by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Terrell McClain (97) and defensive end Jack Crawford (58) at AT&T Stadium. Cowboys beat the Bengals 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals

2-3

Last week: L, 28-14, at DALLast rank: 14th

Next Week: Things don’t get any easier for Marvin Lewis’ talented but struggling club. The Bengals have a date with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots at Foxborough. Cincinnati has dropped three of its last four contests after that opening-day win over the New York Jets and could struggle keeping pace with Bill Belichick’s revived offense.

Playoff hopes: There’s obviously a long way to go and this is an organization that has been in the playoffs five straight years. Don’t expect these Bengals to roll over despite the disappointing start. This experienced club still has a rematch with the Steelers and haven’t faced the Baltimore Ravens or Cleveland Browns this season yet.

Oct 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) points to Baltimore Ravens defensive end Lawrence Guy (93) after a lat hit call during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins

3-2

Last week: W, 16-10, at BALLast rank: 20th

Next Week: The Redskins have their first game against the Eagles next week at home. With a three game win streak going into this division rivalry, the Redskins get to see rookie Carson Wentz for the first time up close. DeSean Jackson always looks to embarrass his former team, and will once again have the opportunity.

Playoff hopes: The NFC East is a tight race once again, and the Redskins are in the middle of it. As the defending division champions, Washington was not favored to repeat with Cousins and coach Jay Gruden. A win against the Eagles would push them back into playoff contention and set themselves up for Detroit.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers

1-3

Last week: Mon night vs. TBLast rank: 16th

Next Week: Carolina will be traveling to take on the New Orleans Saints on a short week. The Saints always give the Panthers a game, and expect it to be doubly so this time with New Orleans coming off a bye week.

Playoff hopes: Already in an unexpected hole, the Panthers will need to pull themselves out to have a playoff spot this year. Atlanta’s surprising run has left the Panthers three games behind, and the Falcons have already taken the first game between these two this season.

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) reacts after his touchdown catch was upheld in the fourth quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants

2-3

Last week: L, 23-16, at GBLast rank: 9th

Next week: The Giants face the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. This game could go in either direction, but the Ravens are undefeated on the road this year. New York is the early favorite, but injuries could turn the tables in the middle of the week. Eli Manning will really need to improve from his performance against the Packers.

Playoff hopes: The NFC East is available for any member of the division. While the Eagles and Cowboys are currently at the top, the Giants have yet to face Philadelphia and Carson Wentz this year. They will not get the chance to until next month at home, and then will travel into Philadelphia three days before Christmas.

Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marcus Cooper (41) carries the ball on an interception return in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during a NFL game at Levi

Arizona Cardinals

2-3

Last week: L, 33-21, at SFLast rank: 18th

Next Week: The Cardinals will be licking their chops when they host the New York Jets on Monday Night Football next week. Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown 10 interceptions this season, and fumbled the ball against the Steelers in week five. New York has only allowed one rushing touchdown this year, which could limit Johnson on the ground.

Playoff hopes: Losing three of your first five games is never a great situation, especially for a team that had legitimate Super Bowl ambitions. They are still in striking distance of the NFC West, and have a crucial primetime game against Seattle in two weeks at home.

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) carries the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Vince Williams (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs

2-2

Last week: BYELast rank: 13th

Next Week: Following an off week, Andy Reid’s club travels to the Bay Area and face a Raiders’ team that they have beaten in three straight and five of the last clubs’ last six meetings between the clubs. The Chiefs are just 3-3 in their last six road trips in this series but did win a year ago at Oakland in Week 13 (34-20).

Playoff hopes: Andy Reid’s team currently sits in third place in the AFC West but this is a division that is pretty bunched up at the moment. But it is worth noting that those conference losses to the Texans and Steelers could wind up being issues should the Chiefs fail to win the division this season.

Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (88) celebrates with wide receiver Robert Woods (10) after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during the NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills

3-2

Last week: W, 30-19, at LALast rank: 15th

Next Week: For the second straight Sunday and the third time in four weeks, the Bills will face an NFC West opponent as they host Chip Kelly and the reeling 1-4 San Francisco 49ers. Buffalo hopes to take advantage of a Niners’ team that has lost four straight games and allowed a combined 140 points in those setbacks.

Playoff hopes: After that miserable start, the Bills are suddenly riding a three-game winning streak and appear to be playing with a lot of confidence. Early conference losses to the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets may come back to bite them but that’s nothing to worry about at the moment.

Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers in the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders

4-1

Last week: W, 34-31, vs. SDLast rank: 12th

Next Week: The Raiders are home once again and get another AFC West rival in the form of the 2-2 Kansas City Chiefs. Andy Reid’s club, who didn’t play in Week 5, have won the last three meetings in this series and swept the Silver and Black a year ago.

Playoff hopes: Off to their best start since 2002 (the last time the franchise posted a winning season and reached the playoffs), a loss by the Denver Broncos enabled the Raiders to move into a first-place tie in the AFC West. Jack Del Rio’s club has won three straight contests since that Week 2 loss to Atlanta and are finding ways to win late in games.

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions win 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles

3-1

Last week: L, 24-23, at DETLast rank: 6th

Next week: The Eagles travel for their first divisional game of the Pederson/Wentz era. They’ll take on Jay Gruden and the Washington Redskins in a critical rivalry game that could have major playoff implications. Washington beat Baltimore 16-10 on the road, but quarterback Kirk Cousins turned the ball over twice. Philadelphia’s defense will look to do more of the same in Washington. The Eagles loss leaves the entire NFC East still in-play for the division.

Playoff hopes: Luckily for the Eagles they finish their season with two home games against the Giants and Cowboys. If they can rebound next week from their loss in Detroit, they’ll remain the favorites to come-away with the title.

Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys

4-1

Last week: W, 28-14, vs. CINLast rank: 8th

Next Week: The Cowboys will travel to Green Bay for a late-afternoon game in Lambeau Field. Both sides of the ball will be tested for Dallas. The Packers run defense is rated as the second-best in the NFL by Football Outsiders, and their offense could pick-apart the Dallas defense. Dallas is in good position to make a run should they remain healthy.

Playoff hopes: Simply due to Philadelphia having an early bye week, the Cowboys sit in first place of the NFC East with four wins. They still have two games against the Eagles, and a game against both New York and Washington.

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

Seattle Seahawks

3-1

Last week: BYELast rank: 7th

Next week: The Seahawks will host the Atlanta Falcons, who are undefeated on the road. However, we all know Seattle is a different atmosphere when it comes to the fans inside CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks have a unique home field advantage, one of the many reasons they are undefeated there this year.

Playoff hopes: The NFC West is constantly a competitive division, and this year is no different. Los Angeles has snuck up on a lot of people, and the Cardinals are just a step behind. This division will be a bitter race throughout the season, and should be one of the most exciting stories in football this year.

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds (53) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos

4-1

Last week: L, 23-16, vs. ATLLast rank: 1st

Next Week: No rest for this team and the San Diego Chargers as the AFC West rivals clash on Thursday night in California. Including a playoff meeting in 2013, the Broncos have won 5 straight meetings and are 9-1 in last 10 encounters between the clubs. Denver has also won five straight on the Chargers’ home field.

Playoff hopes: Thanks to their first loss of the season and another win by the improved Oakland Raiders, the Broncos and the Silver and Black are tied atop their division. And the 2-2 Kansas City Chiefs aren’t too far behind. It will be an interesting week in the AFC West due to the two head-to-head matchups between the four clubs.

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) looks to pass the football in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons

4-1

Last week: W, 23-16, at DENLast rank: 10th

Next week: The Falcons make an equally-rough trip up to Seattle to face the Seahawks and their fans. The Seahawks will be coming off of their bye week, leaving them fresh and ready for a “battle of the birds.” Seattle is undefeated at home this year, while Atlanta has not lost away from their new home.

Playoff hopes: Thanks to the surprising plummet of the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta is three games ahead of Carolina, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans. The Falcons can not forget their epic collapse last season when they lost 9-of-13 games to end the season. Dan Quinn’s job is relying on the Falcons staying focused and continuing to play solid football.

Pittsburgh Steelers

4-1

Last week: W, 31-13, vs. NYJLast rank: 5th

Next Week: Way back in 2004, then-Steelers rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made his first start on a Sunday night at Miami. The Dolphins host the Black and Gold next week and are struggling to say the least, owners of a 1-4 record and coming off a 30-17 home loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Playoff hopes: Suddenly the Steelers find themselves all alone atop the AFC North. They own a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens and a two-game edge (and a victory) over the struggling Cincinnati Bengals. If the team can continue to improve on defense, they will be a playoff factor. But they also can’t afford many performances like they did against the Birds.

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) tries to break a tackle by New York Giants safety Andrew Adams (33) after catching a pass in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers

3-1

Last week: W, 23-16, vs. NYGLast rank: 3rd

Next Week: Green Bay gets to stay home and play another member of the NFC East, this time being the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott has continued to surprise people, and is due to turn the ball over. Green Bay has showed it is improved on defense, and will be a major test for Dallas.

Playoff hopes: Aaron Rodgers has always told his fans to relax, and they are doing just that after a dominant win against New York. While the Minnesota Vikings have the early lead in the NFC North, Green Bay will be with them the entire way and compete for a Wild Card spot.

Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots

4-1

Last week: W, 33-13, vs. CLELast rank: 3rd

Next Week: The Foxborough faithful will get their first look of the season at Tom Brady when 2-3 Cincinnati comes to town. For what it’s worth, the Bengals have dropped six straight road games in this series, their last win at New England coming in 1986.

Playoff hopes: The Patriots are looking for an eighth straight trip to the playoffs, as well as an eighth consecutive AFC East title – the latter an unprecedented feat. With Brady back in the fold and the defense playing solid football, it’s hard to imagine this team home when it comes to the postseason.

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) celebrates his touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings

5-0

Last week: W, 31-13, vs. HOULast rank: 4th

Next Week: They will then travel to Philadelphia to face Bradford’s former team, the 3-1 Eagles. It will be tremendous to watch the Vikings defense against Carson Wentz.

Playoff hopes: Any team that is undefeated at this point of the season needs to be taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender. Minnesota carried that label prior to the injury suffered by Teddy Bridgewater, but have earned that back thanks to their defense. An early win against the Packers helps their chances of winning the North grow even stronger.