NFL Power Rankings: Week 5

Week one was all about big plays and high scores, this week was all about close games and good defensive performances. Where does your favorite team land? Scroll down and find out in the 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Week 5!

1. Seattle Seahawks (3-1; Last Week: 2nd)

Result: W vs Chargers 30-23

Emanuel Wilson went off. The defense starred, forcing four takeaways and getting four sacks. However, the team committed 14 penalties for a franchise record 150 yards. Is this the start of Wilson SZN?

2. San Francisco 49ers (4-0; Last Week: 7th)

Result: W vs Broncos 24-14

Powered by a three touchdown second half, San Fran remains undefeated. Brock Purdy has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league through four games this season. Despite the injury woes across the roster, and CMC not playing up to his lofty standards, this team continues to take care of business.

3. Los Angeles Rams (2-2; Last Week: 4th)

Result: W vs Eagles 24-20

Outside of two Matt Stafford interceptions, the offense played well. The defense, however, was really impressive. They held Philly offense to just 172 total yards, prevented them from converting a single third down (0 for 12), and completely shut down Jalen Hurts and the passing game.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0; Last Week: 5th)

Result: W vs Raiders 30-27

Running back Kenneth Walker III literally carried the offense with 177 rushing yards and two scores. He continues to excel, but receivers Tyquan Thornton (out at least 12 weeks), and Rashee Rice (hamstring) are now dealing with injury. The bye week has come at a good time. Is Kansas City bringing back Tyreek Hill?

5. Buffalo Bills (3-1; Last Week: 1st)

Result: L vs Patriots 29-26

The offense found a spark in wide receiver Keon Coleman, who caught six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. However, the defense struggled to get off the field, allowing the Pats to dominate time of possession and rack up 405 total yards.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1; Last Week: 11th)

Result: W vs Bengals 22-17

Jacksonville had too many penalties, gave up four sacks, and was mostly underwhelming on offense, but they got a good win against a quality opponent. The defense stifled Cincinnati’s rushing attack, holding them to 1.5 yards per rush as a team.

7. Denver Broncos (2-2; Last Week: 3rd)

Result: L vs 49ers 24-14

The offense continues to (mostly) struggle. The ground game was again awful, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. Bo Nix didn’t elevate the offense with his passing either. Add Denver’s top two cornerbacks leaving the game with injury, and this team finds itself in a weird place right now.

8. Baltimore Ravens (3-1; Last Week: 10th)

Result: W vs Titans 24-18

The Ravens offense relied heavily on a strong first half from Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers. Unfortunately, Jackson suffered an ankle injury late in the second quarter. Keep an eye on his availability for next week’s game against Atlanta.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2; Last Week: 6th)

Result: L vs Jaguars 22-17

Joe Burrow had over 400 yards passing in this one, but an inability to find a rhythm on the ground resulted in Cincy rushing for just 23 total yards. Ja’Marr Chase left early in the game with a concussion and did not return.

10. Minnesota Vikings (4-0; Last Week: 12th)

Result: W vs Dolphins 15-10

It was a hideous game, but the Vikings are 4-0. Minnesota’s offense had almost twice the time of possession than Miami, but lacked any real oompf. Ya gotta do better than five field goals – especially against arguably the worst team in the league. The defense was dominant again, but the offense has to be better.

11. Chicago Bears (3-1; Last Week: 14th)

Result: W vs Jets 23-12

The offense dominated time of possession, and set a franchise record with 34 first downs. The defense held the Jets to just 157 yards of total offense, and prevented New York from converting a single third down. D’Andre Swift did not see another carry after losing a fumble in the middle of the third quarter. Kyle Monangai proceeded to rumble for 92 yards and a touchdown in the second half.

12. Dallas Cowboys (2-2; Last Week: 13th)

Result: W vs Texans 34-30

Defensive struggles continue in Dallas, as they rank 29th in points allowed, are 30th in sacks, and have yet to record an interception. The offense ranks second in points scored per game, and the passing game continues to do work. Lamb had a career day with 17 receptions and 189 yards.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2; Last Week: 8th)

Result: L vs Rams 24-20

Things continue to look ugly in Philly. Hurts has been extremely mediocre, Barkley has been nicked up and ineffective, and the offensive line has had issues. Things may get worse before they improve. Bark and backup runningback Tank Bigsby both got hurt, so the Eagles might end up trotting out third string ‘back Will Shipley next week. Future Hall of Famer Lane Johnson also just retired unexpectedly. When it rains, it pours.

14. New England Patriots (2-2; Last Week: 16th)

Result: W vs Bills 29-26

Drake Maye bounced back from two first half turnovers to finish with 323 total yards and three touchdowns. The defense played well, limiting a top five rushing attack to just 91 yards, and forcing a couple of turnovers.

15. New York Giants (3-1; Last Week: 21st)

Result: W vs Cardinals 36-24

A win is a win, but this wasn’t without ups and downs. Winston had a typical Jameis game complete with both multiple touchdown passes and multiple turnovers. Deonte Banks went from potential training camp cut to sealing up the win with his pick six at the end of the game.

16. Detroit Lions (2-2; Last Week: 9th)

Result: L vs Panthers 32-26

The offense is going to score on anybody, but the defense is hot ass. Worst in the NFL and it isn’t even close. They couldn’t stop anything, and this is clearly going to be a theme for the Lions this year. Fire the DC. Trade for a corner or two. Get it together.

17. Indianapolis Colts (2-2; Last Week: 17th)

Result: W vs Commanders 30-13

Indy took advantage of Washington’s quarterback situation. It’s a good thing the defense led the way, because the offense wasn’t quite right. They got outgained 317-257, and are lucky Jonathan Taylor (95 rushing yards, two TD’s) saved the day. Daniel Jones has to be better.

18. Las Vegas Raiders (3-1; Last Week: 20th)

Result: L vs Chiefs 30-27

Kirk Cousins did his best (365 yards and two touchdowns), but poor defense and two turnovers ultimately cost Vegas the game. The Raiders still can’t run the ball with any real success. They only have one rushing touchdown through four games, and are dead last in yards per carry.

19. Carolina Panthers (2-2; Last Week: 23rd)

Result: W vs Lions 32-26

This offense looks for real through four games. Bryce Young leads the NFL in passing yards and is tied for second in passing touchdowns. Chuba Hubbard continues to show his breakout a couple of years ago was no fluke. Tet McMillan was on another level versus Detroit after a poor outing against the Browns (5 receptions, 17 yards). He set career highs in receptions and yards, while sprinkling in two touchdowns.

20. Green Bay Packers (2-2; Last Week: 22nd)

Result: W vs Buccaneers 17-14

They’re lucky they played a Bucs team starting an undrafted free agent at quarterback. The defense continues to struggle against the run, and now is going to be without star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who tore his Achilles.

21. Cleveland Browns (3-1; Last Week: 25th)

Result: W vs Steelers 27-24

The Browns are streaking! That’s three straight wins now! After blowing an 11 point lead late in the 4th, the offense set up Andre Szmyt’s game winning 56 yard field goal. Here’s a sentence I never thought I’d say this season: the Browns sit atop the AFC North. Gotta cut down on the penalties (14 as a team) though.

22. Atlanta Falcons (2-2; Last Week: 27th)

Result: W vs Saints 45-24

This is the formula for success in Atlanta. It’s amazing having a quarterback that can actually threaten a defense. Michael Penix Jr. didn’t win the week for anyone in fantasy, but he was very efficient and so was the offense as a whole. Primetime Bijan is something special. The next three games will tell us a lot about this team.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2; Last Week: 15th)

Result: L vs Browns 27-24

The Good: DK Metcalf surpassed 100 receiving yards for the first time this season, Jaylen Warren has over 120 total yards, and A-a-ron had three more touchdown passes. The Bad: The offensive line struggled in pass protection, Rodgers still looks old more often than not, and the defense wasn’t great outside of a couple of sacks and a couple of takeaways.

24. New Orleans Saints (1-3; Last Week: 18th)

Result: L vs Falcons 45-24

The Saints got completely overpowered up front defensively. They had no answer for the Robinson’s, allowing five rushing touchdowns on 205 yards. The offense relied heavily on Tyler Shough, as the ground game managed a meager 2.6 yards per carry. New Orleans has given up the third most rushing yards, most rushing touchdowns, and most rushing first downs in the NFL.

25. Houston Texans (0-4; Last Week: 19th)

Result: L vs Cowboys 34-30

Coming into this season, everyone thought the offense would hold the defense back. The opposite has proved to be true thus far. C.J. Stroud cooked (347 yards and a pair of touchdowns), while the defense let Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb eat. Houston has the third worst pass defense in the league, and has allowed 30+ points twice in four games (once all last season).

26. Washington Commanders (1-3; Last Week: 24th)

Result: L vs Colts 30-13

Washington outgained the Colts with 317 total yards and won the turnover battle, but lost the game. The offense converted just 2 of 15 third down attempts. Marcus Mariota injured his MCL in the first quarter and did not return. Jayden Daniels might come back sooner than anticipated from his elbow injury.

27. Los Angeles Chargers (0-4; Last Week: 26th)

Result: L vs Seahawks 30-23

For the first time in almost a decade, the Chargers are 0-4. The Justin Herbert struggle tour continues. Herbert threw for just 189 yards and one touchdown, while committing three turnovers, including a fumble on the team’s final drive.

28. New York Jets (1-3; Last Week: 28th)

Result: L vs Bears 23-12

The offense was nowhere to be found without Breece Hall, managing only 157 total yards and seven first downs. The defense got trampled, letting backup RB Monangai run for 146 yards and two touchdowns. The defense got its first pick since 2024 though!

29. Arizona Cardinals (1-3; Last Week: 29th)

Result: L vs Giants 36-24

Arizona jumped out to an 11 point lead, but completely fell apart due to turnovers and defensive breakdowns. Jacoby Brissett threw three interceptions, including a 98 yard pick six as time expired on a final fourth and goal comeback attempt.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4; Last Week: 30th)

Result: L vs Packers 17-14

Making his first career start in place of the injured Baker Mayfield, undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels threw two interceptions that led to 10 points. This spoiled an excellent defensive effort that forced two late fourth quarter turnovers.

31. Tennessee Titans (0-4; Last Week: 31st)

Result: L vs Ravens 24-18

Despite containing former star runningback Derrick Henry and orchestrating a late fourth-quarter rally, a scoreless second half and early first half turnovers doomed the Titans. Carnell Tate had more yards in this one than he did in the first three games combined.

32. Miami Dolphins (0-4; Last Week: 32nd)

Result: L vs Vikings 15-10

Finally, a close game! Same result, however, as the previous three games. Running back Ollie Gordon II delivered a huge boost to the offense by rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown. Defense kept them in the game.