Week 6 NFL Power Rankings

Past Power Rankings: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5

It has been a few weeks but we have a new #1! Should be no surprise to anybody, though. Also, what’s up with Rex Ryan still coaching the Jets? I guess the organization likes losing. But hey, New York still fills up their stadium!

And who else enjoyed the early games as much as I did? Comebacks galore! Especially the one from the guy with the last name Hoyer.

Let the Power Rankings commence!

1. San Diego Chargers , 4-1 (Last Week: 2) 1

One point loss to the Cardinals and 4 convincing wins later, the Chargers are at the top. Boasting the #3 defense and the #12 offense in the NFL, the Chargers have been hot and get to play in Oakland this week. Philip Rivers and Co shouldn’t have much of a problem.

2. Denver Broncos , 3-1 (Last Week: 6) 1

I understand that the Broncos lost to Seattle but many disregard that it was in OT and IN Seattle. On Sunday, they destroyed the Cardinals, making them deserving of the #2 spot in my rankings.

3. Seattle Seahawks , 3-1 (Last Week: 4) 1

With their only loss to the Chargers, the Seahawks are very similar to the ones that we saw last year. Fierce defense but the offense has surely improved behind the great play of Russell Wilson.

4. Indianapolis Colts , 3-2 (Last Week: 10) 6

After starting 0-2, the Colts have found their stride, taking apart opponents since their surprising start. Andrew Luck is on pace to pass the 5,000 yard passing mark. Their running tandem of Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson has also played a part in their success.

5. Cincinnati Bengals , 3-1 (Last Week: 1) 4

After a few weeks at #1, the Bengals have fallen, thanks to the Patriots. The Pats just made Cincy look foolish. But we can’t let one game decide how the Bengals are perceived. This team, overall, is a very good one. Andy Dalton is efficient and his receiving corps helps a great deal.

6. Dallas Cowboys , 4-1 (Last Week: 9) 3

How ’bout them Cowboys? Since their week 1 one debacle, they have been on fire. It’s a little questionable on why 2 of their home games have been almost like away games. Fortunately, Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray have no problem with that.

7. Green Bay Packers , 3-2 (Last Week: 11) 4

The Packers finally have it going. The main component to that being that Eddie Lacy is now producing the numbers that many expected. Now, if Lacy can build off of his huge day vs the Vikings, expect many more wins from the Pack.

8. Philadelphia Eagles , 4-1 (Last Week: 7) 1

As talented as this team is, the Eagles had no business letting the Rams get that close to completing a comeback. This goes back to asking, how good is this team overall? Offense is great but what about the defense? Still high on my list but there are a few question surrounding this team.

9. Carolina Panthers , 3-2 (Last Week: 13) 4

I don’t understand how other sites have this team so low. Yes, they are facing injuries and suspensions but did a very good job vs the Bears. This team has high potential, one in which people are dismissing because of the problems the team is facing. Plus, they’re first in their division.

10. Arizona Cardinals , 3-1 (Last Week: 3) 7

This is a team I’ve praised since the beginning of the season. Now, after their first loss, it’s time to reflect on their flaws. Their defense is declining every so slightly and their offense is yet to find a groove. The team is defense oriented, by far,  so being able to figure out their offense would be the biggest contributor to a playoff run. Drew Stanton has done a decent job as starter but they need Carson Palmer in order to take that extra step.

11. San Francisco 49ers , 3-2 (Last Week: 12) 1

The 49ers are showing life! I didn’t move them up as many would have liked because they are yet to achieve the form that we all expect. Just because they’re showing life doesn’t mean they’re suddenly back. Frank Gore is playing some pretty good football and that Brandon Lloyd catch was pretty unreal.

12. Baltimore Ravens , 3-2 (Last Week: 5) 7

Probably the one team I didn’t want to drop so low but it ended up happening with all of the raucous up above. But, one key stat really held them back vs the Colts. They were an embarrassing 1-11 on third downs. Convert a few of those and they may have a completely different game.

13. New York Giants , 3-2 (Last Week: 16) 3

Talk about a resurgence. Like the Colts, the Giants started 0-2 and have gone on a 3-game winning streak. All thanks to Eli Manning, this team is back on track and their receiving corps looks better than ever. Maybe he was inspired by older brother, Peyton.

14. Detroit Lions , 3-2 (Last Week: 8) 6

Take a 14-3 lead into halftime at home against the Bills. Lose 14-17, being left scoreless in the second half. Though the defense is still #1 in the league, they let Kyle Orton beat them, who is only playing because the Bills sat EJ Manuel. It was also questionable when it came to playing Calvin Johnson while he was injured.

15. Buffalo Bills , 3-2 (Last Week: 19) 4

Bills moving up, again. This time, thanks to Mr. Orton, who rallied the team to a 17-14 win over the Lions. To top it off, they stayed on top of the AFC East. What proved to be the key was the #8 defense. With consistent play like that, the Bills MAY compete for the division crown.

16. New England Patriots , 3-2 (Last Week: 21) 5

Just one under their division foes, the Pats finally looked like they were back to normal as they ripped apart the Bengals at home. 3 key factors. Rob Gronkowski came up big from Tom Brady. The rushing game was on point with Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen combining for 213 rushing yards. Last point, the defense showed up BIG!

17. Chicago Bears , 2-3 (Last Week: 14) 3

Having a 21-7 lead late into the second quarter, the Bears would only score 3 points for the rest of the game while giving up 24 to the Panthers. Turnovers are becoming prevalent, which is a terrible sign for a team that showed much promise early on. Jay Cutler needs to pick it up before he loses his job. I know it’s still early to say such a thing but bad performances add up.

18. Miami Dolphins , 2-2 (Last Week: 18)

Team on a bye, so no movement. Great news, they have Knowshon Moreno back. Whether he’ll start or not this weekend is the big question. If the Dolphins want to win, they’ll need him back ASAP.

19. New Orleans Saints , 2-3 (Last Week: 22) 3

The Saints actually won but it took OT against the Bucs. I guess it could be understandable since the Bucs are starting Mike Glennon but this team still has many flaws. They’re not far back on the division lead, so now would be the perfect time to build off of this win.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers , 3-2 (Last Week: 24) 4

It wasn’t pretty but they won. Not many people are seeing it but Ben Roethlisberger is having a heck of a year. The man has throw one 1 (yes ONE) INT to seven TDs. With that, he also has a 68.9% completion percentage. Playing simple ball is keeping this team alive and kicking.

21. Cleveland Browns , 2-2 (Last Week: 25) 4

Tied for the third largest comeback in NFL history, the Browns overcame a 25-point deficit to beat the Titans. Brian Hoyer is playing lights out. With the win, they stay one game behind the Steelers and Ravens, who are in a fight for second in the AFC North, with the Bengals being on top.

22. Kansas City Chiefs . 2-3 (Last Week: 15) 7

Blow out win over the Patriots one week. Lose to the 49ers the next. We can certainly say that the Chiefs aren’t going to have an easy time claiming a playoff spot like they did last year. Alex Smith is finally throwing downfield but do they keep forgetting who Jamaal Charles is? If they want to win, give the guy the ball!

23. Atlanta Falcons , 2-3 (Last Week: 17) 6

Everyone was hyped on the Falcons after week one. Not this guy. 4 weeks later, a 2-3 record and having the #29 defense in the league shows why I wasn’t too hyped on them. I have them credit but their defense was just too suspect. Take out Matt Ryan from the equation and teams can walk over them.

24. Houston Texans , 3-2 (Last Week: 20) 4

It still seems unfair that a 3-2 team is ranked so low but it’s that offense that makes me weary. Now, the defense I’m totally fine with but that offense… Losing to the Cowboys doesn’t help their cause, especially after the fans basically made an away game a home game.

25. Minnesota Vikings , 2-3 (Last Week: 23) 2

Despite the BIG loss to the Packers, the Vikes have one good thing going for them. Teddy Bridgewater is practicing this week.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers , 1-4 (Last Week: 27) 1

The Bucs kept it close, only to fall in OT. It has become apparent that Mike Glennon does make a difference for this team. This should secure the starting position over Josh McCown.

27. St. Louis Rams , 1-3 (Last Week 29) 2

The team showed that they had fight in them, falling just short of a comeback vs the Eagles. Quick fun fact, Austin Davis is one of three QBs to have a 375+ yard, 3 TD, and no INT performance this season.

28. Washington Redskins , 1-4 (Last Week: 28)

I had so much hope when Kirk Cousins took over. So, the question is, will Robert Griffin III take over when he’s 100%?

29. New York Jets , 1-4 (Last Week: 26) 3

Zero points scored. 31 allowed. Only team they’ve beaten is the Raiders. At home. That is all…

30. Tennessee Titans , 1-4 (Last Week: 30)

The Titans carried an 18-point lead with Jack Locker in. Injure him, put in Charlie Whitehurst (also known as “Clipboard Jesus”) and be on the receiving end of a Browns’ 25-point comeback.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars , 0-5 (Last Week: 31)

They put up a good fight against the Steelers but it wasn’t enough. Blake Bortles is still trying to become “NFL ready” and it’s just tough for the poor guy.

32. Oakland Raiders , 0-4 (Last Week: 32)

They play the #1 team on the top of this list on Sunday at home. Good luck to ’em!

 

Biggest Movers:

Colts 6

Cardinals, Ravens, Chiefs 7

 

Follow Alexandro on Twitter: @TheRealZatarain

 

Photo Credit: JAKE ROTH/USA TODAY SPORTS